SLOPE OPERATIONSlopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on allslopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope, or you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.2.22 Mow up and down slopes, not across.2.23 Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects that tall grass can obscure. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.2.24 Choose a low ground spend when operating the machine on a slope.2.25 Do not mow on wet grass, the tires may lose traction.2.26 Do not attempt to coast down a slope in the neutral position.2.27 Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly, straightdown the slope.2.28 Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Sudden changes in speed or direction could cause the machine to roll over.2.29 Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments: they can affect the stability of the machine.Do not use on steep slopes.2.30 Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.2.31 Do not mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge orthe edge caves in.2.32 Be aware of what is located at the bottom of slopes. For example: rocks water, cliffs, and roadways.CHILDRENTragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and themowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.2.33 Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other that the operator.2.34 Maintain alertness and turn machine off if a child enters the area.2.35 Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.2.36 Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interferewith safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in themowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.2.37 Never allow children to operate the machine.2.38 Never leave key in the ignition, especially around children.2.39 Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your viewof a child.TOWING2.40 Tow only with a machine that has a hitch specifically designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitchpoint.2.41 Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.2.42 Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.2.43 On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.2.44 Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.PAGE 6