Woods Equipment L306A-3, L59A-3 Side Skid Adjustment, Mower Attitude, Starting and Stopping Mower

Side Skid Adjustment

When properly adjusted, side skids are designed to carry mower over uneven ground to minimize scalping. Set side skids 1/2" above ground after cutting height has been established. This should allow skids to clear level ground but hit when passing over rough or uneven areas. Take into consideration that when cast- ers are used, they will sink into the turf. Adjust skids to carry mower when casters drop into depressions. Never operate with full weight of mower on side skids constantly.

Mower Attitude

Position front of mower level with or slightly below the rear. Mowing with the front end high will produce ragged cuts with a scalloped look, excessive shredding and will require extra power. See instructions in Optional Equipment section, page 26, when using leaf mulcher.

Adjustment

For best mowing results, dimension “A” should not be more than 1/2" higher, and never lower, than dimension “B”.

Dimension “B” is set by adjusting casters or lift chains.

Dimension “A” is set by raising or lowering push chan- nel arms in idler bracket.

NOTICE

Figure 1. Attitude Adjustment

STARTING AND STOPPING MOWER

NOTICE

■Mower vibration tends to loosen bolts during operation. All hardware should be checked regu- larly to maintain proper torque. It is a good practice to check mower before each operation to ensure all hardware is secure.

Power for operating the mower is supplied from the tractor power-take-off (PTO). Refer to your tractor man- ual for instructions for engaging and disengaging the PTO. Always operate engine at full rated PTO rpm. Learn how to stop tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.

Should mower become plugged, causing belt to slip for over two seconds, raise mower just enough to clear plug and continue running for at least two minutes, allowing pulleys to cool. Stopping the mower with belt in contact with a very hot pulley will bake and ruin belt. Do not raise mower higher than necessary; this will reduce the risk of thrown objects.

■Any adjustment to either dimension “A” or “B” will require adjustment to the other.

Check cutting height and attitude by placing a straight- edge along the outside edge of mower frame as shown in Figure 1.

Measure from bottom edge of straightedge at the front and rear at least 32" apart. The front measurement should be approximately 1/2" lower than the rear.

To determine cutting height, it is necessary to subtract the distance the blade is below the mower frame from the front measurement. On the L59, the blade is 4-5/8" below the mower frame. On the L306, it is 4-7/8" below.

When checking cutting height, be sure to take mea- surements on both sides of mower. Make sure mower is level from side-to-side using these measurements.

When changes are made to cutting height or attitude, be sure to check belt alignment and tension.

NOTICE

■Improper belt alignment or tension can cause premature belt failure.

A WARNING

■A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels with mower in transport position. Without this weight, tractor could tip over causing personal injury or death. The weight may be attained with front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining the minimum 20% weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. Do not estimate.

PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST

(Owner Responsibility)

____ Review and follow safety rules and safety

decals on page 5 through page 7.

____ Do not operate mower unless discharge

chute or side shield is installed.

____ Check that mower is properly and securely

attached to tractor.

15148 (Rev. 2/9/2007) Operation 9