Hustler Turf 3500 - Manual (Page 16)

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pedals in either direction could result in a reaction of
the tractor that can cause serious injury.
V When desconnection on attachment that uses the trac-
tor PTO output shaft to power the attachment, the pow-
ered shaft of device must also be disconnected from the
tractor PTO output shaft. Never leave an unsupported
PTO device attached to the tractor PTO output shaft, if
it is not completely and properly assembled to the
attachment on which it’s use is intended.
V Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent
fires by keeping engine compartment, exhaust area,
battery, fuel line, fuel tank and operator’s station
clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and
other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.
Using a ramp
V Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a
unit onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.
V Use only a single, full width ramp; do not use individ-
ual ramps for each side of the unit. Having a full width
ramp provides a surface for the tractor frame to contact
if the unit starts to tip backwards. It also reduces the
risk of a wheel going off and the machine tipping over.
V Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and
the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.
V When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration.
Slope Operation
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. REMINDER: Only operate
on slopes of 15 degrees or less.
V 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.
• Turn slowly
• Turn on the most level part of the slope
• While driving on slopes, always run in AWD (All
wheel drive) locked position.
• Never make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn slowly
and gradually, if possible.
V Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
V Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
V Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
V Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
V Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet) away from
drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embank-
ments, water, and other types of hazards to avoid a
wheel dropping over the edge or to avoid the ground
from breaking away. This will reduce the risk of the
machine suddenly rolling over causing serious injury
or death.
V Use a walk behind, push mower or hand-held trimmer
on slopes and near drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage
ditches, embankments and water to avoid machine roll-
over and serious injury or death.
V Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding and loss of steering control.
V If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on
slopes, disengage the blades, engage the park brake,
turn the engine off and get help.
V Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse
direction, especially when maneuvering on slopes.
The steering is designed for sensitive response. Rapid
movement of the steering wheel or HST foot pedals in
either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor
that can cause serious injury.
V Never stop suddenly while going down slopes. This
action may result in a reaction of the tractor that can
cause serious physical injury.
V 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 Slope Guide, 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 con-
dition that caused the problem is resolved before
attempting to operate on the slope again.
Terrain conditions can affect traction resulting in possi-
ble loss of control of the machine. Some of the condi-
tions 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.
Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction and loss of steering
control.
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 cau-
tion must be used when operating on a slope. There are