OPERATION
10.4 PTO RPM and Ground Speed
Ground speed for mowing will depend upon the height, type, and density of vegetation to be cut. Recommended speed for efficient mower performance is between 2 and 5 mph. Operate the mower at its full rated PTO speed to maintain blade speed for a clean cut. Refer to the tractor operator’s manual or the tractor instrument panel for the engine speed and gear to provide the required PTO and desired ground speed. Make sure that the mower is operating at its full rated speed before entering the vegetation to be cut. If it becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed, increase or decrease the throttle gradually.
Ground speed is achieved by transmission gear selection and not by the engine operating speed. The operator may be required to experiment with several gear range combinations to determine the best gear and range which provides the most ideal performance from the mower and most efficient tractor operation. As the severity of cutting conditions increase, the ground speed should be decreased by selecting a lower gear to maintain the proper operating PTO speed.
Do not exceed the rated PTO speed for the Implement. Excessive PTO speeds can cause Implement driveline or blade failures resulting in serious injury or death.
Mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower. Safe mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of cut.
Normal ground speed range is from 0 to 5 mph. Use slow mowing speeds when operating on or near steep slopes, ditches,
10.5 Operating the Mower
Only operate the mower from the tractor operator’s seat with the seatbelt securely fastened on a ROPS or cab equipped tractor. The mower is designed for cutting grass and small weeds. Sharp blades will produce a cleaner cut and require less power. Travel at a speed that allows the mower sufficient time to cut through the vegetation and maintain the PTO operating speed to prevent overloading the mower and tractor. Choose a driving pattern that provides the maximum pass length and minimizes turning. Stay alert and watch for trees, low hanging limbs, power lines, and other overhead obstacles and solid ground objects while you are operating.
Under some conditions, tractor tires may roll vegetation down preventing a cut at the same height as the surrounding area. To minimize this problem, reduce the tractor ground speed while maintaining the operating speed of the mower. A slower ground speed allows grasses to partially rebound and be cut. Reversing the direction of travel may also help produce a cleaner cut in these conditions.
Avoid mowing in the reverse direction. If the mower must be backed to access an area to cut, make sure there are no persons or other foreign debris behind the mower before mowing in reverse. When mowing in reverse, operate the tractor and mower at a reduced ground speed to ensure control of the tractor and mower is maintained.
RC12 12/05 | Operation Section |
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