Using A Ramp; Slope Operation - HUSTLER Diesel Z Operator's Manual

 Exercise extreme caution when loading or unloading the
mower onto a trailer or truck.
 Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating the mower.
 Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.
 Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
 If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the
rear of the unit, any rapid movement of the control levers
in either direction could result in a reaction of the mower
that can cause serious injury.
 Clean flammable material from mower. Prevent fires
by keeping the engine compartment, top of the deck,
exhaust area, battery, fuel line, fuel tank and opera-
tor's station clean of accumulated trash, grass clip-
pings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel
and oil.
 Prevent fires by keeping the engine and exhaust areas
clear of grass clippings and other debris. Do not back
mower into flammable materials.
 Always secure the ROPS in the raised position and
buckle the seat belt before starting mower.

Using a Ramp

 Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a
mower onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.
 Use only a single, full width ramp; do not use individual
ramps for each side of the unit. Having a full width ramp
provides a surface for the mower frame to contact if the
unit starts to tip backwards. It also reduces the risk of a
wheel going off and the mower tipping over.
 Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and
the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.
 Avoid sudden acceleration when on a ramp.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back the mower
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope; do not mow it.
REMINDER: Only operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.
 Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a
slope. Slow down.
• Do not operate where the mower could slip or tip.
• Turn slowly.
• Turn on the most level part of the slope.
• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of
the mower uphill, rather than downhill. If drive
tires lose traction, steering control is lost which
could cause serious injury or death.
• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn
slowly and gradually, if possible.
 Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
REV F
 Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the mower. 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 tires lose trac-
tion, disengage the mower blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
 Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from
drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embank-
ments, water, and other types of hazards to avoid a wheel
dropping over the edge or to avoid the ground from
breaking away. This will reduce the risk of the mower
suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death.
 Use a walk-behind, push mower or hand-held trimmer on
slopes and near drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage
ditches, embankments and water to avoid mower rollover
and serious injury or death.
 Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce
traction which could cause sliding and loss of control.
 Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
 Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on
the ground.
 If the mower's tires lose traction when operating on
slopes, disengage the blades, place the control levers in
the park brake position, stop the engine, remove the igni-
tion switch key, and get help.
 Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reversals of
direction, especially when maneuvering on slopes. The
steering is designed for sensitive response. Rapid move-
ment of the control levers in either direction could result
in a reaction of the mower that can cause serious injury.
 Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This
action may result in a reaction of the mower that can
cause serious physical injury.
 The Hustler
mower is capable of operating horizontally
®
(traverse) on moderately steep slopes. When operating on
slopes up to 15 degrees, be aware of any conditions that
may cause the mower drive tires to lose traction resulting
in a possible loss of control of the mower. An operator
should not operate on a slope until he is thoroughly
familiar with the equipment.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Refer to the Slope Guide, when determining the degree of
slope to be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the
mower off of the slope, using extreme caution, if any sign
of loss of traction is detected. Wait until the condition
that caused the problem is resolved before attempting to
operate on the slope again.
Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in possible
loss of control of the mower. 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
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