SAFETY
WOODS
MANEUVERING SAFELY
In general
-Slow down before turning.
-Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look behind and down for small children and pets before and during backing.
-Be aware when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, tall grass or other objects that may obscure vision.
-If tires lose traction, disengage the blades. If on a slope, head downhill.
Mowing slopes | WARNING |
Slopes are a major factor in
-Do not mow on slopes if uneasy or uncertain. Ultimate responsibility for safe operation on slopes rests with the operator.
-Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
-On zero turn machines, mow across slopes, not up and down.
-Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
-With a zero turn machine, if tires lose traction going down a slope, steering control may be regained by speeding up.
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-Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
-Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then turn slowly and downhill when possible.
-Stay away from slopes if the ground is loose or if caught in the rain during mowing.
-Use lower speeds on a slope to avoid stopping or shifting.
-Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
-Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs etc.
-Avoid driving over obstacles such as ruts, holes, rocks and roots whenever possible. Be alert to dips and rises. Uneven terrain can overturn a mower or cause it to slide. Tall grasses can hide obstacles.
-Do not mow dropoffs, ditches or embankments. The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel runs over the edge or an edge caves in.
-Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
-Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
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