This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation of this machine and must
be maintained with the unit at all times. READ,
and Operation Instructions contained in this manual before operating the equipment. C01-
Cover
UNDERSTAND, an d FOLLOW the Safety
RHINO®
1020 S. Sangamon Ave.
Gibson City, IL 60936
800-446-5158
Email: parts@servis-rhino.com
All implements with moving parts are potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded
operator who recognizes the potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices. The manufacturer has
designed this implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of accidents.
BEFORE YOU START!! Read the safety messages on the implement and shown in your manual. Observe the
rules of safety and common sense!
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Read and understand the complete Warranty Statement found in this Manual. Fill out the Warranty Registration
Form in full and return it to within 30 Days. Make certain the Serial Number of the Machin e is recorded o n the Warranty Card and on the Warranty Form that you retain
In order to reduce accidents and enhance the safe operation of mowers, Alamo Group Ag Division, in
cooperation with other industry manufacturers has developed the AEM/FEMA Industrial and Agricultural Mower Safety Practices video and guide book.
The video will familiarize and instruct mower-tractor operators in safe practices when using industrial
and agricultural mowing equipment. It is important that Every Mower Operator be educated in the operation of their mowing equipment and be able to recognize the potential hazards that can occur while operating a mower. This video, along with the mower operator’s manual and the warning messages on the
mower, will significantly assist in this important education.
Your Authorized Alamo Ag Dealer may have shown this video and presented you a DVD Video when you
purchased your mower. If you or any mower operator have not seen this video, Watch the Video,Read
this Operator’s Manual, and Complete the V ideo Guidebook before operating your new mower. If you
do not understand any of the instructions included in the video or operator’s manual or if you have any
questions concerning safety of operation, contact your supervisor, dealer or Alamo Group Ag.
If you would like a VHS video tape of the video, please email AEMVideo@alamo-group.com or Fax
AEM VHS Video at (830) 372-9529 or mail in a completed copy of the form on the back of this page to
AEM VHS Video 1502 E Walnut Street, Seguin, TX 78155. and request the VHS video version. Please
include your name, mailing address, mower model and serial number.
Every operator should be trained for each piece of equipment (Tractor and Mower), understand the
intended use, and the potential hazards before operating the equipment.
Alamo Group Ag. Division is willing to provide
one (1) AEM Mower Safety Practices Video
Please Send Me:VHS Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video
Federal Laws and Regulations .........................................................................................................................1-19
ROPS and Seat Belt ...........................................................................................................................................4-5
Front End Weight................................................................................................................................................4-6
Power Take Off (PTO) ........................................................................................................................................4-7
GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRACTOR .................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ....................................... ... ... ............4-7
Boarding the Tractor ...........................................................................................................................................4-8
Dismounting the Tractor......... .............................................................................................................................4-8
STARTING THE TRACTOR ...............................................................................................................................4-9
CONNECTING THE MOWER TO THE TRACTOR............................................................................................4-9
SETTING THE MOWER...................................................................................................................................4-10
DRIVING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT..................................................................................................4-23
Starting the Tractor ...........................................................................................................................................4-24
Brake and Differential Lock Setting...................................................................................................................4-24
Raising the Mower ............................................................................................................................................4-25
Driving the Tractor and Mower..........................................................................................................................4-25
OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT............................................................................................4-27
Shutting Down the Implement...........................................................................................................................4-33
DISCONNECTING THE MOWER FROM THE TRACTOR ..............................................................................4-33
Parts Inspection ................................................................................................................................................5-10
Proper Torque For Fasteners ...........................................................................................................................5-12
A safe and careful operator is the best operator. Safety is of primary importance to the manufacturer and
should be to the owner/operator. Most accidents can be avoided by being aware of your equipment, your
surroundings, and observing certain precautions. The first section of this manual includes a list of Safety
Messages that, if followed, will help protect the operator and bystanders from injury or death. Read and
understand these Safety Messages before assembling, operating or servicing this Implement. This equipment
should only be operated by those persons who have read th e Manual, who are respons ible and trained, and
who know how to do so safely and responsibly.
The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word, as seen below, is used throughout this
manual and on decals which are attached to the equipment. The Safety Alert Symbol means:
“ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!” The Symbol and Signal Word
are intended to warn the owner/operator of impending hazards and the degree of possible injury
faced when operating this equipment.
