Slope Operation; Transporting The Product - Ryobi RM480e Original Instructions Manual

■ Keep the mower deck and side discharge
chute clean. Remove grass clippings,
leaves, dirt, and any other accumulated
debris before and after each use. Do not
spray with a garden hose to clean.
NOTE: Always stop product, allow blades to
completely stop, and remove the start key
before cleaning underneath the product.

SLOPE OPERATION

See fig 20
WARNING
Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over
and roll-over accidents that can result in
severe injury or death. Operation on slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not mow it. Never use the
product on steep slopes greater than 15°.
Make a copy or cut out the "Slope Guide"
at the back of this manual and use it to
determine if your slope is too steep for safe
operation.
■ Mow up and down, not across the face of
slopes.
■ Do not mow on wet grass. Wet grass can
cause the tyres to lose traction or slip
on slopes, even though the brakes are
functioning properly.
■ Watch out for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden
objects, or bumps that can cause you to
slip or trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Remove all objects such as rocks and
tree limbs, which could be tripped over or
thrown by the blade.
■ Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments.
■ Drive slowly and do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
■ Avoid stopping on slope if at all possible.
If stopping is unavoidable, make sure to
engage the parking brake. When restarting,
use the lowest possible speed. If turning
is necessary, exercise extreme caution
when changing direction and always turn
downhill.
■ Never attempt to stabilize the mower on a
slope by placing your foot on the ground
during operation.
■ If using the optional bagger kit, use extreme
caution and operate the mower slowly
28
when operating on slopes, as the bagging
kit can change the stability of the mower.
■ Always use the brakes when travelling
down the slope. Do not attempt to let the
mower coast downhill in neutral.
■ If at any point the tyres lose traction while
operating on a slope, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly and carefully straight
down the slope.

TRANSPORTING THE PRODUCT

See fig. 21
WARNING
Use care when driving the product off of
or onto a trailer or truck. Step on the brake
pedal as needed to control the speed. The
mower freely rolls if it is moved on an inclined
surface without stepping on the brake pedal
or engaging the parking brake. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in loss of
control and result in death, serious personal
injury, or property damage.
WARNING
Use care when loading or unloading the
product onto a trailer. Ensure that the
cutting deck is raised to the maximum
height so that it is not caught on the ramp.
The wheels on the product can go off the
ramp or trailer, causing it to pivot or tip over,
and result in a crush hazard that can cause
death or serious personal injury.
Fig 20