Ariens Max Zoom 48 Operation Manual - Page 8

Always stand clear of the discharge area. ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and engine, remove key, engage parking brake and allow moving parts to stop before leaving operator's position. Never engage PTO while raising attachment or when attachment is in raised position. DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. DO NOT change engine governor settings or overspeed engine. Slow down before turning. DO NOT operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary. ALWAYS look down and behind before and while backing. Stop and inspect equipment if you strike an object or if there is an unusual vibration. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Mower blades are sharp and can cut you. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. NEVER weld or straighten mower blades. Rotation of one blade may cause rotation of the other blades. Take all possible precautions when leaving unit unattended. Shut off engine. Remove wire from spark plug and secure it away from spark plug. ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use. Know the weight of loads. Limit loads to those you can safely control and the unit can safely handle. Disengage PTO when attachment is not in use. ALWAYS turn off power to attachment when travelling, crossing driveways, etc. Mow up and down slopes, not across them. DO NOT operate on slopes of more than 17 degrees. Operation on slopes may lead to loss of steering control. When operating on slopes be prepared to react to an emergency situation: • Return steering levers to neutral position. • Immediately set parking brake. • Turn off PTO and engine. Keep all movements on the slope slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Avoid starting or stopping on the slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. If you cannot back up a slope or you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary. When parking on slope always chock or block wheels. Always set parking brake. Use a slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly. Do not bypass transmission when on a slope. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. NEVER allow children or others in or on towed equipment. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of control. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. 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. ALWAYS turn off power to attachment and shut off fuel when transporting unit. Keep unit free of 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. Properly remove fuel before tipping unit. 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. GB - 8