Table of Contents
Advertisement
Operating Tips
General Tips
The mower has a unique traction system that
will allow the machine to move forward on side
hills, even if the uphill wheel should come off of
the ground. If this should happen, the operator
or any bystanders could be seriously injured or
killed in a rollover.
The slope angle at which the machine will tip is
dependent on many factors. Among these are
mowing conditions such as wet or undulating
turf, speed (especially in turns), position of the
cutting units (with Sidewinder), tire pressure,
and operator experience.
At side hill angles of 20 degrees or less, the
risk of a rollover is low. As the slope angle
increases to a recommended maximum limit of
25 degrees, the risk of a rollover increases to a
moderate level. Do not exceed a 25 degree side
hill slope angle because the risk of a rollover
and serious injury or death is very high.
To determine which hills or slopes you may
safely operate on, you must conduct a site
survey of the mowing area. When performing
this site survey, always use common sense and
take into consideration the turf condition and
the rollover risk. To determine which hills
or slopes may be safely operated on, use the
inclinometer provided with each machine. To
perform a site survey, lay a 4 ft 2 x 4 (1.25 m
plank) on the slope surface and measure the
angle of the slope. The 2 x 4 will average the
slope but will not take into consideration dips
or holes which can cause a sudden change in
side hill angle. The maximum side hill angle
should not be greater than 25 degrees.
Additionally, the machine is equipped with an
angle indicator mounted on the steering tube.
This indicates the side hill angle the machine is
on and identifies the recommended maximum
limit of 25 degrees.
Always wear your seat belt.
• Practice operating the machine and become
thoroughly familiar with it.
• Start the engine and run it at half idle until it warms
up. Push the throttle lever all the way forward, lift
the cutting units, disengage the parking brake, press
the forward traction pedal, and carefully drive to
an open area.
• Practice moving forward and reverse, and starting
and stopping the machine. To stop, take your foot
off of the traction pedal and let it return to neutral
or press down on the reverse pedal to stop. Going
down a hill, you may need to use the reverse pedal
to stop.
• When driving on slopes, drive slowly to maintain
steering control and avoid turns to prevent rollovers.
In side hill situations you should shift the sidewinder
cutting units to the uphill side to give you more
stability. Conversely, shifting the cutting units to
the down hill side will give you less stability. This
should always be done before going on a side hill.
• When possible, mow up and down hills rather than
across them. Have the cutting units lowered when
going down a hill to maintain steering control. Do
not attempt to turn on a hill.
• Practice driving around obstacles with the cutting
units up and down. Be careful when driving
between narrow objects so that you do not damage
the machine or cutting units.
• On the Sidewinder unit, get a feel for the reach of
the cutting units so that you do not hang them up
or damage them in any way.
• Do not shift the units from side to side, unless the
cutting units are down and the machine is moving,
or the cutting units are up in the transport position.
Shifting the cutting units when they are down and
the machine is not moving may damage the turf.
• Always drive slowly in rough areas.
• If a person appears in or near the operating area,
stop the machine, and do not start it again until the
area is cleared. The machine is designed for one
person. Never let anyone else ride on the machine
with you. This is extremely dangerous and could
result in serious injury.
• Accidents can happen to anyone. The most
common causes are excessive speed, sudden turns,
terrain (not knowing which slopes and hills can
be mowed safely), not stopping the engine before
leaving the operator's seat, and drugs that impair
your alertness. Cold capsules or prescription drugs
may cause drowsiness, as can alcohol and other
drugs. Stay alert and stay safe. Failure to do so
could result in serious injury.
33
Advertisement
Table of Contents
