Mean Green WBX-33 User manual

WBX-33 Walk Behind
Operator’s Manual
Mean Green Products, LLC
4404 Hamilton Cleves Rd. Ste. 2
Hamilton, OH 45013
513-738-4736 (Sales & Services)
www.meangreenproducts.com

1
Index
Page:
General Information
2
Warranty Information
2-5
Warranty Registration
5
Warranty Registration Card
5
Safety Precautions
6
Safety and Instruction Decal
6-9
Mower Control Panel
10
Blade Warning Light System
11
Battery Capacity Indicator (Smartec)
11-15
Emergency Drive Brake Release Levers
16
PTO Deck Blades ON/OFF Switch
17
High/Low Blades Switch
17
High/Low Drive Speed Control Switch
17
Operation
17-18
Use of ramp
18
Slope Operation
19-20
Slope Guide
20A
Children
21
Controls
21
Deck Height Adjustment
21-22
Battery Compartment
22
Discharge Chute
23
Operating Suggestions
23-24
Starting your Mower
24
Stopping your Mower
24
Maintenance & Adjustments
24-25
Service
25
Regular Maintenance
25-26
Tires
26
Lubrication
26
Mower Blade Maintenance
26
Mower Blade Removal
26
Mower Blade Installation
27
Electrical System
27
Battery Safety
28
Battery Maintenance
28
Battery Charging Procedures
28-29
Proper Connection Disconnection of Charger Units
30-31
Troubleshooting
31-32
Storage
32
Lithium Energy Module Maintenance and Care
33

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GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual applies to the following Mean Green Products equipment lines:
Mean Green Mowers –WBX-33HD Walk Behind
To the new owner
The purpose of this manual is to assist owners and operators in maintaining and operating the mower.
Please read it carefully; information and instructions furnished can help you achieve years of dependable
performance. It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the operators and mechanics read and
understand this manual and all decals before operating this machine. It is also the owner’s responsibility
to make certain that the operators and mechanics are qualified and physically able individuals, properly
trained in the operation of this equipment. All operator and mechanics must become familiar with the
safe operation of the equipment, operator controls and safety signs. Never let children or untrained
people operate or service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator. The
owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people
or property.
Using this manual
General operation, adjustment and maintenance guidance is outlined for both the experienced and novice
Mean Green Mower user. Operating conditions vary considerably and cannot all be addressed
individually. Through experience, however, operators should find no difficulty in developing good
operating skills suitable to most conditions. Directions used in this manual, for example RIGHT or LEFT,
refer to directions when seated on the mower/standing facing forward, unless otherwise stated.
Photographs and illustrations used were current at the time of printing, but subsequent production
changes may cause your machine to vary slightly in detail. Mean Green Products reserves the right to
redesign and change the machine as deemed necessary, without notification. If a change has been made
to your machine which is not reflected in this owner’s manual, or the parts manual, see your Mean Green
Products dealer for current information and parts.
Warranty registration
The Owner must register the unit by filling out the Warranty Registration Form, provided in the owner’s
packet, to validate your warranty protection. As the new equipment owner, you are expected to see that
this is done at the time of delivery. If using the Warranty Registration Form, it MUST be completed and
signed by the authorized dealer and original purchaser. Be sure to register the mower plus each
attachment that displays a model and serial identification number plate with Mean Green Products.
IMPORTANT: Any unauthorized modification, alteration, or use of non-approved attachments voids the
warranty and releases Mean Green Products from any liability arising from subsequent use of this
equipment.
Model and serial number
The mower serial number is found on the serial identification plate located on the outside left side wall
of

