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in either direction could result in a reaction of the
machine that can cause serious injury.
V
Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent
fires by keeping engine compartment, top of deck,
exhaust area, battery, fuel line, fuel tank and opera-
tor’s station clean of accumulated trash, grass clip-
pings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel
and oil.
V
Always secure the ROPS in the raised position and
buckle seat belt before starting mower.
Using a ramp
V
Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a unit
onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.
V
Use only a single, full width ramp; do not use individual
ramps for each side of the unit. Having a full width 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 machine tipping over.
V
Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and
the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.
V
When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration
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 up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it; do not mow it.
REMINDER:
Only
operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.
V
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.
• Turn slowly
• Turn on the most level part of the slope
• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the
machine 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.
V
Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
V
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
V
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
V
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
V
Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose trac-
tion, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
V
Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from
drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embank-
ments, 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 machine
suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death.
V
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 machine roll-
over and serious injury or death.
V
Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce
traction which could cause sliding and loss of control.
V
Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
V
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
V
If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on
slopes, disengage the blades, place the control levers in
the park brake position, turn the engine off and get help.
V
Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direc-
tion, especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steer-
ing is designed for sensitive response. Rapid movement
of the control levers in either direction could result in a
reaction of the machine that can cause serious injury.
V
Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This
action may result in a reaction of the machine that can
cause serious physical injury.
V
The BigDog™ mower is capable of operating horizon-
tally (traverse) on moderate 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 machine. 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, page 2-9, when determining the
degree of slope to be mowed.
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 condi-
tion that caused the problem is resolved before attempt-
ing 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
7. Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the mower will also affect
the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each attach-
ment’s characteristics vary.
Another consideration is to always 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 and always be
aware of what is located at the bottom of the slope. This
will reduce the risk of the machine suddenly rolling over
causing serious injury or death.
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
