Operator’s manual
Double-sided disc mowers
with central suspension
- 34 -
5.8.
Operation (mowing)
WARNING:
The operator must be seated in the tractor’s driver’s seat when the machine is
operating since only from that position is he able safely and properly operate the
mower. Before he leaves the driver’s seat, the operator must stop the engine, apply
the parking brake and turn off the tractor engine.
Always use appropriate protective equipment (safety footwear, gloves, ear protection and dust
mask)
Before using the machine, make sure that all the safety devices are in their correct positions and in a
good condition. These safety devices must be immediately replaced if they are faulty or damaged.
In particular, the protective cover must be checked regularly. It must be immediately replaced if it is
missing or damaged in any way.
IMPORTANT: If a disc mower is your first experience (you have mowed with 2-drum mower),
you need a piece of essential information:
1.
Main advantage of disc mowers is their small power demand – 20% less tractor power, small
moment of inertia and possibility to manufacture mowers with large working width.
2.
There is however a certain disadvantage - creased stubble, especially when it comes to lying
grass. Straight grass may be mowed with horizontal adjustment of the mower and then the
stubble will be even, but it will not look as attractive as with 2-drum or 4-drum mowers,
because the knives work horizontally to the ground and inclined grass bends because of wind
blasts. After the grass is mowed, it stands up, which makes an impression of inaccurate mowing.
Every mower may leave stripes of uncut grass when it comes to the knives which cut the grass
towards the grass direction.
It is a normal phenomenon. Practically, it is not possible to achieve such attractive stubble as in
2-drum mowers, because the knives work horizontally or at an angle of up to 8° to the ground,
and when it comes to 2-drum and 4-drum mowers, slantwise through the ground (even 23°).
Despite these ‘disadvantages’, disc mowers are ‘winning farmers’ trust’ and modern
technologies give an opportunity to manufacture very durable mowers.
3.
The most even stubble with very low grasses is obtained with disc mowers when half of
the discs rotate to the right and half to the left. A disadvantage of this system is a narrow and
thick windrow which needs to be spread out.
5.8.1.
Essential information concerning mowing
Optimum work parameters
1.
Inclination towards the front 0-5 degrees which equates to 1.8" - 2.8" of mowing height.
2.
Operation speed around 10 km/h or more, if the conditions allow.
3.
PTO rpm = 950-1000 rpm. PTO rpm less than 1000 may cause stripes of uncut grass between
the disc.
4.
Tractor’s rpm (max. moment – economical fuel consumption 1600-1800 rpm).
High and inclined grass
1.
Heighten the cutterbar’s inclination to H = about 1.8".
2.
If there is no inclination the grass will be wedged on the forming drums.
3.
Speed can be more than 12 km/h (the faster – the better)
4.
Do not turn in the mowed grass.
Optimum inclination of the cutterbar towards the ground is between 0° to 5°. If the inclination
exceeds 5°, there might be a slight unevenness of mowed grass. It impairs slightly the quality of
mowing and has an influence on the mower’s operation. When the cutterbar is pulled in the other
