Alamo SM72 User Manual

SM72

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,

UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the Safety

and Operation Instructions contained in this manual before operating the equipment. C01-

Cover

SKID STEER

ROTARY MOWER

Published 02/10 Part No. 00777511C

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

RHINO®

1020 S. Sangamon Ave.
Gibson City, IL 60936
800-446-5158
Email: [e-mail]

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

$0.00

To the Owner/Operator/Dealer

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 Machine is recorded on 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 Rhino 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 Video 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 e-mail [e-mail] or Fax
AEM VHS Video at [phone] 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

DVD Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video

Mower Operator’s Manual

AEM Mower Operator’s Safety Manual

Requester Name Phone:

Requester Address:

City

State

Zip Code

Mower Model: Serial Number:

Date Purchased: Dealer Salesperson:

Dealership Name: Dealership Location:

Mail to:

AEM Video Services

1502 E Walnut Street

Seguin, TX 78155

Or Fax to:

[phone]

Or Email to:

[e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY SECTION .............................................................................................................. 1-1

General Safety Instructions and Practices ......................................................................................................... 1-2

Operator Safety Instructions and Practices .......................................................................................................1-3

Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices .................................................................................... 1-5

Transporting Safety Instructions and Practices ............................................................................................... 1-12

Maintenance and Service Safety Instructions and Practices ........................................................................... 1-14

Concluding Safety Instructions and Practices .................................................................................................. 1-16

Decal Location ................................................................................................................................................. 1-17

Decal Description ............................................................................................................................................. 1-19

Federal Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................................ 1-24

INTRODUCTION SECTION .................................................................................................2-1

ASSEMBLY SECTION ........................................................................................................3-1

DEALER SETUP INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................... 3-2

HITCH LINKAGE SETUP INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................3-2

HITCH ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................................................................ 3-3

FRONT CHAIN GUARD ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................ 3-3

INSTALLING HYDRAULIC MOTOR .................................................................................................................. 3-4

REAR CHAIN GUARD ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................... 3-5

SIDE DEFLECTOR ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................................................... 3-5

SKID SHOE ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................................... 3-6

OPTIONAL GAUGE WHEEL ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................... 3-6

OPERATION SECTION .......................................................................................................4-1

SM72 Standard Equipment and Specifications .................................................................................................. 4-3

OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 4-4

ROPS and Seat Belt .......................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Operator Protective Door ................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Power Unit Safety Devices ................................................................................................................................ 4-6

Hitch ...................................................................................................................................................................4-6

Auxiliary Hydraulics ............................................................................................................................................ 4-6

GETTING ON AND OFF THE SKID STEER ..................................................................................................... 4-7

Boarding the Power Unit .................................................................................................................................... 4-7

Dismounting the Skid Steer .............................................................................................................................. 4-8

STARTING THE SKID STEER .......................................................................................................................... 4-9

CONNECTING THE MOWER TO THE SKID STEER ..................................................................................... 4-10

Connecting the Hitches .................................................................................................................................... 4-10

PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND SERVICE ...........................................................................................4-12

Skid Steer Pre-Operation Inspection/Service .................................................................................................. 4-13

Mower Pre-Operation Inspection/Service ........................................................................................................ 4-13

Cutting Component Inspection ......................................................................................................................... 4-16

Blade Bolt Inspection ....................................................................................................................................... 4-18

Starting the Skid Steer ..................................................................................................................................... 4-22

Driving the Skid Steer ...................................................................................................................................... 4-22

OPERATING THE SKID STEER AND MOWER .............................................................................................. 4-23

Foreign Debris Hazards ................................................................................................................................... 4-23

Bystander/Passersby Precautions ................................................................................................................... 4-24

Engaging the Mower ........................................................................................................................................ 4-24

Operating Speed and Ground Speed .............................................................................................................. 4-25

Operating the Mower .......................................................................................................................................4-26

Shutting Down the Mower ................................................................................................................................ 4-26

DISCONNECTING THE MOWER FROM THE SKID STEER .........................................................................4-27

MOWER STORAGE ........................................................................................................................................ 4-28

TRANSPORTING THE SKID STEER AND MOWER ...................................................................................... 4-29

Transporting on Public Roadways ................................................................................................................... 4-29

Hauling the Skid Steer and Mower ..................................................................................................................4-30

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................ 4-31

MAINTENANCE SECTION .................................................................................................. 5-1

LUBRICATION INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 5-2

LUBRICATION SCHEDULE .............................................................................................................................. 5-2

GEARBOX LUBRICATION ................................................................................................................................ 5-3

HYDRAULIC LINES, COUPLERS, & ADAPTERS ............................................................................................ 5-3

BLADE SERVICING .......................................................................................................................................... 5-4

BLADE SHARPENING ...................................................................................................................................... 5-5

BLADE REMOVAL ............................................................................................................................................. 5-6

BLADE CARRIER REMOVAL ........................................................................................................................... 5-6

BLADE CARRIER INSPECTION .......................................................................................................................5-7

BLADE CARRIER INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................5-8

STORAGE ......................................................................................................................................................... 5-8

PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS ............................................................................................................5-9

SAFETY SECTION

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

Safety Section 1-1

SAFETY

A 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 the manual, who are responsible and trained, and who know how to do so
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.

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.

(SG-1)

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.

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.

(SG-2)

Si no lee ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea para que le traduzca las
medidas de seguridad.

(SG-3)

General Safety Instructions and Practices

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-2

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

(SG-30)

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

(SG-31)

The rotating parts of this machine continue to rotate even after the PTO has been turned off.
The operator should remain in the operator’s seat for 60 seconds after the brake has been
set, the PTO disengaged, the tractor turned off, and all evidence of rotation has ceased.

(S3PT-10)

“Wait a minute...Save a life!”

Never crawl under a raised Implement supported solely by the Tractor 3-Point hitch.
Release of the control lever or mechanical failure will result in the Implement falling and
possible injury or death. Always securely block up the Implement before crawling
underneath to perform repairs and service.

(S3PT-19)

Never operate the Tractor or Implement until you have read and
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 or Implement without supervision. Make sure the
operator has fully read and understood the manuals prior to operation.

(SG-4)

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)

Operator Safety Instructions and Practices

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-3

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE
PERMANENT HEARING LOSS! Tractors with or without an Implement
attached can often be noisy enough to cause permanent hearing loss.
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 period of time will cause
permanent or total hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud noise

[from tractors, chain saws, radios, and other such sources close to the
ear] is cumulative over a lifetime without hope of natural recovery.

(SG-I7)

Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturer’s
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other
chemical agent.

(SG-22)

KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING ELEMENTS to prevent entanglement
and possible serious injury or death.

(SG-24)

Never allow children to play on or around Tractor or Implement. Children can slip or fall off
the Equipment and be injured or killed. Inadvertent contact with controls can cause the
Implement to shift or fall crushing themselves or others.

(SG-25)

DO NOT 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. Serious injury or death to the operator or others
could result if the operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

(SG-27)

Prolonged operation may cause operator boredom and fatigue affecting safe operation.
Take scheduled work breaks to help prevent these potentially impaired operating
conditions. Never operate the Implement and Tractor in a fatigued or bored mental state
which impairs proper and safe operation.

(SG-32)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-4

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Use extreme caution when getting onto the Implement to perform repairs, maintenance and
when removing accumulated material. Only stand on solid flat surfaces to ensure good
footing. Use a ladder or raised stand to access high spots which cannot be reached from
ground level. Slipping and falling can cause serious injury or death.

(SG-33)

Avoid contact with hot surfaces including hydraulic oil tanks, pumps, motors, valves and
hose connections. Relieve hydraulic pressure before performing maintenance or repairs.
Use gloves and eye protection when servicing hot components. Contact with a hot surface
or fluid can cause serious injury from burns or scalding.

(SG-34)

DO NOT operate this Implement on a Tractor that is not properly maintained. Should a
mechanical or Tractor control failure occur while operating, immediately shut down the
Tractor and perform repairs before resuming operation. Serious injury and possible death
could occur from not maintaining this Implement and Tractor in good operating condition.

(SG-36)

Avoid contact with hot surfaces of the engine or muffler. Use gloves and eye protection
when servicing hot components. Contact with a hot surface or fluid can cause serious injury
from burns or scalding.

(SG-38)

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-09)

Always keep a careful lookout and use extreme care when working around utility and
municipal obstructions. Never allow the Mower to contact any utility, municipal, or other
type structure. Clearly mark all mowing obstructions and consult local utility providers for
a safe code of operation.

(SPU-5)

Do not operate the implement while wearing loose fitting clothing. Entanglement of the
clothing with the rotating elements can result in serious injury or even death. Stay clear of
all rotating elements at all times.

(SSP-03)

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 securely in place, or put a secure
support under the A-Frame. Lower the implement carefully to the ground. Do not put hands
or feet under lifted components.

(S3PT-1)

SAFETY

Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-5

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Use extreme care when lowering or unfolding the implement’s wings. Make sure no
bystanders are close by or underneath the wings. Allow ample clearance around the
implement when folding or unfolding the wings. Use extreme caution around buildings or
overhead power lines.

(S3PT-05)

This Implement may be wider than the Tractor. Be careful when operating or transporting
this equipment to prevent the Implement from running into or striking sign posts, guard rails,
concrete abutments or other solid objects. Such an impact could cause the Implement and
Tractor to pivot violently resulting in loss of steering control, serious injury, or even death.
Never allow the Implement to contact obstacles.

(S3PT-12)

Be sure you have adequate knowledge of the property you will be working on. Take time to
make yourself aware of any area underground lines or cables. Contact with buried lines or
cable could result in serious injury or death. If in doubt about buried utility lines call 811
before digging or 1-800-258-0808.

(SBH-6)

Do not operate Mower if excessive vibration exists. Shut down PTO and the Tractor
engine. Inspect the Mower to determine the source of the vibration. If Mower blades are
missing or damaged replace them immediately. Do not operate the mower until the
blades have been replaced and the Mower operates smoothly. Operating the Mower with
excessive vibration can result in component failure and broken objects to be thrown
outward at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage, serious injury,
or even death, never allow the Mower to be operated with blades missing.

(SFL-4)

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 off the tractor--particularly during a turnover
when the operator could be pinned under the ROPS.

(SG-7)

BEFORE leaving the tractor seat lower the implement, set the parking
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.

(SG-10)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-6

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

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.

(SG-11)

Do not mount or dismount the Tractor while the tractor is moving. Mount
the Tractor only when the Tractor and all moving parts are completely
stopped.

(SG-12)

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
manual for proper starting instructions.

(SG-13)

Do not operate this Equipment with hydraulic oil or fuel leaking. Oil
and fuel are explosive and their presence could present a hazard. Do
not check for leaks with your hand! High-pressure oil streams from
breaks in the line could penetrate the skin and cause tissue damage
including gangrene. To check for a hose leak, SHUT the unit ENGINE
OFF and remove all hydraulic pressure. Wear oil impenetrable gloves,
safety glasses and use Cardboard to check for evidence of oil leaks. If
you suspect a leak, REMOVE the HOSE and have it tested at a Dealer.
If oil does penetrate the skin, have the injury treated immediately by a
physician knowledgeable and skilled in this procedure.

(SG-15)

Never run the Tractor engine in a closed building or without adequate ventilation. The
exhaust fumes can be hazardous to your health.

(SG-23)

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)

Operate the Tractor and/or Implement controls only while properly seated in the Tractor seat
with the seat belt securely fastened around you. Inadvertent movement of the Tractor or
Implement may cause serious injury or death.

(SG-29)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-7

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

In case of mechanical difficulty during operation, place the transmission in the park
position, set the parking brake, shut down all power, including the PTO and the engine and
remove the key. Wait until all rotating motion has stopped before dismounting.

(SG-39)

Do Not operate this equipment in areas where insects such as bees may attack you and/or
cause you to lose control of the equipment. If you must enter in such areas, use a tractor
with an enclosed Cab and close the windows to prevent insects from entering. If a tractor
cab is not available, wear suitable clothing including head, face, and hand protection to
shield you from the insects. Attacking insects can cause you to lose control of the tractor,
which can result in serious injury or death to you or bystanders. Never dismount a moving
tractor.

(SG-40)

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
300 feet (90 m) 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.

(SGM-1)

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 300 feet
of mower.

(SGM-02)

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
rails and concrete structures. Such impact could cause the broken objects to be thrown
outward at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage, serious
injury, or even death, never allow the cutting blades to contact such obstacles.

(SGM-4)

Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such
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-05)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-8

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Many 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 blades. Such a situation is extremely hazardous and could result
in serious injury or even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before mowing.
Remove any like object from the site. Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.

(SGM-06)

Mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower. The
correct mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of
cut. Normal ground speed range is from 2 to 5 mph(3-8 kph). 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.

(SGM-07)

Avoid mowing in reverse direction when possible. Check to make sure there are no
persons behind the mower and use extreme care when maneuvering 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.

(SGM-08)

Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows
closed.

(SGM-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 Tractor and Mower and clean clippings and collected debris from
the mower deck.

(SGM-12)

The Mower is designed for certain mowing applications and is rated to cut up to a specific
size vegetation (see Mower Standard Equipment and Specifications). DO NOT use this
mower to cut vegetation above the Mower’s rated capacity or to cut any type of non­vegetative material. Only operate this Mower on a properly sized and equipped Tractor.
Operating this Mower in an application for which it is not designed and/or operating the
Mower with the wrong size Tractor can cause Mower component damage and equipment
failure resulting in possible serious injury or death.

(SGM-14)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-9

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Do not operate or pull the mower into standing water. When uplift or fan type mower blades
contact water they can be severely deflected downward causing possible failure of blade
resulting in serious boldly injury to the operator or bystanders.

(SGM-15)

Use extreme caution when raising the Mower above ground level. Stop the Blades from
turning when the Mower is raised and passersby are within 100 yards. Raising the
Mower exposes the Cutting Blades which creates a potentially serious hazard and can
cause serious injury by objects thrown from the Blades or by contact with the Blades.

(SPU-1)

Rotary Mowers are capable under adverse conditions of throwing
objects for great distances (300 ft (100 m) or more) and causing serious
injury or death. Follow safety messages carefully.

STOP MOWING IF PASSERSBY ARE WITHIN 300 Feet (100 m) 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, reduce streaking, and
make the final cut more uniform).

(SRM-01)

Do not turn so sharp or lift mower so high to produce a severe "knocking" of the Driveline
which will cause accelerated wear and breakage of drive train components and could result
in possible injury from the separated Driveline sections.

(SRM-04)

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-07)

SAFETY

Connecting or Disconnecting Implement Safety Instructions and Practices

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-10

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

DO NOT use a PTO adapter to attach a non-matching Implement driveline to a Tractor

PTO. Use of an adapter can double the operating speed of the Implement resulting in
excessive vibration, thrown objects, and blade and implement failure. Adapter use will also
change the working length of the driveline exposing unshielded driveline areas. Serious
bodily injury and/or equipment failure can result from using a PTO adapter. Consult an
authorized dealer for assistance if the Implement driveline does not match the Tractor PTO.

(S3PT-14)

Always shut the Tractor completely down, place the transmission in park, and set the
parking brake before you or anyone else attempts to connect or disconnect the Implement
and Tractor hitches.

(S3PT-15)

Never operate the Tractor and Mower if the Implement input driveline is directly connected
to the Tractor transmission. Tractor braking distances can be substantially increased by
the momentum of the rotating Mower blades driving the Tractor transmission even though
the Tractor clutch has been disengaged. Install an over running clutch between the Tractor
PTO and the Mower driveline to prevent this potentially dangerous situation.

(S3PT-16)

When attaching the Implement input driveline to the Tractor PTO, it is important that the
connecting yoke spring activated locking collar slides freely and the locking balls are seated
securely in the groove on the Tractor PTO shaft. Push and pull the driveline back and forth
several times to ensure it is securely attached. A driveline not attached correctly to the
Tractor PTO shaft could come loose and result in personal injury and damage to the
Implement.

(S3PT-17)

Before operating the Implement, check to make sure the Implement input driveline will not
bottom out or become disengaged. Bottoming out occurs when the inner shaft penetrates
the outer housing until the assembly becomes solid-it can shorten no more. Bottoming out
can cause serious damage to the Tractor PTO by pushing the PTO into the Tractor and
through the support bearings or downward onto the PTO shaft, breaking it off. A broken
driveline can cause personal injury.

(S3PT-18)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-11

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

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 front 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 prevent loss of steering control which 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
tractor and/or Implement and possibly cause the operator or others to be injured or killed.

(S3PT-02)

Allow sufficient clearance for the Implement to swing outward while turning. Implements
carried behind the Tractor will swing outside the tire path when making turns. Contacting a
solid object while turning will cause equipment damage and possible injury.

(S3PT-20)

Make certain that the “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) sign is installed in
such a way as to be clearly visible and legible. When transporting the
Equipment use the Tractor flashing warning lights and follow all local
traffic regulations.

(SG-6)

Transporting Safety Instructions and Practices

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-12

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

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:

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 transporting this equipment.

Test the equipment at a slow speed in turns. Increase the speed through the turn only after
you determine that the equipment can be operated 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 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 reduce your speed. Be aware of traffic around you
and watch out for the other guy.

(SG-19)

Be particularly careful when transporting the Implement using the tractor. Turn curves or

go up or down hills only at a low speed and at a gradual steering angle. Make certain that

at least 20% of the tractor’s weight is on the front wheels to maintain safe steerage. Slow

down on rough or uneven surfaces.

(STI-01)

Only tow the Implement behind a properly sized and equipped Tractor
which exceeds the weight of the Implement by at least 20%. DO NOT
tow the Implement behind a truck or other type of vehicle. Never tow the
Implement and another Implement connected in tandem. Never tow the
Implement at speeds over 20 MPH.

(STI-06)

Your driving vision may be reduced or impaired by the tractor, cab, or implement. Before
driving on public roadways identify any limited vision areas, and make adjustments to your
operating position, mirrors, and the implement transport position so that you can clearly
see the area where you will be traveling, and any traffic that may approach you. Failure to
maintain adequate vision of the public roadway and traffic can result in serious injury or
even death.

(STI-10)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-13

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Make sure the PTO shield, integral driveline shields, and input shields
are installed when using PTO-driven equipment. Always replace any
shield if it is damaged or missing.

(S3PT-8)

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.

(S3PT-09)

Always disconnect the main PTO Driveline from the Tractor before performing service on
the Implement. Never work on the Implement with the tractor PTO driveline connected and
running. Rotating Parts, Blades or Drivelines could turn without warning and cause
immediate entanglement, injury or death.

(S3PT-11)

Never interfere with factory-set hydraulic calibrations. Any change in calibration could
cause a failure of the equipment and may result in injury.

(SBH-13)

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)

Do not modify or alter this Implement. Do not permit anyone to modify or alter this

Implement, any of its components or any Implement function.

(SG-8)

Never work under the Implement, the framework, or any lifted
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)

Never attempt to lubricate, adjust, or remove material from the Implement while it is in

motion or while tractor engine is running.

(SG-20)

Maintenance and Service Safety Instructions and Practices

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-14

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

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.

(SG-21)

Do Not fill fuel tank while engine is running. Refuel only after engine has cooled down. If

fuel is spilled, move machine away from the area of the spill and avoid creating any source

of ignition until the gasoline has evaporated.

(SG-28)

Perform service, repairs and lubrication according to the maintenance section. Ensure the

unit is properly lubricated as specified in the lubrication schedule and all bolts and nuts are

properly torqued. Failure to properly service, repair and maintain this Implement in good

operating condition could cause component failure and possible serious injury or even

death.

(SG-35)

Use caution and wear protective gloves when handling sharp objects such as blades,
knives, and other cutting edges. Be alert to worn component surfaces which have sharp
edges. Sharp surfaces can inflict severe laceration injuries if proper hand protection is not
worn.

(SG-37)

All Safety Shields, Guards and Safety devices including (but not
limited to) - the Deflectors, Chain Guards, Steel Guards, Gearbox
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.

