Operation 15
29977 (Rev. 1/23/2009)
Do not disconnect hydraulic lines until machine
is securely blocked or placed in lowest position
and system pressure is released by operating
valve levers.
GENERAL MOWING
Look down and to the rear and make sure area
is clear before operating in reverse.
This cutter may be used for mowing in either forward or
reverse. Reverse mowing will enable you to cut close
to obstructions. When mowing in both directions, cutter
should be level front to rear.
Blade Selection
Your dealer can supply genuine replacement
blades. Substitute blades may not meet original
equipment specifications and may be dangerous.
General purpose suction blades are recommended for
normal mowing. Flat blades are recommended for
brush mowing and in sandy areas where abrasive
action could cause excessive blade wear. Final blade
selection must be left to your judgement, depending on
the job to be accomplished and the desired results.
Cutter Head Hydraulic Lift
The cutter head is raised with a 3-1/2" single-acting
hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder, which lifts only, may be
controlled by either tractor hydraulic controls or an
optional auxiliary hydraulic valve. The head is lowered
by gravity.
There is an orifice restrictor in the hydraulic line to con-
trol the fall.
NOTICE
■ Always raise center section before raising or
lowering cutter head. This will provide clearance
for the inside gauge wheel. Failure to raise center
section will result in rolling tire off of rim.
■ Never install a double-acting cylinder as dam-
age to the cutter will occur.
When mowing, set hydraulic valve in the float position.
This will allow cutter to follow the ground contour.
Always use the tractor hydraulic system with built-in
float when available. On tractors with closed-center
systems that do not have float, you may lock the con-
trol in the down mode. This will allow the head to float.
Do not lock the control in the down mode on tractors
with open-center systems. Refer to the tractor owner's
manual or contact your dealer if you have questions as
to the type of hydraulic system used on your tractor.
Operate the open-center system that does not have a
float with the control in the neutral position. This will
allow cutter head to float up when encountering an
obstruction.
For tractors without hydraulic controls, an auxiliary con-
trol valve may be used. It has three positions: pull out
to raise, push in to slightly lower, and push all the way
in and snap into detent to allow cutter head to float.
Tractor and Cutter Operation
Full chain shielding must be installed when
operating in populated areas or other areas where
thrown objects could injure people or damage
property.
• If this machine is not equipped with full chain
shielding, operation must be stopped when any-
one comes within 300 feet (92 m).
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk
of thrown objects. The mower deck and protec-
tive devices cannot prevent all objects from
escaping the blade enclosure in every mowing
condition.
It is possible for objects to ricochet
and escape, traveling as much as 300 feet (92 m).
Keep bystanders away from equipment.
Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
This cutter is operated with tractor controls. Engage the
PTO control at idle rpm to prevent undue stress on
tractor, cutter drivelines and gearboxes. Set tractor
PTO speed and tractor throttle to operate at either 540
rpm or 1000 rpm, depending on which model cutter you
have. Change ground travel by using higher or lower
gears. Be sure operator is familiar with all tractor con-
trols and can stop it and the cutter in an emergency.
The operator should give complete, undivided attention
to operating the tractor and cutter when mowing.
