16 Operation
MAN1299 (2/28/2020)
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
(OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY)
___ Review and follow all safety rules and safety
decal instructions on page 5 through page 10.
___ Check that all safety decals are installed and in
good condition. Replace if damaged.
___ Check that all shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition. Replace if dam-
aged.
___ Check that chain shielding is in good condition
and replace any damaged chain links.
___ Check that all hardware and cotter pins are prop-
erly installed and secured.
___ Check to ensure blades are sharp, in good condi-
tion, and installed correctly. Replace if damaged.
___ Check that equipment is properly and securely
attached to tractor.
___ Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin
or collar slides freely and is seated firmly in trac-
tor PTO spline groove.
___ Make sure the driveline and guards are in good
condition. Driveline guards must rotate freely. If
equipped, driveline tether chains should also be
in good condition. Fasten the tether chains to the
tractor and implement as instructed.
___ Inspect area and remove stones, branches or
other hard objects that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
___ Do not allow riders.
___ Check all lubrication points and grease as
instructed in “Lubrication Information” on page 18
& page 19. Make sure the PTO slip joint is lubri-
cated and that the gearbox fluid levels are cor-
rect.
___ Set tractor PTO at correct RPM for your equip-
ment.
___ Make sure tractor ROPS or ROPS cab and seat
belt are in good condition. ROPS must be in the
upright position and seat belt securely fastened
during operation.
___ Before starting engine, operator must be in trac-
tor seat with seat belt fastened. Place transmis-
sion in neutral or park, engage brake, and
disengage tractor PTO.
OPERATING TECHNIQUE
Starting and Stopping
1. Power for operating the mower is supplied by the
tractor PTO. Operate PTO at 540 RPM. Know how
to stop the tractor and mower quickly in an
emergency.
2. Engage PTO at a low engine RPM to minimize
stress on the drive system and gearbox. With PTO
engaged, raise PTO speed to 540 RPM and
maintain throughout cutting operation.
Gearbox protection is provided by the belt drive. The
belt is designed to slip when excessive loads occur.
Operation
1. Move slowly into material. Adjust tractor ground
speed to provide a clean cut without lugging the
tractor engine.
Proper ground speed will depend upon the terrain, the
height, and type and density of material to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph. Tall
dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin
medium-height material can be cut at a faster ground
speed.
2. Always operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM to
maintain proper blade speed and to produce a
clean cut.
3. 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 partially rebound.
4. In general, lower cutting heights give a more even
cut and leave less tire tracks. However, it is better
to cut grass frequently rather than 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.
Clearing Blockages
If mower becomes plugged, causing belt to slip for over
two seconds, follow these steps:
1. Maneuver equipment into a previously cut area
and allow mower to clear accumulated material.
2. Continue running at least two minutes, allowing
pulleys to cool. Stopping the mower when in
contact with a very hot pulley will bake and ruin
belt.
(Rev. 12/17/2020)
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