Safety Rules and Information, Slope Operation

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip- over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it.

Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake. The main reasons for loss of control are: insufficient tire grip on the ground, speed too fast, inadequate braking, the type of machine is unsuitable for its task, lack of awareness of the ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.

1.Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2.Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3.Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop or change speeds while on the slope.

4.Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.

5.Never mow down slopes.

6.Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off the slope.

7.Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause a slip and fall accident.

8.Use extra care while operating machines with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the unit. Do not use on steeps slopes.

9.Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.

10.Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.

11.Do not mow slopes you cannot back up them.

12.Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

13.Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even through the brakes are functioning properly.

Safety Rules and Information

WARNING

Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent (10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in 20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.

Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope. Use extra caution when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass catchers.

Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down,use caution when changing directions and

DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

2.Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.

3.Never allow children to operate the machine.

4.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.

EMISSIONS

1.Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

2.Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index information on the engine emissions label.