Gravely Ariens 815134 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 6

Operating Conditions
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning is
seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate the
machine, seek shelter.
ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances carefully
before operation.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, toys, etc.,
which could be thrown by the blades.
Check for weak spots on docks, ramps or floors. Avoid
uneven work areas and rough terrain. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and cause an
accident.
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
DO NOT mow it.
DO NOT operate on slopes of more than 10°.
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT mow on moist or wet grass. Tires may lose
traction causing a loss of control.
Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. DO NOT use on steep slopes.
Keep all movements on the slope slow and gradual. DO
NOT make sudden changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
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.
DO NOT try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary. When
parking on slope ALWAYS chock or block wheels.
ALWAYS set parking brake.
Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop
or shift while on a slope.
DO NOT mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or if the edge caves in.
DO NOT bypass transmission or allow transmission to
free-wheel when on a slope.
Fuel
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Ethanol blends must not exceed E10. Higher ethanol
content may cause your machine to run hotter and
damage your engine.
Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel
before starting engine.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
NEVER store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a water
or space heater or other appliances.
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.
NEVER fuel the machine indoors.
NEVER remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before fueling.
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.
Remove gas-powered equipment from the trailer and
refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
such equipment 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 the fueling is
complete. DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device.
NEVER overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
Towing
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.
Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. DO NOT attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
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