Ariens Compact 24 Owners Manual - Page 7

Abnormal Vibrations are a warning of trouble. Striking a foreign object can damage unit. Immediately stop unit and engine. Remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop. Remove wire from spark plug. Inspect unit and make any necessary repairs before restart. Before cleaning, removing clogs or making any inspections, repairs, etc.: disengage clutch(es), stop unit and engine, remove key, allow moving parts to stop. Allow hot parts to cool. Run unit a few minutes after clearing snow to prevent freeze-up of attachment. Disengage attachment when not in use. Disengage all clutches before starting engine. Adjust skid shoes to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces safely. Never leave a running unit unattended. ALWAYS shut off engine before leaving unit. ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use. Never carry passengers. Check clutch and brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. All motion of drive wheels and auger/impeller must stop quickly when control levers are released. DO NOT operate on steep slopes. DO NOT clear snow across the face of slopes. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or direction. Use a slow speed to avoid stops or shifts on slopes. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. DO NOT park unit on a slope unless absolutely necessary. When parking on a slope always block the wheels. ALWAYS shut off engine, remove key, and close fuel shut-off valve or drain fuel when transporting unit on a truck or trailer. Use extra care when loading or unloading unit onto trailer or truck. Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle. NEVER secure from rods or linkages that could be damaged. DO NOT transport machine while engine is running. Keep unit free of ice or other debris. Clean up oil or fuel spills. This product is equipped with an internal combustion type engine. DO NOT use unit on or near any unimproved, forest-covered or brush covered land unless exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark arrester, if it is used, must be maintained in effective working order by operator. Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Handle with care. Use only an approved gasoline container with an appropriately sized dispensing spout. NO smoking, NO sparks, NO flames. ALWAYS allow engine to cool before servicing. NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot from operation. NEVER fill or drain fuel tank indoors. Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel. Never fill 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 filling. 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. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lockopen device. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Before tipping unit up onto housing, remove fuel so no spills will occur. Ensure unit is secure and will not tip over during maintenance. ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards, and panels in good repair, in place and securely fastened. NEVER modify or remove safety devices. DO NOT change engine governor settings or over-speed engine. Fumes from engine exhaust can cause injury or death. DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always provide good ventilation. ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating condition. Damaged or worn out muffler can cause fire or explosion. Keep all hardware properly tightened. Check shear bolts frequently. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary. NEVER store unit with fuel in fuel tank, inside a building where any ignition sources are present such as hot water heaters, space heaters, or clothes dryers. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. Shut off fuel and allow engine to cool completely before storing in closed area or covering unit. GB - 7