____ Check to ensure blades are sharp and
secure and cutting edge is positioned to lead in a
____ Check that all hardware is properly installed
and secured.
____ Check to ensure spindles and caster wheels
are lubricated.
____ Clear area to be mowed of debris that could
be picked up and thrown by mower.
____ Check mower cutting height and attitude
adjustment.
____ Check that all shields and guards are prop-
erly installed and in good condition.
____ Place tractor PTO and transmission in neu-
tral before attempting to start engine.
____ Raise mower carefully and check to be sure
it does not come in contact with bottom of tractor.
____ Check belt tension; refer to page 25 for
instructions.
TRANSPORTING
A WARNING
■Do not operate tractor PTO during transport.
COMMENCING MOWING
A DANGER
When engaging tractor PTO, the engine rpm should always be low. Once engaged and ready to start mow- ing, raise PTO speed to full rpm and maintain through- out cutting operation.
The condition of the terrain to be cut will determine the smoothness of final results. For best results, mower blades should be kept sharp at all times and the plat- form as level as possible. When mower blades show excessive wear, they should be replaced.
MOWING TECHNIQUES
Mowing Speed
Proper ground speed for mowing will depend on the height, type and density of grass to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from two to five miles per hour. Tall dense grass should be mowed at low speeds, while thin
Always operate PTO at full rpm when mowing. This is necessary to maintain proper blade speed to produce a clean cut.
Under certain seasonal conditions, front tractor tires or casters may roll some grasses down and prevent them from being cut to the same height as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce tractor ground speed. The slower speed will permit grasses to at least par- tially rebound and be cut.
Under some conditions, the grasses will not rebound enough to be cut evenly, resulting in an uneven appearance. In general, lower mowing heights give a more even cut with less tendency to leave tire tracks.
Mowing Tips
■Do not operate mower unless either discharge chute or side shield is installed.
A WARNING
■Never direct discharge toward anyone.
A side shield and discharge chute are provided for the left side. The side shield should be used for normal mowing. Use the discharge chute to replace the side shield in very heavy material.
A CAUTION
■Stop mower and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, remove key, inspect and repair any damage before resum- ing operation.
Extremely tall grass should be mowed twice. Raise mower for first pass. Then lower to desired height for second pass and cut at 90° to the first pass.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and use less power.
Before mowing, analyze the area to determine the best mowing procedure. Consider the height and type of grass and the terrain type (hilly, level or rough).
When using the discharge chute, mow with uncut grass to the right. This will distribute the clippings over the cut area. Discharging clippings over uncut grass will cause a
10 Operation | 15148 (Rev. 2/9/2007) |
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