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T R A C T O R R E Q U I R E M E N T S
A N D P R E PA R AT I O N
The models SDM40-48, SDM40-60 and SDM40-72
Standard Duty Cutters require a Category I 3-pt. hitch
tractor of at least 20 horsepower or up to 50 horsepower
and equipped with a 540 rpm PTO (power takeoff) in
good working condition.
It is recommended that only tractors with wide front
axles be used with this cutter. Tricycle front wheel
arrangements are inherently unstable and tractor
roll-over accidents are more likely to occur.
The tractor also needs lift arm stabilizer bars or sway
blocks to control side movement of the cutter.
Check the tractor’s 3-pt. hydraulic lift system. Refer to
your tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjust-
ments necessary to put the hydraulic system in good
working order. (I&T shop manuals will list most specifi-
cations and adjustment instructions - available from most
farm equipment dealers.)
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate
tires to the proper recommended air pressure.
All tractors that are not equipped with a “live” power
takeoff (PTO) need to be equipped with an over-running
PTO clutch attachment. A special driveline assembly with
an over-running clutch incorporated is available as an
option (see optional equipment list).
Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub
shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and fastened
securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old
shield is damaged or missing. (You may have to use a
tractor salvage yard for replacement parts on older
tractors.)
It is recommended that a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection
Structure) and a seat belt be installed on all tractors.
Contact your local dealer for a ROPS for your tractor.
C A U T I O N !
Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read all
the safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
Figure 1. Tractor Stability
W A R N I N G !
When using the unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and
equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels.
Without this weight, tractor could tip up, causing
possible loss of control and possible personal injury
or death. The weight may be attained with a front
end loader, front wheel weights, ballast in tires or
front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum
20% of tractor and equipment weight on the front
wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS weight
certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. DO
NOT GUESS OR ESTIMATE!
W A R N I N G !
A heavy load can cause instability in driving a
tractor. Make sure the front of the tractor is properly
counterbalanced with weights. Always drive slowly
– especially around turns. An unstable tractor could
steer badly and possibly tip over, causing injury or
death.
D A N G E R !
FOR AGRICULTURAL USE ONLY!
When this equipment is operated in populated
areas or other areas where thrown objects could
injure persons or property, full chain or rubber
shielding (which is designed to reduce the possibili-
ty of thrown objects) must be installed. If this
machine is not equipped with full chain or rubber
shielding, operation must be stopped when anyone
comes within several hundred feet.
SAFETY . . .
YOU CAN LIVE WITH IT!
I N S T R U C T I O N S
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this
cutter. The operator must be properly trained. Operators
should be familiar with the cutter and tractor and all safe-
ty practices before starting operation. Read the safety
rules and safety signs on pages 4-16.
This standard duty cutter is designed for grass and
weed mowing and shredding.
Recommended mowing speed for most conditions is
from two to five mph.
T R A N S P O RT I N G
Pay particular close attention to the Safety Messages
regarding cutter transport. Avoid unnecessary injuries
and equipment damage by exercising cautious, con-
scientious travel procedures.
Attaching the cutter to the tractor increases the overall
length of the working unit. Allow additional clearance for
the cutter to swing when turning.
Raise the cutter as high as possible for transporting,
while maintaining clearance between the driveline and
deck of the 3-point lift cutter.
DO NOT OPERATE PTO DURING TRANSPORT.
R E M O V I N G C U T T E R F R O M
T R A C T O R
Disengage tractor PTO.
Disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
Collapse driveline as far as possible and store it to pre-
vent ground contact. Place blocks under cutter side
skids. Lower cutter onto blocks, disconnect cutter from
tractor 3-point hitch, and carefully drive tractor away from
cutter.
B L A D E S
The blades will last a long time cutting grass, but will
wear rapidly when contacting the ground. If they are
clipping into the ground, they will have to be sharpened
frequently.
The cutting action of the blade will be much cleaner,
create less shock loads and require less power if the
blades are kept quite sharp. That is with a flat or blunt
edge that is not over 1/32” thick. Putting a knife-sharp
edge (where both sides come to a sharp point) on the
blades will not help, as a sharp edge will round off very
quickly and doing so will only reduce the total life of the
blades.
O P T I O N S
O P E R ATION INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
OBEY SAFETY
RULES!!
ALWAYS BE
CAREFUL!!
W A R N I N G !
When this machine is operated in populated areas,
along roads, or in other areas where thrown objects
could injure persons or property, standard equip-
ment safety chain shielding (which is designed to
reduce the possibility of thrown objects) must be
installed.
Chain guards are not mandatory for agricultural use
only (i.e. - out in fields where people, livestock, or
property that could be damaged are not present). If
this machine is not equipped with chain shielding,
operation must be stopped when anyone comes
within several hundred feet.
For four (4) foot cutter – Model No. SDM40-48
order No. 650575 front chain kit (4’)
For five (5) foot cutter – Model No. SDM40-60
order No. 650375 front chain kit (5’)
For six (6) foot cutter – Model No. SDM40-72
order No. 650620 front chain kit (6’)
C A U T I O N !
All tractors that are not equipped with a “live”
power takeoff (PTO) need to be equipped with an
over-running PTO clutch driveline.
Use of a standard PTO driveline that does not have
an over-running clutch on these tractors, will allow
the cutter blade assembly to act as a flywheel. This
can cause damage to the tractor’s internal PTO drive
train and can make stopping the tractor’s forward
travel difficult.
For five (5) foot cutter – Model No. SDM40-60
order No. 650380 driveline assembly for five (5)
foot cutter with over-running clutch.
For six (6) foot cutter – Model No. SDM40-72
order No. 650625 driveline assembly for six (6)
foot cutter with over-running clutch.
C A U T I O N !
There are PTO over-running clutch attachments
available. However, they will increase the length of
the driveline and may cause the front knuckle joint to
operate beyond the cover of the tractor master PTO
shield. This is NOT recommended and a dangerous
operating condition will be present.
