Snapper IR5003B, Safety Instructions & Operator'S Manual

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This powerful machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can
cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in serious injury to the
operator or other persons. The owner of the tiller must understand these instructions and, furthermore, must
allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate tiller. Each person operating the tiller must be
of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision,
dexterity, or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your tiller which your dealer cannot answer to
your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia, 30253.
Phone: (1-800-935-2967).
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
1. DO NOT allow children in area when tiller is
being operated.
2. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
tiller.
3. Allow only responsible teenagers or adults with
mature judgment to operate tiller and only under
close supervision.
4. Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly
small children, and pets.
5. Know how to STOP the tiller and disengage the
controls quickly.
PREPARATION
1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls
are located and practice how to use them before
starting for the first time, and at the beginning of
each season. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and proper use of the equipment. Pay
attention to Warning and Instructional Decals on
engine and tiller.
2. Never operate tiller without proper guards, drag
shield, plates, safety switches, or other safety
protective devices in place and properly
connected. Inspect to determine that these safety
devices are installed properly, are in good repair,
and operate properly. If the condition or
operation of these devices are questionable, they
must be repaired or replaced before using the
tiller.
3. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones and other foreign objects. Also, note the
location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
4. DO NOT operate tiller when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear long pants and
substantial footwear with good traction.
5. Fill fuel tank outdoors and replace fuel cap
before starting engine. Use approved fuel
container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel
container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when
engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at
least ten minutes before refilling. Wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run
engine indoors.
6. Make sure that clutch is disengaged and
transmission is in neutral (if so equipped) before
starting engine.
OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS
1. DO NOT change engine governor settings or
over speed engine.
2. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
3. Exercise CAUTION when crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads, and under any conditions when
tiller is transported. Look behind and use care
when backing.
4. After striking a foreign object or if tiller vibrates
abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and
secure spark plug wire away from plug. Inspect
the tiller for any damage and repair the damage.
5. When leaving tiller unattended, disengage clutch,
shift transmission to neutral (if so equipped) and
stop the engine.
6. Before removing debris or cleaning tines,
repairing or inspecting make certain engine,
tines and all moving parts have STOPPED.
Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away
from plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. Exercise CAUTION when changing directions
while operating tiller. DO NOT till in areas where
stability or traction is in doubt.
8. DO NOT overload the machine capacity by
attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
9. Be extra careful when tilling hard ground. Use
less tine engagement to maintain control of tiller.
10. Till only in daylight or in good artificial light.
11. Never operate tiller in wet areas. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle.
12. Do not operate on slopes
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight and be sure
tiller is in safe operating condition.
2. Never store tiller with fuel in tank inside of a
building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of spilled
fuel, debris and excessive grease.
4. Have your tiller inspected and serviced each year
by an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine if
any additional devices are available which might
upgrade the safety of your tiller.
5. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts
must be used to assure adequate protection
against injury.