Slope Operation - Cub Cadet Pro Z SurePath Auto Steer Series Operator's Manual

30. Never attempt to operate the machine without the mowing deck attached; the
machine could tip over.
31. Keep the machine and especially the engine exhaust system and hydraulic
components clean and free of grease, grass, and leaves to reduce the potential for
overheating and fire.
32. Allow the machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
33. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine
manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all instructions provided with the
approved accessory or attachment.
34. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related injuries. Operators should evaluate their
ability to operate this machine safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
35. Do not operate or start machine if there are fuel or oil leaks; repair immediately.
36. When looking for oil leaks, never run your hand over hydraulic hoses, lines, or
fittings. Never tighten or adjust hydraulic hoses, lines, or fittings while the system
is under pressure. If high-pressure oil penetrates the skin seek immediate medical
attention or gangrene and permanent damage may result. Do not check for
hydraulic leaks with your hands, use paper or cardboard instead. Wear gloves and
safety glasses when checking for leaks.
37. Do not operate machines that have been damaged or have not been properly
maintained. If the machine has been damaged, then have it repaired.
38. When operating this machine in the forward direction, do not allow the speed
control levers/pedals to return to the neutral position on their own. Always
operate them smoothly and avoid any sudden movements of the levers/pedals
when starting or stopping.
39. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual use care and good
judgement. Contact your customer service representative for assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents that 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 or drive on the slope.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure
slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater
than 20° (35%) as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.
Do:
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that you will not have to stop
while on the slope. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to
maintain traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and carefully straight
down the slope.
4. Keep all movements on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes
in speed or direction. Rapid acceleration could cause the front of the machine to
lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which could cause serious injury or death.
5. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
6. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the
stability of the machine.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
3
Do Not:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly uphill and use extra care
while turning.
2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
3. Do not operate on slopes or near the edge of water such as a lake, pond, river, or
stream where the machine could slip, tip or roll over into the water.
4. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
5. Use extra care while operating mower with grass catcher or other attachment(s).
They can affect the stability of the mower. Do not use grass catcher on slopes
greater than 10° (17%).
6. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding and/or loss
of control.
7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller,
etc.) on slopes greater than 5° (9%). When going downhill, the extra weight
tends to push the machine and may cause loss of traction and loss of control (e.g.
machine may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may
jackknife and cause machine to overturn).
SLOPE GAUGE (BACK COVER)
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on
the slope, do not mow it. Do not mow on slopes greater than 20° (35%). Do
not mow up and down slopes, only mow across slopes.
USE THE SLOPE GAUGE ON THE BACK COVER AS SHOWN TO DETERMINE IF A SLOPE IS
TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!
To check the slope, proceed as follows:
1. Open manual to the back cover and fold along the dashed line.
2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence,
tree, etc.).
3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object.
4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope.
5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation.
CHILDREN
1. 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. They do not
understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a
responsible adult other than the operator.
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
c. Always look behind and down for small children. Use slow speed.
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run
into the path of the machine.
f. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage blades before traveling
in reverse.
WARNING