Safety
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, near
drop-offs and water.
3. Water
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips and rises that
change the operating angle, as rough terrain could
overturn the machine.
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because
the mower may tip backwards.
• Be aware that operating on wet grass, across steep
slopes or downhill may cause the mower to lose
traction. Loss of traction to the drive wheels may
result in sliding and a 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.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
counter weights to improve stability. Always
install and remove the Ultra Vac QDS, including
counter weights, as instructed. Failure to do so
will cause a reduction in stability or traction. Do
Not operate the mower with only a portion of the
Ultra Vac QDS installed.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine and cause loss of control. The stability
and traction of the machine will change as the
Ultra Vac QDS hopper lls with grass clippings.
Use progressively greater care on slopes as the
hopper lls.
Maintenance and Storage
• Disengage drives, set parking brake, stop engine
and remove key or disconnect spark plug wire.
Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing.
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing
them. Only replace damaged blades. Never
straighten or weld them.
• Keep all guards, shields and all safety devices in
place and in safe working condition.
• Check all bolts frequently to maintain proper
tightness.
• Frequently check for worn or deteriorating
components that could create a hazard.
• All replacement parts must be the same as
or equivalent to the parts supplied as original
equipment.
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