Ariens GRAVELY Pro-Turn 400 Series Dealer/Owner/Operator Manual page 11

• How to STOP in an Emergency
• Braking and steering characteristics
• Turning radius and clearances
Keep safety devices or guards in place and
functioning properly. NEVER modify or
remove safety devices.
Do not operate without either entire grass
catcher or the discharge guard in place.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
Ensure Safety Interlock System is functioning
properly. DO NOT operate unit if safety
interlock is damaged or disabled.
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.
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. Mow only in daylight or
good artificial light.
Avoid slippery surfaces. Always be sure of
your footing.
DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding and effect the
machine's stability.
Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
Never carry passengers.
DO NOT try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
Never direct discharge towards persons or
property that may be injured or damaged by
thrown objects. Use extreme caution on
gravel surfaces.
Always stand clear of the discharge area.
ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and
engine, remove key, engage parking brake
and allow moving parts to stop before leaving
operator's position.
Never engage PTO while raising attachment
or when attachment is in raised position.
DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. DO NOT
change engine governor settings or over-
speed engine. Slow down before turning.
DO NOT operate in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. ALWAYS look down and behind
before and while backing.
Stop and inspect equipment if you strike an
object or if there is an unusual vibration.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting. Never
make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut you.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them. NEVER
weld or straighten mower blades.
Rotation of one blade may cause rotation of
the other blades.
Take all possible precautions when leaving
unit unattended. Shut off engine.
ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized
use.
Know the weight of loads. Limit loads to those
you can safely control and the unit can safely
handle.
Disengage PTO when attachment is not in
use. ALWAYS turn off power to attachment
when travelling, crossing driveways, etc.
Mow up and down slopes, not across them.
DO NOT operate on slopes of more than 15°.
Use of a Rollover Protection System (ROPS)
is recommended for slope operation.
Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) safety
precautions:
• Frequently inspect ROPS and seat
belt for damage or loose hardware.
• Use extreme care when working close
to fences, ditches, or on hills.
• Check overhead clearance carefully
before driving under any objects.
• ALWAYS wear seat belt while
operating the unit with the ROPS in
the upright position.
• Do not wear a seat belt while
operating the unit with the center bar
in the lowered position.
• Do not weld, cut, drill or modify ROPS
in any manner unless instructed by the
manufacturer.
Keep all movements on the slope slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in
speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on the slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
If you cannot back up a slope or you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary.
When parking on slope always chock or block
wheels. Always set parking brake.
Use a slow speed. Tires may lose traction on
slopes even though the brakes are
functioning properly.
Do not bypass transmission when on a slope.
Operation on slopes may lead to loss of
steering control. When operating on slopes
be prepared to react to an emergency
situation:
EN - 11