3
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-
Behind Snow Throwers
IMPORTANT:
This snow thrower is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety in-
structions could result in serious injury.
WARNING: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place it
where it can not con tact plug in order to pre vent ac ci den tal
start ing when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making
re pairs.
WARNING: This snow thrower is for use on side-
walks, driveways and other ground level surfaces.
Caution should be exercised while using on slop-
ing surfaces. Do not use snow thrower on surfaces
above ground level such as roofs of residences, ga-
rages, porch es or other such structures or buildings.
CAUTION: Muf
fl
er and other engine parts become ex-
tremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away
from these areas.
WARNING: Snow throwers have ex posed rotating parts,
which can cause severe injury from contact, or from ma-
terial thrown from the discharge chute. Keep the area of
operation clear of all persons, small children and pets at
all times including startup.
Training
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and
in the manual(s) before operating this unit. Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how
to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults
to operate the equipment without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small
children.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when op-
erating the snow thrower in reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign
objects.
2. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the
engine (motor) if equipped.
3. Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad e quate winter
garments. Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
4. Handle fuel with care; it is highly
fl
ammable.
(a) Use an approved fuel container.
(b) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
(c) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never
fi
ll fuel tank indoors.
(d) Never
fi
ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed
with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground, away
from your vehicle, before
fi
lling.
(e) When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
(f) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container
opening at all times, until refueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
lock-open device.
(g) Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
(h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
5. Use extension cords and receptacles as speci
fi
ed by the manu-
facturer for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting
motors.
6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running (except when speci
fi
cally recommended by manufacturer).
7. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while
performing an adjustment or repair to protect eyes from foreign
objects that may be thrown from the machine.
8. Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traf
fi
c.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), disconnect
the cord on electric motors, thoroughly inspect the snow thrower
for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the snow thrower.
4. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and
check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen er al ly a warning
of trouble.
5. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the operating posi-
tion, before unclogging the auger housing or discharge chute, and
when making any repairs, adjustments or inspections.
6. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting the snow thrower, stop the
engine and make certain the auger blades and all moving parts
have stopped. Remove key.
7. Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting it - and for
moving the snow thrower in or out of the building. Open the outside
doors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on slopes.
9. Never operate the snow thrower without proper guards, and other
safety protective devices in place and working.
10. Never direct the discharge toward people or areas where property
damage can occur. Keep children and others away.
11. Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow
at too fast a rate.
12. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when operating in reverse.
13. Disengage power to the auger blades when snow thrower is trans-
ported or not in use.
14. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufac-
turer of the snow thrower.
15. Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Al-
ways be sure of your footing, and keep a
fi
rm hold on the handles.
Walk; never run.
16. Never touch a hot engine or muf
fl
er.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Check guards, shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
2. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building
where ignition sources are present such as hot water and space
heaters, clothes dryers, etc. Allow the engine to cool before storing
in any enclosure.
3. Always refer to owner’s guide instructions for im por tant details if
the snow thrower is to be stored for an extended period.
4. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as nec es sary.
5. Run the machine a few minutes after throwing snow to prevent
freeze-up of the collector/impeller.
