7
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. Operation on
all slopes requires extra caution. If you
cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
•
Do not mow slopes greater than
15 degrees.
•
Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and
rises that change the operating angle, as
rough terrain could overturn the machine.
•
Choose a low ground speed so you will
not have to stop while operating on a
slope.
•
Do not mow slopes when grass is wet.
Slippery conditions reduce traction and
could cause sliding and loss of control.
•
Reduce speed and use extreme caution
on slopes.
•
Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed
changes.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks,
tree limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
•
Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill
because the mower may tip backwards.
•
Be aware that loss of traction may occur
going downhill. Weight transfer to the front
wheels may cause drive wheels to slip
and cause loss of braking and steering.
•
Always avoid sudden starting or stopping
on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly off the
slope.
•
Use extreme care with grass collection
systems or other attachments. These can
change the stability of the machine and
cause loss of control.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, steep
banks or water. Wheels dropping over
edges can cause rollovers, which may
result in serious injury, death or drowning.
•
Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand
trimmer near drop-offs, ditches, steep
banks or water.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not alert to the presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
•
Keep children out of the mowing area and
under the watchful care of another
responsible adult, not the operator.
•
Be alert and turn the machine off if
children enter the area.
•
Before and while backing or changing
direction, look behind, down, and side-to-
side for small children.
•
Never carry children, even with the blades
off. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine
operation.
•
Children who have been given rides in the
past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or
backed over by the mower.
•
Never allow children to operate the
machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, the end of a fence
or other objects that may obscure vision.
Towing
•
This machine does not make any
provisions for towing.
