Ariens Contractor 996126 Operator's Manual page 8

Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank opening.
Keep gas away from eyes and skin.
Support this vehicle securely before working beneath.
Chock wheels to prevent vehicle from rolling.
Mechanical Safety
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged or worn parts. Repair
all damages and worn parts before putting vehicle back in to
service.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running or hot. Keep clear of all rotating parts.
Make sure engine surface, cooling fins and fan screen are
clean of all debris including dirt, trash and oil.
Always operate vehicle with drive belt enclosure installed.
Do not leave pulleys and belts exposed.
Never modify any parts on the vehicle without authorization.
Unauthorized modifications will void warranty to all parts
directly and indirectly affected by the modification.
Do not use cargo tail gate as a seat.
Do not use cargo bed as a working platform.
The power lift is designed to dump cargo only. Do not use it
to lift other objects.
Never attempt "wheelies", jumps, or other stunts. Never
drive recklessly. Always operate your vehicle at a safe speed
that will allow you to maintain control.
Do not use vehicle as an anchor device.
Do not mount a receiver hitch type carrier platform to the
vehicle.
Front bumper and cargo bed are not designed as pusher
bars. Do not attempt to push other vehicles or implements or
damage may result.
Always maintain proper tire inflation. See Tire Maintenance
on page 20.
Always disconnect negative battery terminal before making
adjustments to vehicle electrical system or welding on this
vehicle.
Always check wheel lug nut torque values two hours after
initial operation and two hours after each tire repair or
replacement. Routinely check lug nut torque every 100
hours of operation. See Torque on page 20.
Do not shift transaxle unless this vehicle is fully stopped and
engine is at idle or damage may occur.
Keep safety decals clean of dirt and grime.
Replace all missing, illegible, or damaged safety decals. See
list of safety decals in this manual.
Transporting Safety
Most accidents with off road vehicles occur when traveling
up, down, or across the face of a slope. Refer to operation
instructions and safety video for proper operation
procedures.
Use extreme caution when driving through dry grass, brush
and other fire hazard materials. Never stop or park over
combustible materials. Keep grass and brush from collecting
on and around engine and muffler parts.
Be aware of cargo shifting when stopping or moving. Make
sure all cargo is properly secured and tied down. Injury could
result from loose cargo.
Avoid sudden stops, starts and turns.
Always make sure vehicle pathway is clear of all objects
when backing up. Know location of persons around vehicle
and especially location of small children. Take extra
precautions when rear view is hindered by cargo.
Do not attach an implement, trailer or other device to the
hitch that will produce negative tongue weight.
Reduce speed and payload on hilly, rough, wet, slick or
unstable ground.
Reduce speed when loaded with cargo. Heavy cargo load
takes longer to stop.
Always make turns at a speed that will maintain control of
vehicle. Never make turns at full speed. Reduce speed
when turning empty and reduce speed even more when
turning loaded. The heavier the cargo load, the slower the
turn should be.
The four-post accessory bar is not a certified ROPS (Roll
Over Protection Structure). Always avoid roll-overs.
Do not load four-post accessory bar with heavy equipment.
Rollover could result from such loading.
Always park on level ground, stop engine, set parking brake
and remove ignition key before leaving vehicle. Chock tires if
condition warrants.
Use extreme caution when cresting hills, approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees or other obstructions that might limit
visibility. Proceed slowly until you are sure trail conditions
immediately ahead are safe. Use extra care when
approaching obstructions that might hide children.
Be especially observant of operating area and terrain. Watch
for holes, rocks, or other hidden hazards. Do not operate
vehicle near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
Keep front wheels straight when cresting hills or going over
bumps.
Do not stop, start suddenly or over accelerate on hills. Loss
of control and rollover could result.
Use extreme caution when descending hills, running on
loose slippery surfaces, or when towing at maximum
capacity. Towing, braking and tractive capabilities are greatly
diminished.
Avoid changing direction or making sharp steering
corrections on slopes or rollover may occur.
If this vehicle begins to tip when crossing a slope, turn front
wheels downhill to regain stability and control.
Do not operate vehicle on slopes over 15
When crossing a slope on soft terrain, turn front wheels
slightly uphill and maintain a constant speed to maintain a
straight line of travel.
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