OPERATION
3.4 Hydraulics
A Three-Spool Control Valve (Extra Equipment) is available from your dealer for use with tractors having either an open or closed center Hydraulic System. The Control Valve Handles should be set in the float position for most Cutter operations. This will allow the Cutter sections to follow the contour of the land. In the float position, the Control Valve Handles are pushed in the closest to the Valve body. The closed-center Valve Handles must be kept in the float position to keep the Wings and Center Section from creeping up. When extending the left or right Wing out over a ditch when mowing, put the Control Valve Handles with detents in the center position on the Valve. This will give the Cutter more stability and prevent the opposite Wing from raising. Do not operate Cutter in this position over rough terrain or for long periods of time.
3.5 Front End Weight
A minimum of 20% total tractor weight must be maintained on the tractor front end at all times. Front end weight is critical to maintain steering control and to prevent the tractor from rearing up while driving. If the front end is too light, add weight until a minimum of 20% total weight is reached on the front tires. Front weights and weight carriers can be purchased through an authorized tractor dealership. OPS-U- 0005
3.6 Power Take Off (PTO)
Depending on the unit, the mower is designed to operate at a PTO speed of 540 or 1000 RPM. Most tractors operate at either 540, or a combination of 540 and 1000 RPM PTO speeds. The operating speed of the mower and tractor can be determined by the number of splines on the driveline yoke and PTO output shaft. Those operating at 540 RPM will have a 6-spline shaft and those operating at 1000 RPM will have a 21-spline shaft or a 1-3/4” 20 spline shaft. Refer to the tractor owner’s manual for instructions to change PTO speeds on models that operate at more than one speed.
If operating an older model tractor where the tractor’s transmission and PTO utilize one master clutch, an over-running clutch must be used between the PTO output shaft and the driveline of the mower. An authorized tractor dealer can provide the over-running clutch and its installation if needed. OPS-U- 0006
DO NOT use a PTO adapter to attach a non-matching Implement driveline to a Tractor PTO. Use of an adapter can double the operating speed of the Implement resulting in excessive vibration, thrown objects, and blade and implement failure. Adapter use will also change the working length of the driveline exposing unshielded driveline areas. Serious bodily injury and/or equipment failure can result from using a PTO adapter. Consult an authorized dealer for assistance if the Implement driveline does not match the Tractor PTO.
(S3PT-14)
Never operate the Tractor and Mower if the Implement input driveline is directly connected to the Tractor transmission. Tractor braking distances can be substantially increased by the momentum of the rotating Mower blades driving the Tractor transmission even though the Tractor clutch has been disengaged. Install an over running clutch between the Tractor PTO and the Mower driveline to prevent this potentially dangerous situation. (S3PT-16)
FACLON 15/10 03/09 | Operation Section 4-6 |
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.
