Operator`s manual

Operation section 3 -
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
MOWER 04/13
OPERATION SECTION
5
Tractor Safety Devices
If transporting or operating the tractor and implement near a public roadway, the tractor must be equipped withproper warning light-
ing and a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem which are clearly visible from the rear of the unit. Lights and a SMV emblem must be
equipped directly on implements if the visibility of the tractor warning signals are obscured.
Maintain all manufacturer equipped safety shields and guards. Always replace shields and guards that were removed for access to
connect, service, or repair the tractor or implement. Never operate the tractor PTO with the PTO master shield missing or in the raised
position. OPS-U- 0004
Tractor Horsepower
The horsepower required to operate the mower depends on many factors including the vegetation to be cut, terrain condition, operator
experience, and condition of the mower and tractor. For most mowing condition, the RSM mower requires a tractor with at least 25HP.
Operating the mower with a tractor that does not have adequate power may damage the tractor engine.
Point Hitch
The tractor 3-point hitch must be rated to lift at least 900 lbs.
RSM mowers can attach to tractor’s with either a CAT I hitch. Refer to the tractor operator’s manual for the category of the tractor used.
If the hitch does not conform to ASABE CAT I dimensions, the mower may not t or raise properly. Consult an authorized dealer for
possible modication procedures to mount nonconforming hitches.
Use the correct hitch pins for the hitch category being used. For a CAT I hitch, 7/8” lower can 3/4” upper diameter hitch pins are used.
Before attaching mower to tractor, it will be necessary that each tractor lower hitch arms have freedom of movement that the mower is
completely independent of tractor movement. This will allow the mower to pivot sideways as well as move vertically.
Some tractors provide the “oat” by means of an optional slot in the lower end of each lift link, others by lift check chains which can be
made telescopic by changing the position of the pins in the links.
Failure to provide “oat” may result in failure of the cutterhousing and bearings in the roller, thus voiding the mower warranty. Should
your tractor not have a built “oat” option, a exible check chain assembly (optional equipment) will be required.
On all centered mowers, two exible check chain assemblies will be necessary to provide “oat” to each lift link. On all offset mowers,
one exible check chain assembly will be necessary to provide “oat” to the lift link on the same side that the mower is offset. The other
lift link should be the adjustable stiff link furnished with the tractor.
Front End Weight
Maintain a minimum of 20% total tractor weight on the tractor front end at all times. Front end weight is critical to maintain steering
ability and to prevent the front end from rearing up. Consult your authorized tractor dealer for front weights and carriers.
Power Take Off (PTO)
Only operate the mower on a tractor equipped to operate at 540 rpm PTO speed. Tractors operating at 540 rpm will have a 1-3/8”
diameter 6-spline PTO shaft stub. Refer to the tractor operator’s manual for operating the PTO at the proper speed.
If operating an older model tractor where the tractor’s transmission and PTO utilize one master clutch, an overrunning clutch must be
used between the PTO output shaft and the driveline of the mower. Consult an authorized tractor dealer to purchase and install an
over-running clutch if needed.
!
DANGER
DO NOT use a PTO adapter to attach a non-matching Implement driveline to a Tractor PTO. Use of an adapter can
double the operating speed of the Implement resulting in excessive vibration, thrown objects, and blade and imple-
ment failure. Adapter use will also change the working length of the driveline exposing unshielded driveline areas.
Serious bodily injury and/or equipment failure can result from using a PTO adapter. Consult an authorized dealer for
assistance if the Implement driveline does not match the Tractor PTO. (S3PT-14)
!
WARNING
Never operate the Tractor and Mower if the Implement input driveline is directly connected to the Tractor transmission.
Tractor braking distances can be substantially increased by the momentum of the rotating Mower blades driving the
Tractor transmission even though the Tractor clutch has been disengaged. Install an over running clutch between the
Tractor PTO and the Mower driveline to prevent this potentially dangerous situation. (S3PT-16)