Simplicity 24HP manual Safety Rules and Information, Slope Operation

Safety

Safety Rules and Information

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it.

Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake. The main reasons for loss of control are: insufficient tire grip on the ground, speed too fast, inadequate braking, the type of machine is unsuitable for its task, lack of awareness of the ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.

1.Mow across slopes, not up and down.

2.Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3.Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop or change speeds while on the slope.

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

5.Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off the slope.

6.Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to rollover.

7.Use extra care while operating machines with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the unit. Do not use on steeps slopes.

8.Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground (ride-on units).

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

10.Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.

11.Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.

12.See your authorized dealer/retailer for recommendations of wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

13.Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

14.Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

15.Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never mow down slopes.

WARNING

Never operate on slopes greater than 15° which is a rise of 5.4 feet (1,6 m) vertically in 20 feet (6 m) horizontally.

Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope. Use extra caution when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass catchers.

Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down,use caution when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.

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. See attaching a trailer under OPERATION.

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.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

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

3.Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down for small children.

4.Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe unit 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.

5.Never allow children to operate the unit.

6.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

EMISSIONS

1.Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

2.Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index information on the engine emissions label.

IGNITION SYSTEM

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

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