OPERATION
OPERATION
9.4 Driving the Tractor, Flex Arm, and Mower
Start off driving at a slow speed and gradually increase your speed while maintaining complete control of the tractor, flex arm, and mower. Moving slowly at first will also prevent the tractor from rearing up and loss of steering control. The tractor should never be operated at speeds that cannot be safely handled or which will prevent the operator from stopping quickly during an emergency. If the power steering or engine ceases operating, stop the tractor immediately as the tractor will be difficult to control.
WARNING! Allow sufficient clearance for the Implement to swing outward while turning. Implements carried behind the Tractor will swing outside the tire path when making turns. Contacting a solid object while turning will cause equipment damage and possible injury.
Perform turns with the tractor, flex arm and mower at slow speeds to determine how the tractor with an attached flex arm and mower handles a turn. When operating the flex arm and mower the overall working length of the unit is increased. Allow additional clearance for the flex arm and mower when turning, especially if the wings are lowered and the flex arm is extended. The mower extends to the right 3’ from the FLX15 and 16” from the FLX10. Extra precaution should be taken to avoid hitting parked vehicals,sign, road structures, bystanders,and animals due to the overall length and width of the implements.
To avoid overturns, drive the tractor with care and at safe speeds, especially when operating over rough ground, crossing ditches or slopes, and turning corners. Rear tractor tire spacing should be increased when working on inclines or rough ground to reduce the possibility of tipping. Utilizing the flex arm will increase safety during operation. The tractor does not have to ride on the ditch slopes there by reducing the possiblities of a rollover.
Use extreme caution when operating on steep slopes.
Keep the tractor in a low gear when going downhill.
DO NOT coast or
Practice steering and maneuvering the tractor, Flex Arm and mower in an open field or parking lot before operating the mower. Use extreme care when backing the equipment. The mower will not react to backing in the same manner as it does when the mower is connected directly to the tractor. Practice backing until you can safely control the direction and movements of the Flex Arm and mower. Back up at a slow speeds to ensure you maintain control and direction of the mower. Use care to make sure the mower is not backed in to a parked vehicle, sign, road structures, bystanders, or animals. If you do not feel that you can safely operate and back the equipment combination than obtain further training before operating this Flex Arm and mower.
FLX15/10 04/06 | Operation Section |
© 2006 Alamo Group Inc.