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18
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Section 4
4.8 HILLSIDE OPERATION
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. To check a slope,
attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down).
If the machine can back up the slope without the
wheels slipping, reduce speed and use extreme
caution. Under no circumstances should the
machine be operated on slopes greater than 15
degrees. See Figure 2-4, Page 7 to help determine
approximate slope of area to be mowed. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
1. This mower has been designed for good traction
and stability under normal mowing conditions.
However, caution must be used when traveling on
slopes, especially when the grass is wet. Wet grass
reduces traction and steering control. The Roll-Over
Protection System is standard equipment for this
machine. See Section 2.6, page 6-7 of this manual
for further details.
2. Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,
ditches and retaining walls.
3. Some areas may need to be mowed with a walk-
behind mower or string trimmer.
4. To prevent tipping or loss of control, do not start or
stop suddenly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel
at reduced speed. If tires lose traction, disengage
blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
5. Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. Sudden
starts may cause the machine to tip backwards.
6. Loss of traction may occur when traveling down hill.
Weight transfers to the front of the machine and
may cause the drive wheels to slip causing loss of
braking or steering.
7. Control of the mower sliding on a slope will not be
regained by application of the brake.
8. Keep tires properly inflated.
9. Use caution when operating the mower on an incline
with the optional grass catcher installed.
4.9 PARKING THE MOWER
1. Park the machine on a flat, level surface only. Do not
park the machine on an incline.
2. Place the steering control levers in the neutral
position.
3. Disengage the cutter blades.
4. Slow the engine to idle speed.
5. Fully depress the brake pedal and pull the parking
brake lever back to engage the parking brake. See
Figure 4-2.
6. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove
the key.
4.10 AFTER OPERATION
1. Wash the entire mower after each use. Do not
use high pressure spray or direct the spray onto
electrical components.
- IMPORTANT -
Do not wash a hot or running engine. Cold water
will damage the engine. Use compressed air to
clean the engine if it is hot.
2. Keep the entire mower clean to inhibit serious heat
damage to the engine or hydraulic oil circuit.
3. Check the drive belts for proper alignment and any
signs of wear. Correct and adjust if necessary.
DANGER
To avoid injury from burns, allow the mower
to cool before removing the fuel tank cap and
refueling.
4. After the mower has cooled down, fill the fuel tank
with fresh, clean fuel at the end of every day of
operation. See Engine Owner's Manual for proper
octane requirements.
5. Check the tire pressure. Adjust pressure if
necessary.