SAFETY

WOODS

MANEUVERING SAFELY

In general

-Slow down before turning.

-Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look behind and down for small children and pets before and during backing.

-Be aware when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, tall grass or other objects that may obscure vision.

-If tires lose traction, disengage the blades. If on a slope, head downhill.

Mowing slopes

WARNING

Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip over accidents that sometimes lead to severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution.

-Do not mow on slopes if uneasy or uncertain. Ultimate responsibility for safe operation on slopes rests with the operator.

-Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

-On zero turn machines, mow across slopes, not up and down.

-Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

-With a zero turn machine, if tires lose traction going down a slope, steering control may be regained by speeding up.

-Mid-mount zero turns (belly mounted deck) have much greater traction pointed up slope than down slope. Be aware that traction may be lost going down a slope. Do not operate a mid-mount zero turn on slopes it cannot back up.

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

-Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then turn slowly and downhill when possible.

-Stay away from slopes if the ground is loose or if caught in the rain during mowing.

-Use lower speeds on a slope to avoid stopping or shifting.

-Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

-Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs etc.

-Avoid driving over obstacles such as ruts, holes, rocks and roots whenever possible. Be alert to dips and rises. Uneven terrain can overturn a mower or cause it to slide. Tall grasses can hide obstacles.

-Do not mow dropoffs, ditches or embankments. The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel runs over the edge or an edge caves in.

-Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

-Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

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Woods Equipment CZR2242B, CZR2652B manual Mowing slopes, Maneuvering Safely