HUSTLER FasTrak 926501, Owner'S Manual, Page: 5 / 32

could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious injury.
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Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by
keeping engine compartment, battery, fuel line, fuel tank and
operator’s station clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings,
and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over accidents,
which can result in sever 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.
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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.
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Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
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Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
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Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
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Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction.
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Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
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Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
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Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine
could suddenly turn over if a wheel goes over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
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Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
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Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
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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 tractor 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.
Refer to Figure 2-1, page 2-7, 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 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
7. Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the tractor 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:
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.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of
children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw
them.
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Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in switch,
especially with children present.
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Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of
another responsible adult.
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Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.
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Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
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Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
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Never allow children to operate the machine.
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Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, the end of a
fence or other objects that may obscure vision.
Service
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Always keep engine and machine clean, removing accumulated dirt,
trash and other material from machine. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
Allow machine to cool before storing.
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Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing the battery or
when grinding mower blades and removing accumulated debris.
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Use extra caution when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
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Never refuel tractor while engine is running; never refuel near an
open flame or near devices which can create a spark. Refuel
outdoors preferably, or in well ventilated areas.
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Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong odor of gasoline
fumes present. Locate and correct cause.
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Never run the engine in an enclosed area unless exhaust is vented to
the outside. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which is
odorless and deadly poison.
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Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to the tractor drive
system, mower deck or any attachment while the tractor engine is
running or deck clutch is engaged. Repairs or maintenance requiring
engine power should be performed by trained personnel only.
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Never work under the machine or attachment unless it is safely
supported with stands, blocks or a hoist.
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Do not touch hot parts of machine.
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Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment bolts.
Keep equipment in good condition.
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Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
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Grass collection system components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to
be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with
manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
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Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear
gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.
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Use only genuine Hustler replacement parts to ensure that original
standards are maintained
2-2 365270 Rev. 9/03