5
DANGER
POTENTIAL HAZARD
♦ Mowing on wet grass or steep slopes can cause sliding and
loss of control.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
♦ Wheels dropping over edges, ditches, steep banks, or
water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious
injury, death or drowning.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
♦ 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.
• 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. This area can be dangerous, see Figure 1.
Figure 1
SAFE ZONE FOR MOWING
• Progressively greater care is needed as the slope increases.
• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. 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.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change the operating
angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing
area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or attachments. These can change the
stability of the machine and cause loss of control.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
1.4.5 A Rollover Protection System (roll bar) is installed on the unit.