Using A Ramp; Slope Operation - HUSTLER Zeon Owner's Manual

operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.
V Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
V If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the
rear of the unit, any rapid movement of the steering con-
trol levers in either direction could result in a reaction of
the machine that can cause serious injury.
V Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent
fires by keeping battery compartment, deck and oper-
ator's station clean of accumulated trash, grass clip-
pings, and other debris.

Using a ramp

V Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a unit
onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.
V 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 machine tipping over.
V Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and
the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.
V When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration

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. REMINDER: Only
operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.
V 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.
• Turn slowly
• Turn on the most level part of the slope
• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the
machine 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.
V Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
V Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
V Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
V Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
V Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac-
tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
V Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet, 3.05 meters)
away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches,
embankments, 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
machine suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or
death.
V 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 machine roll-
over and serious injury or death.
V Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding and loss of steering control.
V Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction and control.
V Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
V If the mower's tires lose traction when operating on
slopes, disengage the deck clutch, place the steering con-
trol levers in the park brake position, turn the key to the
OFF position and get help.
V Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direc-
tion, especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steer-
ing is designed for sensitive response. Rapid movement
of the steering control levers in either direction could
result in a reaction of the machine that can cause serious
injury.
V Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This
action may result in a reaction of the machine that can
cause serious physical injury.
V The Hustler
®
(traverse) on moderate 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 2-7, 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 condi-
tion that caused the problem is resolved before attempt-
ing to operate on the slope again.
Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in pos-
sible loss of control of the machine. Some of the condi-
tions 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 is to always mow a safe dis-
tance (minimum of 10 feet 3.05 meters) away from drop-
offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments,
water, and other types of hazards to avoid a wheel drop-
ping over the edge or to avoid the ground from breaking
away and always be aware of what is located at the bot-
tom of the slope. This will reduce the risk of the machine
suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death.
3-2
mower is capable of operating horizontally
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