Snapper SPE361, Safety Instructions & Operator'S Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 

WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that 
can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious 
injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions 
and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating the 
machine 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 machine 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  

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert 
to the presence of children. Children are often 
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. 
Never assume that children will remain where you last 
saw them. 
1.  KEEP children out of the mowing area and under 

the watchful care of a responsible adult.  

2.  DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is 

operated (even with the blades OFF).  

3.  DO NOT allow children or others to ride on 

machine or on attachments (even with the blades 
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.  

4.  DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate or 

service the machine. Local regulations may 
restrict the age of the operator. 

5.  ALLOW only adults or responsible teenagers with 

mature judgment under close adult supervision to 
operate machine.  

6.  DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. 

LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets 
and hazards before and while backing. 

7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind 

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may 
obscure vision.  

SLOPE OPERATION 

1.  Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall 

accidents, which can result in severe injury. All 
slopes require extra caution and slow speed. If 
you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT mow it. 

2.  Mow across slopes, never up and down. Exercise 

extreme CAUTION when changing directions on 
slopes. Practice operation of machine on slopes 
with blades off. 

3.  Use extra care with grass catchers or other 

attachments: these affect the handling and the 
stability of the machine. 

4.  DO NOT use tow behind attachments on slopes. 
5.  AVOID uphill starts.  
6.  Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability. 

DO NOT operate machine under any condition 
where traction, steering or stability is doubtful. 

PREPARATION 

1.  Read, understand and follow instructions and 

warnings in this manual and on the machine, 
engine, and attachments. Know the controls and 
the proper use of the machine before starting. If 
the operators or mechanics cannot read English, it is 
the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to 
them. 

2.  Only mature, responsible persons shall operate 

the machine and only after proper instruction. The 
owner is responsible for training the operators. 
Further, the owner/operator can prevent and/or is 
responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to 
themselves, other people or property. 

3.  Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, 

are involved in a large percentage of mower-
related injuries. These operators should evaluate 
their ability to operate the mower safely enough to 
protect themselves and others from serious injury.  

4.  Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable 

and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved 
fuel container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add 
fuel with engine running. Add fuel outdoors only 
with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel 
from machine. DO NOT smoke. 

5.  Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF 

to learn controls and develop skills.  

6.  Check the area to be mowed and remove all 

objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other 
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade 
or interfere with mowing. 

7.  Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories 

and attachments are needed to properly and safely 
perform the job. Only use accessories and 
attachments approved by SNAPPER 

8.  Keep people and pets out of mowing area. 

Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and Stop 
machine if anyone enters the area. 

9.  DO NOT operate machine unless all shields, 

deflectors, switches, blade controls and other 
safety devices are in place and functioning 
properly. 

10. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. 

Replace if damaged.