HUSTLER FasTrak SmoothTrak Steering, User Manual, Page: 125 / 424

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• Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision.

Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a
winch to load on a trailer for transporting. When trans
-
porting on another vehicle, the mower should be facing
forward and it must be secured.

Secure frame to transport vehicle with at least two
straps, chains, cables, or ropes. Never secure unit from
rods or linkages to vehicle, otherwise damage could
occur.
Using a Ramp

Exercise extreme caution when loading and unloading
a mower onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.

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 con
-
tact 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 acci -
dents, 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.

Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.

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.

Operate 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 roll
-
over and serious injury or death.

Do not mow on wet grass. Slippery conditions reduce
traction which could cause sliding and loss of control.

Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip -
ment may cause loss of traction and loss of 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 steering con
-
trol levers in the park brake position, stop the engine,
remove the ignition switch key, and get help.

Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reversals of
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 Hustler
®
mower is capable of operating horizon -
tally (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 slowly, 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 pos
-
sible loss of control of the mower. Some of the condi -
tions to be aware of are:
• Wet terrain
• Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts, wash -
outs