Snapper EICFR5505BV - Manual (Page 2)

2
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 avoid fuel leakage and FIRE HAZARD, fuel must
be drained from tank before standing tiller on end.
Always 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.