Gravely Rapid M 985403 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 7

DO NOT operate in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. ALWAYS backup slowly. ALWAYS
look down and behind, before and while
backing.
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. DO NOT
operate on slopes of more than 5°. Operate
across the face of slopes, not up and down.
Turf conditions can affect the unit's stability.
Keep all movement on slopes slow and
gradual. DO NOT make sudden changes in
speed or direction. Use a slow speed to avoid
stopping or shifting 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 chock or block wheels.
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 grass, leaves, or other
debris. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
This product is equipped with an internal
combustion engine. DO NOT use on or near
any unimproved, forest covered or brush
covered land unless the exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark
arrester, if used, must be maintained in
effective working order by the operator.
Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle with care. Use an
approved fuel container.
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 lock-
open device.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
NEVER store fuel inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
HYDRAULIC FLUID can result in severe
burns. Fluid in hydraulic system can
penetrate skin and result in serious injury or
death.
• Be sure to stop the engine before
doing any work on hydraulic parts.
• Keep body and hands away from pin
holes or nozzles which expel hydraulic
fluid when under pressure. Use paper
or cardboard, not hands, to search for
leaks.
• Ensure all hydraulic fluid connections
are tight and all hydraulic hoses and
lines are in good condition before
applying pressure to system.
• FOREIGN FLUID INJECTED INTO
BODY can result in gangrene. Fluid
must be surgically removed within a
few hours by a doctor familiar with this
form of injury.
Before making any inspections, repairs, etc.:
disengage PTO, stop unit and engine and
allow moving parts to stop.
Allow hot parts to cool.
ALWAYS block wheels, engage parking brake
and know all jack stands are strong, secure
and will hold weight of unit during
maintenance.
An extension spring, when extended, stores
energy and can be dangerous. Always use
tools specifically designed for installing or
removing an extension spring. Always
compress or extend springs slowly.
ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating
condition. Damaged or worn out muffler can
cause fire or explosion.
Keep hardware tight.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
For unit storage or extended storage:
• NEVER store with fuel in fuel tank
inside a building where any ignition
sources are present.
• Allow engine to cool completely.
Use only attachments or accessories
designed for your unit and that can be used
safely on your terrain.
Check attachment components frequently. If
worn or damaged, replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts.
GB - 7