▲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 tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
▲Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments, water, and other types of hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to avoid the ground from breaking away. This will reduce the risk of the machine suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death.
▲Use a walk behind, push mower or hand-held trimmer on slopes and near drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments and water to avoid machine rollover and serious injury or death.
▲Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce traction which could cause sliding and loss of control.
▲Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
▲Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
▲If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on slopes, disengage the blades, place the control levers in the park brake position, turn the engine off and get help.
▲Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direction, especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steering is designed for sensitive response. Rapid movement of the control levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious injury.
▲Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This action may result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious physical injury.
▲The Hustler mower is capable of operating horizontally (traverse) on moderately steep slopes. When operating on slopes up to 15 degrees, be aware of any conditions that may cause the tractor drive tires to lose traction resulting in a possible loss of control of the machine. An operator should not operate on a slope until he is thoroughly familiar with the equipment.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Refer to Figure 2-1, page 7, when determining the degree of slope to be mowed.
IMPORTANT: The Hustler ATZ only, is capable of operating on slopes of 15 degrees or more (maximum 25 degrees). Do not operate the Hustler ATZ on slopes greater than 25 degrees.
Refer to Figure 2-1, page 7 when determining the degree of slope to be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the machine off of the slope, using extreme caution, if any sign of loss of traction is detected. 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 possible loss of control of the machine. Some of the conditions 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
7.Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the tractor will also affect the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each attachment’s characteristics vary.
Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of steering control.
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 caution 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 operating on any slope.
▲When operating on terrain where there is a potential for a roll over, it is important that a ROPS be installed on the equipment. The ROPS will minimize chance of injury or death from rollover. Seat belt must be fastened while operating a machine equipped with ROPS. Failure to use seat belt will result in serious injury in the event of a roll over.
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.
▲Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to operate the tractor while it is unattended. Always disengage deck clutch, place control levers in park brake position, stop tractor engine, and remove ignition key when leaving operator’s seat.
▲Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
▲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 blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.
▲Never allow children to operate the machine.
▲Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
▲Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may obscure vision.
