Snapper SG 5000 - Repair and Maintenance Safety

Know how to turn the unit off.
Never clear discharge area with hands, feet, or any other part of your body.
Never clear discharge area while unit is running. After shredder-chipper is shut off, then use a long
handle tool to clear area.
Never move your shredder-chipper or leave it unattended with the engine running.
OPERATE IN SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Never operate your shredder-chipper on slippery, wet, muddy, or icy surfaces. Safe footing is
essential in preventing accidents.
Only operate on level ground.
Keep work area clean and clear of debris so that you don’t stumble over it.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SAFETY
Never operate your shredder-chipper in poor mechanical condition or when in need of repair.
Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, and belts are tightened to specifications. Be sure all
safety guards and shields are in the proper position. These safety devices are for your protection.
Don’t service or repair your shredder-chipper without removing the spark plug wire.
Replace old, damaged or worn parts such as bolts or guards immediately.
Follow engine owners manual for engine maintenance and repair.
OPERATION
Whenever you operate your shredder-chipper, wearing gloves and safety glasses is required. If
necessary to push material into shredding chamber, use a wood stick, never hands or steel
implements. At the end of this section we offer additional cautions. Read and observe them.
As the engine ignition begins, the engine operates under no load until approximately 1200-1400 rpm
at which speed the centrifugal clutch engages and begins driving the rotor. Proper rotor speed is in
the 2100 rpm range with a plus or minus tolerance of 200 rpm. At this speed you have four rows of
hammers literally cutting or beating material until it is small enough to pass through the 1" screen.
The 1" screen retains the material within the grinding chamber long enough for the free-swinging
hammers to do their job. The number of cuts by the hammers retention time within the chamber
varies with each organic material and the size of the opening in the screen.