Simplicity ZT4000 Series - Manual (Page 9)

7
Towed Equipment (Ride-On Units)
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight
limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See
attaching a trailer under OPERATION.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
3. Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe unit operation. Children who have been given rides
in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area
for another ride and be run over or backed over by the
machine.
5. Never allow children to operate the unit.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Emissions
1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air
Index information on the engine emissions label.
Ignition System
1. This spark ignition system complies with Canadian
ICES-002.
Slope Operation
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 cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on
it.
Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a
slope will not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are: insufficient tire grip on
the ground, speed too fast, inadequate braking, the type of
machine is unsuitable for its task, lack of awareness of the
ground conditions, incorrect hitching and load distribution.
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop or
change speeds while on the slope.
4. Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may loose traction.
5. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires
lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a
slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off
the slope.
6. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause the machine to rollover.
7. Use extra care while operating machines with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the unit. Do not use on steeps slopes.
8. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground (ride-on units).
9. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
10. Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes.
11. Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.
12. See your authorized dealer/retailer for recommendations
of wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
13. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
14. Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even
though the brakes are functioning properly.
15. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never mow
down slopes.
Operator Safety
WARNING
Operating on steep slopes can be
dangerous.
Never operate on slopes greater than 15°. •
Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope. •
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with a rear-
mounted grass catcher.
Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down, use
•
caution when changing directions and DO NOT START
OR STOP ON A SLOPE.