Gravely Rapid M 985403 Owner's manual

ENGLISH
08615600A 4/09
Printed in USA
ENGLISH
FRANÇAIS
Owner/Operator Manual
Manuel Du Propriétaire/Utilisateur
Model
985403
Rapid M

GB - 2
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Controls and Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Service Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
NON-ENGLISH MANUALS
Manuals in languages other than
English may be obtained from your
Dealer. Visit your dealer or
www.ariens.com for a list of
languages available for your
equipment.
Manuals printed in languages other
than English are also available as a
free download on our website:
http://www.ariens.com
MANUALES EN IDIOMAS
DIFERENTES DEL INGLES
Puede obtener manuales en
idiomas diferentes del inglés en su
distribuidor. Visite a su distribuidor
o vaya a www.ariens.com para
obtener una lista de idiomas
disponibles para su equipo.
También puede imprimir manuales
en idiomas diferentes del inglés
descargándolos gratuitamente de
nuestra página Web:
http://www.ariens.com
Manuels non anglais
Des manuels dans différentes
langues sont disponibles chez
votre revendeur. Rendez-vous
chez votre revendeur ou allez sur
le site www.ariens.com pour
consulter la liste des langues
disponibles pour votre équipement.
Les manuels imprimés dans des
langues différentes de l’anglais
sont également disponibles en
téléchargement gratuit sur notre
site Web :
http://www.ariens.com
THE MANUAL
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 the operation
position and facing the direction of forward
travel.
SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT
PARTS
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 literature package.
They are printed on a serial number label,
located on the frame of your unit (Figure 1).
• Record Unit Model and Serial numbers
here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Figure 1
Serial
Number
Label

GB - 3
• Record Engine Model and Serial numbers
here.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
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 or go
to www.gravely.com on the internet.
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,
go to www.gravely.com on the internet.
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. Check all controls for proper function.
2. Check the safety interlock system to
make sure that it is functioning properly.
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.
5. Explain recommended lubrication and
maintenance. Advise customer on
adjustments.
6. 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.

GB - 4
SAFETY ALERTS
Look for these symbols to
point out important safety
precautions. They mean:
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.
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.
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.
SAFETY DECALS AND
LOCATIONS
ALWAYS replace missing or damaged Safety
Decals. Refer to Figure 2 for Safety Decal
locations.
SAFETY
WARNING: This 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, engage parking
brake, and allow moving parts to
stop before leaving operator’s
position.
DANGER: IMMINENTLY
HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not
avoided, WILL RESULT in death or
serious injury.
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.

GB - 5
1. DANGER! TO AVOID SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH
Read the operator’s manual.
Wear hearing and eye
protection while operating.
Keep children and others
away from unit while operating.
Never direct discharge
toward other people. Thrown
objects can cause injury.
Go across slopes, not up and
down.
• Look down and behind before while
backing.
• Never carry children.
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
• 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.
• Never allow operation by untrained
persons.
• Disengage PTO, stop unit and engine
and set parking brake before making
any inspections, repairs, etc.
2. HOT SURFACES!
DO NOT touch parts which
are hot from operation.
ALWAYS allow parts to cool.
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.
Keep a firm hold on the handlebar. Walk,
NEVER run.
DO NOT operate on wet grass.
08677000
Read the operator's manual. Ware hearing and
eye protection while operating. Keep children
and others away from unit while operating.
Never direct discharge toward other people.
Thrown objects can cause injury. Look down
and behind before and while backing. Never
carry children. Go across slopes, not up and
down. Avoid sudden turns. Keep safety
devices (guards, shields, switches, ect.) in
place and working. Check interlock system per
manual before use. Understand location and
function of all controls. Never allow operation
by untrained persons. Discharge PTO, stop
unit and engine, set parking brake and remove
key before making any inspections, repairs, etc.
Leer el manual del operador. Usar protector de oido y ojo
cuando se opera la maquina. Mantener los ninos y a todos
alejados de la maquina cuando esta en funcionamiento. Nunca
dirija la descarge hacia otras pesonas, ya que los objetos
lanzados pueden provocar lesiones. Mirar hacia abajo y
atras antes y durante retroceso. Nunca monte a los ninos.
Suba y baje pendientes, no transversalmente. Evite cruzar de
improviso. Si la maquina se detiene subiendo cuesta, desactive
la cuchilla y baje lentamente. Mantenga artefactos de seguridad
(defensas, protectores, interruptores, etc.) en su lugar de trabajo.
Antes de usar verifique en el manual el sistema de engranar.
Tenga conocimiento de las funciones y localizacion de todos
los controles. Nunca permita que alguien no entrenado operar la
maquina. Desactivar la TDF/PTO, detener la unidad, apagar el
motor, accionar el freno de manoy quitar la llave antes de realizar
cualquier inspeccion, reparacion, etc.
Figure 2
1
2
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