SAFETY
Practice all usual and customary safe working precautions and above all---remember safety is
up to YOU
. Only YOU can prevent serious injury or death from unsafe practices.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, WILL result in DEATH OR
VERY SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, COULD result in DEATH
OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, MAY result in MINOR
INJURY.
Identifies special instructions or procedures that, if not strictly observed, could result in
damage to, or destruction of the machine, attachments or the environment.
NOTE: Identifies points of particular interest for more efficient and convenient operation or repair.
READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the following Safety Messages. Serious injury or
death may occur unless care is taken to follow the warnings and instructions stated in the
Safety Messages. Always use good common sense to avoid hazards.
Si no lee ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea para que le traduzca las
medidas de seguridad.
completely understand this Manual, the Tractor Operator’s Manual, and
each of the Safety Messages found in the Manual or on the Tractor and Implement. Learn
how to stop the tractor engine suddenly in an emergency. Never allow inexperienced or
untrained personnel to operate the Tractor and Implement without supervision. Make sure
the operator has fully read and understood the manuals prior to operation.
(SG-4)
Make certain that the “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) sign is installed in
such a way as to be clea rly visible and legible. When transporti ng the
Equipment use the Tractor flashing warnin g light s and follow a ll local traffic regulations.
(SG-6)
Always maintain the safety signs in good readable condition. If the safety signs are
missing, damaged, or unreadable, obtain and install replacement safety signs immediately.
(SG-5)
Operate this Equipment only with a Tractor equipped with an approved rollover-protective system (ROPS). Always wear seat belts. Serious injury or
even death could result from falling of f the tractor --particularly during a turnover
when the operator could be pinned under the ROPS.
(SG-7)
SAFETY
o not mo
Implement, any of its components or any Implement function.
y or alter
ement. Do not permit anyone to mo
(SG-8)
BEFORE leaving the tractor seat, always engage the brake and/or set
the tractor transmission in parking gear, disengage the PTO, stop the
engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the tractor shift lever
into a low range or parking gear to prevent the tractor from rolling. Never dismount a
Tractor that is moving or while the engine is running. Operate the Tractor controls from the
tractor seat only .
(SG-9)
Never allow children or other persons to ride on the Tractor or Implement.
Falling off can result in serious injury or death.
Never allow children to operate, ride on, or come close to the Tractor or
Implement. Usually, 16-17 year-old children who are mature and
responsible can operate the implement with adult supervision, if they have read and
understand the Operator’s Manuals, been trained in proper operation of the tractor and
Implement, and are physically large enough to reach and operate the controls easily.
Do not mount the Tractor while the tractor is moving. Mount the Tractor
only when the Tractor and all movin g parts are completely stopped.
Start tractor only when properly seated in the Tractor seat. Starting a
tractor in gear can result in injury or death. Read the Tractor operators
SAFETY
manual for proper starting instructions.
(SG-13)
(SG-11)
(SG-12)
ever work under the Implement, the framework, or any
component unless the Implement is securely supported or blocked up
to prevent sudden or inadvertent falling which could cause serious
injury or even death.
(SG-14)
The operator and all support personnel should wear hard hats, safety
shoes, safety glasses, and proper hearing protection at all times for
protection from injury including injury from items that may be thrown by the equipment.
(SG-16)
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE
PERMANENT HEARING LOSS! Tractors with or without an Implement
attached can often be noisy enough to cause perman ent hear ing lo ss. We recommend that
you always wear hearing protection if the noise in the Operator’s position exceeds 80db.
Noise over 85db over an extended period of time will cause severe hearing loss. Noise
over 90db adjacent to the Operator over an extended pe riod of time will cause per manent or
total hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud no ise [from tracto rs, chain saws, rad ios,
and other such sources close to the ear] is cu mulative over a lifetime withou t hope of natural
recovery.
Periodically inspect all moving parts for wear and replace when
necessary with authorized service parts. Look for loose fasteners, worn
or broken parts, and leaky or loose fittings. Make sure all pins have
cotter pins and washers. Serious injury may occur from not maintaining
this machine in good working order.
Transport only at speeds where you can maintain control of the
equipment. Serious accidents and injuries can result from operating this
equipment at high speeds. Understand the Tractor and Implement and how it handles
before transporting on streets and highways. Make sure the Tractor steering and brakes
are in good condition and operate properly.
