Product Manual

Page 16 of 30
Starting and Stopping the Mower
The power required for operating the mower is supplied via the tractor’s PTO. Refer to your tractor's
Owner’s Manual for instructions on engaging and disengaging the PTO.
1. Always engage the PTO at a low engine RPM.
2. Operate the mower at 540 RPM PTO speed. Do not exceed 540 RPM PTO speed.
3. In case of emergency, you must learn how stop the tractor and mower quickly.
Important: Stop the mower and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Inspect the mower
and repair any damage before resuming operation. Do not disengage the PTO when the engine is at
full PTO RPM. Always bring the tractor engine to idle speed before disengaging the PTO. !
⚠WARNING
Avoid personal injury! When attempting to stop a tractor which does not have a
live PTO, the momentum created by the blades of a mower can cause the
tractor to be pushed forward. Do not operate this mower unless the tractor has
a live or independent PTO.
To start operating, reduce the engine speed and engage the tractor’s PTO. Before starting to cut,
gradually increase the engine speed to develop full PTO speed. Enter the area to be cut with the
cutter operating at PTO speed and, if it becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed
during operation, increase or decrease the speed gradually. To transport the mower, disengage the
PTO and raise to full transport height.
Cutting Speed
Proper ground speed for cutting will depend upon the height, type, and density of the grass to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from 1.5 to 3 MPH. Tall dense grass should be cut at low speeds,
while thin medium height grass can be cut at faster ground speeds.
Cutting Tips
Always operate the PTO at the recommended RPM when cutting. This is necessary for correct blade
speed, which creates a clean and even grass cut. Under certain conditions the tractor tires may roll
some grass blades down and prevent them from being cut at the same height as the surrounding
area. If this occurs, reduce the tractor ground speed, but maintain 540 RPM PTO speed. The lower
ground speed will allow grasses to be at least partially rebound and cut. Taking a partial cut and/or
reversing the direction of travel may also produce a cleaner cut. When people are passing by the area
you are cutting, stop the cutting until the area has been cleared.
Although the mower is shielded to prevent objects from being thrown by the blades, no shielding
device is 100% effective. The mower operator has greater knowledge of the hazards created by the
machine than people on the street. Therefore, take every precaution possible when other people are
around.
⚠DANGER
Avoid personal injury! Pick up all rocks and other debris before cutting. Enter
new cutting areas carefully. Cut material higher the first time to allow the
mower to clear unseen or hidden objects. Never assume that a cutting area is
clear. Always check carefully.