6
Operator Safety
This snowthrower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following
safety instructions could result in serious injury. Read these safety rules, and the safety rules in your tractor
Operator’s Manual, and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of vehicle,
severe personal injury to yourself, or damage to property or equipment. The triangle in the text signifies
important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
Operator Safety
DANGER
Amputation hazard
The discharge chute
contains a rotating impeller
to throw snow. Fingers can
quickly become caught in
the impeller. Never clear or
unclog the discharge chute
with your hands. Always
use a clean-out tool.
Failure to observe these safety instructions will
result in traumatic amputation or severe laceration.
Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the
discharge chute is the most common cause of injury
associated with snowthrowers. Never use your hands to
clean out the discharge chute.
To safely clear a clogged discharge chute, follow
these instructions:
1. Shut OFF the engine.
2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have
stopped rotating.
3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
General
• Read this manual and the tractor Operator’s Manual
carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
the proper use of the equipment.
• If snowthrower is equipped with a spring-assist tension
lever, never pull the spring-assist tension lever back
unless snowthrower is in fully raised position. The
spring is under tension when snowthrower is in lowered
position.
• Never allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.
• Do not carry passengers.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and pets.
• Never direct discharge chute towards bystanders.
• Make sure all hardware is secure and that snowthrower
is in good operating condition.
• Check to be sure all safety devices and shields are in
place.
• Check that all adjustments are correct before using this
unit.
Preparation
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the snowthrower is
to be operated and remove all foreign objects.
• Adjust the skid shoe height to clear gravel or crushed
stone surface. See the Maintenance and Adjustments
section for procedure.
• One wheel weight on each rear wheel or rear weights is
required.
Operation
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on, or
crossing, gravel drives, walks or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
• Never allow anyone in front of the machine while it is
operating.
• After striking an object or if unit starts to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine, disengage the PTO, and
remove the key. Check for the cause and any damage
before restarting. Before any inspection, make sure all
moving parts have stopped.
• Take all possible precautions before leaving operator’s
position. Disengage the PTO, lower the attachment, set
the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key.
• Never operate the snowthrower near glass enclosures,
automobiles, window wells, dropoffs, etc., without
proper adjustment of discharge angle.
• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to
clear snow at too fast a rate.
• Never operate unit at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces. Use care when travelling in reverse.
• Disengage power to snowthrower when transporting or
not in use.
• Never operate the snowthrower without good visibility or
light.
• Always be sure your feet are properly placed on the
footrests and keep a firm hold on the steering wheel.
