Safe Zone for Mowing

DANGER

POTENTIAL HAZARD

♦Mowing on wet grass or steep slopes can cause sliding and loss of control.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN

♦Wheels dropping over edges, ditches, steep banks, or water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death or drowning.

HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD

♦Do not mow slopes when grass is wet.

♦Do not mow near drop-offs or near water.

♦Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.

♦Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.

♦Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.

•See inside the back cover to determine the approximate slope angle of the area to be mowed.

•Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water. This area can be dangerous, see Figure 1.

Figure 1

•Progressively greater care is needed as the slope increases.

•Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly off the slope.

•Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. Mower may tip backwards.

•Be aware that loss of traction may occur going downhill. Weight transfer to the front wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking and steering.

•Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change the operating angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.

•Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Use extreme care with grass catchers or attachments. These can change the stability of the machine and cause loss of control.

•Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

1.4.5A Rollover Protection System (roll bar) is installed on the unit.