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the electronics compartment of the mower. The model is the type of Mean Green Mower purchased i.e.
WBX-33HD, SK-48, CXR-52. The serial numbers and model are required on the Warranty Registration
form. They will also assure you of the correct service parts when replacement becomes necessary.
Parts and service
All warranty repair and service must be handled through an authorized Mean Green Products dealer.
Arrangements should be made through your local service center.
Mean Green Products LLC
3 Year Limited Warranty for Residential and Commercial Use Mowers
WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY?
Mean Green Products, makes the following warranty to the original purchaser of mowers manufactured by Mean
Green Products, LLC:
A. Residential Use: Mean Green Mowers used for normal residential purposes* are warranted for two (2)
years or 500 hours total usage (whichever comes first) from date of delivery on all materials and workmanship.
If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period (two years from date of delivery) a defect in materials or
workmanship, he must promptly notify Mean Green Products or an authorized dealer, in writing of the defect.
In no event shall such notification be received by Mean Green Products, or an authorized dealer later than twenty-
four (24) months from date of delivery. Within a reasonable time after such notification, Mean Green Products,
will correct any defect in material or workmanship on the Mean Green Mower by repairing or replacing part(s) with
either new or used replacement parts. Such repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of Mean
Green Products.
Green Lithium Batteries are warranted for a three (3) year pro-rated limited warranty or 500 hr. usage, whichever
comes first to the original owner (consumer) only.
1st year 100% Parts and labor
2nd year 100% Parts and labor
3rd year Parts only (cells/BMS)/no labor
NOTE: Failure to properly maintain batteries and keep them from one-half to fully-charged will reduce battery
life and will void battery warranty.
Provisions of this limited Green Lithium Batteries warranty shall not apply due to:
Abuse or neglect such as water damage, loose wiring, or rusted or corroded hardware; lack of proper
maintenance; damage caused by improper installation of the battery, dismantling of battery, apparent outside
force damage, operator not following manual instructions, expired warranty period, neglect, breakage, sub-zero
freezing, fire, explosion, wreckage, the addition of any chemical, operation of the battery in an overcharged, or the
operation of the battery in an uncharged condition (use after BMS shuts off battery); and a battery charged by
systems other than the original equipment type battery charger.
Provisions that constitute Green Lithium Batteries Warranty:
•Battery pack cannot be charged or discharged.
•Under the standard condition for testing, capacity is less than 80% of nominal AH rating in the first year, 70% of
nominal AH rating in the 2nd year, 65% of nominal AH rating in 3rd year.
•Liquid leakage.
•Damage to battery pack’s case and/or accessories due to conditions caused by the battery.
* Normal residential purpose means use of product on same lot as your home. Use at more than one location is
considered commercial use, and then the commercial use warranty would apply.
B. Commercial Use: Mean Green Mowers used for commercial and institutional use are warranted for two (2)
years or 1200 hours total usage (whichever comes first) from date of delivery on all materials and
workmanship of chassis and deck structures and one (1) year or 600 hours total usage (whichever comes first)
from date of delivery on all materials and workmanship. If the Purchaser discovers within this warranty period a
defect in materials or workmanship: He must promptly notify Mean Green Products, or an authorized dealer, in
writing of the defect. In no event shall such notification be received by Mean Green Products, or an authorized

