Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor in slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope; 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
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 wheels lose traction, disengage the blade and, using extreme caution, proceed slowly off the slope.
Do not mow near
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
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
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 children present.
Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to operate the mower while it is unattended. Always release blade lever and drive clutch lever and set the throttle lever to the “STOP” position before leaving machine for any reason.
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 blade 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 or block your view of a child.
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