King Kutter Free Floating, Product Manual

Page: 12 / 44

PREPARTION
z
Never operate the tractor and mower until you have read and completely understand this
manual, the Tractor Operator’s Manual, and each of the safety messages found on the safety
signs on the tractor and mower.
z Personal protection equipment including hardhat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves
are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment, maintenance, re-
pairing, removal, or moving the implement. Do not allow long hair, loose fitting clothing, or
jewelry to be around equipment.
z
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING
LOSS! Tractors with or without mowers attached can often be noisy enough to cause
permanent, partial hearing loss. We recommend that you wear hearing protection on a
full-time basis if the noise in the operator’s position exceeds 80 db. Noise over 80 db on
a long-term basis can cause severe hearing loss. Noise over 90 db adjacent to the
operator over a long-term basis may cause permanent, total hearing loss.
NOTE: Hear-
ing loss from loud noise (from tractors, chain saws, radios, and other such sources close
to the ear) is cumulative over a lifetime without hope of natural recovery.
z
Operate the mower only with a tractor equipped with an approved Roll-Over-Protective
System (ROPS). Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury of even death could result
from falling off the tractor — particularly during a turnover when the operator could be
pinned under the ROPS or the tractor.
z
Clear area to be cut of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
z
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
z
Ensure mower is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
z Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good condi-
tion.
STARTING AND STOPPING SAFETY
z Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good condi-
tion and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged
or missing.
z All tractors that are not equipped with a “live” power takeoff (PTO) need to be equipped
with an over-running PTO clutch. These are available through most farm equipment stores.
NOTE: The addition of an over-running PTO clutch may change the length of the PTO
driveline required. Pay extra attention to the instructions on the PTO driveline Installa-
tion. Be sure that the driveline system guarding is adequate.
z Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual for
PTO engagement and disengagement instructions. Know how to stop tractor and mower
quickly in case of an emergency.
z
When engaging PTO, the engine RPM should always be at idle speed. Once engaged
and ready to start cutting, raise PTO speed to 540 RPM and maintain throughout cutting
operation.
12