Before transporting the Tractor and Implement, determine the proper transport speeds for
you and the equipment. Make sure you abide by the following rules:
(SG-21)
SAFETY
•Test the tractor at a slow speed and increase the speed slowly. Apply the Brakes
smoothly to determine the stopping characteristics of the Tractor and Implement. As
you increase the speed of the Tractor the stopping distance increases. Determine the
maximum transport speed not to exceed 20 mph (30 kph) for towing this equipment.
•Test the equipment at a slow speed in turns. Increase the speed through the turn only
after you determine that it is safe to operate at a higher speed. Use extreme care and
reduce your speed when turning sharply to prevent the tractor and implement from
turning over. Determine the maximum safe turning speed for you and this equipment
before operating on roads or uneven ground.
•Only transport the Tractor and Implement at the speeds which allow you to properly
control the equipment.
Be aware of the operating conditions. Do not operate the Tractor with weak or faulty brakes
or worn tires. When operating down a hill or on wet or rain slick roads, the braking distance
increases: use extreme care and reduce your speed. When operating in traffic always use
the Tractor’s flashing warning lights and r educe your speed. Be aware of traf fic around you
and watch out for the other guy.
Never attempt to lubricate, adjust, or remove material from the Implement while it is in
motion or while tractor engine is running. Make sure the tractor engine is off, the
transmission in park, the parking brake set, and that the key is with you before working on
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other
(SG-22)
Never run the Tractor engine in a closed building or without adequate ventilation. The
exhaust fumes can be hazardous to your health.
(SG-23)
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING ELEMENTS to prevent entanglement
and possible serious injury or death.
(SG-24)
Never allow children to play on or around T ractor or Imple ment. Children can slip or fa ll of f
the Equipment and be injured or killed. Children can cause the Implement to shift or fall
crushing themselves or others.
(SG-25)
Do not exceed the rated PTO speed for the Implement. Excessive PTO speeds can cause
Implement driveline or blade failures resulting in serious injury or death.
(SG-26)
NEVER use drugs or alcohol immediately before or while operating the
Tractor and Implement. Drugs and alcohol will affect an operator’s
alertness and coordination and therefore affect the operator’s ability to
operate the equipment safely. Before operating the Tractor or Implement, an operator on
prescription or over-the-counter medication must consult a medical professional regarding
any side effects of the medication that would hinder their ability to operate the Equipment
safely. NEVER knowingly allow anyone to operate this equipment when their alertness or
coordination is impaired.
operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Serious injury or death to the operator or others could result if the
(SG-27)
Mow only in conditions where you have clear visibility in daylight or with adequate artificial
lighting. Never mow in darkness or foggy conditions where you cannot clearly see at least
100 yards in front and to the sides of the tractor and mower. Make sure that you can clearly see and identify
passersby, steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, power lines, debris and foreign objects. If
you are unable to clearly see these type of items discontinue mowing.
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of this
Mower. REMEMBER! This machine is often operated in heavy brush
and in heavy weeds. The Blades of this Mower can throw objects if shields are not
properly installed and maintained. Serious injury or even death may occur unless care is
taken to insure the safety of the operator, bystanders, or passersby in the area. Do not
operate this machine with anyone in the immediate area. Stop mowing if anyone is within
100 yards of mower.
Shields, PTO integral shields, and Retractable Door Shields should be used and
maintained in good working condition. All safety devices should be inspected
carefully at least daily for missing or broken components. Missing, broken, or worn
items must be replaced at once to reduce the possibility of injury or death from thrown
objects, entanglement, or blade contact.
rails and concrete structures. Such im pact could cau se the brok en ob jects to be thro wn ou tward a t very h igh
velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage, serious injury, or even death, never allow the cutting
blades to contact such obstacles.
(SGM-2)
All Safety Shields, Guards and Safety devices including (but not
limited to) - the Deflectors, Chain Guards, Steel Guards, Gearbox
(SGM-3)
The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for rugged use.
However, the blades could fail upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as metal guard
(SGM-4)
SAFETY
reme care should be taken when operating near loose objects suc
as gravel, rocks, wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before
mowing. Foreign objects should be removed from the site to prevent machine damage
and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects that cannot be removed must be clearly
marked and carefully avoided by the operator. Stop mowing immediately if blades strike a
foreign object. Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade carrier is balanced
before resuming mowing.
