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Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor in slip and fall accidents, which
can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope; do not mow it.
Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope.
Slow down.
• Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.
Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk—never run.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If wheels lose
traction, disengage the blade and, using extreme caution,
proceed slowly off the slope.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel goes
over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
You could lose your footing or balance.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
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
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 cau-
tion 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 oper-
ating 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.
Never leave machine unattended with children present.
Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or
attempt to operate the mower while it is unattended.
Always release blade lever and drive clutch lever and set
the throttle lever to the “STOP” position before leaving
machine for any reason.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the opera-
tor.
Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
Never carry children, even with the blade off. They may
fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
the end of a fence or other objects that may obscure
vision or block your view of a child.