(SGM-3)

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 POSSIBLY
CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY FROM THROWN BLADES.

(SGM-10)

DO NOT weld or repair rotating mower components. Welds and other repairs may cause
severe vibration and/or component failure resulting in part being thrown from the mower
causing serious bodily injury. See your Authorized Dealer for proper repairs.

(SGM-13)

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-15

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

PARTS INF O RMATION

Rhino mowers use balanced and matched system components 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

Be sure you have adequate knowledge of the property you will be working on. Take time to
make yourself aware of any area underwater or underground lines or cables. Contact with
buried lines or cable could result in serious injury or death.

(STL-1)

In wet conditions where there is a likelihood of material collecting on the Implement, make
certain that this material is removed before traveling on public roadways.

(STL-7)

In addition to the design and configuration of this Implement, including Safety Signs and Safety Equipment,

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.

(SG-18)

SAFETY

Concluding Safety Instructions and Practices

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-16

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Decal Location

NOTE: Rhino supplies safety decals on this product to promote safe operation. Damage to the decals may

occur while in shipping, use, or reconditioning. Alamo 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.

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-17

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

ITEM PART NO. QTY TYPE DESCRIPTION

1. 00725746 1 PELIGRO Translate Safety Material

2. 00776609 1 WARNING Max Cut

3. 00776609 1 DANGER Protect Operator

4. 00769737 1 DANGER Blades/Thrown Objects

5. 00777519 1 DANGER Multi Hazard

6. 00763977 1 INSTRUCT Notice to Owner

7. 02925100 1 INSTRUCT Genuine Alamo Parts

8. 02962764 2 DANGER Pinch Point

9. 00755742 1 DANGER Keep Away

10. 00756059 1 WARNING Warning Oil Leak

11. 00776608 1 DANGER Not a Step

12. 1 NAME SM72

SAFETY

13. 00757139 2 LOGO NAME Alamo Industrial Name

14. 00777521 1 DANGER SM72 Implement Weight

15. 03200347 1 REFLECT SMV Sign

16. 00776031 1 ________ Canister, Operations Manual

17. 31006H5C 3 ________ Bolt

18. 00024100 6 ________ Flatwasher

19. 02959924 3 ________ Locknut

20. 00777511C 1 ________ Manual, Operator’s SM72

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-18

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

Decal Description

Peligro Translation, If you do not know how to read
English, please find someone who knows how to
read English.

P/N 00725746

DANGER! - Maximum Cutting Height is 18”. Do
Not operate Mower above 18”.

00776607

DANGER! - Protect Operator with Front Door. The
Skid Steer must be equipped with an Operator
Front Protective Door. Serious injury or death can
result from a thrown object hitting an unprotected
operator.

00776609

SAFETY

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-19

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

DANGER! Keep Away Thrown Objects.

Inspect the area before mowing for potential mower
hazards. Remove or avoid all foreign objects such
as wire, cable, metal objects, and all other foreign
material.
Foreign material can be thrown from the mower
and cause serious bodily injury to the operator and
passerby.
Do Not let rotating blades contact solid objects like
rocks, posts, curbs or guard rails.
Operate only if all Guards, Deflectors are in place
and in good condition.
Do Not operate with Mower or Wing raised off the
ground.
Stop mowing if Passersby enter the area of thrown
objects. (See Operator’s Manual)
Stay away from rotating blades. Keep hands and
feet away from rotating blades.
Do Not approach mower until all motion has
stopped.

P/N 00769737

DANGER! - Muti-Hazard Decal - Failure to follow
Safety Messages and Operating instructions can
cause serious bodily injury and or death to operator
and others in the area.

00777519

Operator's Manual (with repair parts) and warranty
was attached to this implement during final
inspection.

P/N 00763977

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-20

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

IMPORTANT - Use only Genuine Alamo Industrial
replacement parts.

P/N 02925100

WARNING! Pinch Points

P/N 02962764

DANGER! Keep Away

P/N 00755742

WARNING! Never use your hand to check for oil
leaks. Always use paper or cardboard.

P/N 00756059

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-21

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

WARNING! - Not a Step. Do not board from this
side.

00776608

Name LOGO - Alamo Industrial

P/N 00757139

WARNING! - Implement Weight is 1500 lbs. Use
only on appropriate rated Skid Steer Loaders with
proper hitch and adapter. Carry the load low while
transporting. Transport only at low speeds. Loss of
stability from overload or terrain can result in roll
over and serious bodily injury.

00777521

Slow Moving Vehicle Decal. Keep SMV reflector
clean and visible. DO NOT transport or operate
without the SMV.

P/N 03200347

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-22

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Read Operator’s Manual! The operator’s manual is
located inside this canister. If the manual is
missing order one from your dealer.

P/N 00776031

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-23

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SAFETY

Federal Laws and Regulations

This section is intended to explain in broad terms the 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 Training Requirements

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations Part 1928.57(a)(6). www.osha.gov
Operator instructions. At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the employer shall

instruct every employee who operates an agricultural tractor and implements in the safe operating practices
and servicing of equipment with which they are or will be involved, and of any other practices dictated by the
work environment.

Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;
Permit no riders on equipment
Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before servicing,

adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be running to be properly
serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees as to all steps and procedures
which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.

Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating the
machine.

Employer Responsibilities:

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 operator
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 operation if bystanders or passersby come within 300 feet.

Child Labor Under 16 Years of Age

SAFETY

SM72 02/10 Safety Section 1-24

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

Contents

Acknowledgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safety Alerts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

A Word To The User/Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Industrial/Agricultural Mower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Follow A Safety Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Prepare For Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Start Safely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Operate Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Park Safely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Shut Down Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Perform Maintenance Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Final Word To The User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Acknowledgment

We wish to acknowledge the contributions of the members of AEM’s Industrial/Agricultural Mower Manufacturers Council

to the preparation of this Safety Manual.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Copyright, 2010, by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced or disseminated in whole or in part by any means

Copyright 2010© AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers)

without the prior written permission of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Revised 01/03, 09/10

Foreword

This safety manual is intended to point out some of the
basic safety situations that may be encountered during
the normal operation and maintenance of your machine
and to instruct you in safety practices for dealing with
these conditions. This manual is NOT a substitute for
the mower manufacturer’s operator’s manual(s).

Additional precautions may be necessary, or some
instructions may not apply, depending on equipment,
attachments and conditions at the worksite or in the
service area. The manufacturer has no direct control
over equipment application, operation, inspection or
maintenance. Therefore, it is YOUR responsibility to
use good safety practices in these areas.

The information provided in this manual supplements
the speci c information about your machine that is
contained in the manufacturer’s operator’s manual(s).
Other information that may affect the safe operation of
your machine may be contained on safety signs or in
insurance requirements, employer’s safety and training
programs, safety codes, local, state/provincial and
federal laws, rules and regulations.

Read and

Understand

Manuals Before

Operating

IMPORTANT! Before you operate the mower,
make sure you have the manufacturer’s
operator’s manual(s) for this machine and all
attachments. If the manufacturer’s manuals
are missing, obtain replacement manuals from
your employer, equipment dealer or directly
from the manufacturer. Keep this safety manual
and the manufacturer’s manuals with the
machine at all times. Read and understand all
manuals.

The AEM Mower Safety Practices video is
available to train and reinforce good safety
practices. Operators are encouraged to
periodically view the safety video.

2

Safety Alerts

Symbol

This Safety Alert Symbol means: “ATTENTION!
STAY ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!”

The Safety Alert Symbol identi es important safety
messages on equipment, safety signs, in manuals or
elsewhere. When you see this symbol, be alert to the
possibility of death or personal injury. Follow
instructions in the safety message.

Reasons Safety is Important:
— Accidents disable and kill.
— Accidents cost.
— Accidents can be avoided.

Signal Words

Signal words are distinctive words that will typically be
found on safety signs on the mower and other worksite
equipment. These words may also be found in this
manual and the manufacturer’s manuals. These words
are intended to alert the operator to a hazard and the
degree of severity of the hazard.

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTICE

DANGER indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE indicates a property
damage message.

A Word To The User/Operator

It is YOUR responsibility to read and understand the
safety manual and the manufacturer’s manuals before
operating this machine. This safety manual takes you
step by step through your working day.

Hazard Recognition and Accident Prevention depend
upon you being alert, careful and properly trained in the
operation, transport, maintenance and storage of this
equipment.

Graphics have been provided to help you understand
the text.

Read and

Understand All

Safety Signs

Remember that YOU are the key to safety. Good safety
practices not only protect you but also protect the
people around you. Study and understand this manual
and the manufacturer’s manuals for your speci c
machine. Make them a working part of your safety
program. Keep in mind that this safety manual is written
for industrial/agricultural mowers.

Contact the manufacturer of your equipment to answer
any questions about safe operation that remain after
studying the manufacturer’s operator’s manual(s) and
this safety manual.

Practice all other usual and customary safe

working precautions and above all:

REMEMBER — SAFETY IS UP TO YOU!

YOU CAN PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR

DEATH CAUSED BY UNSAFE WORK PRACTICES!

3

The Industrial/Agricultural Mower

Industrial/Agricultural Mower Types

Mowers are used for pasture clipping, crop residue
shredding, heavy brush cutting, waterways, right-of­ways, roadside or highway mowing. Also, these mowers
are used for cutting grass and other growth in public
areas such as parks and cemeteries.

Rotary

Folding Wing Rotary

Flail

Boom

Sickle Bar

The Industrial/Agricultural Mower

Agricultural Disc Mower Types

Disc mowers are designed and equipped to cut hay
crops at higher  eld speed.

Disc mower/conditioners mow and condition crops.

Self-propelled windrowers mow and form conditioned
hay into windrows.

Disc Mower

Disc Mower

Conditioner

Self-propelled

Windrower

4

Follow A Safety Program

Protect Yourself

Wear personal protective clothing and Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) issued to you or called
for by job conditions. You must ALWAYS wear safety
glasses with side shields.

You may also need:
— Hard hat
— Safety shoes
— Safety goggles or face shield
— Heavy gloves
— Hearing protection
— Re ective clothing
— Wet weather gear
— Respirator or  lter mask

Wear whatever is needed—don’t take chances.
WARNING! Prevent death or serious injury from

entanglement. Do not wear loose clothing or

accessories. Tie up long hair. Stay away from all
rotating components when the engine is running.

Contact, wrapping or entanglement with rotating or
moving parts could result in death or serious injury.

Avoid

Entanglement

Follow A Safety Program

— Read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s

written instructions found in the operator’s manual(s)

and safety signs on mower and tractor.
— Have operational training with mower and tractor.
— Take advantage of training programs offered in

your area.
— Ask your equipment dealer or supervisor to explain

things you do not understand.
— Explain the written instructions in the operator’s

manual(s) and safety signs to those users or

operators who cannot read.
— Inspect the mower and tractor daily before operating.

Ensure all guards are in place and the equipment is

operating properly.
— Never smoke while operating. Never  ll the fuel tank

with the engine running or near an open  ame.
— Make sure you have adequate visibility and suf cient

lighting.
— Know the pinch points and rotating parts. Awareness

on your part can prevent accidents.
— Never attempt to operate the controls except from

the operator’s seat. Improperly controlled functions

could produce unexpected machine movement and

result in serious injury or death.

— Shut down the mower and tractor before dismounting.

(See page 18, Proper Equipment Shut Down
Practices.)

Read, Understand

and Follow Manuals

and Safety Signs

Avoid

Rotating Parts

Know and

Avoid Pinch

Points

5

Follow A Safety Program

Avoid Injury From Raised Equipment

Avoid possible crushing injury from falling mower or
other raised equipment.

Avoid Crushing –

Block Up or

Securely Support

Mower

Before working near or under raised mower or
equipment parts:

— Securely support or block up raised mower or

equipment parts according to the operator’s manual.
— Securely support, block up or lock up wings with

approved locking devices or lower mower or

equipment parts to the ground.
— Use transport locks when transporting mower on

public roads.

Avoid Injury From High Pressure Fluid

Avoid  uid injection injury due to high pressure  uid leaks.

High Pressure

Fluid Can Inject

into the Body

If any fl uid is injected into the skin, it must be
removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with
this type of injury.

Fluid leaks under pressure may not be visible. When
checking for leaks or working around pressurized systems:
— Read manufacturer’s operator’s manual(s) for

recommended safety practices.
— Wear a face shield or safety goggles for eye protection.
— Use a piece of cardboard or wood to check for leaks;

DO NOT use your hands.

— Relieve system pressure before disconnecting lines.
— Check for and repair damaged or leaking lines, pipes

and hoses.
— Check for and tighten loose connections.
— Purge air from system before operating.

Follow A Safety Program

Avoid Injury From Fire And Explosion

Set the parking brake, shut the mower and tractor
engine down and remove the key while  lling the fuel
tank. Use extra caution when fueling a hot engine.
Never smoke while fueling. Avoid sparks by grounding
the fuel nozzle against the  ller neck.

The fumes in an empty fuel tank are explosive. Never
weld or cut on fuel lines, tanks or containers.

Remove all trash or mowing debris from the machine
daily or as needed. Keep debris away from engine,
exhaust, slip clutches and other heat sources. Use
spark arrestors, as appropriate, on the engine exhaust
system. Make sure oily rags or other  ammable material
are not stored on the machine.

Check for fuel, oil or hydraulic  uid leaks. Repair the
leaks and clean the machine before you operate it.

Ether/cold start  uid is  ammable. Do not smoke
when using ether/cold start  uid. Always follow the
instructions on the can and in the manufacturer’s
operator’s manual(s) for your mower. Do not use ether/
cold start  uid if the engine is equipped with a glow plug
or other type of preheater.

Always use a non ammable solvent when you
clean parts. Do not use gasoline, diesel fuel or other
 ammable  uids.

Store all  ammable  uids and materials away from your
machine and work area.

Know where  re extinguishers are kept—how
they operate—and what type of  re they are for.
Check readiness of  re extinguishers according to
manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure each tractor is
equipped with a  re extinguisher.

No Smoking

and No Open

Flames

Remove

Debris Daily or

As Needed

6

Follow A Safety Program

Be Alert!

Know where to get assistance. Know how to use a  rst
aid kit and  re extinguisher/ re suppression system.

Be Aware!

Take advantage of training programs offered.

Be Careful!

Human error is caused by many factors: carelessness,
fatigue, overload, preoccupation, unfamiliarity of operator
with the machine, drugs, and alcohol to name a few.
Damage to the tractor or mower can be  xed in a short
period of time, but injury, or death, has a lasting effect.

For your safety and the safety of others, encourage your
fellow workers to act safely.

Never Use Drugs
or Alcohol While

Operating

For Safe Operation

You must be a quali ed and authorized operator for
proper operation of your machine. You must clearly
understand the written instructions supplied by the
manufacturer, be trained—including actual operation of
the mower—and know the safety rules and regulations
for the worksite. It is a good safety practice to point
out and explain safety signs and practices and ensure
others understand the importance of following these
instructions.

WARNING! Drugs and alcohol affect an operator’s
alertness and coordination and the operator’s ability
to safely operate the equipment. Never use drugs or

alcohol while operating the mowing equipment.
Never knowingly allow anyone to operate this
machine when their alertness or coordination is
impaired. An operator taking prescription or over-the-

counter medication must consult a medical professional
regarding any side effects of the medication that would
hinder their ability to safely operate this equipment.

Follow A Safety Program

Know The Rules

Most employers have rules governing operation and
maintenance of equipment. Before you start work at a
new location, check with your supervisor or the safety
coordinator. Ask about the rules you will be expected
to obey.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) enforces federal laws within the United
States that apply to safe operation, application and
maintenance of equipment on a worksite. It is the
employer’s responsibility to comply with these laws.
An OSHA representative may periodically inspect a
worksite to see that these laws are being followed.

There may also be local or state/provincial laws or
international regulations that apply to this equipment
and its use, along with speci c worksite or employer
rules. It is important that you know and comply with
all applicable laws and rules, including those requiring
operator training and certi cation.

Safety Rules

•

•

•

•

•

These are some of the rules you must work by:

— A ROPS and seat belt-equipped tractor is a federal

government (OSHA) requirement for operator

protection during mowing operations. An enclosed

cab provides additional operator protection from

thrown objects. Check your mower operator's manual

to see if a tractor cab is also required.
— Wear and check that others are wearing proper

clothing and personal protective equipment.
— Inspect your machine and attachments before each use

as speci ed by the manufacturer and your employer.
— Know the limitations and operating characteristics of

your mowing equipment. Do not misuse it.
— Have all provided shields and guards properly

installed before operating the machine.
— Never modify or remove any part of the machine

(except for service—then make sure it is replaced).

•

•

•

•

•

Know and

Understand

Rules of

Operation

7

Follow A Safety Program

Some Rules You Must Work By (continued)

— Only quali ed and authorized individuals may operate

this equipment.

— Never allow children to play on, ride on or operate

the equipment. Children are not quali ed to operate
this equipment.

— Do not allow any riders.
— Use three-point contact (handholds and steps) and

face the equipment when mounting or dismounting.

— Keep bystanders 300 ft (92 m) from the mowing

operation.

— Know the worksite before you use the mower. Be

aware of possible terrain hazards that you may
encounter. Remove or mark obstacles and debris that
could damage or be thrown by the mower.

— Only use attachments and parts that are approved by

the mower manufacturer.

— Make sure all attachments are lowered, set the parking

brake, shut off the engine and cycle the control levers.
Remove the key before leaving the tractor. (See page
18, Proper Equipment Shut Down Practices.)

— When transporting the mower on a trailer, follow the

manufacturer’s detailed instructions for loading, tying
down and unloading the mower.

Keep

Children
Away from
Equipment

Keep

Bystanders

Away

No Riders

Shut Down
Unattended

Equipment

Follow A Safety Program

Know The Equipment

Read and understand the DANGER, WARNING,
CAUTION and NOTICE safety signs and other
informational signs on the tractor and mower and in the
manufacturer’s operator’s manual. Ask your supervisor
or mower dealer to explain any information you do not
understand. Failure to obey safety instructions could
result in death or serious injury.

Read and

Understand All

Safety Signs

Make sure all the manufacturer’s protective structures,
guards, shields, screens and panels are in good repair,
in place and securely fastened. Damaged, missing or
weakened safety components can create a hazardous
situation for you as the operator. Never remove or
modify any safety components including thrown object
shielding on a mower.

Know the following about your tractor and mower:

— Function, purpose and use of all controls.
— Correct operation speeds.
— Slope and uneven terrain capabilities and proper

operation.
— Braking and steering characteristics.
— Turning radius and clearances.
— How to quickly stop equipment in an emergency.

Read and

Understand

Manuals Before

Operating

8

Prepare For Safe Operation

Check The Mower And Tractor Equipment

Before beginning your work day inspect the machine
and have all systems in good operational condition.

WARNING! Prevent possible crushing injury from falling
equipment. Hydraulic system or part failure could cause
unsupported equipment to fall. Do not go under raised

equipment unless it is properly supported according
to the operator’s manual.

— Perform daily and periodic service procedures as

instructed by the equipment manufacturer.

— Check for loose, broken, missing or damaged tractor

and mower parts. Repair or replace these parts.
— Check for proper tractor and mower attachments.
— Check for proper tractor and mower PTO rpm rating

match.
— Check mower blade(s) condition. Replace severely

worn, bent, gouged or nicked blades including the

blade bolts and fasteners. Never straighten or weld

on blades.
— Ensure thrown object shielding is properly installed

and in good condition. Repair or replace if damaged

or missing.

Walk-Around

Inspection

Maintain

Machine

Read Manual –

Block Up or

Securely Support

Mower

Prepare For Safe Operation

— Check that all guards and shields are in place and

that all equipment is in good operating condition. This

includes PTO driveline, gearbox and implement guards

and shields that are used for operator protection.
— Check for properly latched driveline yoke-end locking

devices.
— Check for damaged or leaky tractor and mower

hydraulic systems. Repair or adjust as needed.
WARNING! Hydraulic  uid under pressure can penetrate

the skin or eyes and cause serious injury, blindness or
death. Fluid leaks under pressure may not be visible.

