GB - 12
MOWING
1. Stop tractor by releasing the traction
pedal (8, Figure 1), then slowly lower the
mower units.
2. Engage reel control switch (10, Figure 1)
to the "On" position.
3. Depress traction pedal to the desired
speed (see Traction Pedal on page 9
and Speed Control on page 9). Reel
speed is constant and ground speed is
variable with the traction pedal. Do not
try to regulate ground speed with engine
throttle (see Throttle Lever on page 9).
VERTICAL MOWING UNIT
1. Be aware that the blades can extend
below the roller. Use care when lowering
cutting units down onto a hard surface to
avoid bending the blades.
2. Setting the depth of cut: Always start
with shallow, less aggressive cuts. Set
the blades to zero (blade tips even with
bottom of roller). Gradually increase
depth of cut until suitable results are
obtained (see HEIGHT OF CUT
ADJUSTMENT on page 18).
3. Keep in mind that vertical mowing is
similar to cutting grass; you can be too
aggressive. When vertical mowing grass
that has never been vertical mowed,
avoid going too deep to start with.
Gradually increase the depth of cut to
obtain desired results.
HILLSIDE OPERATION
The 8400 has been designed for good
traction and stability under normal mowing
conditions. However, caution must still be
used during slope operation, especially when
the grass is wet.
Wet grass limits traction and steering control.
In order to minimize the possibility of tipping,
the least dangerous method of operating on
hills and terraces is to travel horizontally to
the hill. It is also advisable to avoid any
unnecessary turns while operating on hills.
Use extreme caution and travel at reduced
speeds.
1. When operating on hillsides or slopes,
maintain full engine speed, but let up on
the traction pedal as power
requirements increase. This will
maintain the performance necessary.
2. It is best to mow along the side of the
hill, starting at the bottom and working
upwards. This allows the machine to
negotiate the slope without mowing in a
downhill direction.
3. It is essential for the correct tire pressure
to be established for maximum traction
and hillside holding.
PUSHING OR TOWING
INSTRUCTIONS
The 8400 has a free-wheeling valve, or “tow
valve,” which will permit moving the machine
at slow speeds without starting the engine.
Do not exceed 2 mph (3 km/h) while pushing
or towing (see Free-Wheeling Valve on
page 9).
AFTER OPERATION
1. Clean the entire mower after use.
Remove loose grass clippings and
caked grass to prevent clogging the
vented lubrication points and corroding
parts.
2. The engine is air cooled. Do not permit
dirt or grass clippings to accumulate on
the air intake screen, cylinder heads, or
on hydraulic pump cooling fan to prevent
serious heat damage to the engine or
hydraulic pump.
3. If fan blades become damaged, replace
the fan.
CAUTION: Dropping cutting units
abruptly could damage them or the
H-frame of the wing mowers.
CAUTION: Dropping the vertical
cutting units abruptly could damage
the blades and/or the H-frame of the
wing mowers.
