OPERATION
10. Operating the Blade
Only operate the blade from the tractor operator’s seat with the seatbelt securely fastened. The tractor must be equipped with a ROPS in the raised position or a ROPS cab.
Ditching (V-Type Ditch)
Tilt the Moldboard to the desired angle (15 degrees or less) down on the right (left) by use of the Moldboard Tilt Cylinder.
Adjust the Moldboard Pivot and Mainframe Swing to place the right (left) corner of the Blade directly behind the right (left) rear tire with a 45 degree to 60 degree angle between the Blade and a line parallel to the rear Axle. The combined adjustments of the Moldboard Pivot and Mainframe Swing will give this angle. For example, to obtain a 45 degree Blade Angle, rotate the Moldboard 15 degrees and swing the Mainframe 30 degrees, or rotate the Moldboard 30 degrees and swing the Mainframe 15 degrees depending on tractor tire spacing.
For light ditching, cleaning out ditches, and snow removal, operate the tractor at slow speeds, and be careful not to hit any hidden objects. Operating with a light load on the Blade or at high speeds will subject the Blade to severe damage from the impact load if a solid object is hit.
NOTE: Never rotate Blade Tilt, Carrier Pivot, or Mainframe Pivot with hydraulics while Blade is under load. This will cause excessive load on pins and shafts which will result in damage to Blade. Remove load from Blade and then rotate.
To refill a ditch, offset the mainframe to the right (left) and rotate the Moldboard to push the dirt into the ditch while traveling forward.
Utility
To clean close to a fence or barn, offset the Moldboard to the right or left to extend the Blade beyond the tractor tire. Be careful not to hang the Blade Tip as this could result in damage to the Blade or Moldboard. For smoothing out loose soil, a fine finish can be obtained by pushing the soil with the back of the Moldboard.
Grading
Grading can be accomplished with the use of the Planer Wheel (Accessory Equipment). Set the Moldboard Pivot to the desired angle, lower the Blade to the ground, and then set the depth of cut with the Hydraulic Cylinder. Do not drop the Planer Wheel on the ground. This could result in damage to the Planer Wheel or Hydraulic Cylinder.
Backfilling
The Moldboard can be manually rotated 180 degrees for backfilling operations. This position requires a careful setting of the Top Link allowing a Blade angle which does not tend to bury itself, but move across the top of the ground. Backfilling is a very critical operation because the Blade tends to dig into the ground. The backfilling operation should be performed with the Mainframe straight behind the tractor with the Blade set in the center position (perpendicular to the Mainframe). The work should be kept in the center of the Blade. Avoid concentrated loads on the end of the Blade. Do not ram into a load at any time as this multiplies the forces several times normal and could result in damage to your Blade. Perform all backfilling operations at slow speeds to prevent damage if the Blade hits an object. Moving snow with the Blade in the backfill position is a very delicate operation and should be performed with care. It is very easy to hit hidden objects when moving the light snow. It is also very easy to operate the Blade at too high a speed, with resulting damage.
NOTE: The warranty shall not apply to damage caused by misuse, abuse, or contact with obstructions.
300 Series 09/10 | Operation Section |
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.