Land Pride | Table of Contents |
Section 2: | Operating Instructions |
|
|
General Operating Instructions
By now you should have familiarized yourself with the Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
With the tractor’s park brake engaged and the PTO disengaged, start the tractor. Using the tractor’s hydraulic control levers, retract the hydraulic
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. It is extremely important that if at any time during this safety check you detect a malfunction in either the mower or tractor that you immediately shut the tractor off, remove the key and set the park brake. Make necessary repairs and/or adjustments before continuing on.
Make sure before starting the tractor that the mower is properly attached to the draw bar with both wings down resting on the ground. Also make sure the driveline is securely coupled to the tractor’s PTO shaft, the hydraulic hoses are properly attached to the tractor’s hydraulics, the tractor’s park brake is engaged and the tractor’s PTO drive is disengaged. Starting the tractor and set the engine throttle speed at a low idle. Engage the tractor’s PTO drive. If everything is running smoothly, slowly increase the engine rpm until the tractor’s engine reaches full PTO operating speed of 540 rpm. If everything is still running as it should, then return the engine to low idle and disengage power to the PTO. Under no circumstances should you ever raise the cutting decks into transport position with the PTO drive engaged. Personal injury and machine damage could result.
You should now be ready to move to your cutting site to begin mowing. On roadway transport in such a manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering corrections. Take extra care to insure that the mower doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as trees, buildings or fences. Use accessory lights and appropriate reflective devices to provide adequate warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when traveling on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply with all local, state and federal laws.
It is important that you inspect the area where you will be cutting and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects either before or after you arrive at the cutting site. Never assume the area is clear. Cut only in areas you are familiar with and are free of debris and unseen objects. In the event you do strike an object, stop the mower and tractor immediately to inspect and make any necessary
repairs before resuming operation. It really pays to inspect a new area and to develop a safe plan before mowing.
You will need to maintain a ground speed between
Avoid very low cutting heights especially on extremely uneven terrain. Always cut downward on slopes and avoid crossing the face of steep slopes. Avoid sharp drops and cross diagonally through dips to prevent hanging up the tractor and cutter. Slow down in turns and avoid sharp turns if at all possible. Remember to look back often.
Now you’re prepared and well briefed you may begin cutting. Begin cutting by doing the following:
•Reducing the tractor’s engine rpm.
•Make sure the mower is on the ground in cutting position.
•Engage the PTO.
•Raise the engine rpm to the appropriate PTO speed.
•Begin mowing.
Make wide turns when possible. Operators of
Whether you are done mowing, need to take a break, or just need to make a few adjustments to the mower, remember to always do the following:
•Reduce the tractor’s engine rpm.
•Disengage the PTO.
•Stop on level ground.
•Set the park brake.
•Turn off the engine and remove the key.
•Stay on the tractor until the mower blades have come to a complete stop.
11/14/08 | AFM4211 | 19 |