Before operation of unit, carefully and completely read
your manuals. The contents will provide you with an
understanding of safety instructions and controls during
normal operation and maintenance.
All reference to left, right, front, or rear are given from
operator standing in operation position and facing the
direction of forward travel.
MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS
Transfer
model &
serial
number
label from
product
registration
here.
When ordering publications,
replacement parts, or making service
inquiries, know the Model and Serial
numbers of your unit and engine.
Numbers are located on the product
registration form in the unit literature
package. They are printed on a serial
number label, located on the frame of
your unit (Figure 2).
The Gravely dealer must register the product at the time
of purchase. Registering the product will help the
company process warranty claims or contact you with the
latest service information. All claims meeting
requirements during the limited warranty period will be
honored, whether or not the product registration card is
returned. Keep a proof of purchase if you do not register
your unit.
Customer Note: If Dealer does not register your product,
please fill out, sign and return the product registration
card to Gravely.
UNAUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use only Gravely replacement parts. The replacement of
any part on this equipment with anything other than a
Gravely authorized replacement part may adversely
affect the performance, durability, and safety of this unit
and may void the warranty. Gravely disclaims liability for
any claims or damages, whether regarding warranty,
property damage, personal injury or death arising out of
the use of unauthorized replacement parts.
NOTE: To locate your nearest Gravely Dealer, call
1-800-472-8359 or go to www.gravely.com on the internet.
Figure 2
Serial
Number
Label
DISCLAIMER
Gravely reserves the right to discontinue, change, and
improve its products at any time without public notice or
obligation to the purchaser. The descriptions and
specifications contained in this manual were in effect at
printing. Equipment described within this manual may be
optional. Some illustrations may not be applicable to your
unit.
DEALER DELIVERY
Dealer should:
1. Test brakes after tractor is assembled to be sure
adjustment has not been disturbed in shipment.
Wheel brakes are properly adjusted at factory.
Copyright 2003 Ariens Company
GB - 3
2. Check the safety interlock system to make sure that
it is functioning properly. Unit must not start unless
direction control lever is in neutral (N) and Power
Takeoff (PTO) is disengaged (Off). Engine must
stop if operator releases the handlebar with the
direction control lever or PTO engaged (On). See
Safety Interlock System on page 11.
3. Fill out Original Purchaser Registration Card and
return the card to Gravely.
4. Explain Gravely Limited Warranty Policy.
WARNING: This cutting machine is capable
of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the safety
instructions in the manuals and on decals
could result in serious injury or death.
Slopes are a major factor related to
loss-of-control and tip-over accidents.
Operation on all slopes requires extra
caution.
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not alert to the presence of children. Never
assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive, handle with care.
Disengage attachment, stop unit and engine,
remove key, engage parking brake, and allow
moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s
position.
SAFETY ALERTS
Look for these symbols to point out
important safety precautions. They mean:
5. Explain recommended lubrication and
maintenance. Advise customer on adjustments.
Instruct customer on controls and operation of unit.
Discuss and emphasize the Safety Precautions.
Give customer Owner/Operator, Parts, and Engine
Manuals. Advise customer to thoroughly read and
understand them.
Customer Note: Your Dealer has been provided
complete setup and preparation instructions which must
be completed prior to you taking delivery of this unit. The
dealer is required to review important information in this
manual with you before or upon delivery of the unit or
attachment.
SAFETY
WARNING: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, COULD
RESULT in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, MAY RESULT in
minor or moderate injury. It may also be
used to alert against unsafe practices.
NOTATIONS
NOTE: General reference information for proper
operation and maintenance practices.
IMPORTANT: Specific procedures or information
required to prevent damage to unit or attachment.
PRACTICES AND LAWS
Practice usual and customary safe working precautions,
for the benefit of yourself and others. Understand and
follow all safety messages. Be alert to unsafe conditions
and the possibility of minor, moderate, or serious injury or
death. Learn applicable rules and laws in your area,
including those that may restrict the age of the operator.
Attention!
Personal Safety Is Involved!
Become Alert!
Obey The Message!
The safety alert symbols above and signal words below
are used on decals and in this manual.
Read and understand all safety messages.
DANGER: IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, WILL RESULT in
death or serious injury.
REQUIRED OPERATOR TRAINING
Original purchaser of this unit was instructed by the seller
on safe and proper operation. If unit is to be used by
someone other than original purchaser; loaned, rented or
sold, ALWAYS provide this manual and any needed
safety training before operation.
GB - 4
SAFETY DECALS AND LOCATIONS
ALWAYS replace missing or damaged Safety Decals.
Refer to Figure 3 below for Safety Decal locations.
PUSH OFF
PTO
PTO
PULL ON
THROTTLE
FAST
SLOW
MADE IN U.S.A.
!