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dealer later than twelve to twenty-four (12-24) months from date of delivery (depending on part effected). Within a
reasonable time after such notification, Mean Green Products, will correct any defect in material or workmanship
on the Mean Green Mower, by repairing or replacing part(s) with either new or used replacement parts. Such
repair, including parts and labor shall be at the expense of Mean Green Products.
Green Lithium Batteries are warranted for a three (3) year pro-rated limited warranty or 1200 hr. usage, whichever
comes first to the original owner (commercial) only.
1st year 100% Parts and labor
2nd year 100% Parts and labor
3rd year 100% Parts only/no labor
NOTE: Failure to properly maintain batteries and keep them from one-half to fully-charged will reduce battery life
and will void battery warranty.
Provisions of limited Green Lithium Batteries warranty shall not apply due to:
Abuse or neglect such as water damage, loose wiring, or rusted or corroded hardware; lack of proper maintenance;
damage caused by improper installation of the battery, dismantling of battery, apparent outside force damage,
operator not following manual instructions, expired warranty period, neglect, breakage, sub-zero freezing, fire,
explosion, wreckage, the addition of any chemical, operation of the battery in an overcharged, or the operation of
the battery in an uncharged condition (use after BMS shuts off battery); and a battery charged by systems other
than the original equipment type battery charger.
Provisions that constitute Green Lithium Batteries Warranty:
•Battery pack cannot be charged or discharged.
•Under the standard condition for testing, capacity is less than 80% of nominal AH rating in the first year, 70% of
nominal AH rating in the 2nd year, 65% of nominal AH rating in 3rd year.
•Liquid leakage.
•Damage to battery pack’s case and/or accessories due to conditions caused by the battery.
C. Rental Use:Mean Green Mowers and Green Lithium Batteries used in rental applications are not covered by
warranty.
WHO MUST PERFORM THE WARRANTY SERVICE
All warranty service will be performed by dealers or owner mechanics authorized by Mean Green Products. Service
calls and/or transportation expense of the product to and from the authorized dealer or owner mechanics for
warranty work, will be paid by the owner of the product. For warranty service contact an authorized dealer.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY
Mean Green Products, does not warranty:
Some products, components or parts not manufactured by Mean Green Products. Repairs made by unauthorized
persons. Damage caused by use of the Mean Green Mower for purposes other than those for which it was designed.
Damages caused by disasters such as fire, flood, wind, and lightning. Damages caused by neglect, abuse, abnormal
use, improper or unreasonable use, accident, negligence, or misuse such as water damage. Repairs or replacement
resulting from the use of unauthorized parts, accessories or attachments. Repairs or replacement as the result if
any alterations or modifications, in the determination of the Mean Green Mower, which adversely affects the
operation, performance or durability of the equipment. The Mean Green Mower which has the serial number
removed or made illegible. Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, lack of reasonable and proper
maintenance, failure to follow the product’s owner’s manual operating, maintenance and adjustment instructions
or other operational instructions provided by Mean Green Products. Normal maintenance parts and service
including, but not limited to, lubricants, blades, blade sharpening, bearings, brake or steering adjustments.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. However, if the Mean Green Mower is
purchased as a consumer product, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is
limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES

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In no case shall Mean Green Products, be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages based upon
breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort, or any other legal theory.
Such damages include, but are not limited to:
􀁏Loss of profits
􀁏Loss of savings or revenue
􀁏Loss of use of the Mean Green Mower or any associated equipment
􀁏Cost of capital
􀁏Cost of any substitute equipment, facilities, services or downtime
􀁏The claims of third parties including customers, and injury to property
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
TIME LIMIT
Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within twenty-four (24) months following delivery of the
goods in a residential application. Any action for breach of warranty must be commenced within twelve to twenty-
four (12-24) months following delivery of the goods in a commercial application.
NO OTHER WARRANTIES
This agreement is understood to be the complete and exclusive agreement between the parties, superseding all
prior agreements, oral or written, and all other communications between the parties relating to the subject matter
of this agreement.
ALLOCATION OF RISKS
This agreement allocates the risks of product failure between Mean Green Products and the purchaser. This
allocation is recognized by both parties and is reflected in the price of the goods.
OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY
You must maintain your Mean Green Mower following the maintenance procedures described in your owner's
manual. Such routine maintenance, whether performed by a dealer or by you, is at your expense.
This machine like any other powered equipment is potentially dangerous unless properly operated. Any operator
must be cautious and keep safety in mind at all times. Any operator, prior to using the Mean Green Mower, should
thoroughly familiarize himself with the owner's manual regarding operation and safety of the machine, as well as
all safety warnings on the machine itself.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
1. Owners must register the unit by filling out the Warranty
Registration Form, provided in the owner’s packet. It MUST be completed and signed by the authorized dealer or
original purchaser.
2. For validation, the completed Warranty Registration Form
MUST be forwarded to Mean Green Products, within ten (10) days following date of purchase.
3. The date of purchase constitutes delivery.
www.meangreenproducts.com
4404 Hamilton Cleves Rd * Unit 2
Hamilton, OH 45013
513-738-GREN(4736)

