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4.11.3 Forward & Power Take-off Speed
Once the power take-off has been engaged following the guidance given in Section 4.11.1, start
off driving at a slow speed and gradually increase while maintaining complete control of the
tractor.
Moving slowly at first will prevent the tractor from rearing up and loss of steering control. The
tractor should never be operated at speeds that cannot be safely handled or which will prevent
the operator from stopping quickly during an emergency. If the power steering or engine ceases
operating, stop the tractor immediately as the tractor will be difficult to control.
McConnel flex wing machines are designed to cut vegetation up to 100mm (4”) diameter. Sharp
blades will produce a cleaner cut and require less power. Travel at a speed that allows the
mower sufficient time to cut through the vegetation and maintain the PTO operating speed to
prevent overloading the mower and tractor. Choose a driving pattern that gives maximum pass
length and least turning.
Speed for mowing will dependent upon the height, type, and density of the material to be cut.
Recommended speed for efficient mower performance is between 2 and 5 mph (3-8 kmh).
Operate the machine at its full rated PTO speed (540/1000 rpm), to maintain blade speed for a
clean cut. See the splitter gearbox guard for a guidance decal on the rated required operating
speed for the machine.
Figure 4.33 – Tractor Driving Guidance
Refer to the tractor operator’s manual or the tractor instrument panel for the engine speed and gear to provide
the required PTO and desired ground speed. Make sure that the machine is operating at its full rated speed
before entering the vegetation to be cut. If it becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed, increase
or decrease the throttle gradually.
WARNING! Do not exceed the rated PTO speed for the machine. Excessive PTO speed can cause
driveline or blade failures resulting in serious injury or death. See the machine splitter gearbox guard for
guidance on the correct operating PTO speed for the machine.
Forward speed is achieved by transmission gear selection and not by the engine operating speed. The
operator may be required to experiment with several gear range combinations to determine the best gear and
range which provides the most ideal performance from the mower and most efficient tractor operation. As the
severity of cutting conditions increase, the ground speed should be decreased by selecting a lower gear to
maintain the proper operating PTO speed.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may flatten some grasses down preventing them from being cut at the
same height as the rest of the width of the cutting area. When this occurs, reduce the tractor ground speed while
maintaining the operating speed of the PTO. A slower ground speed will permit grasses to partially rebound and
be cut. Taking a partial cut may also help produce a cleaner cut.
WARNING! Never use any SR460/620/820 machine in reverse direction. Seek alternate methods of
cutting if a desired area cannot be accessed with the machine and tractor.
WARNING! Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with cabbed tractors with the
windows closed.
4.11.4 Cornering
Drive the tractor with the 3-Point lift arms in the raised position and place the tractor PTO selector lever into
neutral in order to protect the mower driveline and drawbar when turning.
Perform turns with the tractor and mower at slow speeds to determine how the tractor handles with the attached
mower.
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