Slope Operation - Ferris FS3200 Operator's Manual

How to measure the slope of a lawn surface with a
smartphone or an angle finder tool:
WARNING
Do not operate on slopes greater than 8 degrees.
1. Use a straight edge at least two (2) feet long (A, Figure
2). A 2x4 or a straight piece of metal works well.
2. Angle finder tools.
a. Use your smartphone: Many smartphones (B,
Figure 2) have an inclinometer (angle finder) located
under the compass application (app). Or, search an
app store for an Inclinometer app.
b. Use angle finder tools: Angle finder tools (C & D,
Figure 2) are available at local hardware stores or
online (also called inclinometer, protractor, angle
meter, or angle gauge). Dial type (C) or digital type
(D) work, others may not. Follow user instructions
with the angle finder tool.
3. Place the two (2) feet long straight edge along the
steepest part of the lawn slope. Place the board up and
down the slope.
4. Lay the smartphone or angle finder tool on the straight
edge and read the angle in degrees. This is the slope of
your lawn.
Note: A paper gauge slope identification guide is
included in your product literature packet and is also
available to download from the manufacturer's website
(ferrismowers.com).

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to 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 drive on it.
DANGER
LOSS OF CONTROL
Operating on slopes can be hazardous and cause loss of
control.
• Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• If machine stops forward motion on a slope, stop. Get
off and walk the machine slowly off the slope.
• Go across slopes, NOT up and down.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when grass is wet.
• Do NOT operate on slopes over 8* degrees.
• Reduce your speed and minimize the weight of your
load (in the hopper) when operating on hills or rough
terrain to avoid possible instability, tipping or rollover of
the machine.
*This limit was determined per International Standard ISO 5395-3:2013,
Section 4.6 and is based on the ISO 5395-3 Stability Test procedure
described in Annex A. The 8 degree "limit of stability" is equal to 60%
of the angle at which machine lift-off occurred in static tests. Actual
dynamic stability may vary depending on operating conditions.
DANGER
DANGER
Wet or soft slopes hazard:
• Wet or soft slopes can cause sliding and loss of control.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when grass is wet. Tires
may lose traction and cause sliding and loss of control.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when soil is soft (such as
after heavy rains). Tires may lose traction and cause
sliding and loss of control
DANGER
DANGER
Water, retaining walls, and drop-off hazard:
• Wheels dropping over edges may result in serious
injury, death, and drowning.
• Do NOT operate near water, retaining walls, drop-offs,
or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over
if a wheel goes over the edge or the edge breaks away.
• Reduce your speed when operating over rough terrain
or near these hazards.
• Give yourself a minimum of two machine widths of
clearance around these hazards.
Do:
• Operate across slopes, NOT up and down.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will
not have to stop or change speed while on the slope.
• Use extra care with accessories. These can change the
stability of the unit.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Do NOT:
• Avoid starting, stopping, turning on a slope. If tires lose
traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a slope),
stop. Get off and walk the machine slowly off the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never operate
straight down slopes.
• Do not operate near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance or machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel
is over the edge of a cliff for ditch, or if an edge caves
in.
• Do not operate on wet grass. Reduced footing or
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on the
ground (ride-on units).
• Do not operate on excessively steep slopes.
• Do not operate on slopes if you cannot back up them.
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