SAFETY FIRST
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUALS BEFORE OPERATING
OR SERVICING THIS EQUIPMENT.
DISENGAGE PTO AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE.
NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS.
STAY ALERT FOR PERSONS AND HAZARDS.
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION:
– PUT PTO CONTROL IN THE OUT POSITION.
– REMOVE IGNITION KEY.
– ENGAGE FWD – REV AND HI – LO CONTROLS.
IGNITION
CHOKE
PULL ON
PUSH OFF
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• Read the operator's manual.
• Do not mow when children or others are
around.
• Look down and behind before and while
backing.
• Never carry children.
• Remove objects that could be thrown by
the blade.
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
2
Units with Briggs &
Stratton Engines
HIGH-PUSH
RANGE
LOW-PULL
DANGER
• If machine stops going uphill, stop blade and
back down slowly.
• Avoid sudden turns.
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches,
etc.)in place and working.
• Check interlock system per manual before use.
• Understand location and function of all controls.
• When parking on a slope always chock or block
the wheels.
DANGER
1
N
Units with Kohler &
Robin Engines
H
L
077478
4
DO NOT PARK ON SLOPE UNLESS WHEELS ARE CHOCKED.
Units with Briggs &
Stratton Engines
1. DANGER!
To Avoid Injury or Death
Read the operator’s manual.
Do not mow when children or others are
around.
CAUTION
!
SAFETY FIRST
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL
BEFORE USING TRACTOR
DISENGAGE ALL CLUTCHES AND
SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE • HANDLE
GASOLINE WITH CARE
SHIELDS, GUARDS AND SAFETY
DEVICES IN PLACE • KEEP
HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM
MOVING PARTS
CHILDREN OPERATE TRACTOR
BE ALERT FOR DANGER TO BY-
STANDERS, PROPERTY AND FOR
TERRAIN HAZARDS • REMOVE
IGNITION KEY BEFORE LEAVING
TRACTOR • ENGAGE FWD - REV
CONTROL AND HI - LO GEAR
CONTROLS WHEN PARKING
•
•
NEVER LET
Figure 3
•
KEEP
•
Units with Steering Brakes
• Look down and behind before and
while backing.
• Never carry children.
Remove objects that could be thrown by
the blade.
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
• If machine stops going uphill, stop
blade and back down slowly.
BRAKE
LOCK
3
P
RELEASE
077247
GB - 5
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields,
switches, etc.) in place and working.
• Check interlock system per manual
before use.
• Understand location and function of all
controls.
• When parking on a slope always
chock or block the wheels.
2. SAFETY FIRST
•Read the operator’s manuals before operating or
servicing this equipment.
•Disengage the PTO and shift into neutral before
starting engine.
•Never allow children to operate the equipment.
•Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
•Stay alert for persons and hazards.
•Before leaving operator’s position:
- Put PTO control in the out position.
- Remove ignition key.
- Engage FWD-REV and Hi-Lo controls.
3. SAFETY FIRST
•Read the operator’s manuals before using
tractor.
•Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral
before starting engine.
•Handle gasoline with care.
•Keep shields, guards and safety devices in place.
•Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
•Never let children operate tractor.
•Be alert for danger to bystanders, property and
for terrain hazards.
•Remove ignition key before leaving tractor.
•Engage FWD-REV control and Hi-Lo gear
controls when parking.
4. CAUTION!
Do not park on a slope unless wheels are chocked.
SAFETY RULES
Read, understand and follow all safety practices in
Owner/Operator Manual before beginning assembly.
Failure to follow instructions could result in personal
injury and/or damage to unit.
ALWAYS remove key (if equipped) and disconnect wire
from spark plug before assembly. Unintentional engine
start up can cause death or serious injury.
Complete a walk around inspection of unit and work area
to understand:
•Work area
•Your unit
•All safety decals
ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances carefully
before operation.
ALWAYS be aware of traffic when operating along streets
or curbs.
Keep children and people away.
Keep children out of work area and under watchful care
of a responsible adult.
Keep area of operation clear of all toys, pets, and debris.
Thrown objects can cause injury.
Check for weak spots on docks, ramps or floors. Avoid
uneven work areas and rough terrain.
Avoid slippery surfaces. ALWAYS be sure of your footing.
DO NOT operate on wet grass.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and cause an
accident. Operate unit only when there is good visibility
and light.
Read the entire Owner/Operator manual and other
training material. If the operator or the mechanic cannot
read the manual, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain
it to them. Only the user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.
•Only trained adults may operate or service unit
•Training includes actual operation
NEVER allow children to operate or play on or near unit.
Be alert and shut off unit if children enter area.
Never carry passengers.
NEVER operate unit after or during the use of
medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation requires
your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.
NEVER allow anyone to operate this unit when their
alertness or coordination is impaired.
Wear adequate safety gear, protective gloves and
footwear.
