Ferris Industries Hydrowalk Series DDSKAV23CE - Manual (Page 6)

Safety Rules & Information
OPERATION
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine
from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provid-
ed.
• Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian con-
trolled equipment, especially when backing up. Walk,
don't run.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while trav-
eling in reverse.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher or the deflec-
tor in place.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disen-
gage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands and
feet away from the cutting units.
• Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades
when not mowing.
• Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly
and functioning properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator’s position for any reason includ-
ing emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the
chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make neces-
sary repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and
bystanders away.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to 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 drive on it.
Do
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obsta-
cles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you
will not have to stop or change speed while on the
slope.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the unit.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• See your authorized dealer for recommendations of
available weights to improve stability.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 20°
(36.4 percent) which is a rise of 7-1/4 feet (220 cm)
vertically in 20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra caution
when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass
catcher.
Mow ACROSS the slope, never up and down the
face, use caution when changing directions and DO
NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.
Do Not
• Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) 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 embank-
ments. The operator could lose footing or balance or
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or trac-
tion could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on
the ground.
• Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
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