Operator`s manual

Operation section 3 -

MOWER 04/13

OPERATION SECTION

General Operating Instructions

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the Operator’s Manual, completed the Operators Checklist, properly attached your Flail

Mower to your tractor, made the right offset or center adjustments, and preset your cutting height, you’re almost ready to begin using

your Land Pride RSM5 Flail Mower.

It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. If at any time during this safety check you detect a malfunction in either the

mower or tractor shut the tractor off immediately, remove the key, and make necessary repairs or adjustments before continuing on.

Make sure the tractor’s park brake is engaged, the tractor’s PTO is disengaged, and the mower is resting on the ground. Start the trac-

tor and then back the tractor throttle off till the engine is at low idle. With the tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever, raise the mower to

transport position making sure that the PTO shaft is not in a bind and does not come in contact with the mower frame. Lower the unit to

cutting position and, with the tractor still at low idle, engage the PTO. If everything is running smoothly at this point increase the engine

rpm until the tractor’s engine reaches full PTO operating speed which will be 540 rpm. Slowly raise the cutter to transport height to

make sure the driveline does not bind or chatter. Then return the engine to low idle, disengage PTO, and position the adjustable stops

on the tractor’s hydraulic lift lever control console so the cutter can be consistently returned to the same cutting and transport height.

You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to begin mowing. You should have inspected and should only be cutting in an area

you are familiar with which is relatively free of debris and unseen objects. Never assume an area is clear. Extremely tall grass or brush

should be cut twice to detect potential hazards. In the event you do strike an object, stop the tractor and mower immediately to inspect

the rotor and make any necessary repairs before resuming operation. It pays to inspect a new area and to develop a plan before you

cut. Normal mowing speed will be between 2-5 mph and you will need to maintain tractor PTO speed to produce a clean cut so make a

tractor gear and range selection that will maintain this combination. Generally the quality of cut or degree of debris pulverization will be

better at lower ground speeds and cutting denser ground cover or heavier brush may create the need to slow down. Always cut down-

ward on slopes and avoid crossing the face of steep slopes. Avoid sharp drops and cross diagonally through dips to prevent hanging

up the tractor and mower. Slow down in turns and avoid sharp turns if at all possible. Remember to look back often.

Now you’re prepared and well briefed so let’s begin cutting. Reduce the tractor’s engine rpm, make sure the mower is on the ground

and in cutting position, engage the PTO, raise the engine rpm to the appropriate PTO speed, and begin mowing. Operators must plan

ahead and choose a cutting route that allows safe turns. Try increasing or decreasing ground speed to determine the effect on quality

of cut. With a little practice you will be pleased with what you and your Land Pride Flail Mower can do.

If you are cutting with an RSM and using the hammer knives and the standard brush rake teeth you will accumulate and force more

material into the rotor for pulverization. This will require more horsepower and will cause you to slow down especially if you are encoun-

tering material up to 2” in diameter. The ne cutting knives on the RSM are much better suited for a ner quality of cut in grass cutting

applications and in no case should ne cut blades be used for cutting material greater than 1” in diameter.

When you are done mowing, need to take a break, or just need to make a few adjustments to the mower, remember to always do

the following. Reduce the tractor’s engine rpm, disengage the PTO, stop on level ground, set the park brake, turn off the engine, and

remove the key.