WARNING
Operation In Reverse
Keep both feet on the foot platform at all times. 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 near the wheels or the mower deck to prevent serious personal injury. The control system is equipped with a return to neutral from reverse spring. This is to aid the operator in returning the mower to neutral after a reverse maneuver.
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 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.
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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 to shift 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:
•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.
When crossing a slope sideways, your mower has the average amount of weight on the drive wheels versus the front wheels, similar to level ground. However, this angle leaves the least weight on the higher side drive wheel, tending to make it slip. This is the preferred angle for mowing large areas of gentle slopes.
Recommendations for this angle:
•Sit back, as far as you can on the seat. This adds weight to the rear drive wheels and will allow you to mow more quickly across the slope without sliding. Remember it is recommended that operators weigh at least 120 pounds and not more than 300 pounds. These are general guidelines only. The mower function and comfort will vary
