Gravely Pro-Walk 36 Operator's Manual page 9

Operating Conditions
Lightning can cause severe injury or death.
If lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the
area, DO NOT operate the machine; seek
shelter.
ALWAYS check overhead and side
clearances carefully before operation.
Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
Prior to operation, ensure the area is cleared
of objects such as rocks, wire, toys, etc.,
which could be thrown by the blades.
Check for weak spots on docks, ramps or
floors. Avoid uneven work areas and rough
terrain. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
traffic.
Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and
cause an accident.
Only operate in good light, keeping away
from holes and hidden hazards.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. Operation on
all slopes requires extra caution. If you
cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, DO NOT mow it.
DO NOT operate on slopes of more than
20°. This maximum degree of operation is
without attachments.
Do not operate on slopes of more than 10°
with attachments such as grass catchers
installed.
Mow across slopes, not up and down.
DO NOT operate the mower on slopes at all
when the grass is wet.
DO NOT operate on slopes steeper than
you can feel secure about the traction of the
tires and the stability of the mower.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
Do not mow on moist or wet grass. Tires
may lose traction causing a loss of control.
Use extra care while operating machine with
grass catchers or other attachments; they
can affect the stability of the machine. Do
not use on steep slopes.
Slow down and use caution when making
turns and when changing directions on
slopes. Keep all movements on the slope
slow and gradual. Sudden changes in speed
or direction could cause the machine to roll
over.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage
the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
Operation on slopes may lead to loss of
steering control. When operating on slopes
be prepared to react to an emergency
situation:
• Return drive control grip to neutral
position.
• Immediately engage parking brake.
• Turn off PTO and engine.
DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary.
When parking on slope ALWAYS chock or
block wheels. ALWAYS engage parking
brake.
Choose a slow ground speed so you will not
have to stop or shift while on a slope.
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides.
Be sure to travel in the recommended
direction on hillsides. Turf conditions can
affect the machine's stability. Use caution
while operating near drop-offs.
DO NOT operate near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. Unit can suddenly turn over if
a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.
DO NOT bypass transmission or allow
transmission to free-wheel when on a slope.
Fuel
To avoid personal injury or property damage,
use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
Ethanol blends must not exceed E10. Higher
ethanol content may cause your
machine to run hotter and damage your
engine.
Secure fuel cap and clean up spilled fuel
before starting engine.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
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