Use a piece of cardboard or wood to fi nd leaks, not
your hand. Wear eye protection. If  uid is injected

into the skin, it must be removed within a few hours by
medical personnel familiar with this type of injury.

— Keep the operator platform surface clean and free of

grease, oil, dirt, snow or ice. Steps and handholds

must be clean and functional.
— Ensure work lights are kept clean (if equipped). Check

that all lights work properly.
— Ensure the slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign, re ectors

and warning lights are in good condition and can be

clearly seen.

— Ensure all tools or loose objects are removed or

securely fastened while operating the machine.

— Check all safety signs for clarity. Replace damaged

signs.

Check for Missing/

Damaged Guards

and Shields

Check for

Leaks and Inspect

Hoses

Put Away

Tools

9

Prepare For Safe Operation

Know The Work Area

Before you operate the mower thoroughly inspect
the work area. Walk around the area and inspect the
surfaces you will travel on when using the mower.

Walk

Around the

Worksite

Locate and avoid:
— Holes
— Drop-offs
— Obstacles

(stumps)
— Excavations
— Standing water

Look for debris and obstacles by walking the area before
you mow. Objects like wire, cable, rocks, tires, and metal
objects that could damage or be thrown by the mower
must be removed or marked clearly and avoided.

— Deep mud
— Wet spots
— Soft soil
— Rough spots
— Power lines

and apparatus

— Other utilities
— Any conditions

which could
cause collision,
loss of control
or tipover

— Steep slopes

Correct unsafe conditions. Do not operate in problem
areas where debris and obstacles cannot be removed
or marked.

Analyze mowing area to determine:
— The most ef cient mowing procedure.
— The height of the material to be mowed.
— Operating terrain conditions.
— How to best use forward mowing pattern.
— The potential for bystanders or passers-by to be

exposed to thrown objects.

Remove or

Mark Debris and

Obstacles

Look Out For Others

Before starting equipment:
— Walk around the equipment.
— Check for anyone under, on or near the equipment.
— Clear everyone from these areas.
— Sound a warning.

Prepare For Safe Operation

Mount And Dismount Tractor Properly

Always use three-point contact when mounting or
dismounting the tractor or mower. Face the machine
when you enter or leave the machine. Three-point
contact means that three out of four arms and legs are
in contact with the machine at all times during mount
and dismount.

Before mounting:
— Clean shoes and wipe hands. Clean steps and

handholds of snow, ice, mud or oil.
During mounting and dismounting:

— Use handholds and step plates.
— Never grab steering wheels or controls for handholds.
— Never mount or dismount from a moving tractor.
— Never mount or dismount while carrying tools or

objects that prevent three-point contact. Put parts or

tools down. Maintaining proper contact, climb and

then pick up the object.

Use

Three-Point

Contact

Clean Up

Slippery Areas

10

Prepare For Safe Operation

Tractor And Mower Controls Safety Test

Start the tractor following the speci c procedures in the
manufacturer’s operator’s manual. These procedures
normally include:

— Fasten and adjust seat belt on your ROPS-equipped

tractor.
— Check parking brake for engagement.
— Check PTO disengagement.
— Check all controls for Park position.
— Warn others in area before starting tractor.
— Start tractor following tractor manufacturer’s

recommended starting procedures.
WARNING! Avoid serious injury or death from

unexpected machine movement. Start the engine only

from the operator’s position. Never attempt to start
the engine by shorting across starter terminals or
reaching the key from the ground or outside the cab.

After starting:
— Check all instruments, gauges and indicator lights for

normal operation.
— Check all tractor controls, steering and brakes for

proper function.

— Raise and lower mower to check for driveline

bottoming out or engagement problems.

— Check the equipment for excessive vibration and

unusual noises.

Use ROPS

and Seat Belt

Start Only

from Operator’s

Seat

Check

Instruments

and Controls

Prepare For Safe Operation

— Use proper equipment shut down practices before

inspecting equipment. Wait until all equipment

motion has stopped before dismounting the tractor or

mower.
— Do not operate mower unless tractor and mower are

running properly. Place a “Do Not Operate” tag on

the machine, remove the key and do not operate the

mower until the problem is corrected.

Power Takeoff System

Be sure to operate the tractor at the mower’s rated PTO
rpm speed.

When operating tractors with transmission-driven PTO
systems, a rotary mower will have a signi cant  ywheel
effect. The mower may continue to propel a tractor with
a transmission-driven PTO system.

The tractor should be equipped and operated as follows:
— Install a driveline equipped with an over-running

clutch.
— Give yourself suf cient maneuvering room and time

by anticipating turns, stops and speed reductions.

Do Not

Dismount Until

Equipment Motion

Has Stopped

Use a

“Do Not Operate”

Tag

Use Proper

PTO Speed

11

Prepare For Safe Operation

Hitching Mower To Tractor

Three-point hitch-mounted mowers:

— Refer to mower and tractor manufacturers’ manuals.
— Place tractor’s hydraulic power lift (rockshaft)

selector lever in down position to avoid unexpected

movement.
— Explain the hitching procedures to those operators

who cannot read.
— Front-end weights may be needed to maintain

steering control and front-end stability. Refer to the

manufacturers' operator's manual(s).
— When backing the tractor up to the mower, NEVER

allow anyone between the tractor and the mower.
— Attach the mower to the tractor three-point links and

securely pin in position.
— Securely attach the driveline to the tractor PTO.

Lower the master shield into place if it is movable.

Push and pull on the driveline to ensure it is locked

onto the PTO shaft.

Read and

Understand

Manuals Before

Operating

Maintain

Proper Weight

Distribution

No One

Allowed Between

Tractor and

Mower

Avoid

Entanglement,

Use Guards and

Shields

Prepare For Safe Operation

Pull-type hitch-mounted mowers:

— Refer to mower and tractor manufacturers’ manuals.
— Remove three-point hitch quick coupler if equipped.
— Attach only to drawbar hitch.
— Adjust tractor drawbar length for 540 or 1000 rpm

PTO operation.
— When backing the tractor up to the mower, NEVER

allow anyone between the tractor and the mower.
— Properly attach the mower safety tow chain to the

tractor.
— Securely attach the driveline to the tractor PTO. Push

and pull on the driveline to ensure it is locked onto

the PTO. Lower the master shield into place.
— Hook up the mower hydraulic hoses to the tractor.
— Make sure the wings, or raised mower decks, are

supported by the cylinders before removing the

transport locks. Never use force to release the

transport or wing locks. The wings or deck could fall

and crush you.

540 RPM PTO

540 RPO PTO

1-3/8" 6 SPLINE

1-3/8" 6 SPLINE

14IN

1000 RPM PTO

1000 RPO PTO

1-3/8" 21 SPLINE

1-3/8" 21 SPLINE

16IN

1000 RPM PTO

1000 RPO PTO

1-3/4" 20 SPLINE

1-3/4" 20 SPLINE

20IN

Tractor

Drawbar

Adjustment

Confi rm Wings Are

Supported Before

Releasing Locks

Avoid

Entanglement,

Use Guards and

Shields

12

Start Safely

Make The Right Start

Mow only in daylight or good arti cial light conditions.
Avoid serious injury or death from mower-thrown

objects or blade contact:
— Keep chain shields,  exible or solid de ector shields

or discharge chutes in place and in good repair.
— Keep bystanders at least 300 ft (92 m) from mowing

operation.
— Never direct mower discharge toward anyone.
— Keep hands, feet and other body parts away from

rotating parts, blades and discharge openings.
— Do not operate mower in transport position.

Do not approach a mower until all motion has stopped.
Mower PTO drive engagement:

— Raise mower to maximum cutting height.
— Engage PTO at low engine rpm.
— Increase engine rpm to mower’s rated rpm PTO speed.
— Lower mower to desired cutting height.
— Stop and shut down immediately if the mower strikes

an obstruction.
— Inspect and repair any mower damage before

resuming mowing.
— Do not operate mower with severe vibrations or with

unusual noise.

Rotating Blades –

Keep Away

Do Not Operate a
Damaged Mower

Mower-Thrown Objects

Depending on the designed purpose, mowers are
designed to cut grass, weeds, brush and crops. The
mower blades have been designed and tested for
rugged use. The mower blades, however, are not
intended to contact solid objects like rocks, concrete
or metal. Such impact can cause broken objects to be
thrown up to 300 ft (92 m). Bystanders should never
be within 300 ft (92 m) of an operating rotary mower or
within 100 ft (30 M) of a properly equipped disc mower.

Operate Safely

Mower shielding is designed to reduce the risk of thrown
objects and must be properly maintained and in place
during mowing operations.

The risk of serious injury or death from thrown objects
can be signi cantly reduced by following three rules.

If all of these safety rules are not followed, the
mowing operation must be stopped if anyone comes
within the safety limit for the mower type.

First — Inspect the area prior to mowing and remove

stones, branches, wire, cable, metal, glass and other
solid objects before operating. Any objects that cannot
be removed must be clearly marked and carefully
avoided by the operator.

In non-crop areas with grass and weeds high enough to
hide objects that could be struck by the blades, inspect
the area and remove or mark large debris or obstacles.

Mow the area at an intermediate height. Inspect the area
closely and remove or mark any remaining debris or
obstacles. Mow again at desired  nal height.

Follow

All Mower

Safety Rules

Second — Mower-thrown object shielding must be
used when operating near roads, parks, populated
areas or other areas where thrown objects could
injure bystanders or damage property. Follow the
manufacturer's operator's manual.

Third — Cross diagonally when mowing through
ditches, sharp dips, and drops. Raise the mower to
prevent the mower blades from hitting the ground.

13

Mower-Thrown Objects (continued)

Operate Safely

Disc Mowers — When using a disc mower it is
important to know the area to be mowed. If the operator
has mowed the  eld before and is familiar with all
obstacles that may be present, it is suf cient to watch
ahead of the mower path for any additional objects that
may have entered the  eld. Be ready to stop or avoid
any objects that could be hazardous if thrown by the
mower. If you plan to mow an unfamiliar  eld and it is
next to a traveled road or people may be within 100
ft (30 m) of the mower you must inspect, and clean or
mark the  eld.

Mowing In Reverse

Do not mow while traveling in reverse. Objects are more
likely to be thrown and can travel further.

Shut off the PTO, wait for the blades to stop turning,
raise the mower, and then back up.

Mow traveling in the forward direction.

Do Not Mow

in Reverse

Use Proper

Ground Speed

Mowing Ground Speed

Proper ground speed depends on terrain conditions and
grass type, density and height to be cut:
— Normal ground speed range is 2 to 5 mph.
— Use slower ground speed for mowing tall, dense grass.
— Use faster ground speed for mowing medium height,

thin grass and under smooth terrain conditions.

— Use slower ground speed for mowing in rough,

sloping or unfamiliar terrain.

Disc mowers are designed to use faster ground speeds
for operating in  elds clear of debris and surface hazards.

Operate Safely

Extremely Tall Grass Mowing

You may need to mow extremely tall, non-crop grass
twice. (See page 13, Mower-Thrown Objects.)

First mowing pass:
— Shut the mower and tractor down using proper

equipment shut down practice before dismounting

tractor. (See page 18, Proper Equipment Shut Down

Practices.)
— Inspect the area and remove or mark debris and

obstacles.
— Cut grass higher (10-15 inches) to avoid hidden objects.

Second mowing pass:
— Shut the mower and tractor down using proper

equipment shut down practice before dismounting

tractor.
— Inspect the area and remove or mark debris and

obstacles.
— Cut grass at desired height and, when possible,

90 degrees to the  rst mowing pass.

Stop Blade

Before

Unclogging

Provide Adequate

Clearance for

Mower Swing

Watch Equipment Clearances

Three-point hitch and side-mounted mowers have a
larger turning arc than pull-type mowers. Allow suf cient
clearance for mower swing while turning.

Do not allow bystanders near the tractor and mower
when moving or transporting the tractor and mower.

14

Operate Safely

Under Mount Mower Safety Practices

When mowing with an under mount mower:
— Keep removable discharge chute in place and over

discharge opening.
— Never stand on a mower housing when the tractor

engine is operating.
— Distribute grass clippings with discharge chute facing

mowed area.
— Before clearing a clogged mower or discharge

chute, shut down your machine using proper

equipment shut down practice. (See page 18, Proper

Equipment Shut Down Practices.)

Never Stand
on Mower –

Keep Away

Keep Chute

in Place

Stop Blade

Before

Unclogging

Operate Safely

Wing Or Boom Mower
Overhead Obstruction Hazards And Risks

Check for overhead obstructions with raised wing
or boom mowers to avoid serious injury or death by
contact with:

— Electrical power lines and apparatus.
— Low tree limbs.
— Other overhead obstructions.
— Maintain speci ed distance from power lines and

apparatus. Never approach energized power lines or

apparatus with any part of your machine unless all

local, state/provincial and federal (OSHA) required

safety precautions have been taken. Use extreme

caution.
DANGER! Avoid electrocution or serious injury from

contact with or inadequate clearance to energized
power lines or apparatus. Do not allow the machine or

attachment to approach or contact any power line.
Do not approach or touch any machine in contact
with a power line.

Do Not

Approach Energized

Power Lines

Stay Clear

of Energized

Equipment

15

Operate Safely

Wing And Side Mount Mowers Safety Practices

Raised wing positions reduce shielding protection and
increases the thrown object and blade contact hazard
risks.

Avoid possible serious injury or death by thrown
objects or blade contact from raising and lowering
wings during mowing operations:

— Do not mow with bystanders within 300 ft (92 m) of

the mower.
— Be sure no one is near mower while raising or

lowering wings.
— Shut off the PTO and wait for all rotating elements to

stop before raising the mower deck or wing section.
— Only raise wing to clear objects in the mowing path

or to match ground slope.
— Lower raised wing to ground after clearing object or

ground slope conditions.
— Stop mowing if anyone approaches within 300 ft

(92 m) of mowing area.

300 ft

(92 m)

Keep Bystanders

Away from

Mowing Area

Avoid Hitting
Obstructions

Ditch Bank Mowing Safety Practices

Use extreme care when mowing ditch banks. Watch for
washouts, eroded areas and mowing obstructions along
the ditch banks. Hitting obstructions with side-mount
or boom mowers may swerve the tractor’s front end
toward the ditch.

Operate Safely

Raised wing and boom mower ditch bank operations may
reduce the mower’s thrown object shielding effectiveness
for the mower operator’s protection.

— Use enclosed ROPS cabs, special protective

enclosures and other operator shielding available from

the manufacturer when performing these operations.
— Inspect mowing area and remove or mark all foreign

objects and debris to be avoided by mower.

Uneven Terrain Mowing Safety Practices

Tractor and mower stability is reduced on slopes and
uneven terrain.

As in all conditions when mowing, use tractors
equipped with ROPS and seat belt. Make sure the

ROPS are raised and locked in place and always
wear your seat belt.

Prevent tractor and mower overturns and maintain
equipment stability control:

— Review tractor and mower operator’s manuals for

operating safety practices on slopes and uneven

terrain conditions. Explain the practices to those

users and operators who cannot read.
— Avoid extremely steep slope operations.

Use

Enclosed ROPS

Cabs or Protective

Enclosures

Read and

Understand

Manuals Before

Operating

Use ROPS

and Seat Belt

16

Operate Safely

Uneven Terrain Mowing Safety Practices
(continued)

— Use extreme care to maintain control over the

equipment when operating in these conditions.
— Increase tractor stability by adding wheel weights,

ballast and increasing wheel spacing to maximum.

Refer to operator’s manual for recommendations.
— Maintain minimum ground speed.
— Make wide and gradual turns.
— Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns when operating

up, down, or across slopes.
— Do not raise rear-mount or side-mount mowers or

mower wings from the ground during these operations.
— Keep alert for holes, bumps, ruts, rocks, stumps or

other obstructions that could overturn the machine.
— Avoid slippery ground conditions that could cause

loss of control and overturn of tractor and mower.
— Avoid bottoming and striking the ground by diagonal

crossing of sharp dips and drops.
Use extreme care in maintaining equipment stability

during all uneven terrain and slope mowing operations.
You are the  nal judge as to any slope that can be safely
negotiated.

Maintain

Control, Use Low

Speeds

Add Ballast,

Widen Wheel

Spacing

Avoid Ruts,

Bumps, Holes

Operate Safely

Road Transport Safety Practices

Before operating on public roads:
— Refer to tractor and mower manufacturers’ operator’s

manuals for instructions.
— Explain the instructions to those users or operators

who cannot read.
— Check local regulations for required equipment

markings, lights,  ashers, etc., while traveling on

public roads. Lights are required on mowers that

obscure tractor taillights and/or warning lights.
— When transporting the mower on a trailer, follow the

manufacturer’s detailed instructions for loading, tying

down and unloading the mower.
Before transporting on public roads:

— Disengage PTO power to mower.
— Raise mower into transport position and engage

transport lock.
— Lock mower wings in the transport position with

approved locking devices.
— Attach towing safety chain between pull-type mower

and tractor.
— Make sure lights, warning lights and re ectors are in

place and visible.

— Check SMV (Slow-Moving Vehicle) emblem for

visibility to any rear-approaching vehicle.

While transporting on public roads:
— Obey all local traf c regulations.
— Approach intersections with caution.
— Observe speed and traf c control signs.
— Avoid panic stops and sharp turns.

Be a courteous operator and pull over periodically and
allow traf c to pass.

Read and

Understand

Manuals Before

Operating

YIELD

STOP

Obey Traffi c
Regulations

17

Parking Safety Practices

Park Safely

— Use designated or out-of-traf c areas.
— Use  rm level ground locations.
— Set parking brake.
— Lower raised equipment to ground.

Shut down the mower and tractor using proper
equipment shut down practice before dismounting
tractor. (See page 18, Proper Equipment Shut Down
Practices.)

Sloping ground parking locations:
— Position equipment across slope.
— Set parking brakes.
— Lower raised equipment to ground.
— Block tractor wheels.

Before temporarily parking and leaving disabled
equipment near traf c areas:

— Remove equipment from public roads.
— Set out warning  ags.
— Use tractor  ashing warning lights.

P

Set

Parking Brake

Lower Raised

Equipment to

Ground

Shut Down Safely

Proper Equipment Shut Down Practices

Make proper equipment shut down an important habit.
Properly shutting down a tractor and mower can

prevent accidents from occurring when the mower is left
unattended. Shut down the mower following the speci c
procedures in the manufacturer’s operator’s manual.
These procedures will normally include:

— Reduce engine speed.
— Disengage PTO clutch and transmission drive.
— Idle engine for gradual cooling.
— Place all controls in PARK position.
— Set the parking brake.
— Lower mower to ground.
— Lower wings of wing mowers to ground.
— Shut off engine, lock ignition and remove key from

the machine and take it with you.
— Wait for all moving parts to stop before dismounting.
— Relieve hydraulic pressure by moving hydraulic

controls several times in all directions.
— Lock anti-vandalism covers and closures, if

equipped, when equipment is unattended.
— Dismount carefully maintaining three-point contact.

PTO

STOP

Disengage PTO,

Set Brake

P

Lower Raised

Equipment to

Ground

Wait for

Rotating Parts

to Stop

Remove Key,

Lock Ignition, Take

Key With You

18

Dismounting Properly

Shut Down Safely

— Never dismount from moving equipment.
— Never jump from any machines.
— Dismount carefully.
— Check for slippery steps.
— Keep feet and hands away from controls.
— Use handholds and steps during dismount.
— Face machine and use three-point contact

(2 hands and 1 foot or 2 feet and 1 hand).

Wait for

Moving Parts

to Stop

Use Three-Point

Contact,

Face Machine

Perform Maintenance Safely

Maintain Your Equipment

Maintain

Equipment

Be sure to maintain the equipment according to
manufacturer’s instructions. Regularly check the
operation of the protective and safety devices.

Do not perform any work on a tractor or mower unless
you are authorized and quali ed to do so.