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a message intended to provide a reasonable degree of
PERSONAL SAFETY for operators and other persons during the normal operation and servicing of this equipment.
DANGER (red color) –denotes immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING (yellow color) –denotes a hazard or unsafe practice which COULD result in severe personal injury or
death. This manual uses two other words to highlight information. IMPORTANT (blue color) calls attention to
special mechanical information and NOTE: emphasizes general information worthy of special attention. All
operators and mechanics should read this manual and be instructed about safe operating and maintenance
procedures. If the operators or mechanics cannot read and understand English, it is the owner’s responsibility to
explain this material to them. However, improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner can result in injury.
To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety
alert symbol, which means DANGER or WARNING - “personal safety instructions.” Failure to comply with the
instructions may result in personal injury or death. Incorrect usage of this machine may result in severe injury.
Personnel operating and maintaining it should be trained in the proper use and should read the manuals
completely and thoroughly before attempting to set-up, operate, adjust, or service this machine.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the operators and mechanics read and understand this manual
and all decals before operating this machine. It is also the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the operators
and mechanics are qualified and physically able individuals, properly trained in the operation of this equipment. All
operators and mechanics must become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls and
safety signs. Never let children or untrained people operate or service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator. The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to
themselves, other people or property. The owner should also ensure that the operator/mechanic know that they are
responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of other persons within the vicinity. Remember, the operator
is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
Safety and Instruction Decals
Specific safety warning decals are located on the equipment near the immediate areas of potential hazards. These
decals should not be removed or obliterated. Replace them if they become non-readable.
The following illustrations show the various decals that are located on the machine. A brief explanation, for those
requiring one, is shown to help the operator understand the meanings of these decals.
DECAL INFORMATION
•Safety decals must be visible and clear from foreign matter and debris.
•Decals that have been worn off or have become illegible must be replaced.
•When replacement components are installed be sure that current safety signs are affixed to the replaced
components.
•If an attachment or accessory has been installed, make sure current safety signs are visible.
•Replacement decals can be ordered from Mean Green’s main office.
•Expose the adhesive surface by peeling off the back of the decal and placing it onto a clean dry surface.
DECALS
Familiarity of these decals will help in the safe operation of your mower.

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MGUPN190
Blade Nut Torque-
Displays the information required for tightening the blade nut .
MGUPN067
Chute Operation-
To prevent the uncontrolled discharge of debris from the deck, keep the
chute in the down position when operating.
MGUPN068
Deck Danger-
Keep body parts away from deck blades to prevent serious injury to body parts.
MGUPN069
48V Main Power Decal-
This indicates the connection between the battery and the mower.
MGUPN070
Above Seat Pan Decal-
1: Read and learn manual before servicing the machine.
2: Disconnect machine from battery before servicing.
3: Electrical shock hazard present.
4: Surfaces may be hot to the touch.

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MGUPN071
Battery Decal-
1: Read the manual before handling or servicing the battery.
2: Do not wash the battery.
3: The battery is an electrical shock hazard.
MGUPN072
Disconnect Battery-
When performing maintenance or there is an emergency, disconnect the battery
from the mower.
MGUPN265
Blade Light Decal-
If lights are green, then the drive speed and deck height are
good.
If lights are yellow, slow down drive speed.
If lights are red, slow down drive speed and raise deck.
MGUPN075
Charger-
Shows a port that is used for charging the mower.
MGUPN077
No Riders-
When operating the mower, no person should ride or attempt to ride on the machine
to prevent serious injury.
MGUPN083
Mean Green Rear Logo-
Displays the Mean Green logo on the back of the machine.

