Operating on Slopes

Identify Slopes for Safe Operation

• Establish your own special procedures and rules for operating on slopes. These procedures must include a survey of all mowing sites to determine which slopes are safe for machine operation. Always use common sense and good judgement when performing this survey.
• 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.
• Never mow or operate machine on slope angles greater than 25°.
• Exceeding the maximum recommended slope angle of 25° increases the risk of rollover accidents that can result in serious injury or death.
• Always consider potential turf conditions and slope angles when determining the risk of loss-of-control and tip-over accidents.
• On slope angles of 15° or less the risk of rollover is low, but as the slope angle increases to the John Deere recommended maximum of 25° the risk increases to a moderate level.
• The recommended slope angles are for a machine in its basic configuration. The basic configuration is mower deck only, no cab, MCS or other attachments. The addition of a cab, MCS or other attachments will increase the risk of a rollover and decrease the recommended operating slope.

Operate Safely on Slopes

• Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
• If you feel uneasy on a hillside, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
• Rollover can occur before the tires lose traction.
• Use caution if moving when grass is wet or slippery. Tires may lose traction. Tires may lose traction or 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 machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments, they can affect stability of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
• 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. Leave a buffer area of at least as wide as the machine between the hazard and the mowing area.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights for added stability when operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted attachments. Remove weights when not required.
• Drive machine very slowly and avoid quick stops or sharp turns when attachment is removed.
• Keep attachments lowered to the ground while operating on slopes. Raising attachments while operating on slopes can cause machine to become unstable.
• Transport machine with attachments lowered to improve stability.