(SGM-5)
any varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains, can become entangled in the
operating parts of the mower head. These items could then swing outside the housing at
greater velocities than the b lades. Such a s ituation is extre mely hazardous and could result in serious injur y
or even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before mowing. Remove any like obje ct from the site.
Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.
(SGM-6)
ow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower. Safe
mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of cut.
Normal ground speed range is from 2 to 5 mph. Use slow mowing speeds when operating on or near steep
slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, power lines, or when debris and foreign objects are to be
avoided.
Avoid mowing in reverse direction when possible. Check to make sure there are no
persons behind the mower and use extreme care when mowing in reverse. Mow only at a
slow ground speed where you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower. Never mow an area
that you have not inspected and removed debris or foreign material.
Do not put hands or feet under mower decks. Blade Contact can result
in serious injury or even death. Stay away until all motion has stopped
and the decks are securely blocked up.
(SGM-9)
Replace bent or broken blades with new blades. NEVER ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN,
WELD, OR WELD HARDFACING ON BLADES SINCE THIS WILL LIKELY CRACK OR
SAFETY
OTHERWISE DAMAGE THE BLADE WITH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY
FROM THROWN BLADES.
(SGM-10)
Do not let the Blades turn when the Mower Deck is raised for any reason,
including clearance or for turning. Raising the Mower deck exposes the
Cutting Blades which creates a potentially serious hazard and could cause serious injury or
even death from objects thrown from the Blades.
(SRM-7)
(SGM-8)
Never leave the Tractor and Implement unattended while the Implement is in the lifted
position. Accidental operation of lifting lever or a hydraulic failure may cause sudden drop
of unit with injury or death by crushing. To properly park the implement when disconnecting it from the tractor,
lower the stand and put the retaining pin se cure ly in place, or put a secure su pport un der th e A-Fram e. Lower
the implement carefully to the ground. Do not put hands or feet under lifted components.
Rotary Mowers are capable under adverse conditions of throwing
objects for great distances (300 feet or more) and causing serious injury
or death. Follow safety messages carefully.
STOP MOWING IF PASSERSBY ARE WITHIN 100 YARDS UNLESS:
-Front and Rear Deflectors, Chain Guards, or Bands are installed and in good, workable
condition;
-Mower sections or Wings are running close to and parallel to the ground without exposed
Blades;
-Passersby are outside the existing thrown-object zone;
-All areas have been thoroughly inspected and all foreign material such as rocks, cans,
glass, and general debris has been removed.
NOTE: Where there are grass and weeds high enough to hide debris that could be struck
by the blades, the area should be: inspected and large debris removed, mowed at an
intermediate height, inspected, closely with any remaining debris being removed, and
mowed again at desired final height. (This will also reduce power required to mow, reduce
wear and tear on the Mower drivetrain, spread cut material better, eliminate streaking, and
make the final cut more uniform).
(SRM-1)
SAFETY
Be particularly careful when transporting the Implement with the Tractor. Turn curves or go
up hills only at a low speed and using a gradual steering angle. Rear mounted implements
move the center of gravity to the rear and remove weight from the front wheels. Make certain, by adding fron
ballast, that at least 20% of the tractor’s weight is on the front wheels to prevent rearing up, loss of steering
control or Tractor tip-over. Slow down on rough or uneven surfaces to prev ent loss of st eering co ntrol w hich
could result in property damage or possible injury. Do not transport unless 3-Point lift lever is fully raised and
in the latched transport position. Dropping implement in transport can cause serious damage to the tracto
and/or Implement and possibly cause the operator or others to be injured or killed. (S3PT-2)
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of this Implement as in all
power-driven or pulled equipment. REMEMBER! This machine is often operated in rough
terrain conditions that include tall grass, weeds, gullies, holes, slopes, hidden obstructions
and the like. Serious injury or even death may occur unless care is taken to assure the
safety of the operator and bystanders in the area. Do not operate this machine with anyone
in the immediate area.
Make sure the PTO shield, integral driveline shields, and input shields are
is installed when using PTO-driven equipment. Always replace any
shield if it is damaged or missing.