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MGUPN129
Made in USA-
Displays where the mower was manufactured.
MGUPN266
1. Drive speed knob
2. Blade high and low
3. PTO on and off
4. Key switch, on and off
5. Battery gauge
1. Read manual before operation
2. Read and learn the manual
3. Operate the mower perpendicular to the hills slope. Driving the mower down the hill can cause a
runaway.
4. To shut down the mower: Set key switch to off, PTO switch off, and release the safety on the handle.
Read manual to get more information on shutdown procedure.
5. Do not mow near people due to ejection of rocks and debris.

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Important: Red Battery Quick Disconnect Handle (Fig.7A) –(found in battery
compartment) PULL Red Handle upward to disconnect all power to unit. (also see pages 13-
23) Disconnect with all maintenance, repairs, cleaning and transportation of mower!!
7A
Important: Mower Control Panel (Fig. 1)
(May vary slightly due to model and year of manufacture)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2: Operator Presence Safety Lever (Large top green lever on right handle bar) Lever must be
depressed for mower drive to engage & for blade switch to engage. When lever is released, mower will automatically
stop electric brakes are automatically applied & mower blades will stop in less than 3 seconds.
***Important: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Operator should immediately release
Operator Presence Safety Lever to engage brakes & STOP blades!!***
Fig. 1

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IMPORTANT:
Blade Warning Light System
GREEN: Maintain Speed and Height.
YELLOW: Reduce Speed or Raise Deck Slightly.
RED: Slow Speed and Raise Deck Slightly
**Ensure Inner Deck Is Clear and Blades Are Sharp Before Each Use!!
Blade Warning Light System:
A 3 light system to assist operator with optimal mowing performance in all grass conditions showing speed and
performance of each blade. NOTE: Allow up to 10 seconds for the blade lights to turn on after blades are engaged.
(Operator can start mowing grass before lights are on.) The lights run in order of the blades –for example, the left
light is monitoring the left blade, center light is monitoring center blade and right light is monitoring right blade.
Once lights are on, operator should see solid GREEN. This will indicate the blades are running at full speed and
optimal power.
GREEN Light: Operator can maintain speed and the cutting height is accurate for optimal performance. As the
operator enters thicker grass, a light or lights (depending on which blade is cutting the thickest grass) will be
YELLOW. If this occurs, it is best to slow drive speed and allow blades to return to GREEN. If slowing drive speed
does not return lights to GREEN, operator may need to slightly raise the deck to return to GREEN and an optimal
cutting performance. A ¼ inch rise in the deck can make a huge difference in cut quality and cutting speed especially
in tall, wet grass.
YELLOW Light: Reduce drive speed. Operator may need to raise the deck ¼ inch to keep the deck at optimal power
and blade performance. If the operator continues to run the mower in YELLOW with longer, taller, wet grass, the
lights will turn RED. RED lights indicate the blade tip speed and power is at the lowest point and is on the verge of
shutting down. Continuing to run in RED will result in your blade or blades shutting down completely, requiring the
operator to turn Deck Blades Off and then On to reset the PTO. TO AVOID THE BLADES SHUTTING OFF- SLOW
DOWN AND RAISE DECK SLIGHTLY! This means the grass is too tall, thick or wet and may need recut in this area
for optimal performance.
RED Light: Slow drive speed. Raise deck. You may need to look at double cutting area if grass is too tall or thick.
NOTE: Once the blade/blades have shut down, the red light will go to a blinking green light. This will inform the
operator that a blade/blades have shut off and will need reset by turning Deck Blades Switch Off and then On.
Operator will also see flashing GREEN lights when turning the mower deck blades off letting operator know that all
blades have shut down.
Fig.1E Battery Capacity Indicator: Indicates battery state of charge and diagnostic
information. Turn the key to the ON position, wait 3 seconds for diagnostics to load. Display will indicate battery
status and drive conditions with READY sign or FAULT indications. NOTE: If FAULT occurs, first reset computer by
turning key to OFF position and then to the ON position. If FAULT continues: Call your Mean Green Mowers Dealer
Immediately! ***SEE Appendix Smartec pages 12-15 for detailed Battery Capacity Indications, Troubleshooting and
Information Guide****
IMPORTANT: When battery voltage becomes low, drive motors will slow to “creep” mode (2mph). When the
batteries discharge to this point, they require recharging. The mower blades should be disengaged and the unit
should immediately be returned to the battery charging area. Then connect unit to the battery charger.

