Section 3: Operating Instructions
AFM4522 All-Flex Grooming Mower 315-360M
11/18/21
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General Operating Instructions
By now you should have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
set-up the unit properly and attached your Land Pride
All-Flex mower to your tractor.
With the tractor’s park brake engaged and the power
take-off disengaged, start the tractor. Using the tractor’s
hydraulic control levers, retract the hydraulic deck-lift
cylinders all the way in and pull the ropes leading to your
transport locks to release them. With the same control
levers, slowly lower your mowing decks from transport
position to working position on the ground. Having
lowered the decks, shut the tractor off, check to make
sure the park brake is set and remove the switch key.
Dismount from the tractor and preset your mower to the
desired cutting height.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. It
is extremely important that if at any time during this
safety check you detect a malfunction in either the mower
or tractor that you immediately shut the tractor off,
remove the key, and set the park brake. Make necessary
repairs and/or adjustments before continuing on.
Make sure before starting the tractor that the mower is
properly attached to the draw bar with both wings down
resting on the ground. Also make sure the driveline is
securely coupled to the tractor’s power take-off shaft, the
hydraulic hoses are properly attached to the tractor’s
hydraulics, the tractor’s park brake is engaged and the
tractor’s power take-off drive is disengaged. Starting the
tractor and set the engine throttle speed at a low idle.
Engage the tractor’s power take-off drive. If everything is
running smoothly, slowly increase the engine rpm until
the tractor’s engine reaches full power take-off operating
speed of 540 rpm. If everything is still running as it
should, then return the engine to low idle and disengage
power to the power take-off. Under no circumstances
should you ever raise the cutting decks into transport
position with the power take-off drive engaged. Personal
injury and machine damage could result.
You should now be ready to move to your cutting site to
begin mowing. On roadway transport in such a manner
that faster moving vehicles can easily see you and pass
you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling over rough
and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the mower
doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as trees,
buildings, or fences. Use accessory lights and
appropriate reflective devices to provide adequate
warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when
traveling on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply
with all local, state, and federal laws.
It is important that you inspect the area where you will be
cutting and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects
either before or after you arrive at the cutting site. Never
assume the area is clear. Cut only in areas you are
familiar with and are free of debris and unseen objects. In
the event you do strike an object, stop the mower and
tractor immediately to inspect and make any necessary
repairs before resuming operation. It really pays to
inspect a new area and to develop a safe plan before
mowing.
You will need to maintain a ground speed between
2-6 mph (3.2-9.7km/h) and 540 rpm power take-off speed
to produce a clean cut. Make a tractor gear and range
selection that will enable you to maintain these speed
combinations. Generally the quality of cut is better at
lower ground speeds. Dense ground cover will create the
need to slow down even more. In certain conditions
tractor tires will roll grass down resulting in an uneven cut
when the grass fails to rebound. Should this happen you
may try reversing the direction of cut and/or double cut to
achieve the desired finish.
Avoid very low cutting heights especially on extremely
uneven terrain. Always cut downward 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 you may begin
cutting. Begin cutting by doing the following:
•
Reducing the tractor’s engine rpm.
•
Make sure the mower is on the ground in cutting
position.
•
Engage the power take-off.
•
Raise the engine rpm to the appropriate power take-off
speed.
•
Begin mowing.
Make wide turns when possible. Operators of pull-type
models must plan ahead and choose a cutting pattern
that allows for wider 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 All-Flex Mower can do.
Whether 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 power take-off.
•
Stop on level ground.
•
Set the park brake.
•
Turn off the engine and remove the key.
•
Stay on the tractor until the mower blades have come
to a complete stop.
