Slope Operation - HUSTLER TrimStar Operator's Manual

ing, being careful not to touch the hot engine or muffler.
Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area. Never use
your hand!
 Do not operate the machine if you are fatigued, sick or
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are
pregnant or under 18 years old. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
 Poor posture or operating the mower for extended periods
of time may lead to fatigue or injury, resulting in loss of
mower control. Occasionally, stop the mower to stretch
and relax.
 Exercise caution when loading or unloading the machine
onto a trailer or truck.
 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.
 If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the
rear of the unit, any sudden movement of the H-Bar han-
dle could cause the front of mower to come off of the
ground resulting in possible loss of control and serious
injury.
 The use of any other manufacturer's attachments, includ-
ing stand-up sulkies, increases the risk of operator injury,
therefore, extreme caution must be exercised when using
these devises.
 Never cover the machine with a tarp or cover of some
type until the engine and muffler have cooled.
 Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent
fires by keeping engine compartment, exhaust area,
battery (if applicable), fuel line and fuel tank clean of
accumulated trash, grass clippings, and other debris.
Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.

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 up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it; do not mow it.
 Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope.
Slow down.
• Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.
• Do not operate the TrimStar mower on slopes when
using a stand-up sulky.
 Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on the
H-Bar handle and walk - never run.
 Block or chock the machine when parked on a slope or
when trailering.
 Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. 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 blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
REV C
 Never operate the machine on a slope from a position
below the mower.
 Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding which can cause the operator to slip and fall.
 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 machine. 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 Slope Guide, page 3-5, when determining the
degree of slope to be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the
machine 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 machine. 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
6. Extremely dry conditions of grass
7. Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the mower will also affect
the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each
attachment's characteristics vary.
Another consideration to safe mowing on slopes is to be
aware of what is located at the bottom of the slope.
Extreme caution should be used when there is a hazard
located at the bottom of the slope. Some examples are:
1. Water; i.e. lake, river
2. Cliffs, retaining walls
3. Roads, highways
4. Buildings
5. Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when caution
must be used when operating on a slope. There are many
other possibilities too numerous to mention. Just
remember to always exercise extreme caution when
operating on any slope.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
 Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in
switch, especially with children present.
 Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or
attempt to operate the mower while it is unattended.
Always disengage deck clutch, place H-Bar steering in
neutral, move neutral lock/park brake lever to the park
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