Gravely Rapid M 985403 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 6

Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and
cause an accident. Operate unit only when
there is good visibility and light.
Read the entire Owner/Operator manual and
other training material. If the operator or the
mechanic cannot read the manual, it is the
owner's responsibility to explain it to them.
Only the user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to
themselves, other people or property.
• Only trained adults may operate or
service unit
• Training includes actual operation
NEVER allow children to operate or play on
or near unit.
Be alert and shut off unit if children enter
area.
Never carry passengers.
NEVER operate unit after or during the use of
medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation
requires your complete and unimpaired
attention at all times.
NEVER allow anyone to operate this unit
when their alertness or coordination is
impaired.
Wear adequate safety gear, protective gloves
and footwear.
NEVER wear open sandals or canvas shoes
during operation.
Protect eyes, face and head from objects that
may be thrown from unit. Wear appropriate
hearing protection.
Sharp edges can cut. Moving parts can cut off
fingers or a hand. Wrap blade(s), wear sturdy
gloves and use extreme caution when
servicing. On multi-blade mowers, rotation of
one blade will cause all blades to rotate.
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.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Tie
back hair that may get caught in rotating
parts.
Keep children and people away from unit
during operation.
Fumes from engine exhaust can cause injury
or death.
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area.
Always provide good ventilation.
When operating with attachments, thrown
objects can cause injury and property
damage. DO NOT point discharge at anyone
or discharge directly onto paved or gravel
surfaces. Always stand clear of the discharge
area when operating this unit.
Read, understand, and follow all instructions
in the manual and on the machine before
starting.
Understand:
• How to operate all controls
• The functions of all controls
• How to STOP in an Emergency
• Braking and steering characteristics
• Turning radius and clearance
ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards,
and panels in good repair, in place and
securely fastened.
NEVER modify or remove safety devices.
Check steering control operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
Safety Interlock System must function
properly. DO NOT operate unit if operator
presence control is damaged or disabled.
If you strike an object, or if equipment
vibrates abnormally, stop engine at once,
disengage PTO and wait for all moving parts
to stop. Check for any damage or loose parts.
Repair before restart.
Before starting engine: disengage PTO and
place unit in neutral.
DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. DO NOT
change engine governor settings or over-
speed engine. Slow down and turn corners
slowly.
Disengage PTO when attachment is not in
use. ALWAYS turn off power to attachment
when travelling, crossing driveways, etc.
Avoid uneven and 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.
Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may
obscure view.
ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and
engine and allow moving parts to stop before
leaving operator's position.
Never leave a running unit unattended.
ALWAYS shut off engine before leaving unit.
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