OPERATION
OPERATION
11. OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND MOWER
THE OPERATOR MUST COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND HOW TO OPERATE THE TRACTOR AND MOWER AND ALL CONTROLS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MOW. The operator must read and understand the Safety and Operation Sections of the mower and tractor operator’s manuals. These manuals must be read and explained to any operator who cannot read. Never allow someone to operate the mower and tractor without complete operating instructions.
Before starting any mowing operation, the operator must become familiar with the area to be mowed and any obstacles and hazards contained within to ensure safety to the operator, bystanders, and equipment. Special attention should be paid to foreign debris, rough terrain, steep slopes, and passersby and animals in the area.
Engage the PTO shaft at low engine RPM and speed the engine up after blades are fully engaged. Never engage the PTO shaft at a high engine RPM. This could cause damage to the PTO shaft as well as the Speed Increaser and Pump. Always operate PTO at the recommended RPM when mowing. This is necessary to maintain proper blade speed and to produce a clean cut.
Proper ground speed for cutting will depend upon the height, type, and density of material to be cut. Normally, ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph. Tall dense material should be cut at low speed while thin medium height material can be cut at a faster ground speed.
Always run the Mower at the highest position which will enable you to obtain the desired cutting results. Allowing the blades to cut into the ground will cause wear and undue strain on the mower frame and mower components.
If you are mowing in conditions of heavy growth or rough ground where the blades cut into the ground and the tractor engine slows down, do not depress the clutch on the tractor to allow the engine to speed up and engage the clutch again. This procedure exerts tremendous strain on Mower components. Always disengage the PTO and move forward or backwards until the machine is clear.
This mower is designed with free swinging blades. This feature reduces the amount of shock transmitted to other components. Always make sure the blades can swing freely.
Do not ride the clutch on the tractor. Mow in the appropriate gears to give the correct ground speed.
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 safest possible course is the only sensible approach to the problem of endangering a passerby. The operator has greater knowledge of the dangers of being around this Mower while it is operational than the person on the street.
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such as gravel, rocks, wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before mowing. Foreign objects should be removed from the site to prevent machine damage and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects that cannot be removed must be clearly marked and carefully avoided by the operator. Stop mowing immediately if blades strike a foreign object. Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade carrier is balanced before resuming mowing.
GRASS KING 03/09 | Operation Section |
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.
