Ariens Zoom 42 Owners Manual - Page 9

Inspect unit before each use for: missing or damaged decals and shields, correctly operating safety interlock system, and deterioration of grass catchers. Replace or repair as needed. ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances carefully before operation. ALWAYS be aware of traffic when crossing or operating along streets or curbs. Keep children, people, and pets away. Be alert and shut off unit if anyone enters work area. Keep children under watchful care of a responsible adult. NEVER allow children to operate or play on or near unit. Keep area of operation clear of all toys, and debris. Thrown objects can cause injury. Stay alert for hidden hazards, holes, and ruts. Avoid uneven or rough terrain. DO NOT operate near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. Unit can suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in. Dust, fog, etc. can reduce vision and cause an accident. Operate unit only when there is good visibility and light. Data indicates that operators, age 60 and above, are involved in a larger percentage of riding mower related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. Only trained adults may operate unit. Training includes being familiar with controls and actual operation. NEVER operate unit after or during the use of medication, drugs or alcohol. NEVER allow anyone to operate this unit when their alertness or coordination is impaired. Wear adequate safety gear, sturdy shoes, and protective gloves. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry and tie back hair that may get caught in rotating parts. Protect eyes, face and head from objects that may be thrown from unit. Wear appropriate hearing protection. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower. Avoid sharp edges. Sharp edges can cut. Moving parts can cut off fingers or a hand. ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all rotating parts during operation. Rotating parts can cut off body parts. ALWAYS keep hands away from all pinch points. Start and operate unit only when seated in operator's position. Steering control levers must be in neutral, PTO disengaged and parking brake set when starting engine. ALWAYS keep body and hands away from pin holes or nozzles which eject hydraulic fluid under pressure. DO NOT touch unit parts which might be hot from operation. Allow parts to cool before attempting to maintain, adjust or service. NEVER place your hands or any part of your body or clothing inside or near any moving part while unit is running. NEVER direct discharge towards persons or property. Thrown objects may ricochet back towards operator. ALWAYS stand clear of the discharge area. ALWAYS disengage attachment, stop unit and engine, place control levers in neutral, remove key, engage parking brake, and allow moving parts to stop before leaving operator's position. Use extreme caution on gravel surfaces. Disengage PTO when attachment is not in use and when crossing gravel surfaces. DO NOT operate unit if safety interlock system is damaged or disabled. Check safety interlock before each use. ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use. DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. Slow down before turning. Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding. DO NOT try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. Know the weight of loads. Limit loads to those you can safely control and the unit can safely handle. ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards and panels in good repair, in place and securely fastened. Do not operate without either entire grass catcher or the discharge guard in place. DO NOT operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary. ALWAYS look down and behind before and while backing; especially for children. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability when using attachments. NEVER carry passengers - especially children - even with blades off. Use extra care when approaching blind corners or objects that may obscure vision of hidden obstacles and children. If you cannot back up a slope or you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. 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. Mow up and down slopes, not across them. GB - 9