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 operate on it.
Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a
slope will not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are: insufficient tire grip on
the ground, speed too fast, inadequate braking, the type of
machine is unsuitable for its task, lack of awareness of the
ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop
or change speeds while on the slope.
4. Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may loose traction.
5. Always keep unit in gear especially when traveling
down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast
downhill.
6. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
7. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to rollover.
8. Use extra care while operating machines with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the unit. Do not use on steeps slopes.
9. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground (ride-on units).
10. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
11. Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.
12. Do not mow slopes you cannot back up them.
13. See your authorized dealer/retailer for
recommendations
of wheel weights or counterweights
to improve stability.
14. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
15. Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes
even through the brakes are functioning properly.
16. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
17. Four Wheel Drive Models: Four Wheel Drive improves
access to dangerously sloped terrain, increasing
the possibility of roll-over. If the machine stops while
going uphill, stop the blades and back down slowly.
Avoid sudden turns.
TOWED
EQUIPMENT
(RIDE-ON
UNITS)
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for weight
limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.