Safe Operation on Slopes and Hills

Understanding how to safely operate your Cyclone Rake on slopes is crucial for both equipment longevity and operator safety. Certain terrain challenges require specific approaches to ensure your equipment performs properly and safely.

Maximum Slope Guidelines

Your Cyclone Rake is designed to operate safely on slopes up to 20 degrees. Beyond this angle, you risk hitch pin binding and creating excess stress on your mower. This can potentially damage both your Cyclone Rake and mower.

Engine Performance on Hills

If you've noticed your engine stalling when traveling up or down hills, the most common cause is fuel delivery issues:

• When your fuel tank is less than half full and you're driving on a slope for more than a minute, the engine may shut off due to insufficient fuel reaching the engine

• This happens because the tank-to-fuel-valve hose starts at the corner of the tank, and since gas delivery relies on gravity, steep angles can prevent proper fuel flow

Solutions for Hill Operation

To prevent engine stalling on hills:

• Keep your fuel tank more than half full when working on sloped terrain

• Plan your yard work to tackle sloped areas first, before the fuel level drops

• Consider adjusting your mowing pattern to minimize time spent continuously on steep slopes

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES

• ALWAYS drive straight up or down slopes

• NEVER operate sideways across slopes - this can create a serious overturning accident

• Watch for signs of binding or stress on your equipment

• Stop operation immediately if you notice unusual behavior from your machine

Engine Considerations

The Cyclone Rake engine uses a splash lubrication system, where oil is distributed by slinging around the crankcase. Extended operation on slopes can disrupt this lubrication process, potentially leading to engine overheating and damage.

Best Practices

• When operating on slopes, plan your mowing pattern to work with the terrain, not against it

• Monitor your engine temperature and try to reduce time spent on steeper grades

• Whenever possible, work when grass is dry for better traction

• Start with a full tank of gas when you know you'll be working on hilly terrain

• Consider working downhill first, when your tank is fullest, for areas with significant slopes

Following these guidelines will help ensure your Cyclone Rake operates efficiently and safely in all terrain conditions, while maximizing the lifespan of your equipment.