Slope Operation - Scag Power Equipment LYBERTY Z SZL-36H-18FR Operator's Manual

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4.8 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 can
not back up a slope or feel uneasy, do not mow it.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. To check a
slope, attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck
down). If the machine can back up the slope
without the wheels slipping, reduce speed and
use extreme caution. Under no circumstances
should the machine be operated on slopes
greater than 15 degrees. See Figure 2-2, Page 11
to help determine approximate slope of area to
be mowed. ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED
OPERATION.
1. This mower has been designed for good traction and
stability under normal mowing conditions. However,
caution must be used when traveling on slopes,
especially when the grass is wet.
2. DO NOT mow wet grass. Wet grass reduces traction
and steering control.
3. Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,
ditches, water and retaining walls.
4. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
5. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
6. Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to
stop while on a slope.
7. Some areas may need to be mowed with a walk-
behind mower or string trimmer.
8. To prevent tipping or loss of control, do not start or
stop suddenly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel
at reduced speed. If tires lose traction, disengage
blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
9. Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. Sudden
starts may cause the machine to tip backwards.
10. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
11. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or
direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.
12. Loss of traction may occur when traveling down hill.
Weight transfers to the front of the machine and
may cause the drive wheels to slip causing loss of
braking or steering.
13. Keep tires properly inflated.
14. Use caution when operating the mower on an incline
with the optional grass catcher or other attachments
installed. They can affect the stability of the machine.
Do not use on steep slopes.
15. DO NOT stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
WARNING
Reduce speed when turning, operating on slopes,
slick or wet surfaces. Allow extra distance to stop.
DO NOT mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The machine could suddenly roll
over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge
caves in.
Operate the machine smoothly, no sudden turns,
starts or stops on a slope.
NEVER tow on slopes. The weight of the towed
equipment may cause loss of traction and loss
of control.
DO NOT permit untrained personnel to operate
the machine.
Be cautious when loading and unloading onto
trailers or trucks.
Use only a full width ramp.
Ramp angle should be no more than 15 degrees.
See Figure 2-2, Page 11 to help determine
approximate slope.
Back up the ramp and drive down forward.
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Section 4