Energizer EZ40VTDE46TC User Manual page 17

6.7 SLOPE GAUGE
WARNING:
Slopes are a major factor related to accidents involving slips and falls, which can result in severe injury.
Operating the mower on a slope requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your
safety, use the slope gauge that is included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit
on a sloped or hilly area.

Mow across the face of a slope, and never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on a slope.

Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps that may cause a slip or a trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

Always be sure of your footing. If you feel like you are losing your balance, release the blade motor control
handle immediately. The blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments, because you could lose your footing or balance.

Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15° , as determined using the slope gauge.

Do not mow wet or damp grass. Unstable footing can cause slipping.
WARNING:
Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15° (a rise of approximately 2 1/2 feet [.75m] every 10
feet [3m]). Mow across the face of a slope, and never up and down.
6.8 MOWING TIPS
NOTE: A sharp blade will greatly enhance the performance of the mower, especially when cutting high
grass. Be sure to check the blade and to sharpen it at least once per year, as described in the maintenance
section.

Verify that the lawn is free of stones, sticks, wires, and other objects that could damage the blades or the
motor. These objects could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and could cause serious
personal injury to the operator and to others. In order to prevent electric shock, do not operate the mower
in damp or wet conditions.

Do not mow in circles. Travel back and forth across the lawn.

When cutting thick grass, reduce walking speed in order to allow for a more effective cut and a proper
discharge of the clippings.

For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less of the total length of the grass. The average lawn
should be approximately 1" to 2" (2.5 to 5cm) long during cool months, and between 2" to 3 1/4" (5cm to
8.3cm) long during hot months. If there is growth, the lawn should be cut in the fall.
6.9 MULCHING TIPS
NOTE: Inspect the area where the mower is to be used, and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, and other
debris that might be thrown by the rotating blade.

Release the bail lever to turn the mower OFF when crossing any graveled area (stones can be thrown by
the blade).

Set mower to the highest cutting height when mowing on uneven ground or in tall weeds.

For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass, because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck,
preventing proper mulching of grass clippings. New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. The ground
speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has been delayed and the grass has
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