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4
2. 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.
For your safety, use the slope gauge
included as part of this manual to
measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the
slope is greater than 15° as shown on
the slope gauge, do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury
could result.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not
across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks,
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low
enough gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the
slope. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take
advantage of engine braking action.
• Follow the manufacturers
recommendations for wheel weights
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 the slopes
slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or
direction. Rapid engagement or
braking could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over
backwards which could cause
serious injury.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a
slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless
necessary; then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches
or embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is 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 grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3. 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 in watchful care of an adult
other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if
children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look
behind and down for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the
blades off. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with the
safe machine operation.
• Never allow children under 14 years
old to operate the machine. Children
14 years and over should only
operate machine under close
parental supervision and proper
instruction.
• Use extra care when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees or other
objects that may obscure your vision
of a child or other hazard.