If you have been authorized to do maintenance, read
the operator’s and service manuals. Study the
instructions; check the lubrication charts; examine all
the instruction messages on the machine. Maintenance
can be hazardous unless performed properly. Be sure
you have the necessary skill, information, correct tools
and equipment to do the job.

WARNING! Do not modify equipment or add
components not approved by the manufacturer. Use

parts, lubricants and service techniques recommended
by the manufacturer.

Mower Parts And Your Safety

Mower manufacturers use speci c fasteners and
specially designed parts to meet mowing operations
requirements. Critical parts (self-locking blade bolts,
blades, pins, shields and other special items) have
speci c strength, design and  t requirements for the
make and model mower you are using.

Avoid possible death or serious injury from unapproved
parts or modi cations:

— Do not substitute common hardware for original

manufacturer’s blade bolts or other special part items.

— Do not substitute for blades, pins, shields or other

critical parts.

— Do not use higher strength bolts to replace original

manufacturer’s shear bolts.

19

Perform Maintenance Safely

Prepare Yourself

Wear personal protective clothing and Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) issued to you or called
for by job conditions. You must ALWAYS wear safety
glasses with side shields.

You may also need:
— Hard hat
— Safety shoes
— Safety glasses, goggles or face shield
— Apron and gloves
— Hearing protection
— Welding helmet or goggles
— Respirator or  lter mask

Wear whatever is needed—don’t take chances.

Keep hands—and clothing—away from all moving
parts. Don’t wear dangling ties, loose sleeves, rings,

watches, or long hair.
WARNING! Prevent death or serious injury from entangle -

ment. Do not wear loose clothing or accessories. Stay

away from all rotating components when the engine is
running. Contact, wrapping or entanglement with rotating

or moving parts could result in death or serious injury.

Avoid

Rotating Parts

Avoid

Pinch Points

Perform Maintenance Safely

Wear a rubber apron and rubber gloves when working
with corrosives. Wear gloves and safety shoes when
handling wooden blocks or sharp-edged metal.

Always use safety glasses, goggles or a face shield. They
provide eye protection from  uids under pressure, during
grinding and while servicing batteries. Protection is also
needed from  ying debris, liquids and loose material
produced by equipment, tools and pressurized air/water.

Wear a face shield and follow manufacturer's instuctions
when you disassemble spring-loaded components or work
with battery acids. Wear a welding helmet or goggles with
a shaded  lter when you weld or cut with a torch.

Do not sand, grind,  ame-cut, braze or weld without a
NIOSH-approved respirator or appropriate ventilation.
If welding is required on this machine, refer to the
manufacturer’s operator's or service manuals or consult
your equipment dealer for proper procedures.

Keep pockets free of all objects that could fall out—and
drop into machinery.

Handle tools and heavy parts sensibly—with regard
for yourself and other persons. Lower items—don’t
drop them.

Clean

Slippery Surfaces

Ventilate

Work Area

Prepare The Work Area

— Position the mower in a level area out of the way of

other working equipment.

— Make sure there is adequate light, ventilation and

clearance.

— Remove oil, grease or water to eliminate any slippery

surfaces.

— Clean around the area to be serviced to minimize

contamination.

20

Perform Maintenance Safely

Prepare The Machine

Stored energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, chemical, thermal, etc.) must be controlled
or reduced to a practical minimum before performing
any maintenance, repair or service procedures.

Safety practices to prevent potential injuries from
energy-releasing sources:

— Disengage PTO before shutting off engine.
— Place controls in PARK or NEUTRAL before shutting

off engine.
— Set parking brake or block wheels.
— Allow all moving parts to stop.
— Lower mower to ground.
— Lower wings to ground on wing mowers.
— Shut off tractor engine.
— Relieve hydraulic system pressure by moving controls

several times in all directions.
— Lock ignition, remove key and take it with you.
— Look and listen for evidence of moving parts before

dismounting.
— Securely support or block up mower before working

underneath mower or other lifted components.

— Securely support, block up, or lock up mower wings

with approved locking devices before working near or
underneath a wing mower.

— Relieve pressure before disconnecting or

disassembling any pressurized system.

— Block or relieve spring pressure before disassembling

any spring-loaded mechanism.

— Securely support or block up any raised machine

component before working on it.

— Avoid  ames, sparks, or smoking near any fuel,

hydraulic  uid or other  ammable material such as
mowing debris.

Prepare

Machine Systems

for Service

Perform Maintenance Safely

Attach a “DO NOT OPERATE” warning tag to the control
levers and remove the ignition key if the mower should
not be operated. Take the key with you.

Install approved support device(s) when working under
or near raised equipment.

WARNING! Unsupported raised mowers or other
equipment may drop unexpectedly. Never go under

equipment when raised unless supported by an
approved support device(s). Death or serious crushing

injury could result from falling equipment.
Remove only guards or covers that provide access to

the area being serviced. Replace all guards and covers
when work is complete.

Use a

“Do Not Operate”

Tag

Use

Approved

Support Device

Replace

All Guards

21

Perform Maintenance SafelyPerform Maintenance Safely

Use Proper Ventilation

If it is necessary to run an engine in an enclosed area,
remove the exhaust fumes from the area with an
exhaust pipe extension. If you do not have an exhaust
pipe extension, make sure you open the doors and get
outside air into the area.

WARNING! Prevent possible injury. Never work on
machinery with the engine running unless instructed
by the manufacturer’s manuals for specifi c service.

WARNING! Never operate any type of engine without
proper ventilation—EXHAUST FUMES CAN KILL.

Use Jacks And Hoists Carefully

Safety stands or blocks must be located on a rigid part
of the mower. Do not position stands under axles or
wheel supports that may rotate.

If you must work beneath raised equipment, always use
wood—not concrete—blocks, jack-stands or other
rigid and stable supports. When using jacks or hoists
always be sure they are adequately supported.

WARNING! Prevent possible crushing injury. Never
use concrete blocks for supports. They can collapse

under even light loads.

Make sure the hoists or jacks you use are in good repair.
Never use jacks with cracked, bent, or twisted parts.
Never use frayed, twisted or pinched cables. Never use
bent or distorted hooks.

Remove

Key and Read

Maintenance

Manual

Ventilate

Work Area

Use Proper

Support for Raised

Equipment

Perform Maintenance Safely

Common Maintenance Safety Practices

Fuel Hazards

WARNING! Always use approved fuel containers
and/or dispensing equipment.

Fuels are  ammable, so observe these practices to
reduce the possibility of a serious accident.

— Shut off engine and ignition during refueling.
— Always ground the fuel nozzle against the  ller neck

to avoid sparks.
— Keep sparks and open  ames away from fuel.
— Do not smoke while refueling or when handling fuel

containers.
— Do not cut or weld on or near fuel lines, tanks or

containers.
— Do not over ll the tank or spill fuel. Clean up spilled

fuel immediately.

Engine Coolant Hazards

Liquid cooling systems build up pressure as the engine
gets hot, so use extreme caution before removing the
radiator cap.

Be sure to:
— Stop the engine and wait for the system to cool.
— Wear protective clothing and safety glasses.
— Turn the radiator cap slowly to the  rst stop to allow

the pressure to escape before removing the cap
completely.

No Smoking

and No Open

Flames

Remove

Radiator Cap

Slowly

22

Perform Maintenance Safely

Hydraulic System Hazards

The hydraulic system is under pressure whenever the
engine is operating and may hold pressure even after the
engine is shut off. Cycle all hydraulic controls including
the auxiliary hydraulic control after the engine is shut
down. Relieve trapped pressure in the lines after the
attachments are shut down and resting on the ground.

During inspection of the hydraulic system:
— Wait for  uid to cool before disconnecting the lines.

Hot hydraulic  uid can cause SEVERE BURNS.
— Do not use your hand to check for leaks. Instead,

use a piece of cardboard or paper to search for leaks.
— Wear appropriate eye protection. Hydraulic  uid can

cause permanent eye injury.
WARNING! Hydraulic  uid under pressure can penetrate

the skin or eyes and cause serious injury, blindness or
death. Fluid leaks under pressure may not be visible.

Use a piece of cardboard or wood to fi nd leaks, not
your hand. Wear a face shield or safety goggles for
eye protection. If  uid is injected into the skin, it must

be removed within a few hours by medical personnel
familiar with this type of injury.

When venting or  lling the hydraulic system, loosen the
 ller cap slowly and remove it gradually.

Never reset any relief valve in the hydraulic system to a
pressure higher than recommended by the manufacturer.

Wear

Eye Protection

High Pressure

Fluid Can Inject

Into the Body

Perform Maintenance Safely

Electrical System Hazards

Before working on the electrical system, disconnect the
battery cable(s).

— Remove the battery negative (-) cable(s)  rst.
— When reconnecting the battery, connect the battery

negative (-) cable(s) last.
The liquid in batteries contains acid, which is a POISON

and can cause SEVERE CHEMICAL BURNS.

Avoid Injury

— Wear a face shield to prevent contact with your eyes.
— Wear chemical-resistant gloves and clothing to keep

electrolyte off your skin and regular clothing.
WARNING! Electrolyte will damage eyes or skin

on contact. Always wear a face shield to avoid
electrolyte in eyes. If electrolyte contacts eyes,  ush
immediately with clean water and get medical attention.

Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective
clothing to keep electrolyte off skin. If electrolyte

contacts exposed skin or clothing, wash off immediately

with clean water. If electrolyte is ingested, seek
medical attention immediately. NEVER give  uids that
would induce vomiting.

Wear

Face Protection

Wear

Protective

Clothing

23

Perform Maintenance Safely

Avoid Explosion

WARNING! Avoid possible serious injury from

explosion. Lead-acid batteries produce extremely
explosive gases especially when being charged. Keep

arcs, sparks, fl ames and lighted tobacco away.

— Do not smoke near batteries.
— Keep arcs, sparks and open  ames away from

batteries.
— Provide adequate ventilation.

Never check the battery by placing a metal object
across the battery posts — the resulting spark could
cause an explosion.

WARNING! Avoid possible serious injury from battery
explosion. Do not charge a battery or boost start the
engine if the battery is frozen. Warm to 60°F (15.5°C)
or the battery may explode and could cause serious
injury.

Safety rules during battery boost starting:
— Follow the instructions for proper “battery boost

starting” as speci ed in the manufacturer’s manual.
— Be sure the machines are not touching.

— Observe the polarity of the batteries and connections.
— Make the  nal cable connection to the engine or the

furthest ground point away from the battery. Never
make the  nal connection at the starter or dead
battery—sparks may ignite the explosive gases
present at the battery.

— When disconnecting cables after jump starting,

remove the cables in reverse order of connection
(e.g.,  nal connection  rst).

Avoid Sparks

and Open Flames

Near Batteries

For

Boost Starting

Observe Polarity

and Make Final

Connection at

Ground Point

Perform Maintenance Safely

Tire And Wheel Maintenance

Check your tires and wheels daily because the stability
of the tractor and mower can be dramatically affected
by tire pressure or damage to tires or wheels.

Check tires for:
— Correct pressure.
— Cuts and bulges.
— Nails or other punctures.
— Uneven or excessive wear.
— Condition of valve stems and caps.

Check wheels for:
— Damage to the rims.
— Missing or loose lug nuts or bolts.
— Misalignment.

All tire service should be performed by a quali ed tire
service center or by an authorized service person who
has been properly trained in the procedures and use of
safety equipment designed for tire servicing.

Check Tires

and Wheels for

Damage

Maintain

Proper Tire

Pressure

24

Perform Maintenance Safely

Tire And Wheel Maintenance (continued)

WARNING! The types of wheels and tires usually
found on this equipment require special care when
servicing to prevent death or serious injury.

Do not in ate the tires above the recommended
pressure. Be sure to replace tire ballast if equipped. See
manufacturer’s speci cations for ballast requirements.

Keep wheel lug nuts tightened to manufacturer’s
recommendations.

A rise in tire pressure during operation is normal, and
should NOT be reduced.

Never rein ate a tire that has been run  at or seriously
underin ated without removing the tire from the wheel.
Have the tire and wheel closely inspected for damage
before remounting.

When adding air to a tire, do so from a distance. Use
a long hose with self-attaching chuck. Always stand
behind tread when adjusting tire pressure.

Do not in ate tires with  ammable gases or from
systems using an alcohol injector.

Never cut or weld on a wheel with an in ated
tire mounted on it. This could cause explosive
decompression.

Check that the tire size and wheel are correctly matched.
When replacing the tires, ensure the tires are of the

appropriate rating speci ed by the manufacturer.
Tires should not be operated at speeds higher than their

rated speed. Most agricultural tires are rated for 20mph
maximum speed.

Avoid

Tire Explosion

Perform Maintenance Safely

Complete Service And Repairs Before Machine
Is Released

Tighten all bolts,  ttings, and connections to torques
speci ed by the manufacturer.

Install all guards, covers, and shields after servicing.
Replace or repair any damaged parts. Re ll and
recharge pressure systems only with manufacturer
approved or recommended  uids.

Start the engine and check for leaks. (See page 23,
Hydraulic System Hazards.) Operate all controls
to make sure the tractor and mower are functioning
properly. Test the machine if necessary. After testing,
shut down and check the work you performed. Are
there any missing cotter pins, washers, locknuts, etc.?
Recheck all  uid levels before releasing the equipment
for operation.

All parts should be inspected during repair and replaced
if worn, cracked or damaged. Excessively worn or
damaged parts can fail and cause injury or death.

Replace any damaged or illegible safety signs.

Verify

Service Work

When

Completed

Mower Blade Maintenance

Do not take chances using damaged or bent blades.
The mower manufacturers from the Association
of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Farm
Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) advocate
that you DO NOT reuse, straighten, hard face or weld
mower blades. Death or serious injury could result if a
broken blade is thrown from a mower.

25

Perform Maintenance Safely

Mower Blade Maintenance (continued)

— How are mower blades made?

Mower blades are made of high strength alloy spring

steel. They are hot-forged and shaped to meet the

manufacturer’s individual speci cations, then heat

treated and tempered to a high strength, ductile state

to reduce the possibility of breaking while mowing.

Blades are tested to ensure they meet strength,

hardness, and ductility standards. If a blade fails to

meet any of these speci cations, it will not be used

on the mower.
— What happens when a mower blade bends?

It takes a great amount of impact force to bend

the blade. This impact force often results in the

blades being gouged or chipped. After a blade

is damaged by a gouge or chip a blade failure is

much more likely to occur. When a blade is severely

bent, a microscopic crack may be created in the

blade. Straightening the blade does not remove or

repair this crack, but may cause additional cracks.

Additional stresses during mowing operations can

result in an unexpected blade failure.

— Avoid bending blades. Help prevent mower blades

from bending or cracking by avoiding contact with
solid objects. Mower blades are intended to cut
grass, shrubs, woody vegetation, and small trees and
limbs. They are not intended to contact solid objects
such as rocks, concrete, or steel posts. Inspect the
area prior to mowing. Remove or clearly mark any
solid objects and mow around them.

— Replace damaged blades! Inspect the mower blade(s)

daily or after hitting any solid object. If a mower blade
becomes damaged (bent, gouged, cracked) or worn
more than 25 percent of the original size, it should
be removed and replaced with a new blade. Always
use the original manufacturer’s blades. Aftermarket
brand blades may not meet the mower manufacturer’s
strength, hardness and ductility requirements.

— Do not take chances mowing with damaged or

bent blades. Using a damaged or straightened
mower blade can result in the blade breaking and
being thrown into the operator or a bystander causing
death or serious injury. The price of a new blade is
small compared to the potential for the serious injury
that could result from a bent or broken blade being
thrown from the mower.

Final Word To The User

You have just  nished reading the AEM Industrial and
Agricultural Mower Manual. It is impossible for this
manual to cover every safety situation that you may
encounter on a daily basis. Your knowledge of these
safety precautions and your application to the

This manual is another in a series on the safe operation of machinery published by AEM.

Many pictorials in this safety manual can be found and downloaded at http://pictorials.aem.org.

For additional publications visit our website at www.safetymaterials.org.

basic rules of safety will help to build good judgment
in all situations. Our objective is to help you develop,
establish and maintain good safety habits to make
operating an Industrial and Agricultural Mower easier
and safer for you.

ASSOCIATION OF
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

26

e-mail [e-mail]
www.aem.org

Contenido

Reconocimiento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introducción . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Alertas de seguridad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Palabras para el usuario/operador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Cortadora de césped industrial/para agricultura . . . . 4

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad . . . . . . . . . 5

Preparación para una operación segura . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Arranque con seguridad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Operación con seguridad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Estacionamiento seguro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Apagado con seguridad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad . . . . . 19

Palabras fi nales para el usuario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reconocimiento

Deseamos reconocer las contribuciones de los miembros del Consejo de Fabricantes de Cortadoras de Césped

Industriales/para Agricultura para la preparación de este Manual de seguridad.

AVISO DE PROTECCIÓN DE COPYRIGHT

Copyright, 2010, por la Asociación de Fabricantes de Equipos (Association of Equipment Manufacturers). Todos los derechos reservados. Queda prohibida la reproducción o

Copyright 2010© AEM (Asociación de Fabricantes de Equipos)
Revisado el 01/03, 09/10

difusión parcial o total de este trabajo por cualquier medio sin consentimiento previo por escrito de la Asociación de Fabricantes de Equipos.

Introducción

Este manual de seguridad está destinado a señalar
algunas de las situaciones de seguridad básicas que
pueden surgir durante la operación y el mantenimiento
normales de la máquina y a instruirlo en prácticas de
seguridad para manejar estas condiciones. Este manual
NO sustituye los manuales del operador del fabricante de
la cortadora de césped.

Puede ser necesario tomar precauciones adicionales o
algunas de las instrucciones pueden no ser pertinentes,
dependiendo del equipo, los accesorios y las condiciones
del sitio de trabajo o del área de servicio. El fabricante no
tiene control directo sobre la aplicación, la operación, la
inspección o el mantenimiento del equipo. Por lo tanto,
es SU responsabilidad utilizar prácticas de seguridad
correctas en estas áreas.

La información que se proporciona en este manual
complementa la información especí ca sobre la máquina que
contienen los manuales del operador del fabricante. Puede
haber otra información que afecte la operación segura de
la máquina en los letreros de seguridad o en los requisitos
del seguro, programas de seguridad y capacitación del
empleador, códigos de seguridad, leyes federales, locales,
estatales o provinciales, reglas y ordenanzas.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender los

manuales antes

de comenzar la

operación

¡IMPORTANTE! Antes de hacer funcionar la
cortadora de césped, asegúrese de contar con
los manuales del operador del fabricante para
esta máquina y todos los accesorios. Si faltan
los manuales del fabricante, solicite manuales
de repuesto a su empleador, al concesionario de
los equipos o directamente al fabricante. Guarde
este manual de seguridad y los manuales del
fabricante con la máquina en todo momento. Lea
y asegúrese de comprender todos los manuales.

Se encuentra disponible el video AEM Mower
Safety Practices (Prácticas de seguridad para
la cortadora de césped de AEM) para capacitar
y reforzar prácticas de seguridad correctas. Se
alienta a los operadores a ver periódicamente el
video de seguridad.

2

Alertas de seguridad

Símbolo

Este símbolo de alerta de seguridad signi ca:

“¡ATENCIÓN! ¡MANTÉNGASE ALERTA! ¡SU
SEGURIDAD ESTÁ EN RIESGO!”

El símbolo de alerta de seguridad identi ca mensajes de
seguridad importantes sobre el equipo, sobre letreros de
seguridad, en manuales u otros lugares. Cuando vea este
símbolo, manténgase alerta ante la posibilidad de muerte
o lesiones personales. Siga las instrucciones del mensaje
de seguridad.

Motivos por los cuales la seguridad es importante:
— Los accidentes provocan discapacidad y muerte.
— Los accidentes cuestan.
— Los accidentes pueden evitarse.

Palabras indicativas

Las palabras indicativas son palabras distintivas que
típicamente se encontrarán en letreros de seguridad
de la cortadora de césped y otros equipos del sitio de
trabajo. Estas palabras también se pueden encontrar
en este manual y en los manuales del fabricante. Están
destinadas a alertar al operador sobre un riesgo y el grado
de gravedad del riesgo.

