Mowing on slopes

[fscot4283]

What is the slope limitation for mowing across the face of slopes for the Fastrak, Hustler Z and Hustler Mini Z? :confused:

[mowerconsultant]

Here is the inforamtion right out the owners manual.

Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over accidents,
which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra
caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it; do
not mow it.
▲ Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
• Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope. Slow down.
• Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.
▲ Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
▲ Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
▲ Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
▲ Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction.
▲ Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
▲ Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
▲ Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine
could suddenly turn over if a wheel goes over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
▲ Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
▲ Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
▲ The Hustler mower is capable of operating horizontally (traverse) on
moderately steep slopes. When operating on slopes up to 15
degrees, be aware of any conditions that may cause the tractor drive
tires to lose traction resulting in a possible loss of control of the
machine. An operator should not operate on a slope until he is
thoroughly familiar with the equipment.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Refer to Figure 2-1, page 2-7, when determining the degree of slope
to be mowed.
It is strongly recommended that the operator drive the machine
off of the slope, using extreme caution, if any sign of loss of traction
is detected. Wait until the condition that caused the problem is
resolved before attempting to operate on the slope again.
Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in possible loss of
control of the machine. Some of the conditions to be aware of are:
1. Wet terrain
2. Depressions in the ground; i.e. holes, ruts, washouts
3. Mounds of dirt
4. Soil type; i.e. sand, loose dirt, gravel, clay
5. Grass type, density, and height
6. Extremely dry conditions of grass
7. Tire pressure
The attachments mounted to the tractor will also affect the way it
handles on a slope. Be aware that each attachment’s characteristics
vary.
Another consideration to safe mowing on slopes is to be aware of
what is located at the bottom of the slope. Extreme caution should
be used when there is a hazard located at the bottom of the slope.
Some examples are:
1. Water; i.e. lake, river
2. Cliffs, retaining walls
3. Roads, highways
4. Buildings
5. Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when caution must be
used when operating on a slope. There are many other possibilities too numerous to mention. Just remember to always exercise extreme
caution when operating on any slope.