HUSTLER Hydro WalkBehind Owner's Manual page 10

the drive system or mower deck while the engine is
running or deck clutch is engaged. Mower blades
cannot be seen and are located very close to the deck
housing. Fingers and toes can be cut off instantly.
Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should
be performed by trained personnel only.
▲
Never work under the machine or attachment unless it
is safely supported with stands, blocks or a hoist and
blocks.
▲
Do not touch hot parts of machine.
▲
Never direct discharge of material from mower deck
towards bystanders.
▲
Always disengage the blades and wait for them to stop
before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
▲
Always keep clear of the mower blades during
operation.
▲
Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse
direction, especially when maneuvering on slopes.
The steering is designed for sensitive response. Rapid
movement of the H-bar handle in either direction could
result in a reaction of the unit that can cause serious
injury.
▲
Block or chock the machine when parked on a slope or
when trailering.
▲
If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on
the rear of the unit, any sudden movement of the H-bar
handle could cause the front of mower to come off of
the ground resulting in possible loss of control and
serious injury.
▲
Always be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on
the H-Bar handle and walk - never run.
▲
Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope.
Slow down.
• Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.
• To check a slope, attempt to back up it. If the unit
can back up the slope without the operator and drive
wheels slipping, reduce ground speed and proceed
with caution.
• Do not operate the Hydro WalkBehind on slopes
when using a stand-up sulky.
▲
The use of any other manufacturer's attachments,
including stand-up sulkies, increases the risk of
operator injury, therefore, extreme caution must be
exercised when using these devises.
▲
The Hustler mower is capable of operating
horizontally (traverse) on moderately steep slopes.
When operating on slopes of 15 degrees or more, be
aware of any conditions that may cause the drive tires
to lose traction resulting in a possible loss of control of
the machine. An operator should not operate on a
slope until he is thoroughly familiar with the
equipment.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive
the machine off of the slope, using extreme caution, if
any sign of loss of traction is detected. Wait until the
condition that caused the problem is resolved before
attempting to operate on the slope again.
Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in
possible loss of control of the machine. Some of the
conditions to be aware of are:
1. Wet terrain
2. Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts,
washouts
3. Mounds of dirt
4. Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay
5. Grass type, density, and height
6. Extremely dry conditions of grass
Another consideration to safe mowing on slopes is
to be aware of what is located at the bottom of the
slope. Extreme caution should be used when there is a
hazard located at the bottom of the slope. Some
examples are:
1. Water; i.e. lake, river
2. Cliffs, retaining walls
3. Roads, highways
4. Buildings
5. Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when
caution must be used when operating on a slope.
There are many other possibilities too numerous to
mention. Just remember to always exercise extreme
caution when operating on any slope.
▲
Specific safety warning decals are located on the
equipment near the immediate areas of potential
hazards. These decals should not be removed or
obliterated. Replace them if they become non-
readable.
2-2 778845 Rev. 7/04