Ariens 912 - Manual (Page 4)

Safety Precautions (Continued)
Operation
Keep equipment in good condition. Keep aii
shieids in piece and safety devices operating
properiy.
Operate unit oniy when there is good visibiiity
and light.
Disengage mower clutch (OUT) and make sure
Speed Selector is in neutral (N) position before
attempting to start engine.
Open doors if unit is run in garage, exhaust
fumes are dangerous. DO NOT run engine in an
enclosed area.
Disengage mower clutch when riding mower is
being operated in reverse, transported or is not
in use.
Look behind and use care when backing.
Someone may have come up behind you.
NEVER direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near equipment
while unit is in operation.
Tipping and/or loss of control of unit can be
caused by; operating on slopes, rough terrain,
turns, speed changes, slippery surfaces, and
bagger load as well as any combination of
them.
Be familiar with area of operation. Stay alert for
holes, rocks, roots and hidden hazards in area
of operation. Keep away from drop-offs.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on
or crossing gravel drives, walks or roads. Stay
alert for hazards and traffic.
Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution
on slopes and in turns to prevent tipping or
loss of control. Be especially cautious when
changing direction on slopes and operating on
wet or slippery surfaces.
DO NOT Stop or start suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes, NEVER across face. If slope is
too steep to back riding mower up; slope is too
steep for safe operation.
Use care when pulling loads or using grass
bagger. Use only approved drawbar hitch
points. Limit loads to those you can safely
control.
Disengage mower clutch, stop engine, remove
key, wait for moving parts to stop before leav­
ing operator’s position for any reason such as
unclogging discharge chute, when making any
repairs, adjustment, inspections or cleaning
unit.
DO NOT touch equipment parts which might
be hot from operation. Before attempting to
maintain, adjust or service allow such p^rts to
cool.
If equipment vibrates abnormally, disengage
mower clutch, stop engine at once and remove
key. Abnormal vibration is a warning of trouble.
Repair any damage before restarting unit.
After striking a foreign object, disengage
mower clutch, stop engine and wait for moving
parts to stop before leaving operator’s posi­
tion. Thoroughly inspect unit for any damage
and repair damage before restarting and
operating unit.
Take all possible precautions when leaving
unit unattended. Disengage mower clutch, "
lower attachment, engage parking brake, stop
engine and remove key to prevent unauthoriz­
ed use.
Maintenance and Storage
DO NOT change engine governor setting or
over speed engine.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight and be
sure equipment is in safe working condition.
Check all hardware at regular intervals.
To reduce fire hazard and overheating, keep
equipment free of grass, leaves, debris or ex­
cessive grease.
Worn out mufflers are more than just a noise
nuisance and should be replaced immediately.
Continued use could result in fire or explosion.
NEVER store equipment with gasoline in tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
Refer to Storage Section of this Owner’s
Manual for important instructions if unit is to
be stored for extended periods.