Slope Identification Guide; Slope Operation - Ferris Rover Series Operator's Manual

Slope Identification Guide

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How to measure the slope of a lawn surface with a
smartphone or an angle finder tool:
WARNING
Do not operate on slopes greater than 8 degrees.
1. Use a straight edge at least two (2) feet long (A, Figure
2). A 2x4 or a straight piece of metal works well.
2. Angle finder tools.
a. Use your smartphone: Many smartphones (B,
Figure 2) have an inclinometer (angle finder) located
under the compass application (app). Or, search an
app store for an Inclinometer app.
b. Use angle finder tools: Angle finder tools (C & D,
Figure 2) are available at local hardware stores or
online (also called inclinometer, protractor, angle
meter, or angle gauge). Dial type (C) or digital type
(D) work, others may not. Follow user instructions
with the angle finder tool.
3. Place the two (2) feet long straight edge along the
steepest part of the lawn slope. Place the board up and
down the slope.
4. Lay the smartphone or angle finder tool on the straight
edge and read the angle in degrees. This is the slope of
your lawn.
Note: A paper gauge slope identification guide is included
in your product literature packet and is also available to
download from the manufacturer's website.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it, do not drive on it.
DANGER
LOSS OF CONTROL
Tipping Hazard: Operating on slopes can be hazardous and
cause loss of control.
• Do NOT operate on slopes over 8° degrees.
• Go across slopes, NOT up and down.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when grass is wet.
• Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Reduce your speed and minimize the weight of your
load in the hopper to half capacity when operating on
hills or rough terrain to avoid possible instability, tipping
or rollover of the machine.
• Avoid turning down slopes; if possible turn up slopes.
DANGER
Wet or soft slope hazard
• Wet or soft slopes can cause sliding and loss of control
• Do NOT operate on slopes when grass is wet. Tires
may lose traction and cause sliding and loss of control.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when soil is soft (such as
after heavy rains). Tires may lose traction and cause
sliding and loss of control.
DANGER
Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a
common hazard.
• Do NOT operate down slopes towards or near water,
retaining walls, or dropoffs.
• Give yourself a minimum of two machine widths of
clearance around these hazards.
• Wheels dropping over retaining walls, edges, ditches,
embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, which
may result in serious injury, death, or drowning.
• Reduce your speed when operating over rough terrain
or near these hazards.
• This machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over an edge or if the edge breaks away.
Do:
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will
not have to stop or change speed while on the slope.
• Use extra care with accessories. These can change the
stability of the unit.
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