Stihl RT 5097 Instruction Manual page 16

A slope inclination of 10° corresponds to a
vertical height increase of 17.6 cm for a
100 cm horizontal distance.
In order to ensure an adequate oil supply
for the engine, the information in the
accompanying engine instruction manual
must be additionally observed when using
the machine on slopes.
If you cannot drive up the slope in reverse
or if you have doubts regarding safety, you
should not drive on the slope.
Starting off or stopping on a gradient must
be avoided.
Do not use the machine in places (slopes,
ditches, etc.) where the ride-on mower can
tip over or slide. The danger of tipping over
or sliding increases if the ground is soft or
damp.
Slopes must be driven on in a longitudinal
direction. Driving transversely increases
the danger of tipping over.
Do not change speed or direction abruptly
when driving on slopes. Work in this type
of situation requires calm, cautious and
even operation of the ride-on mower.
Changes of direction on slopes must be
avoided. Only turn on slopes if this is
unavoidable. If possible, drive slowly and
in a large curve in the down-slope
direction.
14
Do not mow wet grass, particularly on
slopes, as wheel grip is reduced on wet
grass. The ride-on mower could slide and
become uncontrollable for the user.
The gearbox must never be disengaged
via the gearbox freewheel when driving on
slopes.
Special care must be taken when
operating attachments on slopes (altered
weight distribution of the machine).
If the wheels should start to slip or if the
vehicle becomes stuck in the up-slope
direction when driving on an incline, the
mowing blades or the attachment must be
disengaged. Then leave the slope by
driving slowly downhill in a straight line.
Never try to stabilise the ride-on mower by
pressing on the ground with your foot.
The weight of the grass catcher box
increases the danger of the ride-on mower
tipping over, particularly when it is full.
Never empty or lift the grass catcher box
on an incline.
Pulling loads:
Particular care must be taken when pulling
loads, in order to prevent the risk of severe
or even fatal injuries due to the ride-on
mower tipping over.
Only use accessories approved by STIHL
for transporting objects. Transportation on
the ride-on mower, in or on the grass
catcher box is not permitted.
For pulling loads, use only the trailer hitch.
Loads must never be attached to the axle
housing or to another point above the
trailer hitch.
Please refer to the section "Pulling loads"
for information on pulled and coupling
loads. ( 13.11)
Exceeding the specified pulled load is
dangerous and may result in damage to
the machine (engine, gearbox, etc.).
When transporting on slopes, the loads
must be adapted so that safe handling of
the ride-on mower (e.g. braking, change of
direction, starting off) is ensured at all
times.
Check whether loads are properly and
securely fastened. Use lashing straps for
securing loads.
Ensure balanced load distribution.
Use suitable additional weights
(accessories) if this is described in the
instruction manual for the attachment.
Do not execute tight curves. Particular
care must be taken when reversing.
Do not change speed or direction abruptly.
Stopping and parking:
The ride-on mower must only be parked on
a level surface.
Make sure that the ride-on mower has
come to a complete standstill before you
dismount.
Beware of the cutting tool
running on for several seconds
before coming to a standstill.
Before leaving the driver's seat,
disengage the mowing blades
or the drive to the attachments, lower the
mowing deck and all attachments, set all
control levers to the neutral position,
engage the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove the ignition key.
Keep the ignition key in a place where only
authorised persons can access it.
0478 192 9809 A - EN