Ariens Contractor 996126 Operator's Manual page 17

Cold Weather Operation
Small gasoline engines must get up to operating
temperature before they will operate properly. Most air
cooled engines draw a large volume of air through their
intake fan. In sub-zero temperatures or freezing weather it
can become almost impossible for an engine to reach
normal operating temperature unless intake air is restricted
or warmer air is fed into the carburetor. Ariens offers a cold
weather kit that directs air warmed from the exhaust
manifold into the carburetor.
Chokes, throttle cables, and other mechanical linkages are
also subject to freezing and sticking in cold weather. Use
spray lubricants to ensure these items work freely.
Whenever possible, park the unit in a warm, dry environment
to allow time for the linkages to dry out.
Traveling Tips
If the work project or recreational trip leads to an extended
ride deep into the wilderness or way out on the prairie,
consider the following tips from experienced pros about
safety, gear, clothing, supplies and driving techniques.
Preparation
Do a complete equipment check as follows:
1. Ensure there is sufficient fuel and oil to make the trip
and return home.
2. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated, lug bolts are
tight and that a spare tire and the tools to change,
repair and inflate a tire are available. Adding a
puncture sealant to the tires is one preventative
measure to consider.
3. Check for loose or missing parts and make needed
repairs before starting a trip. It is especially important
to check steering, braking, throttle, electrical and
engine components thoroughly.
Planning
1. Plan route, destination and rendezvous points before
starting out.
2. Do not travel alone if possible. Taking someone else
along reduces the potential for loss of life or major
injury from inclement weather, animal attacks, or
accidents.
3. Obtain trail or area maps of travel routes to and from
the destination. Communicate travel plans to
responsible friends and or proper authorities. Plan
rendezvous points at conspicuous landmarks along the
route in case of unexpected trouble.
4. Be sure to take a weather radio and two-way
communication devices such as cell phones or long
range-two way radios. It is also good to have ground
flares, a flare gun, a smoke canister, emergency strobe
light, a reflecting mirror, matches for a signal fire and a
compass.
Plan Traveling Gear
1. Check the short and long range weather forecast and
take protective gear and clothing to cover all
conditions. Take or wear appropriate eye and head
protection, gloves, boots, long-sleeve shirt, long pants,
jacket, rain gear, dry socks and full change of dry
clothing.
2. Plan for the best and worst of environmental
conditions.
3. Pack a first aid kit, sun blocker, lip balm, insect
repellent, personal medications, water, tarp or tent,
flash light, survival knife, binoculars, camera, tool kit,
rope, duct tape, tow strap, winch, eating utensils,
cooking utensils and high-energy trail food.
4. Tie and lash down gear and supplies securely. Keep
the bulk of the weight centered and mounted as low as
possible on the vehicle in order to maintain a low
center of gravity for safe and stable off-road travel.
5. Store a spare ignition key in a protected accessible
location.
Going Out on the Trail
Operate safely:
1. Brief passenger on proper safety procedures like
keeping hands, arms, feet and other bodily
appendages inside the vehicle. Passengers should
only be transported in factory supplied seating.
2. Operator and passenger should wear seat belts at all
times.
3. Avoid operating on excessively steep hills and
especially on hills that are steeper than 15 degrees.
Avoid crossing slopes if possible and don't make sharp
uphill steering corrections or a rollover could result. If
the vehicle starts to tip over on a slope turn the front
wheels quickly down hill to regain stability and control.
The best way to climb most hills is to approach them
straight on while maintaining a steady ground speed
and constant engine rpm.
The best way to descend most hills is straight down
while using steady pressure on the brakes without
locking. Locking the brakes in a steep downhill
situation can result in loss of traction, steering and
control. When a slope on soft terrain must be crossed,
keep the front wheels turned slightly uphill and
maintain a constant speed and a straight line of travel.
4. Driving too fast, being inattentive and turning too
sharply on slippery surfaces can result in rollovers and
accidents almost quicker than any other ground
condition. Snow cover, wet trails, loose gravel and
frozen ground can all contribute to this dangerous
condition. In these conditions maintain sharp focus on
the trail ahead. Don't make sharp turns and avoid the
need for hard braking. If the vehicle begins to slide turn
the front wheels in the direction of the skid to regain
control.
GB - 17