DANGER

PELIGRO

WARNING

ADVERTENCIA

CAUTION

PRECAUCIÓN

NOTICE

AVISO

DANGER (PELIGRO) indica una

situación riesgosa que, si no se evita,
resultará en una lesión grave o la
muerte.

WARNING (ADVERTENCIA) indica
una situación riesgosa que, si no se
evita, podría resultar en una lesión
grave o la muerte.

CAUTION (PRECAUCIÓN) indica
una situación que, si no se evita,
podría resultar en lesiones leves o
moderadas.

NOTICE (AVISO) indica un mensaje
de daños a la propiedad.

Palabras para el usuario/operador

Es SU responsabilidad leer y asegurarse de comprender el
manual de seguridad y los manuales del fabricante antes de
hacer funcionar esta máquina. Este manual de seguridad lo
lleva paso a paso a través de su día de trabajo.

El reconocimiento de los riesgos y la prevención de
accidentes dependen de que usted esté alerta, sea

cuidadoso y se capacite correctamente para la operación,
el transporte, el mantenimiento y el almacenamiento de
este equipo.

Se han suministrado grá cos útiles para comprender el texto.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender

todos los letreros

de seguridad

Recuerde que USTED es la clave de la seguridad. Las
prácticas de seguridad correctas lo protegen no sólo
a usted sino también a las personas que lo rodean.
Estudie este manual y los manuales del fabricante para
su máquina en particular. Transfórmelos en una parte
activa de su programa de seguridad. Tenga presente que
este manual de seguridad está escrito para cortadoras de
césped industriales/para agricultura.

Contáctese con el fabricante del equipo si le queda
alguna pregunta sobre la operación segura después de
estudiar los manuales del operador del fabricante y este
manual de seguridad.

Tome todas las demás precauciones habituales y

acostumbradas para un trabajo seguro y, sobre todo:

RECUERDE:

¡LA SEGURIDAD DEPENDE DE USTED!

¡PUEDE EVITAR LESIONES GRAVES O MUERTE

CAUSADAS POR PRÁCTICAS LABORALES

NO SEGURAS!

3

Cortadora de césped industrial/para agricultura

Tipos de cortadora de césped industrial/para
agricultura

Las cortadoras de césped se usan para recortar pasturas,
desmenuzar residuos de cultivos, cortar arbustos, realizar
desbroce pesado, cortar la hierba en vías de agua,
derechos de paso, costados de caminos o autopistas.
Además, estas cortadoras se usan para cortar la hierba
y otras plantas en zonas públicas como parques y
cementerios.

Giratorio

Giratorio con lateral

plegable

Triturador

Aguilón

Barra en forma de hoz

Cortadora de césped industrial/para agricultura

Tipos de cortadora de césped de disco para
agricultura

Las cortadoras de césped de disco están diseñadas y
equipadas para cortar cultivos de heno a mayor velocidad
de desplazamiento.

Las cortadoras/acondicionadoras de disco cortan y
acondicionan los cultivos.

Las formadoras de hileras autopropulsadas cortan el heno
y lo acondicionan en hileras.

Cortadora de césped

de disco

Cortadora/

acondicionadora de

disco

Formadora de hileras

autopropulsada

4

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

Protéjase a sí mismo

Use la ropa de protección personal y los equipos de
protección personal (PPE) que se le proporcionen o que
requieran las condiciones del trabajo. SIEMPRE debe
usar gafas de seguridad con escudos laterales.

Puede necesitar también:
— Casco
— Calzado de seguridad
— Antiparras de seguridad o protección facial
— Guantes gruesos
— Protección para oídos
— Indumentaria re ectiva
— Indumentaria impermeable
— Respirador o máscara con  ltro

Use la ropa necesaria; no corra ningún riesgo.
¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite lesiones graves o muerte por

enredos. No use ropa fl oja ni accesorios. Ate el cabello

largo. Manténgase alejado de todos los componentes
giratorios cuando el motor está en funcionamiento. El

contacto, el enrollado o el enredo con piezas giratorias o
móviles podrían resultar en lesiones graves o la muerte.

Evite quedar

enredado

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

— Lea, asegúrese de comprender y siga las instrucciones

escritas del fabricante que se encuentran en el manual

del operador y en los letreros de seguridad sobre la

cortadora y el tractor.
— Obtenga capacitación para la operación de la

cortadora y el tractor.
— Aproveche los programas de capacitación que se

ofrecen en su zona.
— Solicítele al distribuidor de equipos o al supervisor que

le explique cualquier información que no comprenda.
— Explique las instrucciones escritas de los manuales del

operador y los letreros de seguridad a los usuarios u

operadores que no puedan leerlas.
— Inspeccione la cortadora y el tractor diariamente antes

de hacerlos funcionar. Asegúrese de que todas las

guardas se encuentren en su lugar y de que el equipo

funcione correctamente.
— Nunca fume mientras lo está manejando. Nunca

llene el depósito de combustible con el motor en

funcionamiento o cerca de una llama abierta.
— Asegúrese de tener visibilidad adecuada e iluminación

su ciente.
— Sepa cuáles son los puntos donde puede quedar

atrapado y las partes giratorias. Su conocimiento

puede evitar accidentes.

— Nunca intente hacer funcionar los controles, excepto

desde el asiento del operador. Las funciones
controladas de manera incorrecta pueden producir
el movimiento imprevisto de la máquina y resultar en
lesiones graves o muerte.

— Apague la cortadora y el tractor antes de descender.

(Consulte la página 18, Prácticas correctas de
apagado de los equipos.)

Lea, asegúrese de
comprender y siga
las indicaciones de
los manuales y los

letreros de seguridad

Evite las partes

giratorias

Sepa cuáles son

y evite los puntos

donde pueda quedar

atrapado

5

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

Evite las lesiones provocadas por equipos elevados

Evite posibles lesiones de aplastamiento por caídas de la
cortadora u otros equipos elevados.

Evite ser aplastado –

Bloquee o apoye
con seguridad la

cortadora

Antes de trabajar cerca o debajo de partes levadas de la
cortadora o de los equipos:

— Apoye o bloquee con seguridad las partes elevadas de

la cortadora o los equipos de acuerdo con el manual
del operador.

— Apoye, bloquee o trabe con seguridad los laterales con

dispositivos de bloqueo aprobados o descienda las
partes de la cortadora o de los equipos hasta el suelo.

— Use trabas de transporte cuando transporte la

cortadora por la vía pública.

Evite lesiones producidas por líquidos a alta presión

Evite las lesiones por inyección de  uidos debidas a fugas
de líquidos a alta presión.

Si un fl uido se inyecta en la piel, debe ser extraído
dentro de pocas horas por personal médico
familiarizado con este tipo de lesión.

Las fugas de  uido bajo presión pueden no ser visibles.
Al veri car en busca de fugas o cuando trabaja cerca de
sistemas presurizados:

— Lea las prácticas de seguridad recomendadas en los

manuales del operador del fabricante.

— Use una protección facial o antiparras de seguridad

para proteger los ojos.

— Use un cartón o una madera para buscar fugas; NO

use las manos.

— Alivie la presión del sistema antes de desconectar líneas.
— Busque y repare las líneas, los tubos y las mangueras

dañados o con fugas.
— Busque y apriete las conexiones  ojas.
— Purgue el aire del sistema antes de hacerlo funcionar.

El fl uido a alta
presión puede

inyectarse en el

cuerpo

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

Evite lesiones por incendios y explosiones

Aplique el freno de estacionamiento, apague el motor de
la cortadora y del tractor y retire la llave mientras llena
el depósito de combustible. Tenga precaución adicional
cuando carga combustible en un motor caliente. Nunca
fume mientras carga combustible. Evite las chispas
conectando a tierra la boquilla de combustible contra el
cuello de llenado del depósito.

Los vapores de un depósito de combustible vacío son
explosivos. Nunca suelde o realice cortes en líneas,
depósitos o contenedores de combustible.

Retire toda la basura o los residuos de corte de la
máquina todos los días o según sea necesario. Mantenga
los residuos alejados del motor, el escape, los embragues
y otras fuentes de calor. Use supresores de chispas,
según corresponda, en el sistema de escape del motor.
Asegúrese de que no haya trapos con aceite u otro
material in amable almacenado en la máquina.

Revise en busca de fugas de combustible, aceite o  uido
hidráulico. Repare las fugas y limpie la máquina antes de
hacerla funcionar.

El éter/ uido para arranque en frío es in amable. No fume
cuando usa éter/ uido para arranque en frío. Siempre
siga las instrucciones del recipiente y de los manuales del

operador del fabricante correspondientes a la cortadora
de césped. No use éter/ uido para arranque en frío si el
motor está equipado con bujías de precalentamiento u
otro dispositivo de precalentamiento.

Siempre use solvente no in amable para limpiar las
partes. No use gasolina, combustible diesel u otros  uidos
in amables. Almacene todos los  uidos y materiales
in amables lejos de la máquina y de la zona de trabajo.

Sepa dónde se guardan los extintores de incendios, cómo
funcionan y para qué tipo de incendio están destinados.
Veri que la disponibilidad de los extintores de incendios de
acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante. Asegúrese de
que cada tractor esté equipado con un extintor de incendios.

No fumar;

evitar las llamas

abiertas

Retire los

residuos a diario

o según sea

necesario

6

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

¡Manténgase alerta!

Sepa dónde obtener asistencia. Sepa cómo usar un
equipo de primeros auxilios y un extintor de incendios/
sistema de supresión de fuego.

¡Manténgase informado!

Aproveche los programas de capacitación que se ofrecen.

¡Tenga cuidado!

El error humano es causado por muchos factores: descuido,
fatiga, sobrecarga, preocupación, desconocimiento de
la máquina por parte del operador, fármacos y alcohol,
entre muchos otros. Los daños al tractor o la cortadora de
césped se pueden arreglar en un tiempo breve, pero las
lesiones o la muerte tienen un efecto perdurable.

Por su seguridad y la de los demás, aliente a sus
compañeros de trabajo a actuar con seguridad.

Nunca use

fármacos o alcohol

mientras está

operando la máquina

Para una operación segura

Usted debe ser un operador cuali cado y autorizado
para operar la máquina correctamente. Debe comprender
claramente las instrucciones por escrito que proporciona
el fabricante, recibir capacitación (que incluya la
operación real de la cortadora de césped) y conocer
las reglas y ordenanzas de seguridad correspondientes
al sitio de trabajo. Una buena práctica de seguridad
consiste en señalar y explicar los letreros y las prácticas
de seguridad y asegurarse de que otras personas
comprendan la importancia de seguir estas instrucciones.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Los fármacos y el alcohol afectan la
capacidad de alerta y de coordinación del operador,
así como su capacidad para operar los equipos con
seguridad. Nunca use fármacos o alcohol mientras

opera el equipo de la cortadora. Nunca permita a
sabiendas que otra persona opere esta máquina con
la capacidad de alerta o coordinación deteriorada.

Un operador que toma un medicamento recetado o de
venta libre debe consultar a un profesional médico con
respecto a los efectos colaterales del medicamento que
podrían reducir su capacidad de operar este equipo con
seguridad.

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

Conozca las reglas

La mayoría de los empleadores tienen reglas que rigen la
operación y el mantenimiento de los equipos. Antes de
comenzar a trabajar en una ubicación nueva, veri que con
el supervisor o con el coordinador de seguridad. Averigüe
sobre las reglas que tendrá que obedecer.

La Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional
(Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
OSHA) hace cumplir leyes federales dentro de los
EE.UU. que se aplican a la operación, la aplicación y el
mantenimiento seguros de equipos en un sitio de trabajo.
Es responsabilidad del empleador cumplir estas leyes. Un
representante de OSHA puede visitar periódicamente un
sitio de trabajo para ver si estas leyes se cumplen.

También puede haber leyes estatales/provinciales o locales
u ordenanzas internacionales que se apliquen a este
equipo y a su uso, junto con reglas especí cas del sitio
de trabajo o del empleador. Es importante que conozca y
cumpla todas las leyes y reglas aplicables, incluso las que
requieren capacitación y certi cación del operador.

Las siguientes son algunas de las reglas que debe
cumplir al trabajar:

— Un ROPS (sistema de protección antivuelco) y un tractor

equipado con cinturón de seguridad es exigencia del

gobierno federal (OSHA) par ala protección de los

operadores durante el funcionamiento de la cortadora.

Una cabina cerrada proporciona protección adicional para

el operador con respecto a objetos arrojados. Veri que el

manual del operador de la cortadora de césped para ver

si también se requiere una cabina de tractor.
— Use y veri que que otras personas usen la indumentaria

y los equipos de protección personal correctos.
— Inspeccione la máquina y los accesorios antes de cada

uso según lo especi cado por el fabricante y por su

empleador.
— Conozca las limitaciones y las características operativas

del equipo de corte de césped. No haga un uso indebido.
— Veri que que todos los escudos y las guardas estén

correctamente instalados antes de hacer funcionar la

máquina.
— Nunca modi que o retire partes de la máquina (excepto

para realizar servicios; después, asegúrese de que se

vuelvan a colocar en su lugar).

Reglas

de seguridad

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Sepa cuáles son

y asegúrese de

comprender las reglas

de funcionamiento

7

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

Algunas reglas que debe cumplir al trabajar
(continuación)

— Únicamente personas cuali cadas y autorizadas

pueden manejar estos equipos.

— Nunca permita que los niños jueguen en los equipos,

viajen en ellos o los hagan funcionar. Los niños no
están cuali cados para manejar estos equipos.

— No transporte pasajeros.
— Use contacto en tres puntos (asideros y peldaños) y

enfrente el equipo al ascender o descender de él.

— Mantenga a las personas ajenas a 300 pies (92 m) de la

operación de corte.

— Familiarícese con el sitio de trabajo antes de usar la

cortadora de césped. Tenga en cuenta posibles riesgos
que puede encontrar en el terreno. Retire o marque los
obstáculos y residuos que podrían dañar la cortadora o
ser arrojados por ella.

— Utilice sólo accesorios y partes aprobados por el

fabricante de la cortadora de césped.

— Asegúrese de que todos accesorios estén descendidos,

aplique el freno de estacionamiento, apague el motor y
haga funcionar todas las palancas de control. Retire la
llave antes de salir del tractor. (Consulte la página 18,
Prácticas correctas de apagado de los equipos.)

— Cuando transporte la cortadora de césped en un

remolque, siga las instrucciones detalladas del fabricante
para la carga, el amarre y la descarga de la cortadora.

Mantenga

a los niños alejados

de los equipos

Mantenga a las

personas ajenas

alejadas

No lleve

pasajeros

Apague los equipos

cuando están sin

vigilancia

Cumplimiento del programa de seguridad

Conozca los equipos

Lea y asegúrese de comprender los letreros de seguridad
que indican PELIGRO, ADVERTENCIA, PRECAUCIÓN
y AVISO y otros letreros informativos que hay sobre
el tractor y la cortadora de césped y en el manual del
operador del fabricante. Solicítele al supervisor o al
distribuidor de la cortadora que le explique cualquier
información que no comprenda. El incumplimiento de las
instrucciones de seguridad podría resultar en lesiones
graves o muerte.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender

todos los letreros

de seguridad

Asegúrese de que todas las estructuras de protección,
guardas, escudos, pantallas y paneles del fabricante
están bien reparados, en su lugar y bien ajustados.
Los componentes de seguridad dañados, faltantes o
debilitados pueden crear una situación de riesgo para
usted como operador. Nunca retire o modi que ningún
componente de seguridad (incluso escudos para objetos
arrojados) que haya en la cortadora.

Conozca lo siguiente sobre el tractor y la cortadora de
césped:

— Funcionamiento, propósito y uso de todos los controles.
— Velocidades de funcionamiento correctas.
— Capacidades y funcionamiento correcto en pendientes

y terrenos desparejos.
— Características del frenado y la dirección.
— Radio de giro y separaciones.
— Cómo detener los equipos rápidamente en una

emergencia.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender los

manuales antes

de comenzar la

operación

8

Preparación para una operación segura

Revise los equipos de la cortadora de césped y el
tractor

Antes de comenzar la jornada de trabajo, inspeccione la
máquina y asegúrese de que todos los sistemas estén en
buenas condiciones operacionales.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite posibles lesiones por aplastamiento
producidas por equipos que caen. La falla del sistema
hidráulico o de una parte podría causar la caída de
equipos que no están apoyados. No permanezca debajo

de equipos elevados excepto que estén correctamente
apoyados de acuerdo con el manual del operador.

— Realice procedimientos de servicio diarios y periódicos

según lo indicado por el fabricante del equipo.

— Veri que para detectar piezas faltantes, dañadas,

rotas o  ojas en el tractor y en la cortadora de césped.
Repare o sustituya esas piezas.

— Veri que que los accesorios del tractor y la cortadora

sean los correctos.

— Veri que que la clasi cación nominal de velocidad de

TDF del tractor y la cortadora sea la correcta.

— Veri que el estado de las hojas de la cortadora

de césped. Sustituya las hojas que se encuentren
gravemente gastadas, dobladas, agujereadas o

marcadas; incluya los pernos y sujetadores de las

hojas. Nunca enderece o suelde en las hojas.
— Asegúrese de que el escudo para objetos que son

arrojados se encuentre correctamente instalado y en buen

estado. Repárelo o sustitúyalo si está dañado o falta.

Recorrida de

inspección

Realice el

mantenimiento de

la máquina

Lea el manual –
Bloquee o apoye
con seguridad la

cortadora

Preparación para una operación segura

— Veri que que todos los escudos y guardas estén en su

lugar y que todos los equipos se encuentren en buenas
condiciones de funcionamiento. Esto incluye la línea
motriz de la TDF, la caja de engranajes y las guardas y
escudos de los implementos que se usan para proteger
al operador.

— Veri que que los dispositivos de bloqueo del extremo

en horquilla de la línea motriz estén correctamente
enclavados.

— Veri que en busca de sistemas hidráulicos dañados o

con fugas en el tractor o la cortadora. Repare o ajuste
según sea necesario.

¡ADVERTENCIA! El  uido hidráulico bajo presión puede
penetrar la piel o los ojos y causar lesiones graves,
ceguera o la muerte. Las fugas de  uido bajo presión
pueden no ser visibles. Utilice un cartón o una madera
para buscar fugas, no la mano. Use protección ocular.
Si el  uido se inyecta en la piel, debe ser extraído dentro
de las próximas pocas horas por personal médico
familiarizado con este tipo de lesión.

— Mantenga la super cie de la plataforma del operador

limpia y libre de grasa, aceite, suciedad, nieve o
hielo. Los peldaños y asideros deben estar limpios y
funcionar correctamente.

— Asegúrese de que las luces de trabajo se mantengan

limpias (si están instaladas). Veri que que todas las
luces funcionen correctamente.

— Asegúrese de que el letrero de vehículo de movimiento

lento, los y las luces de advertencia estén en buenas
condiciones y puedan verse claramente.

— Asegúrese de que todas las herramientas y objetos

sueltos se retiren o se sujeten con seguridad mientras
se opera la máquina.

— Veri que que todos los letreros de seguridad se vean

con claridad. Sustituya los letreros dañados.

Revise para

detectar/guardas y

escudos dañados

Verifi que en

busca de fugas e

inspeccione las

mangueras

Aparte las

refl ectores

herramientas

9

Preparación para una operación segura

Familiarícese con la zona de trabajo

Antes de hacer funcionar la cortadora de césped,
inspeccione cuidadosamente la zona de trabajo. Recorra
a pie alrededor de la zona e inspeccione las super cies
sobre las cuales se desplazará cuando utilice la cortadora.

Recorra a pie

alrededor del lugar

de trabajo

Localice y evite:
— Agujeros
— Desmoronamientos
— Obstáculos (tocones)
— Excavaciones
— Agua estancada
— Lodo profundo
— Puntos mojados
— Suelo blando

Busque residuos y obstáculos recorriendo a pie la zona
antes de cortar. Los objetos como alambre, cable, rocas,
neumáticos y metales que podrían dañar o ser arrojados
por la cortadora de césped deben retirarse o marcarse
claramente y evitarse.

