PAGE 6
SETTING DECK HEIGHT
2.23 If your mower is equipped with an actuator motor, raise the deck using the raise /lower switch. Refer to
section 7 (Controls). When the deck is raised, set the desired height with the deck height control dial,
then lower deck with the raise / lower switch.
2.24 If your mower is equipped with a foot pedal, press foot pedal to raise the deck, select your desired deck
height with the deck height dial, then slowly release foot pedal.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a significant factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury
or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope, or you feel uneasy on
it, do not mow it. Avoid operating your mower on hills of over 5° if mowing transverse to the slope, or on a slope
of over 10° when driving uphill, or 15° when driving downhill.
2.25 Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2.26 Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects that tall grass can obscure. Uneven terrain
could overturn the mower.
2.27 Choose a low ground speed when operating the mower on a slope.
2.28 Do not mow on wet grass, the tires may lose traction.
2.29 Do not attempt to coast down a slope in the neutral position.
2.30 Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly, straight down the slope.
2.31 Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Sudden changes in speed or direction could cause the
mower to roll over.
2.32 Use extra care while operating the mower with grass catchers or other attachments: they can affect the
stability of the mower. Do not use on steep slopes.
2.33 Do not try to stabilize the mower by putting your foot on the ground.
2.34 Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly and dangerously
rollover if a tire goes over the edge of a drop-of. Drop-off edges can become extremely weak after rain
while appearing deceptively sound.
2.35 Be aware of what is located at the bottom of slopes. For example, rocks water, cliffs, and roadways.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the mower and the mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
2.36 Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
2.37 Maintain Alertness and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
2.38 Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
2.39 Never carry children, even with blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe mower operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the
mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the mower.
2.40 Never allow children to operate the mower.
2.41 Never leave the key in the ignition, especially around children.
2.42 Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child
