INSTRUCTIONS
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATION
The models FM 560 and FM 572 Finishing Mowers are designed for light duty cutting such as lawn maintenance with a Category I, 3 pt. hitch and with a 540 rpm PTO. These mowers are not designed for tractors over 40 horsepower. The PTO must be in good working condition.
It is recommended that only tractors with wide front axles be used with this cutter. Tricycle front wheel arrangements are inherently unstable and tractor roll- over accidents are more likely to occur.
Tractor wheel tread spacing should be increased when working on inclines or rough ground to reduce the possibility of tipping.
The tractor also needs lift arm stabilizer bars or sway blocks to control side movement of the cutter.
Check the tractor’s 3 pt. hydraulic lift system. Refer to your tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjust- ments necessary to put the hydraulic system in good working order. (I & T shop manuals will list most speci- fications and adjustment instructions – available from most farm equipment dealers.)
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate tires to the proper recommended air pressure.
Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing. (You may have to use a tractor salvage yard for replacement parts on older tractors.)
Shorten or remove the tractor drawbar so it will not interfere with the up and down movement of the mower.
Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely fastened. Falling off power unit can result in death from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable ROPS systems in “locked up” position at all times. Contact your local dealer for a ROPS for your tractor.
CAUTION!
Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read all the safety precautions and make sure all tractor operators are familiar with the safety rules of operation.
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this mower. The operator must be properly trained. Operators should be familiar with the mower and tractor and all safety practices before starting operation. Read the safety rules and safety signs on pages
Recommended mowing speed for most conditions is from two to five mph.
WARNING!
When using the unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels. Without this weight, tractor could tip up, causing possible loss of control and possible personal injury or death. The weight may be attained with a front end loader, front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. DO NOT GUESS OR ESTIMATE!
WARNING!
A heavy load can cause instability in driving a tractor. Make sure the front of the tractor is properly counterbalanced with weights. Always drive slowly
–especially around turns. An unstable tractor could steer badly and possibly tip over, causing injury or death.
DANGER!
For
Front, rear, left and right are determined by the normal direction of travel, the same as when driving an automobile.
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