Safe Operation of the MK-V on Hills
Climbing hills in a low gear helps avoid overturning.
When navigating hills, the Monarch Tractor can stall, lose forward speed, roll backwards, or overturn if the operator doesn’t follow precautions. Whenever possible, avoid negotiating drop-offs; reverse the tractor and select an alternate route. Never suddenly open the throttle or make abrupt gear changes when operating on hills. Always come to a full stop before changing gears on a slope.
DANGER: The tractor can “bottom out” and stop if either the front or rear wheels are driven over a drop-off. If the drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle can nosedive and tip over or flip backwards.
To avoid overturning the tractor while climbing hills:
- Make sure the tractor is in a low gear. Maintain steady speed when climbing a hill, and never change gears in motion.
- Use the handle throttle to slow the tractor gently.
- Apply the parking brake after stopping.
- Disembark on the uphill side, or to a side if pointed straight.
To avoid overturning the tractor when rolling backwards down a hill:
- When rolling backwards, gradually apply the brake pedal.
- When fully stopped, apply the parking brake.
- Disembark on the uphill side of the tractor, or to a safe side if the tractor is pointed up.
- Turn the vehicle around and remount the tractor.