— Puntos irregulares
— Líneas y aparatos

eléctricos
— Otros servicios públicos
— Cualquier condición que

podría causar una colisión,

pérdida de control o vuelco
— Pendientes empinadas

Corrija las condiciones no seguras. No opere en áreas
con problemas donde no se puedan retirar o marcar los
residuos y los obstáculos.

Analice la zona de corte para determinar:
— El procedimiento de corte más e ciente.
— La altura del material que debe cortarse.
— Las condiciones operativas del terreno.
— Cómo usar mejor el patrón de corte en sentido de

avance.

— Las posibilidades de que personas ajenas o que pasan

circunstancialmente queden expuestas a objetos que
se arrojan.

Retire o marque

los residuos y

obstáculos

Tenga cuidado con otras personas

Antes de poner en marcha los equipos:
— Recorra a pie alrededor de los equipos.
— Veri que en busca de personas debajo o cerca de los

equipos.
— Retire a todas las personas de esas zonas.
— Haga sonar una advertencia.

Preparación para una operación segura

Ascienda y descienda del tractor correctamente

Siempre use contacto de tres puntos al ascender o
descender del tractor o de la cortadora de césped.
Enfrente la máquina al ingresar o salir de ella. Un contacto
de tres puntos signi ca que tres de los cuatro miembros
(brazos y piernas) están en contacto con la máquina en
todo momento durante el ascenso y descenso.

Antes de ascender:
— Límpiese el calzado y las manos. Limpie la nieve, el

hielo, el lodo o el aceite de los peldaños y asideros.

Durante el ascenso y el descenso:
— Use los asideros y los estribos.
— Nunca se aferre al volante o a los controles como

asideros.

— Nunca ascienda o descienda de un tractor en

movimiento.

— Nunca ascienda o descienda transportando

herramientas u objetos que impidan el contacto de tres
puntos. Deje en el piso las piezas o las herramientas.
Manteniendo el contacto correcto, suba y, después,
recoja el objeto.

Utilice contacto

de tres puntos

Limpie las

superfi cies

resbaladizas

10

Preparación para una operación segura

Prueba de seguridad de los controles del tractor
y de la cortadora de césped

Arranque el tractor siguiendo los procedimientos
especí cos del manual del operador del fabricante. Estos
procedimientos normalmente incluyen:

— Colóquese y ajústese el cinturón de seguridad en el

tractor equipado con ROPS.
— Veri que que el freno de estacionamiento esté aplicado.
— Veri que que la TDF esté desenganchada.
— Veri que que todos los controles estén en la posición

de estacionamiento.
— Advierta a otras personas en la zona antes de arrancar

el tractor.
— Arranque el tractor siguiendo los procedimientos de

arranque que recomienda el fabricante del tractor.
¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite lesiones graves o muertes

producidas por el movimiento inesperado de la máquina.

Arranque el motor únicamente desde el puesto del
operador. Nunca intente arrancar el motor haciendo
un corto entre los bornes del arranque o tomando la
llave desde el suelo o desde afuera de la cabina.

Después del arranque:
— Veri que que todos los instrumentos, indicadores y

luces indicadoras funcionen normalmente.
— Veri que que todos los controles, la dirección y los

frenos del tractor funcionen correctamente.

— Eleve y descienda la cortadora de césped en busca

de problemas en el descenso total o el enganche de la
línea motriz.

— Veri que los equipos en busca de vibraciones

excesivas y ruidos anormales.

Arranque

únicamente desde

el asiento del

operador

Revise los

instrumentos y

controles

Use el ROPS

y el cinturón de

seguridad

Preparación para una operación segura

— Use las prácticas correctas de apagado de los equipos

antes de inspeccionar equipos. Espere hasta que todo

movimiento de los equipos se haya detenido antes de

descender del tractor o la cortadora de césped.
— No haga funcionar la cortadora si el tractor y la cortadora

de césped no funcionan correctamente. Coloque una

etiqueta que indique “No poner en funcionamiento” en la

máquina, retire la llave y no haga funcionar la cortadora

hasta que el problema se haya corregido.

Sistema de toma de fuerza (TDF)

Asegúrese de hacer funcionar el tractor a la velocidad de
TDF indicada para la cortadora.

Al hacer funcionar tractores con sistemas de TDF
impulsados por transmisión, una cortadora giratoria tiene
un signi cativo efecto de rueda volante. La cortadora
puede seguir propulsando un tractor con un sistema de
TDF impulsado por transmisión.

El tractor debe estar equipado y funcionar como sigue:
— Instale una línea motriz equipada con un embrague de

sobrecarga.
— Prevea su ciente espacio y tiempo para maniobrar

anticipando los giros, las paradas y las reducciones de

velocidad.

No descienda hasta

que el movimiento de

los equipos se haya

detenido

Use una etiqueta

que indique

“No poner en

funcionamiento”

Use la velocidad

de la TDF

11

Preparación para una operación segura

Enganche de la cortadora de césped al tractor

Cortadoras montadas en enganche de tres puntos:

— Consulte los manuales de los fabricantes de la

cortadora y del tractor.
— Coloque la palanca selectora de elevación de potencia

hidráulica del tractor en la posición descendida para

evitar movimientos imprevistos.
— Explique los procedimientos de enganche a los

operadores que no puedan leerlos.
— Pueden requerirse pesos en el extremo delantero para

mantener el control de la dirección y la estabilidad del

extremo delantero. Consulte los manuales del operador

de los fabricantes.
— Al hacer retroceder el tractor hasta la cortadora de

césped, NUNCA permita que haya personas entre

tractor y la cortadora.
— Instale la cortadora en los eslabones de tres puntos del

tractor y asegúrela en su lugar con pasadores.
— Instale con seguridad la línea motriz a la TDF del

tractor. Descienda el escudo principal hasta su lugar

si es móvil. Empuje y tire de la línea motriz para

asegurarse de que esté trabada en el vástago de

la TDF.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender los

manuales antes

de comenzar la

operación

Mantenga una

distribución

correcta del peso

No permita que

haya nadie entre el

tractor y la cortadora

de césped

Evite quedar

enredado, use

guardas y

escudos

Preparación para una operación segura

Cortadoras montadas en enganche tipo de tiro:

— Consulte los manuales de los fabricantes de la

cortadora y del tractor.
— Retire el acople rápido del enganche de tres puntos si

está instalado.
— Instálelo únicamente al enganche de la barra de tiro.
— Ajuste la longitud de la barra de tiro del tractor para el

funcionamiento de la TDF a 540 ó 1000 rpm.
— Al hacer retroceder el tractor hasta la cortadora de

césped, NUNCA permita que haya personas entre

tractor y la cortadora.
— Instale correctamente la cadena de remolque de

seguridad de la cortadora en el tractor.
— Instale con seguridad la línea motriz a la TDF del

tractor. Empuje y tire de la línea motriz para asegurarse

de que esté trabada en la TDF. Descienda el escudo

principal a su lugar.
— Conecte las mangueras hidráulicas de la cortadora de

césped en el tractor.
— Asegúrese de que los laterales o las plataformas

elevadas de la cortadora estén sostenidas por los

cilindros antes de retirar las trabas de transporte.

Nunca haga fuerza para soltar las trabas de transporte

o de los laterales. Los laterales o la plataforma podrían

caerse y aplastarlo.

12

TDF A 540 RPM

540 RPO PTO

1-3/8" 6 SPLINE

ESTRÍA 6 A 1 3/8"

14

PULG.

14IN

TDF A 1000 RPM

1000 RPO PTO

ESTRÍA 21 A 1 3/8"

1-3/8" 21 SPLINE

16

16IN

PULG.

TDF A 1000 RPM 1

1000 RPO PTO

ESTRÍA 20 A 1 ¾ "

1-3/4" 20 SPLINE

20

20IN

PULG.

barra de tiro del

Confi rme que los

laterales estén

apoyados antes de

soltar las trabas

enredado, use

Ajuste de la

tractor

Evite quedar

guardas y

escudos

Arranque con seguridad

Cómo realizar un arranque correcto

Corte la hierba únicamente con luz diurna o en
condiciones de buena luz arti cial.

Evite lesiones graves o muerte producidas por objetos
arrojados por la cortadora o por el contacto con las hojas:
— Mantenga los escudos de las cadenas, los escudos

de ectores  exibles o sólidos y las rampas de

descarga en su lugar y en buen estado de reparación.
— Mantenga a las personas ajenas a 300 pies (92 m) de la

operación de corte.
— Nunca dirija la descarga de la cortadora hacia una

persona.
— Mantenga las manos, los pies y otras partes del

cuerpo alejadas de las piezas giratorias, las hojas y las

aberturas de descarga.
— No haga funcionar la cortadora de césped en la

posición de transporte.
No se acerque a una cortadora hasta que todo

movimiento se haya detenido.
Enganche de la transmisión de RDF de la cortadora de

césped:
— Eleve la cortadora hasta la altura de corte máxima.
— Enganche la TDF a baja velocidad del motor.
— Aumente la velocidad del motor hasta llegar a la

velocidad nominal de la TDF.
— Descienda la cortadora hasta la altura de corte deseada.
— Detenga y apague de inmediato si la cortadora golpea

contra una obstrucción.
— Inspeccione y repare cualquier daño de la cortadora

antes de reanudar el corte.
— No haga funcionar una cortadora que vibra en exceso o

produce ruidos anormales.

Hojas giratorias –

Manténgase

No ponga en

funcionamiento una

cortadora de césped

dañada

Objetos arrojados por la cortadora de césped

Dependiendo del propósito previsto, las cortadoras
están diseñadas para cortar hierba, maleza, broza y
cultivos. Las hojas de la cortadora están diseñadas y
probadas para uso intensivo. Las hojas de la cortadora,
sin embargo, no están diseñadas para entrar en contacto
con objetos sólidos como rocas, cemento o metales. Un
impacto de este tipo puede arrojar objetos rotos hasta
300 pies (92 m) de distancia. Nunca debe haber personas
ajenas a menos de 300 pies (92 m) de una cortadora
giratoria en funcionamiento o a menos de 100 pies (30 m)
de una cortadora de disco correctamente equipada.

Operación con seguridad

Los escudos de la cortadora están diseñados para reducir
el riesgo de objetos arrojados y se deben mantener
correctamente y en su lugar durante las operaciones de
corte.

El riesgo de lesiones graves o muerte puede reducirse
signi cativamente si se siguen estas reglas. Si no se

siguen todas estas reglas de seguridad, la operación
de corte debe detenerse en caso de que alguna
persona ingrese dentro del límite de seguridad
correspondiente a cada tipo de cortadora.

Primero — Inspeccione la zona antes de cortar y retire las

piedras, ramas, alambres, cables, metales, vidrios y otros
objetos sólidos antes de hacer funcionar la máquina. Los
objetos que no puedan retirarse deben marcarse con
claridad y ser evitados con cuidado por el operador.

En áreas sin cultivos con hierba y maleza de altura
su ciente como para ocultar objetos que podrían ser
golpeados por las hojas, inspeccione la zona y retire o
marque los residuos u obstáculos grandes.

Siga todas

las reglas de

seguridad

Realice el corte de la zona a una altura intermedia.
Inspeccione la zona atentamente y retire o marque
cualquier residuo u obstáculo restante. Corte nuevamente
a la altura  nal deseada.

Segundo — Los escudos para objetos arrojados por la
cortadora deben usarse cuando se opera cerca de caminos,
parques, zonas pobladas u otras zonas donde objetos
arrojados podrían lesionar a personas ajenas o dañar la
propiedad. Siga el manual del operador del fabricante.

Tercero — Cruce en sentido diagonal cuando realiza
el corte a través de zanjas, depresiones marcadas y
hundimientos. Eleve la cortadora para evitar que las hojas
de la cortadora golpeen el suelo.

13

Operación con seguridad

Objetos arrojados por la cortadora de césped
(continuación)

Cortadoras de disco — Cuando se usa una cortadora

de disco, es importante conocer la zona donde se va a
cortar. Si el operador ha realizado cortes en el terreno
antes y está familiarizado con todos los obstáculos
que puede haber, es su ciente observar delante de la
trayectoria de la cortadora para detectar cualquier objeto
adicional que pueda haber ingresado en el terreno. Esté
preparado para detenerse o evitar objetos que podrían
ser peligrosos si son arrojados por la cortadora. Si piensa
cortar en un terreno que no conoce bien y se encuentra
junto a un camino transitado o puede haber personas
a menos de 100 pies (30 m) de la cortadora de césped,
debe inspeccionar y limpiar o marcar el terreno.

Cómo cortar en retroceso

No corte mientras se desplaza en retroceso. Es más
probable que se arrojen objetos y que éstos puedan llegar
más lejos.

No corte

en retroceso

Apague la TDF, espere que las hojas dejen de girar, eleve
la cortadora y, después, retroceda.

Corte desplazándose en sentido de avance.

Use la velocidad

de desplazamiento

correcta

Velocidad de desplazamiento durante el corte

La velocidad de desplazamiento correcta depende de las
condiciones del terreno y del tipo de hierba, la densidad y
la altura que debe cortarse:
— El rango normal de velocidad de desplazamiento es de

2 a 5 mph (3.2 a 8 km/h).

— Use una velocidad de desplazamiento menor para

cortar hierbas altas y densas.

— Use una velocidad de desplazamiento mayor para

cortar hierba delgada a altura media y con condiciones
de terreno sin di cultades.

— Use una velocidad de desplazamiento menor par acortar

en terreno irregular, con pendientes o no muy conocido.

Las cortadoras de disco están diseñadas para usar
velocidades de desplazamiento mayores cuando funcionan
en terrenos despejados de residuos y peligros super ciales.

Operación con seguridad

Corte de hierba extremadamente alta

Puede ser necesario cortar dos veces la hierba
extremadamente alta que no sea cultivo. (Consulte la página
13, Objetos arrojados por la cortadora de césped.)

Primera pasada de corte:
— Apague la cortadora y el tractor usando la práctica

correcta de apagado de equipos antes de descender del

tractor. (Consulte la página 18, Prácticas correctas de

apagado de los equipos.)
— Inspeccione la zona y retire o marque cualquier residuo u

obstáculo.
— Corte la hierba a mayor altura (10 a 15 pulg. [25 a 38 cm])

para evitar los objetos ocultos.
Segunda pasada de corte:

— Apague la cortadora y el tractor usando la práctica

correcta de apagado de equipos antes de descender

del tractor.
— Inspeccione la zona y retire o marque cualquier residuo

u obstáculo.
— Corte la hierba a la altura deseada y, de ser posible, a

90 grados con respecto a la primera pasada de corte.

14

Detenga

la hoja antes de

desatascar

Proporcione el

espacio libre

adecuado para la

oscilación de la

cortadora de césped

Preste atención a los espacios libres de los
equipos

Las cortadoras con enganche de tres puntos y montaje
lateral tienen un arco de giro mayor que las tipo de tiro.
Deje el espacio libre su ciente para la oscilación de la
cortadora cuando gira.

No permita que haya personas ajenas cerca del tractor
y la cortadora de césped cuando mueve o transporta el
tractor y la cortadora.

Operación con seguridad

Prácticas de seguridad para la cortadora de
césped de montaje inferior

Cuando se traslada con una cortadora de césped de
montaje inferior:

— Mantenga la rampa de descarga extraíble en su lugar y

por encima de la abertura de descarga.
— Nunca se pare sobre la carcasa de una cortadora

de césped cuando el motor del tractor está en

funcionamiento.
— Distribuya los recortes de hierba con la rampa de

descarga orientada hacia la zona donde se cortó.
— Antes de limpiar una cortadora o una rampa de

descarga atascada, apague la máquina usando la

práctica correcta para apagado del equipo. (Consulte

la página 18, Prácticas correctas de apagado de los

equipos.)

Nunca se pare

sobre la cortadora

de césped –

Manténgase alejado

Mantenga

la rampa en

su lugar

Detenga

la hoja antes de

desatascar

Operación con seguridad

Cortadora de césped con lateral o aguilón
Peligros y riesgos de obstrucciones elevadas

Veri que en busca de obstrucciones elevadas con las
cortadoras que tienen el lateral o el aguilón elevado, para
evitar lesiones graves o la muerte por contacto con:

— Líneas y aparatos eléctricos.
— Ramas bajas de los árboles.
— Otras obstrucciones elevadas.
— Mantenga las distancias especi cadas con respecto a

los cables y los aparatos eléctricos. Nunca se acerque

a cables o aparatos eléctricos energizados con ninguna

parte de la máquina, salvo que se hayan tomado todas

las precauciones de seguridad locales, estatales/

provinciales y federales (OSHA) necesarias. Use

extrema precaución.
¡PELIGRO! Evite la electrocución o lesiones graves por

contacto o un espacio libre inadecuado con respecto
a líneas o aparatos eléctricos energizados. No permita

que la máquina o el accesorio se acerque o entre en
contacto con una línea de electricidad. No se acerque
ni toque una máquina que esté en contacto con una
línea de electricidad.

No se acerque a

líneas de electricidad

energizadas

Manténgase alejado

de los equipos

energizados

15

Operación con seguridad

Prácticas de seguridad para cortadoras de
césped con laterales y montaje lateral

Las posiciones elevadas de los laterales reducen la
protección de los escudos y aumentan los riesgos de
objetos arrojados y contacto con las hojas.

Evite la posibilidad de lesiones graves o muerte por
objetos arrojados o contacto con las hojas causados
por la elevación y el descenso de los laterales durante
las operaciones de corte:

— No realice cortes con personas ajenas presentes a

menos de 300 pies (92 m) de la cortadora de césped.
— Asegúrese de que no haya personas cerca de la

cortadora mientras se elevan o descienden los

laterales.
— Apague la TDF y espere hasta que todos los elementos

giratorios se hayan detenido antes de elevar la

plataforma o la sección lateral de la cortadora.
— Únicamente eleve el lateral para quitar objetos de la

trayectoria de corte o para acompañar una pendiente

del terreno.
— Descienda hasta el suelo el lateral elevado una vez que

se eliminó el objeto o se superó la pendiente.
— Detenga el trabajo de corte si alguna persona se acerca

a menos de 300 pies (92 m) de la zona de corte.

300 ft

(92 m)

Evite golpear

obstrucciones

Mantenga a las

personas ajenas

alejadas de la zona

de corte

Prácticas de seguridad para trabajos de corte en
orillas de zanjas

Use extremo cuidado al realizar cortes en orillas
de zanjas. Preste atención a escurrimientos, zonas
erosionadas y obstrucciones para el corte a lo largo de
las orillas de zanjas. Si se golpean obstrucciones con
cortadoras de montaje lateral o con aguilón, el extremo
delantero del tractor puede desviarse hacia la zanja.

Operación con seguridad

Los trabajos en orillas de zanjas con aguilón y lateral
elevado pueden reducir la e cacia de la protección del
operador de la cortadora que proporcionan los escudos
para objetos arrojados.

Utilice cabinas

cerradas con ROPS

o cerramientos de

protección

— Cuando realice estas operaciones, use cabinas cerradas

con ROPS, cerramientos protectores especiales y otros

escudos para el operador que ofrece el fabricante.
— Inspeccione la zona de corte y retire o marque todos

los objetos extraños y los residuos que deberá esquivar

la cortadora.

Prácticas de seguridad para trabajos de corte en
terrenos desparejos

Las pendientes y los terrenos desparejos reducen la
estabilidad del tractor y de la cortadora.

de que el ROPS está elevado y trabado en su lugar y
use siempre el cinturón de seguridad.

Prevenga los vuelcos del tractor y de la cortadora de césped
y mantenga controlada la estabilidad de los equipos:

— Repase los manuales del operador del tractor y de la

cortadora para ver las prácticas de seguridad para
operaciones en pendientes y terrenos desparejos.
Explique las prácticas a los operadores que no puedan
leerlas.

