Cub Cadet 3186 manual Slope Operation

2. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15° as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.

DO:

•Mow up and down slopes, not across.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.

•Follow the manufacturers recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.

•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

3. 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.

•Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an adult other than the operator.

•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

•Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

•Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine operation.

•Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years and over should only operate machine under close parental supervision and proper instruction.

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or other hazard.

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