Relieve hydraulic pressure prior to doing any maintenance or repair work
on the Implement. Place the Implement on the ground or securely
blocked up, disengage the PTO, and turn off the tractor engine. Push and pull the Remote
Cylinder lever in and out several times prior to starting any maintenance or
repair work.
PTO disengaged, the tractor turned off, and all evidence of rotation has ceased.
running. Rotating Parts, Blades or Drivelines could turn without warning and cause immediate entanglement,
SAFETY
injury or death.
(S3PT-9)
The rotating parts of this machine continue to rot ate even af ter the P T O has bee n turned off.
The operator should remain in his seat for 60 seconds after the brake has been set, the
(S3PT-10)
“Wait a minute...Save a life!”
Always disconnect the main PTO Driveline from the Tractor before performing service on
the Implement. Never work on the Implement with the tractor PT O d riveline connected a nd
(S3PT-11)
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of equipment and grass fires
while operating, servicing, and repairing the Mower and Tractor:
-Equip the Tractor with a fire extinguisher in an accesible location.
-Do Not operate the Mower on a Tractor with an underframe exhaust.
-Do Not smoke or have an open flame near the Mower and Tractor.
-Do Not drive into burning debris or freshly burnt areas.
-Ensure slip clutches are properly adjusted to prevent excessive slippage and plate heating.
-Never allow clippings or debris to collect near drivelines, slip clutches, and gearboxes.
Periodically shut down the Tra ctor an d Mo we r and cl ean clip pings an d collected debris fro m
the mower deck.
(SGM-12)
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows
closed.
(SGM-11)
Replace bent or broken blades with new blades. NEVER ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN,
WELD, OR WELD HARDFACING ON BLADES SINCE THIS WILL LIKELY CRACK OR
OTHERWISE DAMAGE THE BLADE WITH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY
FROM THROWN BLADES.
Rhino mowers use balanced and matched system compone nts for blade carriers, blades, cuttershafts, knives,
knife hangers, rollers, drivetrain components, and bearings. These parts are made and tested to Rhino
specifications. Non-genuine "will fit" parts do not consistently meet these specifications. The use of “will fit”
parts may reduce mower performance, void warranties, and present a safety hazard. Use genuine Rhino
mower parts for economy and safety.
(SPRM-1)
SEE YOUR RHINO DEALER
In a
hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper
training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the machine. Refer
also to Safety Messages and operation instruction in each of the appropriate sections of the Tractor and
Equipment Manuals. Pay close attention to the Safety Signs affixed to the Tractor and Equipment.
on to the design and configuration of
ement, including Safety Signs and Safety Equipment,
NOTE: Rhino supplies safety decals on this product to promote safe operation. Damage to the decals may
occur while in shipping, use, or reconditioning. Rhino cares about the safety of its customers, operators, and
bystanders, and will replace the safety decals on this product in the field, free of charge (Some shipping and
handling charges may apply). Contact your Rhino dealer to order replacement decals
This section is intended to explain in broad terms th e concept and effect of federal laws and regulations
concerning employer and employee equipment operators. This section is not intended as a legal
interpretation of the law and should not be considered as such.
Employer-Employee Operator Regulations
U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA
This Act Seeks:
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working
conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from
recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules,regulations and
orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OSHA Regulations
OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the employer
shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which the employee is,
or will be involved.”
Employer Responsibilities:
SAFETY
To ensure employee safety during Tractor and Implement operation, it is the employer’s responsibility to:
1.Train the employee in the proper and safe operation of the Tractor and Implement.
2.Require that the employee read and fully understand the Tractor and Implement Operator’s manual.
3.Permit only qualified and properly trained employees to operate the Tractor and Implement.
4.Maintain the Tractor and Implement in a safe operational condition and maintain all shields and guards on the
equipment.
5.Ensure the Tractor is equipped with a functional ROPS and seat belt and require that the employee ope rator
securely fasten the safety belt and operate with the ROPS in the raised position at all times.
6.Forbid the employee operator to carry additional riders on the Tractor or Implement.
7.Provide the required tools to maintain the Tractor and Implement in a good safe working condition and provide the
necessary support devices to secure the equipment safely while performing repairs and service.
8.Require that the employee operator stop mowing if bystanders or passerbys come within 100 yards.
Child Labor Under 16 Years of Age
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your
responsibility to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of
Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)