Ariens Zoom XL Owner's/Operator's Manual page 6

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. Remove wire from spark plug and secure it away from
spark plug.
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 17 degrees.
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.
Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do
not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
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.
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of
control.
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
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.
ALWAYS turn off power to attachment and shut off fuel when
transporting unit.
Keep unit free of debris. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
This product is equipped with an internal combustion type engine.
DO NOT use unit on or near any unimproved, forest-covered or
brush covered land unless exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local, state or federal laws. A
spark arrester, if it is used, must be maintained in effective
working order by 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.
Avoid Electric Shock. Objects contacting both battery terminals at
the same time may result in injury and unit damage. DO NOT
reverse battery connections.
Reverse connections may result in sparks which can cause
serious injury. Always connect positive (+) lead of charger to
positive (+) terminal, and negative (-) lead to negative (-) terminal.
ALWAYS disconnect negative (-) cable FIRST and positive (+)
cable SECOND. ALWAYS connect positive (+) cable FIRST, and
negative (-) cable SECOND.
Explosive Gases from battery can cause death or serious injury.
Poisonous battery fluid contains sulfuric acid and its contact with
skin, eyes or clothing can cause severe chemical burns.
No flames, No sparks, No smoking near battery.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective gear near battery.
Use insulated tools.
DO NOT TIP battery beyond a 45° angle in any direction.
ALWAYS keep batteries out of reach of children.
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