— Evite trabajar en pendientes extremadamente

empinadas.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender los

manuales antes

de comenzar la

operación

Use el ROPS

y el cinturón

de seguridad

Como en todas las condiciones de corte, use tractores
equipados con ROPS y cinturón de seguridad. Asegúrese

16

Operación con seguridad

Prácticas de seguridad para trabajos de corte en
terrenos desparejos (continuación)

— Use extremo cuidado para mantener el control de los

equipos cuando trabaja en estas condiciones.
— Aumente la estabilidad del tractor agregando

pesos o lastre en las ruedas y aumentando al

máximo la separación entre las ruedas. Consulte las

recomendaciones en el manual del operador.
— Mantenga la velocidad de desplazamiento en el mínimo.
— Realice giros amplios y graduales.
— Evite los arranques, las paradas y los giros bruscos

cuando trabaje en subidas o bajadas de pendientes o

sobre ellas.
— No levante del suelo las cortadoras de montaje trasero

o de montaje lateral ni los laterales de la cortadora

durante estas operaciones.
— Manténganse alerta en busca de agujeros, baches,

pozos, tocones u otras obstrucciones que podrían

hacer volcar la máquina.
— Evite las condiciones de suelo resbaladizo que podrían

causar la pérdida de control y el vuelco del tractor y la

cortadora.
— Evite bajar completamente y golpear el suelo cuando

cruza en sentido diagonal depresiones marcadas y

hundimientos.

Mantenga
el control,

desplácese

Agregue lastre,

ensanche la

separación entre

las ruedas

Evite los pozos,

baches y agujeros

Use extremo cuidado al mantener la estabilidad de los
equipos durante todos los trabajos de corte en terrenos
desparejos y pendientes. Usted es quien juzga en última
instancia si en cualquier pendiente se puede trabajar con
seguridad.

Operación con seguridad

Prácticas de seguridad para el transporte en caminos

Antes de operar en la vía pública:
— Consulte los manuales del operador de los fabricantes

de la cortadora y del tractor para ver instrucciones.
— Explique las instrucciones a los usuarios u operadores

que no puedan leerlas.
— Veri que las ordenanzas locales sobre marcas, luces,

balizas, etc. requeridas en los equipos durante el

desplazamiento por la vía pública. Se requieren luces

en las cortadoras que obstaculizan la visibilidad de las

luces traseras y/o las luces de advertencia del tractor.
— Cuando transporte la cortadora de césped en un

remolque, siga las instrucciones detalladas del fabricante

para la carga, el amarre y la descarga de la cortadora.
Antes de transportar en la vía pública:

— Desconecte la alimentación de la TDF a la cortadora.
— Eleve la cortadora a la posición de transporte y aplique

la traba para transporte.
— Trabe los laterales de la cortadora de césped en la

posición de transporte con dispositivos de bloqueo

aprobados.
— Instale una cadena de seguridad para remolque entre la

cortadora tipo de tiro y el tractor.
— Asegúrese de que las luces, las luces de advertencia y

los re ectores están en su lugar y son visibles.

— Veri que que el emblema de vehículo de movimiento le

resulte visible a cualquier vehículo que se aproxime por
atrás.

Durante el transporte en la vía pública:
— Obedezca todas las ordenanzas de tránsito locales.
— Acérquese a las intersecciones con precaución.
— Observe los letreros de velocidad y control del tránsito.
— Evite las paradas de emergencia y los giros cerrados.

Sea un operador amable y apártese periódicamente para
dejar pasar el tránsito.

Lea y asegúrese

de comprender los

manuales antes

de comenzar la

operación

STOP

YIELD

Obedezca las

ordenanzas de

tránsito

17

Estacionamiento seguro

Prácticas de seguridad para el estacionamiento

— Use las zonas designadas o alejadas del tránsito.
— Use lugares con suelo  rme y nivelado.
— Aplique el freno de estacionamiento.
— Descienda el equipo de la cortadora de césped hasta

el suelo.
Apague la cortadora y el tractor usando la práctica

correcta de apagado de equipos antes de descender del
tractor. (Consulte la página 18, Prácticas correctas de
apagado de los equipos.)

Lugares de estacionamiento con suelo en pendiente:
— Ubique los equipos transversalmente con respecto a la

pendiente.
— Aplique los frenos de estacionamiento.
— Descienda el equipo de la cortadora de césped hasta

el suelo.
— Bloquee las ruedas del tractor.

Apagado con seguridad

Aplique el freno de

P

Antes de estacionar temporalmente y dejar equipos
deshabilitados cerca de zonas con tránsito:

— Retire los equipos de la vía pública.
— Instale banderas de advertencia.
— Use las balizas de advertencia del tractor.

estacionamiento

Descienda

los equipos elevados

hasta el suelo

Prácticas correctas de apagado de los equipos

Transforme el apagado correcto de los equipos en un hábito.
El apagado correcto de un tractor y una cortadora

de césped puede ayudar a evitar accidentes cuando
la cortadora está sin vigilancia. Apague la cortadora
siguiendo los procedimientos especí cos del manual
del operador del fabricante. Estos procedimientos
normalmente incluirán:

— Reduzca la velocidad del motor.
— Desenganche el embrague de la TDF y la transmisión.
— Haga funcionar el motor en ralentí para que se enfríe

gradualmente.
— Coloque todos los controles en la posición de

estacionamiento.
— Aplique el freno de estacionamiento.
— Descienda la cortadora de césped hasta el suelo.
— Descienda los laterales de las cortadoras con laterales

hasta el suelo.
— Apague el motor, trabe la ignición y retire la llave de la

máquina; llévela con usted.
— Espere hasta que todas las piezas móviles se hayan

detenido antes de descender.
— Libere la presión hidráulica moviendo los controles

hidráulicos varias veces en todas las direcciones.
— Trabe las cubiertas y los cerramientos antivandalismo, si

están instalados, cuando los equipos están sin vigilancia.
— Descienda con cuidado manteniendo contacto de tres

puntos.

18

PTO

STOP

Desenganche la TDF,

aplique el freno

P

Descienda los

equipos elevados

hasta el suelo

Espere hasta que las

piezas giratorias se

detengan

Retire la llave, trabe

la ignición, llévese

la llave

Apagado con seguridad

Descenso correcto

— Nunca descienda de equipos en movimiento.
— Nunca baje de una máquina saltando.
— Descienda con cuidado.
— Veri que que no haya peldaños resbaladizos.
— Mantenga los pies y las manos lejos de los controles.
— Use los asideros y los peldaños durante el descenso.
— Enfrente la máquina y use contacto de tres puntos (2

manos y 1 pie o 2 pies y 1 mano).

Espere hasta que las

piezas móviles se

detengan

Use contacto de tres

puntos; enfrente a

la máquina

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Mantenimiento de los equipos

Realice el

mantenimiento de

los equipos

Asegúrese de mantener los equipos de acuerdo con las
instrucciones del fabricante. Veri que con regularidad el
funcionamiento de los dispositivos de protección y de
seguridad.

No realice ningún trabajo en un tractor o en una cortadora
de césped si no está autorizado y cuali cado para
hacerlo.

Si ha sido autorizado para realizar mantenimiento, lea
los manuales del operador y de servicios. Estudie las
instrucciones; veri que las tablas de lubricación; examine
todos los mensajes de instrucciones que haya sobre la
máquina. El mantenimiento puede ser peligroso si no se
realiza correctamente. Asegúrese de tener las habilidades
necesarias, la información y las herramientas y equipos
correctos para realizar el trabajo.

¡ADVERTENCIA! No modifi que equipos ni agregue
componentes no aprobados por el fabricante. Use

piezas, lubricantes y técnicas de servicio recomendadas
por el fabricante.

Piezas de la cortadora de césped y seguridad
personal

Los fabricantes de cortadoras de césped usan
sujetadores y especí cos y piezas especialmente
diseñadas para cumplir con los requisitos de las
operaciones de las cortadoras. Las piezas críticas (pernos
autobloqueantes de las hojas, hojas, pasadores, escudos
y otros componentes especiales) tienen requisitos
especí cos de resistencia, diseño y ajuste para la marca y
el modelo de cortadora que usted está usando.

Evite posibles lesiones graves o la muerte por el uso de
piezas o modi caciones no aprobadas:

— No sustituya con tornillería común los pernos de las

hojas u otros componentes de piezas especiales
originales del fabricante.

— No sustituya hojas, pasadores, escudos u otras piezas

críticas.

— No use pernos de mayor resistencia para reemplazar

los pernos de seguridad originales del fabricante.

19

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Preparación personal

Use la ropa de protección personal y los equipos de
protección personal (PPE) que se le proporcionen o que
requieran las condiciones del trabajo. SIEMPRE debe
usar gafas de seguridad con escudos laterales.

Puede necesitar también:
— Casco
— Calzado de seguridad
— Anteojos de seguridad, antiparras o protección facial
— Delantal y guantes
— Protección para oídos
— Casco o antiparras para soldar
— Respirador o máscara con  ltro

Use la ropa necesaria; no corra ningún riesgo.

Mantenga las manos (y la ropa)alejadas de todas las
piezas móviles. No use cordones sueltos, mangas  ojas,

anillos, relojes o cabello largo.
¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite lesiones graves o muerte por

enredos. No use ropa fl oja ni accesorios. Manténgase

alejado de todos los componentes giratorios cuando
el motor está en funcionamiento. El contacto, el

enrollado o el enredo con piezas giratorias o móviles
podrían resultar en lesiones graves o la muerte.

Evite las piezas

giratorias

Evite puntos donde

pueda quedar

atrapado

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Use un delantal de caucho y guantes de caucho cuando
trabaja con sustancias corrosivas. Use guantes y calzado
de seguridad cuando manipula bloques de madera o
metales con bordes agudos.

Use siempre anteojos de seguridad, antiparras o
protección facial. Proporcionan protección ocular para
 uidos bajo presión, mientras se esmerila y se realizan
servicios a las baterías. También es necesaria protección
contra residuos, líquidos y material suelto producido por
el equipo, las herramientas y el aire/agua presurizada.

Use protección facial y siga las instrucciones del
fabricante cuando desarma componentes cargados a
resorte o cuando trabaja con ácidos de batería. Use un
casco o antiparras para soldar con  ltro esfumado cuando
suelda o corta con soplete.

No arene, esmerile, corte con soplete o suelde sin
un respirador aprobado por NIOSH o una ventilación
adecuada. Si se requiere soldar en esta máquina, consulte
los manuales del operador o de servicios del fabricante o
consulte al concesionario de los equipos para obtener los
procedimientos correctos.

Mantenga los bolsillos sin objetos que podrían salirse y
caer dentro de la maquinaria.

20

Maneje las herramientas y las piezas pesadas con
sensatez con respecto a usted mismo y a otras personas.
Deposite los elementos, no los deje caer.

Preparación de la zona de trabajo

— Ubique la cortadora de césped en una zona nivelada

fuera del paso de otros equipos en funcionamiento.

— Asegúrese de que haya luz, ventilación y espacio libre

adecuados.

— Quite el aceite, la grasa o el agua para eliminar toda

super cie resbaladiza.

— Limpie alrededor de la zona donde se realizarán

servicios para minimizar la contaminación.

Limpie las

superfi cies

resbaladizas

Ventile la zona

de trabajo

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Preparación de la máquina

Deben controlarse o reducirse las fuentes de energía
almacenada (eléctricas, mecánicas, hidráulicas,
neumáticas, químicas, térmicas, etc.) al mínimo
practicable antes de realizar cualquier procedimiento de
mantenimiento, reparación o servicio.

Prácticas de seguridad para prevenir posibles lesiones
por fuentes que liberan energía:

— Desenganche la TDF antes de apagar el motor.
— Coloque los controles en la posición de estacionamiento

o punto muerto antes de apagar el motor.
— Aplique el freno de estacionamiento o bloquee las

ruedas.
— Espere hasta que todas las piezas móviles se

detengan.
— Descienda la cortadora de césped hasta el suelo.
— Descienda los laterales de las cortadoras con laterales

hasta el suelo.
— Apague el motor del tractor.
— Libere la presión del sistema hidráulico moviendo los

controles varias veces en todas las direcciones.
— Trabe la ignición, retire la llave y llévesela.

Prepare los

sistemas de la

máquina para

realizarles servicios

— Escuche y observe en busca de evidencias que

indiquen piezas en movimiento antes de descender.

— Apoye o bloquee con seguridad la cortadora de

césped antes de trabajar debajo de ella o de otros
componentes elevados.

— Apoye, bloquee o trabe con seguridad los laterales de la

cortadora con dispositivos de traba aprobados antes de
trabajar cerca o debajo de una cortadora con laterales.

— Alivie la presión antes de desconectar o desarmar un

sistema presurizado.

— Bloquee o alivie la presión de los resortes antes de

desarmar un mecanismo cargado a resorte.

— Apoye o bloquee con seguridad cualquier componente

elevado de la máquina antes de trabajar en él.

— Evite las llamas, las chispas y no fume cerca de

combustibles,  uido hidráulico u otro material
in amable como los residuos de los cortes.

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Fije una etiqueta con la advertencia “NO PONER EN
FUNCIONAMIENTO” en todas las palancas de control y
retire la llave de contacto si la cortadora de césped no
debe ser utilizada. Llévese la llave.

Instale dispositivos de apoyo aprobados cuando trabaja
debajo o cerca de equipos elevados.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Las cortadoras de césped u otros
equipos elevados no apoyados pueden caerse de manera
imprevista. Nunca se introduzca debajo de equipos

elevados si no están apoyados en dispositivos de
apoyo aprobados. La caída de equipos podría resultar en

una lesión grave o la muerte por aplastamiento.
Retire sólo las guardas o cubiertas que permiten acceder

a la zona donde se realizarán servicios. Vuelva a colocar
todas las guardas y cubiertas cuando el trabajo esté
terminado.

Use una “etiqueta que

indique No poner en

funcionamiento”

Utilice

dispositivos de apoyo

aprobados

Vuelva a colocar

todas las guardas

21

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Use ventilación adecuada

Si es necesario hacer funcionar un motor en una zona
cerrada, elimine del área las emanaciones de escape
con una extensión del caño de escape. Si no tiene esa
extensión, asegúrese de abrir las puertas y dejar entrar
aire del exterior.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite posibles lesiones. Nunca trabaje
en la maquinaria con el motor en funcionamiento salvo
que así lo indiquen los manuales del fabricante para
un servicio en particular.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Nunca haga funcionar ningún tipo de
motor sin la ventilación adecuada: LAS EMANACIONES

DEL ESCAPE PUEDEN SER MORTALES.

Use gatos y malacates con cuidado

Los soportes o bloques de seguridad deben ubicarse
en una parte rígida de la cortadora. No ubique soportes
debajo de ejes o apoyos de ruedas que puedan girar.

Si debe trabajar debajo de equipos elevados, siempre
use bloques de madera (no de concreto), soportes de
gato u otros soportes rígidos y estables. Cuando use
gatos o malacates, siempre asegúrese de que están
correctamente apoyados.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite posibles lesiones por
aplastamiento. Nunca use bloques de concreto para
apoyo. Pueden colapsar bajo cargas incluso livianas.

Retire la llave y

lea el manual de

mantenimiento

Ventile la zona

de trabajo

Use un apoyo

adecuado para los

equipos elevados

Asegúrese de que los malacates o gatos que usa estén en
buenas condiciones. Nunca use gatos con piezas rajadas,
dobladas o retorcidas. Nunca use cables pelados,
retorcidos o pellizcados. Nunca use ganchos doblados o
deformados.

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Prácticas de seguridad para tareas de
mantenimiento comunes

Riesgos del combustible

¡ADVERTENCIA! Siempre use recipientes y/o equipos
de distribución de combustible aprobados.

Los combustibles son in amables; por eso, debe cumplir
estas prácticas con el  n de reducir la posibilidad de un
accidente grave.

— Apague el motor y la ignición mientras carga combustible.
— Siempre conecte a tierra la boquilla de combustible

contra el cuello de llenado del depósito para evitar

chispas.
— Mantenga las chispas y llamas abiertas alejadas del

combustible.
— No fume mientras carga combustible o manipula

recipientes con combustible.
— No corte ni suelde en líneas, tanques o recipientes de

combustible ni cerca de ellos.
— No llene el depósito en exceso o derrame combustible.

Limpie el combustible derramado de inmediato.

Riesgos del refrigerante de motor

Los sistemas de refrigeración con líquidos acumulan
presión a medida que el motor se calienta; tenga suma
precaución antes de retirar la tapa del radiador.
Asegúrese de:

— Detener el motor y esperar que el sistema se enfríe.
— Usar ropa de protección y anteojos de seguridad.
— Girar la tapa del radiador lentamente hasta el primer

tope para permitir que la presión escape antes de
retirar la tapa por completo.

No fumar;

evitar las llamas

abiertas

Retire la tapa

del radiador

lentamente

22

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Riesgos del sistema hidráulico

El sistema hidráulico se encuentra bajo presión siempre
que el motor está funcionando; puede conservar presión
incluso después de apagar el motor. Haga funcionar
todos los controles hidráulicos incluyendo el control
hidráulico auxiliar después de que el motor esté apagado.
Alivie la presión atrapada en las líneas después de que los
accesorios están apagados y apoyados en el suelo.

Durante la inspección del sistema hidráulico:
— Espere que el  uido se enfríe antes de desconectar

las líneas. El  uido hidráulico caliente puede causar

QUEMADURAS GRAVES.
— No use las manos para veri car la presencia de fugas.

En cambio, use un cartón o papel para buscar fugas.
— Use protección ocular adecuada. El  uido hidráulico

puede causar lesiones oculares permanentes.
¡ADVERTENCIA! El  uido hidráulico bajo presión pueden

penetrar la piel o los ojos y causar lesiones graves,
ceguera o la muerte. Las fugas de  uido bajo presión
pueden no ser visibles. Utilice un cartón o una madera

para buscar fugas, no la mano. Use una protección
facial o antiparras de seguridad para proteger los
ojos. Si el  uido se inyecta en la piel, debe ser extraído

dentro de las próximas pocas horas por personal médico
familiarizado con este tipo de lesión.

Cuando ventila o llena el sistema hidráulico, a oje la tapa
de llenado con lentitud y retírela gradualmente.

Nunca restablezca una válvula de alivio del sistema
hidráulico a una presión mayor que la recomendada por el
fabricante.

Use protección

ocular

El fl uido a

alta presión puede

inyectarse en el

cuerpo

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Riesgos del sistema eléctrico

Antes de trabajar en el sistema eléctrico, desconecte los
cables de la batería.

— Retire primero los cables negativos (-) de la batería.
— Al reconectar la batería, conecte los cables negativos

(-) de la batería al  nal.
El líquido del interior de las baterías contiene ácido,

que es un VENENO y puede causar QUEMADURAS
QUÍMICAS GRAVES.

Evite lesiones

— Use una protección facial para evitar el contacto con

los ojos.
— Use guantes y ropa resistentes a los productos

químicos para mantener al electrolito alejado de la piel

y la ropa común.
¡ADVERTENCIA! El contacto con el electrolito daña

los ojos y la piel. Siempre use una protección facial
para evitar que el electrolito penetre en los ojos. Si el
electrolito entra en contacto con los ojos, enjuague de
inmediato con agua limpia y busque atención médica.

Use guantes de caucho y ropa de protección para
mantener el electrolito lejos de la piel. Si el electrolito

entra en contacto con la piel o la ropa, lave de inmediato
con agua limpia.

Si se ingiere, busque atención médica de inmediato.
NUNCA proporcione líquidos que induzcan el vómito.

Use protección

facial

Use indumentaria

de protección

23

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Evite explosiones

¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite posibles lesiones graves por

explosiones. Las baterías de plomo-ácido producen
gases sumamente explosivos, especialmente durante la
carga. Mantenga alejados los arcos, las chispas, las

llamas y el tabaco encendido.

— No fume cerca de las baterías.
— Mantenga los arcos, las chispas y llamas abiertas

alejadas de las baterías.
— Proporcione ventilación adecuada.

