Ariens 988811 Owner's Manual page 9

• Tragic accidents can occur if the
operator is not alert to the presence of
children. Children are often attracted
to lawn-mowing machines and
mowing activity. Stay alert to the
presence of children. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children indoors, out of the
mowing area, and in the watchful eye
of a responsible adult, other than the
operator, when a mower is being
operated.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child
enters the work area. They don't
understand the dangers of rotating
blades or the fact that the operator is
unaware of their presence.
• Never allow a child or an untrained
person to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may block your view of a
child.
Checking Wheel Hardware
• A serious accident could occur
causing serious injury if wheel
hardware is not tight.
• Check wheel hardware tightness often
during the first 100 hours of operation.
• Wheel hardware must be tightened to
specified torque using the proper
procedure anytime it is loosened.
when operating the machine.
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety
equipment appropriate for the job.
• While mowing, always wear
substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing
open sandals.
• Wear a suitable protective device such
as earplugs. Loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing.
Rotating Blades
are Dangerous -
Protect Children
and Prevent
Accidents
Protect Children:
Wear
Appropriate
Clothing
•Always wear
safety goggles,
or safety
glasses with
side shields,
and a hard hat
lower implement, lock parking brake,
stop engine and remove key or
disconnect spark plug (for gas
engines). Wait for all movement to
stop before adjusting, cleaning or
repairing.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting
units, drives, mufflers, and engine to
help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage.
• Let engine cool before storing and do
not store near flame.
• Shut off fuel while storing or
transporting. Do not store fuel near
flames or drain indoors.
• Park machine on level ground. Never
allow untrained personnel to service
machine. Understand service
procedure before doing work.
• Use jack stands or lock service latches
to support components when required.
Securely support any machine
elements that must be raised for
service work.
• Before servicing machine or
attachment, carefully release pressure
from any components with stored
energy, such as hydraulic components
or springs.
• Release hydraulic pressure by
lowering attachment or cutting units to
the ground or to a mechanical stop
and move hydraulic control levers
back and forth.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark
plug (for gas engines) before making
any repairs. Disconnect the negative
terminal first and the positive last.
Reconnect positive first and negative
last.
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap
the blades or wear gloves, and use
caution when servicing them. Only
replace blades. Never straighten or
weld them.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry and
long hair away from moving parts. If
possible, do not make adjustments
with the engine running.
GB - 9
Maintenance and
Storage
•Never operate
machine in a closed
area where
dangerous carbon
monoxide fumes can
collect.
•Disengage drives,