Safety
– Use an angle indicator to determine the
approximate slope angle of the area.
– Never operate on slopes greater than 15
degrees.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
quickly affect the operation of the machine
on a slope.
•
Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
Not operate the machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, water or other hazards. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe
distance (twice the width of the machine) between
the machine and any hazard. Use a walk behind
machine or a hand trimmer to mow the grass in
these areas.
g221745
Figure 3
1.
Safe Zone-Use the mower here on slopes less than 15
degrees
2.
Danger Zone-Use a walk-behind mower and/or hand
trimmer on slopes greater than 15 degrees
3.
Water
4.
W=width of the machine
5.
Keep a safe distance (twice the width of the machine)
between the machine and any hazard.
•
Avoid starting, stopping or turning the machine
on slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed
or direction; turn slowly and gradually.
•
Do Not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet grass,
across slopes or downhill may cause the machine
to lose traction. Loss of traction to the drive
wheels may result in sliding and a loss of braking
and steering. The machine can slide even if the
drive wheels are stopped.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
•
Use extra care while operating with accessories
or attachments, such as grass collection systems.
These can change the stability of the machine
and cause a loss of control. Follow directions for
counter weights.
•
If possible, keep the deck lowered to the ground
while operating on slopes. Raising the deck while
operating on slopes can cause the machine to
become unstable.
Using the Rollover Protection System
(ROPS)
A Rollover Protection System (roll bar) is installed
on the unit.
WARNING
There is no rollover protection when the roll bar
is down. Wheels dropping over edges, ditches,
steep banks, or water can cause rollovers, which
may result in serious injury, death or drowning.
•
Do Not remove the ROPS.
•
Keep the roll bar in the raised and locked
position and use seat belt.
•
Lower the roll bar only when absolutely
necessary.
•
Do Not wear seat belt when the roll bar is
down.
•
Drive slowly and carefully.
•
Raise the roll bar as soon as clearance
permits.
•
Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly
in the event of an emergency.
•
Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e.
branches, doorways, and electrical wires) before
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