During Operation Safety (continued)
– Use an angle indicator to determine the approximate slope angle of the area.
– Never operate on slopes greater than 15°.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can quickly affect the operation of the
machine on a slope.
• Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do not operate the machine near drop-offs,
ditches, embankments, water, or other hazards. The machine could suddenly roll over if
a wheel goes over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe distance (twice the width
of the machine) between the machine and any hazard. Use a walk-behind machine or a
hand trimmer to mow the grass in these areas.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on slopes. Avoid making sudden
changes in speed or direction; turn slowly and gradually.
• Do not operate a machine under any conditions where traction, steering, or stability is in
question. Be aware that operating the machine on wet grass, across slopes, or downhill
may cause the machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the drive wheels may result in
sliding and a loss of braking and steering. The machine can slide even if the drive wheels
are stopped.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
• Use extra care while operating with accessories or attachments, such as grass-collection
systems. These can change the stability of the machine and cause a loss of control.
Follow directions for counterweights.
• If possible, keep the deck lowered to the ground while operating on slopes. Raising the
deck while operating on slopes can cause the machine to become unstable.
3463-565A
G229111s
Page 4–7
Safe Zone—use the machine
here on slopes less than 15° or flat
areas.
Danger Zone—use a walk-
behind mower and/or a hand
trimmer on slopes greater than 15°
and near drop-offs or water.
Water
W = Width of the machine
Keep a safe distance (twice the
width of the machine) between the
machine and any hazard.
Operation: During Operation