Use and Care Manual

Not for Reproduction
21
OPERATION
SLOPE GAUGE (See Figure 10)
WARNING
Slopes are a major factor related to accidents involving slips and falls, which
can result in severe injury. Operating the lawn mower on a slope requires
extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your safety,
use the slope gauge that is included as part of this manual to measure slopes
before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area.
• Mow across the face of a slope, and never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on a slope.
• Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps that may cause a
slip or a trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. If you feel like you are losing your balance,
release the blade/motor control handle immediately. The blade will stop
rotating within 3 seconds.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments, because you could
lose your footing or balance.
• Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15°, as determined
using the slope gauge.
• Do not mow wet or damp grass. Unstable footing can cause slipping.
WARNING
Do not mow a slope that has an angle of greater than 15° (a rise of
approximately 2 1/2 feet [0.75 m] every 10 feet [3 m]). Mow across the face of
a slope, and never up and down.