Ariens 927046 RM1028 Owner's And Operator's Manual page 6

Wear adequate safety gear and protective gloves.
Wear proper footwear to improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
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.
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
that may be injured or damaged by thrown objects. Use
extreme caution on gravel surfaces. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
ALWAYS stand clear of the discharge area.
Fumes from engine exhaust can cause injury or death.
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always
provide good ventilation.
ALWAYS disengage attachment, stop unit and engine,
remove key and allow moving parts to stop before
leaving operator's position.
Operation
Understand:
• How to operate all controls
• The functions of all controls
• How to STOP in an Emergency
• Braking and steering characteristics
• Turning radius and clearances
Disengage PTO when attachment is not in use.
DO NOT operate unit if safety interlock system is
damaged or disabled. Check safety interlock before
each use (see Operation ).
ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and engine,
remove key, engage parking brake and allow moving
parts to stop before leaving operator's position.
ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use.
Only allow responsible adults who are trained and
familiar with the instructions to operate the machine.
Training includes actual operation.
DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. DO NOT change
engine governor settings or over-speed engine. Slow
down before turning.
DO NOT mow near dropoffs, ditches or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
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.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and DO
NOT point it at anyone.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability when
using attachments.
NEVER carry passengers.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners or
objects that may obscure vision.
Hazardous Slopes
If you cannot back up a slope or you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
Mow up and down slopes, not across them.
Use slow speed on any slope. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the
brakes are functioning properly.
Keep all movements on the slope slow and gradual.
DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT operate on slopes over 10˚.
DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary. When
parking on slope always chock or block wheels. Always
set parking brake.
DO NOT shift to neutral and coast downhill.
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