OPERATION
INTERSTATER 03/09 Operation Sec tio n 4- 5
© 2009 Alamo Group In c.
OPERATION

3. TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

In addition to tractor horsepower and size required to operate the boom unit, the tractor must also be properly
equipped to provide operator protection, to alert approaching vehicle drivers of the tractor’s presence, and to
ensure tractor stability when mowing with the boom fully extended.

Tractor Requirements and Capabilities

• ASAE approved Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) or ROPS cab and seat belt.
• Tractor Safety Devices .....................Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem, lighting, PTO master shield
• Tractor Horsepower-Minimum..........Rear INT 88” 60hp, Rear INT 96” 60hp
• Drawbar............................................14” length-measured from end of PTO shaft to hitch pin hole, rated to
carry mower tongue weight, safety chain attachment point
• Hydraulics.........................................4-Spool Valve & 2-Spool Valve with Detent Position
• Power Take Off.................................540 RPM

3.3 Tractor Horsepower

The horsepower required to operate the mower depends on many factors including the vegetation to be cut,
terrain cond itio n, op er a tor ex pe rie n ce , and c on di tion o f th e m ow er an d tra cto r. For most mow i ng co nd itio n, the
Rear INT 88” & 96” mowers require a tracto r with at least 60HP. Operating the mower with a tractor that does
not have adequate power may damage the tractor engine.

3.1 ROPS and Seat Belt

The tractor must be equipped with a Roll-Over-Protective-Structure (ROPS) (tractor cab or roll-bar) and seat
belt to protect the operator from falling off the tractor, especially during a roll over where the driver could be
crushed and killed. Only operate the tractor with the ROPS in the raised position and seat belt fastened.
Tractor model not equipped with a ROPS and seat belt should have these life saving features installed by an
authorized dealer. OPS-U- 0003
Operate this Equipment only with a Tractor equipped with an approved roll-
over-protective system (ROPS). Always wear seat belts. Serious injury or
even death could re sult fr om fall ing o ff the tractor-- p a rticularly du rin g a turn over
when the operator co uld be pinned under the ROPS. (SG-7)

3.2 Tractor Safety Devices

If transporting or operating the tractor and implement near a pub lic roadway, the tractor must be equipped with
proper warning lighting and a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem which are clearly visible from the rear of
the unit. Lights and a SMV emblem must be equipped directly on implements if the visibility of the tractor
warning signals are obscured.
Maintain all manufacturer equipped safety shields and guards. Always replace shields and guards that were
removed for access to connect, service, or repair the tractor or implement. Never operate the tractor PTO
with the PTO master shield missing or in the raised position. OPS-U- 0004