Ariens 18 Series Owner's Manual page 4

Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle with care. Use an approved
(RED) gasoline container.
NEVER allow smoking materials, sparks or flame
(match, pilot light, etc.) near tillers or gasoline
containers.
Check fuel supply before starting engine. DO NOT
fill gasoline tank indoors, when engine is running, or
while engine is still hot. Allow engine to cool several
minutes before removing fuel cap. Replace fuel cap
securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before
starting engine.
Disengage main clutch and engage wheel hub drive
pins before starting engine.
Operation
DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
Operate tiller only in daylight or good artificial light.
Disengage Main Clutch, stop engine, wait for moving
parts to stop and remove wire to spark plug before
attempting to unclog tines or make any repairs,
adjustments and inspections. (Except where
specifically recommended by manufacturer.)
Keep tiller in good operating condition. Keep all
safety devices in place.
Open doors if engine is run in garage or enclosed
areas, exhaust fumes are dangerous. DO NOT run
engine indoors without adequate ventilation.
NEVER allow anyone near unit while it is in
operation. Be familiar with area of operation.
Stay alert for holes, rocks, roots and hidden hazards
in area of operation.
If loss of control occurs because of the tines
impacting hard ground or hidden objects do not
attempt to force the tines down by hanging on the
handlebar. Stand well clear of the rotating tines and
re-establish control by lifting upward on the handles
to remove tines from the soil.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
Disengage wheel hub drive pins only when tiller is
transported or not in use, never when engine is
running.
Safety Precautions (Continued)
NEVER transport tiller with engine running or wheel
hub drive pins engaged.
Watch out for traffic when crossing or operating near
roadway.
DO NOT touch engine or tiller drive parts which are
hot from operation. Before attempting to maintain,
adjust or service allow such parts to cool.
If unit starts to vibrate abnormally, disengage Main
Clutch, stop engine, remove wire from spark plug and
check immediately for cause. Abnormal vibration is a
warning of trouble. Repair any damage before
restarting unit.
Disengage Main Clutch, stop engine, remove wire
from spark plug and inspect for damage after striking
a foreign object. Repair any damage before
restarting and operating tiller.
DO NOT overload tiller capacity be attempting to till
too deep at too fast a rate.
Look behind and use care when backing.
Use only attachments and accessories approved by
Ariens Company. Use Ariens attachments only when
recommended.
Take all possible precautions when leaving tiller
unattended; such as removing wire from spark plug
and keeping wire away from plug to prevent
accidental starting or unauthorized use.
Maintenance and Storage
DO NOT change governor setting or overspeed
engine.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight and be sure
equipment is in safe operating condition. Check
hardware and tiller at frequent regular intervals.
To reduce fire hazard and overheating, keep
equipment free of debris.
Never store tiller with gasoline in tank inside a
building where ignition sources are present such as
hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, open
flame or spark, etc. Allow engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
Always refer to Owner's Manual for important details
if tiller is to be stored for an extended period.
2