Safety
3
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
17. Do not touch equipment or attachment parts
which may be hot from operation. Allow to cool
before attempting to maintain, adjust or service.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control
and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on
it, do not mow it.
DO
•
Mow up and down slopes greater than 5
°
, not
across.
•
Mow downhill only on slopes above 10
°
, never
mow uphill. If a steep slope must be ascended,
back up the hill, and drive forward down the hill,
keeping the machine in gear.
•
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
from the mowing area. Watch for holes, ruts or
bumps, as uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you
will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
•
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wheel weight or counterweights to improve
stability.
•
Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of
the machine.
•
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction.
•
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT
•
Do not operate machine on hillsides or slopes
exceeding 15
°
.
•
Avoid turning on slopes. If you must turn, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The machine could suddenly turn
over if a wheel goes over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting
your foot on the ground.
•
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
Heavy grass bags could cause loss of control or
overturn the machine.
