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12
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Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from drop-offs,
retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments, water, and other
types of hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to avoid
the ground from breaking away. This will reduce the risk of the
machine suddenly roling over causing serious injury or death.
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Use a walk behind, push mower or hand-held trimmer on slopes and
near drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments and
water to avoid machine rollover and serious injury or death.
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Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce traction
which could cause sliding and loss of control.
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Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
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If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on slopes,
disengage the blades, place the control levers in the park brake
position, turn the engine off and get help.
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Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direction,
especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steering is designed
for sensitive response. Rapid movement of the control levers in
either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause
serious injury.
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Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This action may
result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious physical
injury.
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The Hustler mower is capable of operating horizontally (traverse) on
moderately steep slopes. When operating on slopes up to 15
degrees, be aware of any conditions that may cause the tractor drive
tires to lose traction resulting in a possible loss of control of the
machine. An operator should not operate on a slope until he is
thoroughly familiar with the equipment.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Refer to Figure 2-1, page 9, when determining the degree of slope to
be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the machine
off of the slope, using extreme caution, if any sign of loss of traction
is detected. Wait until the condition that caused the problem is
resolved before attempting to operate on the slope again.
Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in possible loss of
control of the machine. Some of the conditions to be aware of are:
1. Wet terrain
2. Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts, washouts
3. Mounds of dirt
4. Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay
5. Grass type, density, and height
6. Extremely dry conditions of grass
7. Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the tractor will also affect the way it
handles on a slope. Be aware that each attachment’s characteristics
vary.
Another consideration to safe mowing on slopes is to be aware of
what is located at the bottom of the slope. Extreme caution should
be used when there is a hazard located at the bottom of the slope.
Some examples are:
1. Water; i.e. lake, river
2. Cliffs, retaining walls
3. Roads, highways
4. Buildings
5. Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when caution must be
used when operating on a slope. There are many other possibilities
too numerous to mention. Just remember to always exercise extreme
caution when operating on any slope.
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.
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Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in switch,
especially with children present.
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Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to
operate the tractor while it is unattended. Always disengage deck
clutch, place control levers in park brake position, stop tractor
engine, and remove ignition key when leaving operator’s seat.
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Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of
another responsible adult.
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Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.
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Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
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Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear
in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
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Never allow children to operate the machine.
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Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
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Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, the end of a
fence or other objects that may obscure vision.