SLOPE OPERATION

Safety Rules and Information

WARNING

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over

Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent

accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on

all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or

(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in

if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it.

 

 

20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.

Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a slope will

When operating on slopes use additional wheel

weights or counterweights. See your dealer/retailer to

not be regained by the application of the brake. The main reasons

determine which weights are available and appropriate

for loss of control are: insufficient tire grip on the ground, speed too

for your unit.

fast, inadequate braking, the type of machine is unsuitable for its

Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope. In

task, lack of awareness of the ground conditions, incorrect hitching

addition to front weights, use extra caution when

and load distribution.

 

 

 

 

operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass catchers.

1.

Mow up and down slopes, not across.

 

 

 

 

Mow UP and DOWN the slope, never across the face,

2.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn

3.

the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

 

 

use caution when changing directions and DO NOT

Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop or

START OR STOP ON SLOPE.

4.

change speeds while on the slope.

 

 

 

Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may loose traction.

 

 

5.

Always keep unit in gear especially when traveling down

 

6.

slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

 

 

Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires lose

 

 

and back down slowly. Avoid suddenReproductionturns.2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index

 

traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight

CHILDREN

7.

down the slope.

 

 

Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make

T agic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the

 

sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the

p esence of ch ldren. Children are often attracted to the unit and

8.

machine to rollover.

 

 

the mowing ac v y. Never assume that children will remain where

Use extra care while operating machines with grass catchers

y u last saw hem.

 

or other attachments; they can affect the stabili y of he unit.

1. Keep h ldren out of the mowing area and under the watchful

9.

Do not use on steeps slopes.

ur f

forare of ano her responsible adult.

Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting y

n he

2. Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.

 

ground (ride-on units).

 

 

3. Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down

10.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The

for small children.

 

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is ver the edge of

4. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They may fall

 

a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

 

 

off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe unit operation.

11.

Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.

 

 

Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly

12.

Do not mow slopes you cannot backNotup them.

13.

See your authorized dealer/retailer for recommendati

ns f

appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or

 

wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

 

backed over by the machine.

 

 

5. Never allow children to operate the unit.

14.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

 

 

6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,

15.

Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slo

s v

n

or other objects that may obscure vision.

16.

through the brakes are functioning prop rly.

n, turn slowly

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and th

EMISSIONS

17.

and gradually downhill, if possible.

 

 

Four Wheel Drive Models: Four Wheel Drive improves access

1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known,

 

to dangerously sloped terrain, increasing the possibility of roll-

in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

 

over. If the machine stops while going uphill, stop the blades

reproductive harm.

information on the engine emissions label.

TOWED EQUIPMENT (RIDE-ON UNITS)

1.Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

2.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3.Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4.On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5.Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6.Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.

IGNITION SYSTEM

1. This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002.

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