OPERATION
STARTING & STOPPING MOWER
Power for operating mower is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual instructions for engaging and disengaging the PTO. Always engage the PTO at low engine rpm. Always operate at recommended PTO speed of 540 RPM. Learn how to stop tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
IMPORTANT: Stop mower and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Inspect the mower and repair any damage before resuming operation. Do not disengage PTO when engine is at full PTO RPM. Always idle engine before disengaging PTO.
WARNING! Avoid personal injury. When attempting to stop a tractor which does not have live PTO, the momentum created by the blade carrier of a rotary cutter can cause the tractor to be pushed forward. DO NOT operate this cutter unless tractor has live or independent PTO.
To commence operation, reduce engine speed and engage the tractor PTO. Before starting to cut, gradually increase engine speed to develop full PTO speed.
Enter the area to cut with the mower operating at PTO speed and, if it becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed during operations, increase or decrease the throttle gradually.
To transport, disengage the PTO, raise to full transport height.
CUTTING SPEED
Proper ground speed for mowing will depend upon the height, type, and density of material to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from
MOWING TIPS
Always operate PTO at recommended RPM when mowing. This is necessary to maintain proper blade speed and to produce a clean cut.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some grasses down and prevent them from being cut at the same height as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce the tractor ground speed, but maintain PTO RPM. The lower speed will permit grasses to be at least partially rebound and be cut. Taking a partial cut and/or reversing the direction of travel may also produce a cleaner cut.
As often as possible, stop mowing when other people are passing by. Although the Mower is shielded to prevent objects from being thrown out by the blades, no one shield device is 100% effective. The operator has greater knowledge of the dangers of being around this Mower while it is operational than the person on the street.
WARNING! Avoid personal injury. Pick up all rocks and other debris before cutting. Enter new areas carefully. Cut material higher the first time to allow cutter to clear unseen objects. Never assume an area is clear. Always check.
Extremely tall grass should be cut twice. Raise mower and cut twice the desired height. Cut the second time at desired height at 90 degrees to first pass.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and use less power.
Before mowing, analyze the area to determine the best cutting procedure. Consider the height and type of material and the terrain type: hilly, level or rough.
Grass is best cut when it is dry. Mowing wet grass can cause plugging resulting in grass clumps behind the mower.
Grass should be mowed frequently as shorter clippings deteriorate faster.
Turf Flex | Operation Section |
© 2004 Alamo Group Inc. |
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