NEVER wear open sandals or canvas shoes during
operation.
Protect eyes, face and head from objects that may be
thrown from unit. Wear appropriate hearing protection.
Sharp edges can cut. Moving parts can cut off fingers or
a hand. Wrap blade(s), wear sturdy gloves and use
extreme caution when servicing. On multi-blade mowers,
rotation of one blade will cause all blades to rotate.
ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all rotating
parts during operation. Rotating parts can cut off body
parts.
ALWAYS keep hands away from all pinch points.
GB - 6
DO NOT touch unit parts which might be hot from
operation. Allow parts to cool before attempting to
maintain, adjust or service.
NEVER place your hands or any part of your body or
clothing inside or near any moving part while unit is
running.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Tie back hair that
may get caught in rotating parts.
Keep children and people away from unit during
operation.
Fumes from engine exhaust can cause injury or death.
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always provide
good ventilation.
Thrown objects can cause injury and property damage.
DO NOT point discharge at anyone or discharge directly
onto paved or gravel surfaces.
Always stand clear of the discharge area when operating
this unit.
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting.
Understand:
•How to operate all controls
•The functions of all controls
•How to STOP in an Emergency
•Braking and steering characteristics
•Turning radius and clearance
ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards, and panels
in good repair, in place and securely fastened.
NEVER modify or remove safety devices.
ALWAYS keep discharge cover or complete grass
catcher in place and in proper working condition.
Check steering control operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
Safety Interlock System must function properly. DO NOT
operate unit if operator presence control is damaged or
disabled.
If equipment vibrates abnormally, stop engine at once,
disengage PTO, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
remove key. Check for any damage or loose parts. Repair
before restart.
Before starting engine: disengage PTO and place unit in
neutral.
DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. DO NOT change
engine governor settings or over-speed engine. Slow
down and turn corners slowly.
Disengage PTO when attachment is not in use. ALWAYS
turn off power to attachment when travelling, crossing
driveways, etc.
Avoid uneven and rough terrain. DO NOT operate near
drop offs, ditches, or embankments. Unit can suddenly
turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if
an edge caves in.
DO NOT try to stabilize unit by putting foot on ground
when operating with applicable riding attachments.
When engine is running and speed control lever is
forward, holding only one steering lever will cause unit to
circle around one drive wheel.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure view.
ALWAYS disengage PTO, stop unit and engine, remove
key and allow moving parts to stop before leaving
operator’s position.
Never leave a running unit unattended. ALWAYS shut off
engine before leaving unit.
ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use.
DO NOT operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
ALWAYS backup slowly. ALWAYS look down and behind,
before and while backing.
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. DO NOT operate on
slopes of more than 10°. Operate across the face of
slopes, not up and down.
Turf conditions can affect the unit’s stability.
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. DO NOT
make sudden changes in speed or direction. Use a slow
speed to avoid stopping or shifting on slopes. Avoid
starting or stopping on a slope.
DO NOT park unit on a slope unless absolutely
necessary. When parking on a slope always chock or
block wheels.
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.
Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris. Clean up
oil or fuel spills.
This product is equipped with an internal combustion
engine. DO NOT use on or near any unimproved, forest
covered or brush covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark arrester, if
used, must be maintained in effective working order by
the 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.
GB - 7
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.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
Reverse connections may cause sparks which may result
in injury. ALWAYS connect/disconnect cables in proper
order.
Poisonous battery fluid contains sulfuric acid and its
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing can cause severe
burns.
Explosive Gases! No flames, No sparks, No smoking
near battery.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective gear near
battery.
DO NOT TIP battery beyond a 45° angle in any direction.
ALWAYS keep batteries out of reach of children.
Before making any inspections, repairs, etc.: disengage
PTO, stop unit and engine, remove key, allow moving
parts to stop.
Allow hot parts to cool.
ALWAYS block wheels, engage parking brake and know
all jack stands are strong, secure and will hold weight of
unit during maintenance.
An extension spring, when extended, stores energy and
can be dangerous. Always use tools specifically designed
for installing or removing an extension spring. Always
compress or extend springs slowly.
ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating condition.
Damaged or worn out muffler can cause fire or explosion.
Keep hardware, especially blade attachment bolts, tight.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
For unit storage or extended storage:
•NEVER store with fuel in fuel tank, inside a building
where any ignition sources are present.
•Allow engine to cool completely.
Use only attachments or accessories designed for your
unit.
Check attachment components frequently. If worn or
damaged, replace with manufacturer’s recommended
parts.
Use extra care with grass catchers and other
attachments. These can change the stability of the unit.
Use only approved hitch points.
ALWAYS be aware of attachments when turning.
ALWAYS allow adequate clearance between
attachments, personnel, and other objects.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and
understand entire Safety section before
proceeding.