mower operates. Do not operate the mower faster than conditions allow. For example, hills, wet or bumpy ground, dim light or high grass are all conditions requiring slower speeds. Never operate the mower at the highest speed unless you are on level, wide, open areas of clearly visible ground or transporting on paved areas. Speeding with any mower is dangerous, and so is traveling faster than conditions should permit on this mower. Sudden stops from excessive speed or falling off the mower may cause serious injury or death.
WARNING
Operation In Reverse
Always keep a firm grip on the mower stationary handlebar with both hands. Keep both feet firmly on the foot platform. Look behind you before backing to prevent injuring yourself or anyone behind you. Operate the mower very slowly, inching it backward until you become familiar with how the mower operates. Always operate slowly if in an awkward location or position. While backing up never place your foot or feet on the ground near the back edge of the mower to prevent serious personal injury if the mower were to run over you.
WARNING
Zero-Radius Turn Operation
During
WARNING
Operation on Slopes
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Do not operate the mower on slopes steeper than you
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can feel secure about the traction of the tires and the stability of the mower. Do not operate the mower on slopes at all when the grass is wet. There is a danger of suddenly sliding sideways or down the hill. When operating on a slope, travel across the grade whenever possible, not in an up or down pattern. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control. Be especially cautious when changing direction on slopes. Heavier operators may consider obtaining the optional weight bar, which is designed to add weight to the front of the machine.
When pointing up a slope, your mower has the most weight on the drive wheels and therefore the most traction at the tires. However, this is the angle that it has the most tendency to tip back (“pop a wheelie.”) This is the preferred angle for mowing small areas of steeper slopes.
Recommendations for this angle:
•Lean as far forward as possible and stand if necessary to add your weight to the front of the mower.
•Accelerate gently. Do not accelerate quickly to avoid “popping a wheelie”.
•If backing down the hill, do not stop suddenly but slow down gradually.
When pointing down a slope, your mower has the least weight on the rear drive wheels and therefore the least traction at the tires. This is the angle that the mower has the most tendency to slide. However, this is the angle that it has the least tendency to tip back. Avoid this angle, as it has the least advantage for your mower.
Recommendations for this angle:
•Stretch your arms out straight while holding onto the stationary handlebar and sit back as far as you can on the seat. This adds more of your body weight to the drive wheels for more traction.
•Do not change speed suddenly to minimize the tendency of going into a slide. Accelerate and decelerate gently. If you ever go into an uncontrolled slide while pointing down a slope the recommended procedure is to let go of the handles and jump off if necessary. Otherwise, control the mower gently and stay off slopes that tend to make the wheels slide.
