During Operation
During Operation Safety
• Before you start the machine, ensure that all drives are in neutral.
• Keep away from holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, and other hidden hazards. Use care when
approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, tall grass or other objects that may hide
obstacles or obscure vision. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
• Shut off the machine and disengage the drive to the cutting unit after striking a foreign
object or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Inspect the cutting unit for damage and make
repairs before starting and operating the machine.
• Be alert, slow down, and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and
sidewalks with the machine. Always yield the right-of-way.
• Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle.
• Be aware of the mower discharge path and direct discharge away from others. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction as the material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Stop the blades, slow down, and use caution when crossing
surfaces other than grass and when transporting the mower.
• Do not leave a running machine unattended.
• Be alert and shut off the machine if children enter the area.
Slope Safety
• Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and rollover accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. The operator is responsible for safe slope operation.
Operating the machine on any slope requires extra caution. Before using the machine on
a slope, do the following:
– Review and understand the slope instructions in the manual and on the machine.
– 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.
3445-793A
Page 4–8
Operation: During Operation