Ransomes ZT220D W/61 Safety & Operation Manual page 7

ZT 220D
Series
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 down.
Mowing slopes
Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and
tipover accidents that sometimes lead to severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra caution.
– Do not mow on slopes if uneasy or uncertain.
Ultimate reponsibility for safe operation on
slopes rests with the operator.
– Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
– With ride-on machines, mow up and down
slopes, not across, except for zero turn
machines. Zero turn machines should mow
across slopes.
– With walk-behind machines, always 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 slpoes 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.
– Avoid driving over ruts, holes, rocks and roots
whenever possible. Be alert to dips and rises.
Uneven terrain can overturn a mower or cause it
to slide.
– 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.
Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS)
– A Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) for this
tractor is available as an optional accessory.
Seat belts must be worn whenever a ROPS is
installed on the tractor. Always keep seat belt
snugly adjusted. DO NOT use seat belts on a
tractor without a ROPS.
– If a ROPS is installed and the tractor is
overturning, hold onto the steering wheel. Do
not attempt to jump out or leave the seat.
SAFETY
WARNING
GB-5