Slope Operation - Ferris 5900520 Operator's Manual

• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a
clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing
roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer
or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or
other objects that may obscure vision.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves &
excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass or
combustible materials.
WARNING
Fire hazard
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code,
Section 4442, to use or operate the engine on any
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land
unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in
effective working order. Other states or federal
jurisdictions may have similar laws. Contact an
Authorized Service Dealer to obtain a spark arrester
designed for the exhaust system installed on this engine.
• OSHA regulations may require the use of hearing protection
when exposed to sound levels greater than 85 dBA for an 8
hour time period.
CAUTION
Loud noise hazard
This machine produces sound levels in excess of 85 dBA at
the operator's ear and can cause hearing loss though extended
periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this machine.

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.
WARNING
Equipment roll-over crushing hazard
Operating on steep slopes can cause sliding and loss of
steering, control, and rollover.
Select a slow ground speed before driving onto slopes. Use
extra caution when operating on slopes with grass catchers.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down. Use caution
when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON
A SLOPE.
Do:
• Mow 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 grass catchers or other attachments.
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.
• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of available
weights to improve stability.
Do not:
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires lose
traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a slope),
disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
operator could lose footing or balance or mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction could
cause sliding.
• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit and
the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
• Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the unit.
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