Safety
DANGER
Operating on wet grass or steep slopes can cause
sliding and loss of control. Wheels dropping over
edges, ditches, steep banks, or water can cause
rollovers, which may result in serious injury,
death or drowning.
• Do Not mow slopes when grass is wet.
• Do Not mow near drop-offs or near water.
• Do Not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on
slopes.
• Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Keep the roll bar in the raised and locked
position and use seat belt.
• See inside the back cover to determine the
approximate slope angle of the area to be mowed.
• Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer
near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
(Figure 3).
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
wheel weights or counter weights to improve
stability.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine and cause loss of control.
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.
• 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.
• Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e.
branches, doorways, and electrical wires) before
driving under any objects and Do Not contact
them.
• In the event of a rollover, take the unit to an
Authorized Service Dealer to have the ROPS
inspected.
Maintenance and Storage
• Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect
spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop
before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
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