63
Determine the safe speed to maintain proper control of the
tractor when making turns. When turning with a towed
implement, the overall working length of the unit is
increased. Allow additional clearance for the mower when
turning.
To avoid overturns, drive the tractor with care and at safe
speeds, especially when operating over rough ground,
crossing ditches or slopes, and turning corners.
Use extreme caution when operating on steep slopes.
Keep the tractor in a low gear when going downhill. Do
not coast or free-wheel downhill.
Figure 4.34 – Tractor Stability
When reaching the end of the cutting path; raise the machine before turning. Never raise the mower wings while
the blades are turning.
When turning, reduce the tractor engine RPM to around 50% of the usual working RPM when cutting with the
machine. Remaining at working RPM can cause premature wear on the input shaft and place pressure on the
tractor PTO shaft and could cause extensive mechanical damage to the machine and tractor.
4.11.5 Crossing Ditches & Steep Inclines
WARNING! Damage resulting from bottoming out the input
shaft inner profile and its outer housing may allow the input
shaft to come loose from the tractor which could cause bodily
injury to the operator or bystanders and/or extensive damage
to the tractor or machine.
Figure 4.35 – Beware of Bottoming Input Shaft
When crossing ditches with steep banks or going up sharp
inclines, it is possible that the two halves of the input PTO shaft
can become excessively overlapped so much that it will bottom
out. This type of operation is deemed abusive and can cause
serious damage to the tractor and machine drivelines by
pushing the PTO into the tractor and through the support
bearings or downward onto the PTO shaft, breaking it off,
tractor or mower end.
When confronted with an incline or ditch, do not approach
from an angle which is perpendicular or straight on as
damaged to over collapse of the driveline may occur. When
crossing such terrain, the implement should be fully lowered
for a lower centre of gravity and added stability.
Inclines and ditches should be approached along a line
which is at an angle as shown in Figure 4.36. This type of path
will reduce the possibility of bottoming out the driveline and
resulting in damage to machine and/or tractor. If the gradient is
so steep that such an approach increases the possibility of a
tractor roll-over, select an alternate crossing path.
Figure 4.36 – Approach Ditches at an Angle
When operating the tractor and machine across slopes and inclines, through ditches, and other uneven terrain
conditions, it is important to maintain sufficient deck to ground clearance. Blade contact with the ground may
cause soil, rocks and other debris to be thrown out from under the mower resulting in possible injury and/or
property damage. Ground contact also produces a severe shock load on the mower drive and to the mower
blades resulting in possible damage and premature wear.
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