Driving on a Slope
• Driving on a slope can be dangerous. It can result in a tip over and cause serious
inj u r y or death. Always follow p r oper procedures fo r driving on a slop e as
described in this manual.
• When carrying no load, do NOT use machine on a slope steeper than 15 degrees.
When carrying a load, observe the load limit according to the inclination (see
Loading and Driving with the Load, page 6).
• Check terrain carefully before attempting to drive on a slope. Driving on a slope in a
wrong manner can cause a loss of control or a tip over.
• Never drive on a slope that you are not comfortable with. Avoid a slope that is so
rough, slippery, or loose that you feel like you could tip over.
• Do not ride when you are driving down a slope. When driving down a slope, stop
and turn the main switch to [LO]. Go down at a reduced speed with the operator
walking behind machine. Use motor speed to help keep machine speed low.
• When driving up a slope, proceed at a steady rate of speed and accelerator position.
• Never move accelerator lever suddenly.
• Drive straight up or down a slope. Avoid turning on a slope. Avoid driving machine
across a slope.
• If motor loses traction during a climb and cannot make it to the top of a slope, do
not try to turn machine around. Carefully back down slowly, straight down a slope.
• When going over the top of a slope, go slow; an obstacle, a sharp drop, another
vehicle or person could be on the other side of the crest.
• Without a load, drive machine backwards up a slope (Steering wheel toward the top)
when climbing, and drive it forward when going down a slope.
• With a load, drive machine forward up a slope (Steering wheel away from the top)
when climbing, and drive it backwards when going down a slope. Be especially
cautious when operating on a slope with a load.