the mower safely enough to protect themselves and oth- ers from serious injury.

Never cover the machine with a tarp or cover of some type until the engine and muffler have cooled.

Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by keeping the top of the unit, engine compart- ment and exhaust area clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.

Slope operation

Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on it; do not mow it.

Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.

Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope. Slow down.

Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip. Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk - never run.

Block or chock the machine when parked on a slope or when trailering.

Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If traction is lost, disengage the cutting reel drive and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

Never operate the machine on a slope fro a position below the mower!

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

The Model 50 Greens Mower is capable of driving on slopes up to 15 degrees, when the transport wheels are attached. Be aware of any conditions that may cause the transport wheels to lose traction resulting in possible loss of control of the machine. Operators should not operate on a slope until they are thoroughly familiar with the equipment.

Do not attempt to transport or operate the mower without the transport wheel on slopes greater than 10 degrees.

Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Refer to Slope Guide, page 2-5, when determining the degree of slope to be mowed.

If loss of traction is detected, when operating on a slope, cautiously drive the machine off the slope. Wait until the condition that caused the problem is resolved before attempting to operate on the slope again.

Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in pos- sible loss of control of the machine. Some of the condi- tions to be aware of are:

1. Wet terrain

2. Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts, washouts

3. Mounds of dirt

4. Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay

5.Grass type, density, and height

6.Extremely dry conditions of grass

Another consideration to safe mowing on slopes is to

be aware of what is located at the bottom of the slope. Extreme caution should be used when there is a hazard located at the bottom of the slope. Some examples are:

1.Water; i.e. lake, river

2.Cliffs, retaining walls

3.Roads, highways

4.Buildings

5.Rocks

These are just a few examples of situations when cau- tion must be used when operating on a slope. There are many other possibilities too numerous to mention. Just remember to always exercise extreme caution when oper- ating on any slope.

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.

Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in switch, especially with children present.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the opera- tor.

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

Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

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

Never allow children to operate the machine.

Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may obscure vision.

Controls

A.Ignition switch (Fig. 3-1)This two position switch allows the operator to shut the engine off at the operating position. The RUN position allows the engine to be started and to run. The OFF position will shut off the engine.

B.Throttle control (Fig. 3-1)The throttle control lever is mounted off the RH operator handle. This lever controls the engine speed via a cable. Push the lever forward to increase engine speed and pull it rearward to decrease engine speed.

C.Cutting reel drive lever (Fig. 3-1)This lever engages the cutting reel. Push the lever forward to engage the cutting reel and pull it back to disengage the cutting reel. NOTE: The cutting reel will rotate ONLY when the traction drive is engaged.

D.Traction drive lever (Fig. 3-1)This lever engages the traction drive. Push the lever forward to engage the traction drive, and pull it back to disengage the traction drive. NOTE: If cutting reel drive lever is in the engaged position, the cutting reel will begin rotating

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Hustler Turf 50 owner manual Slope operation, Children, Controls