12

13

14

15

16
Fig.1Ga & 1Gb: Green Emergency Manual Drive Brake Release Lever –IMPORTANT: If for any
reason manual operation is needed to return to charging station or to move mower without battery power, push
manual brake lever right and outward to release brake (located lower right side of mower beneath battery
compartment) and push mower slowly back to desired location. DO NOT exceed a slow walking speed when
pushing or towing mower with parking brake disengaged! PULL INWARD left on lever to re-engage drive lever.
IMPORTANT:
NOTE: Never drive mower with lever released. Always pull lever INWARD to the CLOSED position
before driving! Failure to re-engage drive lever could cause serious damage to your mower and void
mower warranty!!!!
Fig. 1Ga
Fig. 1Gb.

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Fig. 1C: PTO Deck Blades ON and OFF Switch: This switch engages the deck blade motors. Pull the switch
up to engage blades and push switch down to disengage blade motors.
IMPORTANT: ONLY engage Deck Blades when throttle lever is in the neutral position. NEVER engage blades
when moving!!!!
Fig. 1B: High & Low Blades Switch –(Located on top left mower control panel)
High Blade Mode is higher blade speed for cutting thicker grass. Low Blade Mode provides lower blade speed used for
lower battery consumption on thinner dry grass areas.
NOTE: Mowing time may be increased up to 15% when mowing in low blade mode
when practical.
Fig. 1A: Drive Speed Control Knob –
Allows operator to select a comfortable walking speed via the Drive Speed Control Knob on the Mower Control
Panel. Turn knob clockwise to INCREASE drive speed and counterclockwise to REDUCE drive speed. Turn knob to
Lowest, Slow Speed for inexperienced operators, for trimming around objects, buildings and other obstacles.
Always EASY DOES IT when unsure or new user to the equipment! Get comfortable with mower before increasing knob
into faster speeds!
NOTE: Speed may be adjusted at any time whether mower is in motion or stopped.
OPERATION
Safe Operating Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions
to avoid serious injury or death.
Operation
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the
job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer. Clean battery compartment, drive motor
compartment, mower deck, seat etc. of all dirt and debris. Keep unit free of grass clippings, leaves and other debris.
DO NOT spray with water to clean unit. Do not use, solvents, hard cleaners or abrasives. Use only compressed air.
Wear adequate eye and hearing protection when cleaning the unit. Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always stop on level ground, disengage deck blade switch, place steering control levers in neutral position, turn key
to off position, remove key and disconnect battery cables by pulling up on LARGE RED battery quick disconnect
handle in battery box compartment for any reason including emptying the catcher or unclogging the chute. Always

