19
Slope operation (see page 20A)
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.
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.
Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. 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 blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet, 3.05 meters)
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 machine
suddenly rolling over causing serious injury or death. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction 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 control. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
If the mower’s
tires lose traction when operating on slopes, disengage the deck blade switch, release Throttle Lever,
& Operator Presence Safety Lever & turn the key to the OFF position and get help
OR
in EMERGENCY
release
Operator Presence Safety Switch to engage brakes & stop the blades.
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 steering control levers in either direction could result in
a reaction of the machine that can cause serious injury.
Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This action may result in a reaction of the machine that can cause
serious physical injury.
The Mean Green
Mower is capable of operating horizontally (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 Slope Guide, page 8A 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 mower will also affect the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each
attachment’s characteristics vary.
Another consideration is to always mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet
3.05 meters) 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
