Allis-Chalmers 400 Series - Page 44

Rotary Mower
BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
1. Read this manual and the manual covering the
tractor very carefully. Be sure you are familiar
with the safety precautions, controls and operating
instructions.
2. Check the mower carefully to be sure it is properly
installed.
CAUTION: NEVER operate the mower unless
the deflector assembly and discharge guard
are both fastened securely in place, (See
Figure 6), or unless the vacuum collector adaptor
is in place.
3. Check the condition of mower blades. Keep them
sharp and in balance.
4. Clear the lawn of all sticks, stones, wire and other
debris which may be caught or thrown by the
mower blade.
advisable to keep cut grass off of fences, walks, etc.
The remainder of the mowing should normally be done
in a counter-clockwise direction so the clippings are
dispersed on the cut area.
On moderate size, frequently mowed lawns where the
grass is light, it is practical to mow in a clockwise
direction so the grass clippings are thrown toward the
center of the lawn and concentrated for easy pickup and
removal.
MOWING TIPS
Most lawns should be mowed to keep the grass approxi¬
mately two to three inches high. Best results are
obtained by cutting often and not too short. To keep a
green lawn, never mow more than one third off the height
of the grass or a maximum of one inch in one mowing.
For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at maxi¬
mum for the first mowing, then reset to the desired
height and mow again. Allow the grass to grow to three
inches, then cut off only the top inch.
5. Determine the best method of mowing according
to the dimensions, terrain and obstructions of the
lawn.
6. Be sure that mower is properly leveled and adjusted
as previously outlined.
OPERATING THE MOWER
Refer to tractor part of manual for starting engine and
tractor.
ENGINE SPEED
On thick or springy grass or soft ground, the mower
rollers may sink into the ground giving too low a cut.
Adjust the cutting height to get the desired height of cut.
For best appearance, grass should be cut in the afternoon
or evening when it is free of moisture.
To transport the mower, disengage the PTO control to
stop the rotation of the mower blades. Raise the mower
to a safe height to clear any objects that the tractor may
pass over while in transit.
NOTE: Do not operate mower in the "transport" or
raised position.
Engine speed should normally be operated at 2/3 to
full throttle when mowing. When grass is wet or over
3 inches high engine should be run at full speed for best
results.
TRANSMISSION SPEED SELECTION
All forward speeds may be used for mowing under
some conditions. The higher speeds should only be
used in smooth level lawns with moderate to light grass
crop. Always select a forward speed that is slow enough
to assure that you can properly and safely control the
tractor over the ground conditions encountered.
CAUTION: DO NOT WORK around mower
housing area until you are certain that the
mower blades have stopped rotating.
A Heed the CAUTION SIGN and the SAFETY
FIRST SIGN located on the mower housing.
Make certain the discharge guard and deflector
assembly are always in place before operating mower.
A CAUTION; ALWAYS disconnect the power
take off drive and stop engine before leaving
the tractor seat. If leaving the tractor and
mower unattended remove the ignition key.
A CAUTION: When operating the mower for
first time put the transmission in low speed
until you become acquainted with the controls
and operation of the tractor and mower.
MOWING PATTERN
The size and type of area to be mowed determines the
best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as
trees, fences, and buildings must also be considered. In
most cases, making one or two passes in a clockwise
direction around the outside of the area to be mowed is
BELTS
The mower drive belt and the arbor drive belt are
specially constructed to insure proper operation and
long life from the mower. The arbor drive belt is
spring tensioned and requires no adjustment. Replace
belts only with genuine replacement belts ordered from
your dealer.
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