Land Pride OFM3678, Manual

Page: 46 / 68

Section 3: General Operating Instructions
OFM3678, OFM3690 & OFM3698 Offset Flail Mowers 333-149M 6/11/21
42
Table of Contents
General Operating Instructions
Read the previous chapters, and the section titled
“Safety” in particular, in full and make sure that you have
understood their contents before using the machine.
WARNING
!
To prevent serious injury or death:
•
Check the danger zone surrounding the flail mower before
starting, unfolding, and operating the flail mower. In
unfavorable working conditions, objects may be projected
by the flail mower at high speed.
•
Ensure good visibility. Only start if there are no persons,
animals, or objects in the danger zone.
•
Maintain appropriate safety distances in relation to the
overall dimensions of the flail mower with any accessories
installed.
•
Remove all scrap or rubble (wood, metal, plastic, glass,
wire, cable, etc.) in the work area, which may be projected
from the flail mower or damage the flail mower itself.
•
Do not exceed the mower’s rated cutting capacity. Doing so
can damage drive components and blades. Refer to
specifications & capacities for rated cutting capacity.
•
Pay particular attention when using the mower on uneven
and/or sloping terrain, or when close to ditches or banks.
•
Adapt the speed and the driving style to the conditions of
the terrain.
•
Lightweight tractors with rear attached implements may
need weights added to the front to maintain steering control.
Consult your tractor Operator’s Manual to determine
proper weight requirements and maximum weight
limitations.
Starting Work
1. Raise the flail mower slightly so that it is not in
contact with the ground when it starts.
2. Engage the power take-off and increase rotation
speed slowly.
3. Lower the flail mower until the working position is
reached and increase the power take-off speed
progressively to the required working speed.
4. Start traveling forward with the tractor while
maintaining an appropriate, moderate speed for the
terrain conditions.
5. During work, regularly shut the tractor down
according to
“Tractor Shutdown Procedure”
on
page 12 and check to make sure the two driveline
joints are connected correctly.
Ground Speed
IMPORTANT:
Working at an excessive ground
speed may damage the flail mower and produce
unsatisfactory results.
NOTE:
The greater the ground speed, the lower the
quality of the work.
Adjust ground speed in accordance with the following
criteria:
•
The type and conditions of the material worked.
•
The fineness of the worked material.
•
The roughness and slope of the surface being traveled
over.
Vibration and Noise
WARNING
!
To prevent serious injury or death: Periodically check that the
safety guards are in place and installed correctly on the flail
mower.
If any abnormal noise or vibration is noted during use,
stop the flail immediately and shut the tractor down
according to
“Tractor Shutdown Procedure”
on page
12. Once safe, identify and eliminate the cause. If you
cannot resolve the issue yourself, contact your dealer.
Check for worn, missing, or damaged blades. Check
rotor for being bent or damaged. For detailed information,
refer to “Check & Replace Blades” on page 49.
Periodically check the condition of the guards and
immediately replace them should they be damaged.
In particular, check:
•
The power take-off guard
•
The drive shaft guards
•
The front and lateral guards
Clogging
Working with excessively dense, wet vegetation or at an
excessive ground speed may cause the flail mower to
become clogged.
Clogging causes the tractor motor speed to drop and
choppy grass cutting. At the first signs of clogging:
•
Reduce tractor ground speed.
•
Raise flail mower slightly.
If the flail mower does not automatically clear itself, see
“Remove Accumulated Trash”
on page 51”.
Ending Work
WARNING
!
To prevent serious injury or death:
The flail mower rotor continues to turn by inertia for a few
moments after the power take-off is disengaged. Wait until all
flail mower parts come to a complete stop before dismounting
the tractor or allowing others near the mower.
To stop the flail mower,
1. Reduce the tractor engine speed.
2. Disengage the power take-off.
3. Wait for all mower components to come to a
complete stop before going near the flail mower
and/or allowing a bystander near the mower.