Worksaver SDM40-72, SDM40-48 manual E R Ating Technique, E R Ating Tips, Shredding, Uneven Terrain

O P E R ATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)

IMPORTANT

Vibration tends to loosen bolts during operation. All hardware should be checked regularly to maintain proper torque. It is a good practice to check cutter before each operation to ensure all hardware is secure.

Under some conditions, grass will not rebound enough to be cut evenly. In general, lower cutting heights give a more even cut with less tendency to leave tire tracks. However, it is better to cut grass frequently rather that too short. Short grass deteriorates rapidly in hot weather and invites weed growth during growing seasons. Follow local recommendations for the suitable cutting height in your area.

O P E R ATING TECHNIQUE

Power for operating cutter is supplied by tractor PTO. Operate PTO only at 540 rpm gear range. Know how to stop tractor and cutter quickly in case of an emergency.

Engage PTO at a low engine rpm to minimize stress on the drive system and gearbox. Place tractor in gear and proceed forward. Advance tractor throttle to 540 PTO RPM. Tractor forward speed should be controlled by gear selection, not engine speed. For maximum cutting efficiency, forward speed should allow cutter to maintain a constant, maximum blade speed. If cutter stalls or tractor engine bogs, disengage PTO. Before re-engag- ing PTO, position cutter in a cut area and reduce tractor throttle to idle. If cutter continuously stalls, select lower tractor gear and/or increase cutting height.

Blade rotation is counterclockwise causing cut material to discharge to the left side of cutter forming a windrow. To shred and dissipate this windrow, tractor should be driven in a counterclockwise direction throwing material to the uncut area. The windrowed material will be recut on each new pass. Tractor tire tracks are cut more effi- ciently when tractor is traveling in a clockwise direction especially when cutting height is high. Larger brush should be cut in the center of cutter. Always cut up and down the face of slopes, never across.

Gearbox protection is provided by a shearbolt. The shearbolt will shear when excessive torsional loads are encountered.

Proper ground speed will depend upon the terrain, the height, type and density of material to be cut.

Normally, ground speed will range from two to five mph. Tall dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin medium-height material can be cut at a faster ground speed.

When engaging the PTO, the engine speed should always be low. Once the PTO is engaged and ready to start cutting, raise the PTO speed to 540 RPM and main- tain throughout mowing operation. ALWAYS operate the PTO at 540 RPM. This is necessary to maintain proper blade speed to obtain a clean cut.

Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some grass down and prevent it from being cut at the same height as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce your ground speed, but maintain PTO at 540 rpm. The lower ground speed will permit grass to at least partially rebound.

O P E R ATING TIPS

SHREDDING

For shredding, it is better to set the cutter lower at the rear. How much lower depend on the material to be shredded. Determine the best setting for your situation by experimenting.

W ARNING!

Inspect area to be cut and remove stones, branches, or other hard objects that might be thrown, causing injury or damage.

Extremely tall material should be cut twice. Set cutter at a higher cutting height for the first pass. Then cut at desired height at 90˚ to the first pass.

Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and require less power.

Analyze area to be cut to determine the best procedure. Consider height and type of grass and terrain type; hilly, level or rough.

Plan your mowing pattern to travel straight forward whenever possible. Mow clockwise around fields when necessary to minimize streaking on corners.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

W ARNING!

Do not operate on steep slopes.

Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on slopes.

Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on slopes and rough terrain.

Watch or hidden hazards on the terrain during operation.

Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up” tractor and cutter.

Practice will improve your skills in maneuvering rough terrain.

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