Craftsman 28875 Operation Manual - Page 8

SAFETY MANEUVERING SAFELY in general Slow down before turning• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look behind and down for small children and pets before and during backing. Be aware when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, tall grass or other objects that may obscure vision. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades• If on a slope, head downhill. Mowing slopes _lb WARNING Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip over accidents that sometimes lead to severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. Do not mow on slopes if uneasy or uncertain. Ultimate responsibility for safe operation on slopes rests with the operator. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. A slope is too steep if: • The machine will not back up the slope. • The machine must be crabbed (turned partially sideways uphill) to drive across the slope. • The machine turns downhill going across slope. • You are uneasy about being on the slope. On zero turn machines, mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. With a zero turn machine, if tires lose traction going down a slope, steering control may be regained by speeding up. Mid-mount zero turns (belly mounted deck) have much greater traction pointed up slope than down slope. Be aware that traction may be lost going down a slope. Do not operate a mid-mount zero turn on slopes it cannot back up. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then turn slowly and downhill when possible. Stay away from slopes if the ground is loose or if caught in the rain during mowing. Use lower speeds on a slope to avoid stopping or shifting. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs etc. Avoid driving over obstacles such as ruts, holes, rocks and roots whenever possible. Be alert to dips and rises. Uneven terrain can overturn a mower or cause it to slide. Tall grasses can hide obstacles. Do not mow drop=offs, ditches or embankments. The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel runs over the edge or an edge caves in• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. Do not mow slopes when grass is wet• Reduced traction could cause sliding. 6