Ariens A173K22 (96136100 Owner's Manual page 3

• Donot o perate themachine
while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
° Mow acrossthe face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changingdirection on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
° DO not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
° Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
II!. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
° Never allow children to operate the
machine.
, Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguishall cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors,
• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or
on other appliances.
• Never fill containersinside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailerbed with a plastic liner,
Always place containerson the ground
away from your vehicle beforefilling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible,then
refuel such equipmentwith 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 untilfueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
° If fuel is spilled on clothing,change
clothingimmediately.
• Never overfillfuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
° Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
° Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.
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