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keep safety shields and covers in place. Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets when mowing.
Always stop machine if someone enters the area. Avoid injury. Keep area clear of bystanders when engaging deck
blade switch. Always operate machine in daylight or with adequate working lights.
Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure electrical connections are secured and bolts are tightened. Always
observe traffic laws while driving machine from one location to another. Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways. Always be alert for hazards such as rocks, metal objects and other debris which may be thrown
or entangled by mower blades. Watch out for holes or deep depressions. Inspect area to be mowed for hazards
such as rocks, metal objects and other debris which may be thrown or entangled by mower blades. Remove these
objects before mowing. Always inspect machine for damage after striking a foreign object. If damage is found,
repair machine immediately. Be sure to stop on level ground, disengage deck blade switch, release Throttle Lever
& Operator Presence Safety Lever, turn key to OFF position, remove key and disconnect battery cables by pulling up
on LARGE RED battery quick disconnect handle in battery box compartment! Always wear adequate ear protection,
such as earplugs, when operating this equipment as prolonged exposure to uncomfortable or loud noises can cause
impairment or loss of hearing. Do not wear radios or music headphones while operating the machinery. Safe
operation requires your full attention.
Do not operate the equipment while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers, shorts or any type of loose-fitting
clothing. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts. Always wear long pants, safety
glasses, ear protection and safety shoes when operating this machine. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating the mower. Always be aware of what is behind the machine before
backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while
backing up. When moving in reverse, depress slowly the throttle lever and avoid sudden movement. Rapid
movement of the throttle lever in either direction could result in a reaction of the machine that can cause serious
injury. Never operate a poorly maintained machine. Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in crowded,
congested areas or on slopes. Never allow persons to operate this machine without proper instruction or allow
children to operate machine. Allow only responsible adults who have read and understand these instructions to
operate this machine. Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is running. Never carry
passengers. Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Always disengage the blades and wait for them to
stop before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments during their operation. Turn off blades when not mowing.
Slow down before turning. Turn the key to the OFF position, remove key and disconnect battery cables by pulling
up on LARGE RED battery quick disconnect handle in battery box compartment before removing the grass catcher
or unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the discharge chute with the machine running. Turn the key to the
OFF position, remove key, and make sure the blades have stopped before cleaning. Use a stick to clear a plugged
discharge area. DO NOT use your hand! Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Exercise caution when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer or truck. Data indicates that operators, age
60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. If any
attachment or additional weight is mounted on the rear or side of the unit (depending on model), any rapid
movement in either direction could result in a reaction of the machine that can cause serious injury.
Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by keeping battery compartment, deck and operator’s
station clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and other debris.
Using a ramp
Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a unit onto a truck or trailer with a ramp. Use only a single, full
width ramp; do not use individual ramps for each side of the unit.
Having a full width ramp provides a surface for the mower 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. Do not exceed a 15-degree angle between the ramp and the ground
or between the ramp and the trailer or truck. When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration.

19
Slope operation (see page 20A)
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. If you cannot back up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it; do not mow it.
REMINDER: Only operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.
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
• To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the machine uphill, rather than downhill. If drive tires lose
traction, steering control is lost which could cause serious injury or death.
• If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn slowly and gradually.
Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Remove obstacles such as rocks,
tree limbs, etc. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction. Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. Mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet, 3.05 meters)
away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments, 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. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding and loss of steering control. Do not tow on slopes. The weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of
traction and control. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
If the mower’s tires lose traction when operating on slopes, disengage the deck blade switch, release Throttle Lever,
& Operator Presence Safety Lever & turn the key to the OFF position and get help OR in EMERGENCY release
Operator Presence Safety Switch to engage brakes & stop the blades.
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 control levers in either direction could result in
a reaction of the machine that can cause serious injury.
Never stop suddenly while backing down slopes. This action may result in a reaction of the machine that can cause
serious physical injury.
The Mean Green Mower is capable of operating horizontally (traverse) on moderate slopes. When operating on
slopes up to 15 degrees, be aware of any conditions that may cause the mower 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 8A 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 condition that caused
the problem is resolved before attempting to operate on the slope again. Terrain conditions can affect traction
resulting in possible loss of control of the machine. Some of the conditions 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 mower will also affect the way it handles on a slope. Be aware that each
attachment’s characteristics vary. Another consideration is to always mow a safe distance (minimum of 10 feet
3.05 meters) away from drop-offs, retaining walls, drainage ditches, embankments, water, and other types of
hazards to avoid a wheel dropping over the edge or to avoid the ground from breaking away and always be aware