OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
STARTING AND STOPPING MOWER
The safe operation of this machine is the responsibility of the owner/operator. The operator should be familiar with the mower, tractor and all safety practices before starting operation. Read the safety rules on pages 3 thru 13.
The power required for operating the mower is supplied via the tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor’s manual for instructions on engaging and disengaging the PTO.
1.Always engage the PTO at low engine RPM.
2.Operate the mower at 540 RPM PTO speed. Do not exceed 540 RPM PTO speed.
3.In case of emergency, you must learn how stop the tractor and mower quickly.
Important: Stop mower and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Inspect the mower and repair any damage before resuming operation. Do not disengage PTO when the engine is at full PTO RPM. Always bring the tractor engine to idle speed before disengaging the PTO.
To start operation, reduce engine speed and engage the tractor PTO. Before starting to cut, gradually increase the engine speed to develop full PTO speed.
Enter the area to be cut with the mower operating at PTO speed and, if it becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed during operation, increase or decrease the speed gradually.
To transport the mower, disengage the PTO and raise to full transport height.
Always turn off tractor engine, set parking brake, lower mower to ground and allow blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor.
CUTTING SPEED
Proper ground speed for cutting will depend upon the height, type, and density of the grass to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from 1.5 to 3 MPH. Tall dense grass should be cut at low speeds, while thin medium height grass can be cut at faster ground speeds.
CUTTING TIPS
Always operate the PTO at the recommended RPM when cutting. This is necessary for correct blade speed, which creates a clean and even grass cut.
Under certain conditions the tractor tires may roll some grass blades down and prevent them from being cut at the same height as the surrounding area. If this occurs, reduce the tractor ground speed, but maintain 540 RPM PTO speed. The lower ground speed will allow grasses to be at least partially rebound and cut. Taking a partial cut and /or reversing the direction of travel may also pro- duce a cleaner cut.
When people are passing by the area you are cutting, stop the cutting until the area has been cleared. Although the mower is shielded to prevent objects from being thrown by the blades, no shielding device is 100% effective. The mower operator has greater knowledge of
the hazards created by the machine than people on the street. Therefore, he must take every precaution possible when other people are around.
WARNING!
Avoid personal injury! Pick up all rocks and other debris before cutting. Enter new cutting areas care- fully. Cut material higher the first time to allow the mower to clear unseen or hidden objects. Never assume that a cutting area is clear. Always check carefully before entering it.
Extremely tall grass should be cut in two stages. First, raise the mower above the desired cutting height and cut the grass in one direction. Second, adjust the mower to the desired cutting height and cut in a perpendicular (90 degree) direction from the first cut.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and require less power.
Before cutting analyze the area to determine the best cutting procedure. One must consider the grass height, its type and the terrain relief.
Grass is best cut when it is dry. Mowing wet grass can cause plugging, which results in grass clumps behind the mower.
DETACHING AND STORING
Lower the mower to the ground. Park the tractor with transmission in the correct gear (Automatic transmis- sions should be set on Park; Standard transmissions should be set on Neutral). Set the parking brake, turn off the engine and remove the keys from the ignition. Wait until the PTO stops rotating completely before dismount- ing the tractor.
Disconnect the driveline from the tractor PTO and store it to prevent contact from the ground and away from excessive moisture.
Always reinstall or lower into position the tractor PTO master shield. This shield should always remain in place except when connecting or disconnecting the driveline.
BEFORE OPERATING OR TRANSPORTING THE MOWER
Always display the SMV (slow moving vehicle) symbol on the rear of the tractor that transports the mower. The SMV symbol should be clearly visible to vehicles overtak- ing the tractor transporting the
mower. Prominent display of this symbol will help the operator avoid accidents which could cause injury or possibly death. See figure 4.
Figure 4
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