DR Power Walk-behind 12.5 Premier - Manual (Page 14)

14 PREMIER DR ® FIELD AND BRUSH MOWER
 When operating the PREMIER DR FIELD AND BRUSH MOWER over uneven terrain or slopes, use extreme caution not to tip
over the machine.

Never use the PREMIER DR FIELD AND BRUSH MOWER on slopes greater than 20 degrees (figure 6). Doing so could result
in serious injury or damage to your machine.
Slopes
1. If you have to mow on sloping terrain, mow across the slope, not up and
down, for better control.
2. To avoid “free-wheeling”, shift into a lower gear before going down a slope.
NEVER shift while on a slope.
If the machine gets hung up
1. Disengage the Blade. NEVER try to free the machine from stumps or debris
with the Blade engaged.
2. Try putting the machine in reverse and backing away from the obstacle.
3. Try pushing down on the handlebars to lift the mowing deck over the
obstacle.
Cutting Brush and Saplings
1. When cutting woody material, small saplings, etc., allow the machine to ride
up and over material slowly. Adjust your forward speed to varying
conditions.
2. After cutting brush, etc., you may want to mow over it again to remove any
remaining branches. It works best to mow from the trunk end toward the
top as brush lies on the ground.
Reverse
1. Be very careful of your footing when operating the machine in reverse. Know what is behind you and take your time.
2. Disengage the Blade before shifting into reverse. Mow in the forward gears only, using reverse for maneuvering.
3. If you find it difficult to shift into reverse, lightly "feather" the Wheel Clutch Lever as you put the Shift Lever into reverse, then
quickly release the Wheel Clutch Lever.
4. Gently squeeze the Wheel Clutch Lever to start moving in reverse.
Cutting in Wet and Heavy Growth
1. Be very careful of your footing when mowing in wet conditions. Avoid steep slopes and other slippery areas.
2. Use a lower, slower speed when mowing in wet conditions.
20°
Figure 6

If you need to leave the operating position to clear debris from the deck, first put the machine in "n" (neutral), turn the engine
off and disconnect the spark plug wire.
 Never touch the exhaust areas when reaching for the spark plug—they are very hot.