Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha, Operator'S Manual

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607233 2-3 REV A
ramp provides a surface for the mower frame to
contact if the unit starts to tip backwards. It also
reduces the risk of a wheel going off and the mower
tipping over.

Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp
and the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or
truck.

Avoid sudden acceleration when on a ramp.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back the mower up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope; do not mow it.
REMINDER: Only operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.

Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a
slope. Slow down.
• Do not operate where the mower could slip or tip.
• Turn slowly
• Turn on the most level part of the slope
• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front
of the mower uphill, rather than downhill.
If drive
tires lose traction, steering control is lost which
could cause serious injury or death.
• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn
slowly and gradually, if possible.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the mower. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the mower blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from
drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches,
embankments, water, and other types of hazards to
avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to avoid the
ground from breaking away. This will reduce the risk of
the mower suddenly rolling over causing serious injury
or death.

Use a walk behind, push mower or hand-held trimmer
on slopes and near drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage
ditches, embankments and water to avoid mower
rollover and serious injury or death.

Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce
traction which could cause sliding and loss of steering
control.

Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed
equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of
steering control.

Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot
on the ground.

If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on
slopes, disengage the blades, place the control levers
in the park brake position, stop the engine, remove
ignition switch key, and get help.

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 control levers in either direction
could result in a reaction of the mower that can cause
serious injury.

Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This
action may result in a reaction of the mower that can
cause serious physical injury.

The BigDog
®
mower is capable of operating
horizontally (traverse) on moderately steep slopes.
When operating on slopes up to 15 degrees, be aware
of any conditions that may cause the mower drive tires
to lose traction resulting in a possible loss of control
of the mower. An operator should not operate on a
slope until he is thoroughly familiar with the
equipment.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Refer to the Slope Guide , when determining the degree
of slope to be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the
mower 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 mower. Some of the
conditions to be aware of are:
• Wet terrain
• Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts,
washouts
• Mounds of dirt
• Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay
• Grass type, density, and height
• Extremely dry conditions of grass
• Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the mower will also
affect the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that
each attachment’s characteristics vary.
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:
• Water; i.e. lake, river
• Cliffs, retaining walls
• Roads, highways