Operating on Slopes

NOTE: Use the Slope Gauge Template provided in the back of this operator’s manual. Follow the instructions included with the template.

• Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.

Identify Slopes for Safe Operation

• Follow safe procedures for operation on slopes. Measure slopes of all moving sites to determine which slopes are safe for mowing with a ride-on mower. Always use common sense and good judgment when performing this survey.

Measuring Slopes

• Suggested Method 1: Lay a straight piece of sturdy lumber 1.2 m (4 ft) long on the slope and measure the angle of the slope with an angle indicator or protractor level.
• Suggested Method 2: Refer to the slope gauge provided with this manual.

Operate Safely on Slopes

• Exceeding the recommended maximum slope angle increases the risk of rollover accidents that can result in serious injury or death.
• Never mow or operate ride-on mower on slope angles greater than 15° with the lawn ride-on mower in its basic configuration. The basic configuration is the ride-on mower with mower deck and not other attachments. (A 15° slope is a slope that rises 1.6 m (5.25 ft) over a horizontal distance of 6.1 m (20 ft).)
• When using attachments, never mow or operate the ride-on mower on slope angles greater than 10°. The addition of a weather enclosure, material collection system, or other attachments will increase the risk of a rollover. (A 10° slope is a slope that rises 1 m (3.5 ft) over a horizontal distance of 6.1 m (20 ft).)
• On slope angles of 10° or less, the risk of rollover is low, but as the slope angle increases to the recommended maximum, the risk increases to a medium level.
• Always consider potential turf conditions and slope angles when determining the risk of loss-of-control and tip-over accidents.
• Drive slowly when mowing or operating on slopes.
• If you feel uneasy on a hillside, do not mow or operate on it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the ride-on mower. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Drive slowly so you will not have to stop while on a slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Tires may slip on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
• Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the PTO and proceed slowly, straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the ride-on mower to roll over.

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Operating Near Hazards

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Example side view of slope and hazards, showing areas (A), (B), and (C).

• Do not mow or operate machine in areas adjacent to hazards that may cause the machine to roll over. The machine could suddenly lose traction, slide, and/or roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge breaks away.
• Hazards (A) include but are not limited to:
  • Drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or bodies of water.
  • Areas of unsafe slope, soft ground, edges along bodies of water, or area with holes, ruts, bumps, or other hidden objects.
• Maintain a buffer area (B) at least as wide as the machine between hazards (A) and the mowing area (C). Do not mow or operate the machine in the hazard area or buffer area.
• Only mow or operate the machine in the mowing area (C). Do not exceed the recommended slope operating angle. Refer to the "Operate Safely on Slopes" section.
• Use a walk-behind mower or string trimmer in and around areas (A) and (B).