Nunca revise la batería colocando un objeto metálico
entre los bornes: la chispa resultante podría causar una
explosión.

¡ADVERTENCIA! Evite posibles lesiones graves por
explosiones de baterías. No cargue baterías ni arranque

con refuerzo el motor si la batería está congelada.

Caliente a 60 °F (15,5 °C) o la batería puede explotar y
causar lesiones graves.

Reglas de seguridad durante el arranque con refuerzo de
batería:

— Siga las instrucciones para el “arranque con refuerzo

de batería” correcto como se especi ca en el manual

del fabricante.

— Asegúrese de que las máquinas no se estén tocando.
— Observe la polaridad de las baterías y conexiones.
— Realice la conexión  nal de cable al motor o al punto

de tierra más alejado de la batería. Nunca realice la
conexión  nal en el arrancador o la batería muerta: las
chispas pueden encender gases explosivos presentes
en la batería.

— Cuando desconecta cables después de un arranque

con puente, retire los cables en el orden inverso al de la
conexión (es decir, la conexión  nal primero).

Evite las chispas

y las llamas abiertas

cerca de las

baterías

Para el arranque

con refuerzo, observe

la polaridad y realice

la conexión fi nal en

el punto de descarga

a tierra

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Mantenimiento de neumáticos y ruedas

Revise los neumáticos y las ruedas a diario porque la
estabilidad del tractor y la cortadora de césped puede
verse signi cativamente afectada por la presión de los
neumáticos o daños en los neumáticos o en las ruedas.

Revise los neumáticos para veri car:
— La presión correcta.
— Cortes y protuberancias.
— Clavos u otras pinchaduras.
— Desgaste desparejo o excesivo.
— Estado de los vástagos y tapas de las válvulas.

Revise las ruedas para veri car:
— Daños en las llantas.
— Tuercas o pernos faltantes o  ojos.
— Desalineación.

Todos los servicios de neumáticos deben ser realizados
por un centro de servicios para neumáticos cuali cado
o por una persona de servicio autorizada debidamente
capacitada en los procedimientos y el uso del equipo de
seguridad destinado a los servicios de neumáticos.

Revise los

neumáticos y las

ruedas en busca

de daños

Mantenga la

presión correcta en

los neumáticos

24

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Mantenimiento de neumáticos y ruedas
(continuación)

¡ADVERTENCIA! Los tipos de ruedas y neumáticos
que generalmente se encuentran en estos equipos
requieren cuidados especiales al realizar servicios
para evitar lesiones graves o la muerte.

Evite la explosión

de los neumáticos

No in e los neumáticos por encima de la presión
recomendada. Asegúrese de volver a colocar el lastre
de los neumáticos si está instalado. Consulte las
especi caciones del fabricante para ver los requisitos
de lastre.

Mantenga las tuercas de las ruedas apretadas según las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

Es normal que la presión de los neumáticos aumente
durante el funcionamiento; NO se debe reducir.

Nunca vuelva a in ar un neumático que se ha desin ado
mucho o por completo sin retirar el neumático de la
rueda. Haga inspeccionar atentamente el neumático y la
rueda para detectar daños antes de volverlos a armar.

Al agregar aire a un neumático, hágalo desde cierta
distancia. Use una manguera larga con mandril de
auto jación. Siempre párese detrás de la trocha cuando
ajusta la presión de un neumático.

No in e neumáticos con gases in amables o con sistemas
que usan un inyector de alcohol.

Nunca corte o suelde una rueda con un neumático in ado
instalado en ella. Esto podría causar descompresión
explosiva.

Veri que que el tamaño del neumático y la rueda
coincidan correctamente.

Cuando reemplaza neumáticos, asegúrese de que sean de
la clasi cación adecuada especi cada por el fabricante.

Los neumáticos no deben funcionar a velocidades más
altas que las nominales. La mayoría de los neumáticos
para agricultura están clasi cados para una velocidad
máxima de 20 mph (32 km/h).

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Servicio y reparaciones completas antes de
liberar la máquina

Apriete todos los pernos, accesorios y conexiones con las
torsiones especi cadas por el fabricante.

Instale todas las guardas, cubiertas y escudos después
de realizar los servicios. Reemplace o repare los que
estén dañados. Llene y recargue los sistemas a presión
sólo con los  uidos aprobados o recomendados por el
fabricante.

Arranque el motor y revise para detectar fugas. (Consulte
la página 23, Riesgos del sistema hidráulico.) Haga
funcionar todos los controles para asegurarse de que el
tractor y la cortadora de césped funcionan correctamente.
Pruebe la máquina si es necesario. Después de las
pruebas, apague y veri que el trabajo realizado. ¿Falta
algún pasador, arandela, tuerca de seguridad, etc.?
Vuelva a revisar todos los niveles de  uidos antes de
liberar la máquina para el funcionamiento.

Todas las piezas deben ser inspeccionadas durante la
reparación y deben reemplazarse si están gastadas,
rajadas o dañadas. Las piezas excesivamente gastadas o
dañadas pueden fallar y causar lesiones o la muerte.

Verifi que el trabajo
de servicio cuando

está completo

Mantenimiento de las hojas de la cortadora

No corra riesgos usando hojas dañadas o dobladas. Los
fabricantes de cortadoras de césped de la Asociación
de Fabricantes de Equipos (Association of Equipment
Manufacturers, AEM) y la Asociación de Fabricantes de
Equipos para Agricultura (Farm Equipment Manufacturers
Association, FEMA) piden que las hojas de cortadoras
NO se reutilicen, enderecen, refuercen en su super cie o
suelden. Si una hoja rota es arrojada por una cortadora,
podrían producirse lesiones graves o la muerte.

Reemplace cualquier letrero dañado o ilegible.

25

Realización de mantenimiento con seguridad

Mantenimiento de las hojas de la cortadora
(continuación)

— ¿Cómo están hechas las hojas de la cortadora

de césped? Están hechas acero para resortes de

aleación de alta resistencia. Se forjan en caliente y se

les da forma para cumplir con las especi caciones

individuales del fabricante; luego, se tratan y templan

a un estado dúctil, de alta resistencia para reducir la

posibilidad de rupturas durante el corte. Las hojas se

prueban para garantizar que cumplan con las normas

de resistencia, dureza y ductilidad. Si una hoja no

cumple con alguna de estas especi caciones, no se

utilizará en la cortadora de césped.
— ¿Qué sucede cuando se dobla una hoja de la

cortadora? Se necesita una gran fuerza de impacto

para doblar la hoja. Esta fuerza de impacto a menudo

resulta en que las hojas se agujerean o marcan. Una

vez que una hoja está dañada por un agujero o una

marca, es mucho más probable que ocurra una falla

de la hoja. Cuando una hoja está gravemente doblada,

puede crearse una rajadura microscópica en ella.

Enderezar la hoja no quita o repara esta rajadura, sino

que puede causar rajaduras adicionales.Tensiones

adicionales durante los trabajos de corte pueden

resultar en una falla imprevista de la hoja.

— Evite doblar las hojas. Contribuya a prevenir que las

hojas de la cortadora se doblen o rajen evitando el
contacto con objetos sólidos. Las hojas de la cortadora
de césped están destinadas a cortar hierba, arbustos,
vegetación leñosa y árboles y ramas pequeños. No
están diseñadas para entrar en contacto con objetos
sólidos como roca, cemento o postes de acero.
Inspeccione la zona antes de usar la cortadora. Retire
o marque claramente los objetos sólidos y corte
alrededor de ellos.

— Sustituya las hojas dañadas! Inspeccione las hojas

de la cortadora diariamente o después de golpear
algún objeto sólido. Si una hoja de la cortadora de
césped se daña (está doblada, agujereada, rajada) o
desgasta más del 25 por ciento del tamaño original,
debe retirarse y sustituirse con una nueva. Siempre use
las hojas originales del fabricante. Las hojas de marcas
no originales pueden no cumplir con los requisitos de
resistencia, dureza y ductilidad del fabricante de la
cortadora.

— No corra riesgos usando hojas dañadas o dobladas.

El uso de una hoja de cortadora dañada o enderezada
puede resultar en la ruptura de la hoja y que la hoja
sea arrojada hacia el operador o una persona ajena
causando una lesión grave o la muerte. El precio
de una nueva hoja es bajo en comparación con la
posibilidad de una lesión grave que podría resultar de
una hoja doblada o rota arrojada por la cortadora

Palabras fi nales para el usuario

Acaba de terminar de leer el Manual de la cortadora de
césped industrial y para agricultura AEM. Es imposible
que este manual abarque todas las situaciones
de seguridad que se podría encontrar a diario. Su
conocimiento de estas precauciones de seguridad y
de su cumplimiento de las reglas básicas de seguridad

Éste es otro manual de una serie publicada por AEM sobre la operación de maquinaria en condiciones de seguridad.

Muchas de las ilustraciones de este manual de seguridad se pueden encontrar y descargar en http://pictorials.aem.org.

Para obtener publicaciones adicionales, visite nuestro sitio web en www.safetymaterials.org.

Correo electrónico: [e-mail]
www.aem.org

contribuirán a formar un buen juicio en todas las
situaciones. Nuestro objetivo es ayudarlo a desarrollar,
establecer y mantener buenos hábitos de seguridad para
que la operación de una cortadora de césped industrial y
para agricultura le resulte más fácil y más segura.

ASOCIACIÓN DE FABRICANTES
DE EQUIPOS

26

INTRODUCTION SECTION

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

Introduction Section 2-1

INTRODUCTION

This Rotary Mower is designed with care and built with quality materials by skilled workers. Proper assembly,
maintenance, and operating practices, as described in this manual, will help the owner/operator get years of
satisfactory service from the machine.

The purpose of this manual is to familiarize, instruct, and train. The Assembly Section instructs the owner/
operator in the correct assembly of the Mower using standard and optional equipment. The Parts Listing
section is designed to familiarize the owner/operator with replaceable parts on the Mower. This section
provides exploded assembly drawings of each mower component illustrating each piece and the
corresponding part number.

Careful use and timely service save extensive repairs and costly downtime losses. The Operation and
Maintenance Sections of the manual train the owner/operator how to work the Mower correctly and attend to
appropriate maintenance. The Trouble Shooting Guide helps diagnose difficulties with mower and offers
solution to the problems.

Safety is of primary importance to the owner/operator and to the manufacturer. 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. Many of the Safety Messages will be repeated throughout the manual. The owner/operator/dealer
should know these Safety Messages before assembly and be aware of the hazards of operating this mower
during assembly, use, and maintenance. The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word, as seen
below, is intended to warn the owner/operator of impending hazards and the degree of possible injury faced

INTRODUCTION

when operating this machine.

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.

SM72 02/10 Introduction Section 2-2

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

INTRODUCTION

The Power Unit must be equipped with an Operator Front Protective Door. Serious injury
or death can result from a thrown object hitting an unprotected operator. Contact the
Power Unit manufacturer or an authorized dealer for this protective feature. Always wear
protective clothing including safety glasses and hearing protection when operating this
mower.

(SPU-11)

INTRODUCTION

The SM72 rotary mower is designed to be operated on skid steer power units. These rugged Mowers are
designed for medium-duty work and are related to cut vegetation up to 2” in diameter.

The mower is equipped with a HEIGHT LIMITING CHAIN, RUBBER DEFLECTOR, and
DOUBLE CHAIN GUARDS to protect the operator from thrown objects. The height limiting
chain must be securely attached to the front of the skid steer chassis. When attaching the
chain, the skid steer must be completely shut down, its parking brake set, and the mower
lowered to ground level. DO NOT operate the mower if the chain, deflector, or chain guards
are missing or are not secured to the skid steer chassis.

Mower Orientation: Front and rear, and left and right are determined by the normal direction of travel (the
same as your automobile).

SM72 02/10 Introduction Section 2-3

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

INTRODUCTION

Attention Owner/Operator

BEFORE OPERATING THIS MACHINE:

1. Carefully read the Operator’s Manual, completely understand the Safety Messages and instructions, and
know how to operate correctly both the Mower and Power Unit.

2. Fill out the Warranty Card in full. Be sure to answer all questions, including the Serial Number of the Mower.
Mail promptly using the return envelope included with the Operator’s Manual.

NOTE: Warranties are honored only if completed “Owner Registration and Warranty” forms are received by
Alamo Group within thirty days of delivery of the mower.

3. Record the Mower Model and Serial Numbers on the Warranty page at the end of the Operator’s Manual.
Keep this as part of the permanent maintenance file for the Mower.

INTRODUCTION

SM72 02/10 Introduction Section 2-4

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

ASSEMBLY SECTION

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

Assembly Section 3-1

ASSEMBLY

Never work under the Implement, the framework, or any lifted
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)

Do not modify or alter this Implement. Do not permit anyone to modify or alter this
Implement, any of its components or any Implement function.

(SG-8)

DEALER SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Set up mower as received from factory with these instructions.
This mower is shipped partially assembled. Assembly will be easier if components are aligned and loosely
assembled before tightening hardware. Refer to bolt torque chart in Maintenance Section. All bolts are Grade 5
unless otherwise specified.
All references to location as right, left, front, rear, top and bottom is viewed facing the direction of forward travel
when the implement is properly attached to the operating power unit.

ASSEMBLY

HITCH LINKAGE SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT! For shipping purposes, the mower

hitch floating links are connected with two bolts
apiece to a lower transport link (which is painted
black) and the lower links to be used during
operation are strapped to the floating links. Before
operation, the linkage must be re-configured to
flex upward. Failure to replace three-hole
transport link with two-hole lower link (painted
same color as unit) as described below before
operation could result in mower hitch failure.

1. Place the cutter on a solid level surface
resting on its skids.

2. Cut away strapping material holding lower
links on top of floating link.

3. Remove all hardware and bushings
connected to lower transport link. Discard
three-hole black transport link.

4. Attach two-hole lower link to deck and to
middle hole on floating links, using existing
hardware and bushings.

5. Place bushing between both arms above
lower link and install bolt through bushing and
fasten with locknut.

6. Repeat procedure on other link assembly.

7. Place bushing between both arms above
mower link and install 5/8” bolt through
bushing an fasten with 5/8” locknut.

SM72 02/10 Assembly Section 3-2

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

ASSEMBLY

Hitch Assembly

Front Chain Guard Assembly

HITCH ASSEMBLY

1. Secure Hitch Weldment (1) to mower deck
using 1" x 5" Bolts (7) and 1" Locknuts (6).

2. Insert Bushing (5) in upper holes of hitch
weldment, place a set of Upper Floating Links
(3) on each side of bushing, and secure
together using 5/8” x 1-3/4” Bolt (8) and 5/8”
Locknuts (9). Place bushing (5) between
opposite upper floating link set ends and secure
pairs together with bolt (8) and locknut (9).

3. Place bushing (5) into end of Lower Floating
Links (4) and secure between upper links with
bolt (8) and locknut (9). Place another bushing
into opposite lower link hole and place against
outside of lugs near center of mower deck.
Insert bolt (8) through link, bushing, and lug,
and retain together with 5/8” Flat Washer (10),
and locknut (9). Hitch weldment is installed on
mower when shipped from factory. Reposition
floating link bushing from storage/shipping
position to operating position as outlined on
previous page

4. Secure Safety Chain (2) around lower hitch
frame.

5. Tighten all bolts and nuts to the recommended
torque. (Refer to Image Asm-R-2070)

ASSEMBLY

FRONT CHAIN GUARD ASSEMBLY

1. Attach Front Chain Guard Bracket (4) to Front of
Deck using 1/2” x 1-1/4” Bolts (1), 1/2”
Flatwashers (2), and 1/2” Locknuts (3).

2. Attach the Right and Left Side Shields (5 and 6)
to deck sides using bolts (1), flatwashers (2),
and locknuts (3).

3. Tighten all bolts and nuts to the recommended
torque. (Refer to Image Asm-R-0275)

SM72 02/10 Assembly Section 3-3

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

INSTALLING HYDRAULIC MOTOR

1. Elevate the rear of the unit approx. 2' to prevent
oil from running out of gearbox

2. Remove gearbox shipping cover(00776159)
and bolts and discard.

3. Replace gasket (2) with new gasket included in
motor kit.

4. Verify that motor part number matches order.

Description Part
Low volume 00777954
Medium volume 00777953
High volume 00777952

5. Align Motor with return (Tank Port) facing
discharge side of Mower

6. Hand thread four 1/2” x 1-1/2” grade 8 bolts and

ASSEMBLY

lockwashers into spindle.

7. Ensure that motor is fully seated and evenly
tighten the four mounting bolts to 80ft. lbs.

8. Connect Hydraulic hoses to Motor Check to
ensure hoses and motor are free of
contamination.

9. With deck on a level surface check lubrication
level in gearbox per dip stick.

10. Apply Decal (16) to mower deck for
identification. (Refer to Figure Asm-R-0276)

ASSEMBLY

SM72 02/10 Assembly Section 3-4

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

ASSEMBLY

Rear Chain Guard Assembly

Side Deflector Assembly

REAR CHAIN GUARD ASSEMBLY

1. Place Deflector Strap (6) against mower deck
left side and Chain Guard Bracket (8) against
mower deck right side. Place Rear Deflector
Panel (5) against bracket and deflector and
align hole through panel, deflector/bracket, and
mower deck and secure together using 1/2” x 1­1/2” Bolts (4), Flatwashers (2), and Locknuts
(1).

2. Tighten all bolts and nuts to the recommended
torque. (Refer to Image Asm-R-0272)

ASSEMBLY

SIDE DEFLECTOR ASSEMBLY

Place Side Deflector Panel (3) on top lip of left rear
discharge chute. Place Side Deflector Strap (4) on
top of panel and align holes of strap, panel, and
mower deck. Secure together using 1/2” x 1-1/4”
Bolts (1) and Locknuts (2).

1. Secure side deflector panel (3) end to chute
using bolts (1), Flatwasher (5), and Locknut (2).

2. Tighten all bolts and nuts to the recommended
torque. (Refer to Image Asm-R-0273)

SM72 02/10 Assembly Section 3-5

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

SKID SHOE ASSEMBLY

Skid Shoe Assembly

Optional Gauge Wheel Assembly

1. Attach Flat Bar Left and Right Hand Skid Shoes
(1 and 5) to the underside of the mower side
skirts using 3/8” x 1-1/2” Bolts (2), Flatwashers
(3), and Locknuts (4). Insert bolts from the
underside up to ensure that threads do not
become worn and nuts can be removed if skid
shoes are to be replaced at a later time.

2. Secure Front Right and Left Hand Skid Shoes
(6 and 7, optional equipment) to the front of the
mower using bolts (2), locknuts (4), and
lockwashers (3). Front skid shoes have multiple
hole patterns that enable deck height to be
placed at desired mowing height.

3. Tighten all bolts and nuts to the recommended

ASSEMBLY

torque. (Refer to Image Asm-R-0274)

ASSEMBLY

OPTIONAL GAUGE WHEEL
ASSEMBLY

1. Attach weldment. T/W Beam (1) to the mower
with bolt (2) and Toplock nut (3)

2. Then attach tailwheel support RH and LH (4) to
Bolt (5) with Toplock nut 6.

3. After attaching the tailwheel support attach
them to position bracket (7) and attach with bolt
(8) and toplock nut (9).

4. Finally attach the wheel (10) to the Tailwheel
beam with the cotter pin (11) and Washer (12).

5. Tighten all bolts and nuts to the recommended
torque. (Refer to Image Asm-R-0277)

SM72 02/10 Assembly Section 3-6

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION SECTION

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

Operation Section 4-1

OPERATION

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY SECTION OF THIS
MANUAL AND THE POWER UNIT MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE POWER UNIT AND
IMPLEMENT. If you do not understand any of the instructions, contact your nearest authorized dealer for a

full explanation. Pay close attention to all safety signs and safety messages contained in this manual and
those affixed to the implement and power unit. OPS-UPI- 0001

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.

(SG-2)

Si no lee ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea para que le traduzca las
medidas de seguridad.

(SG-3)

RHINO SM72 SKID STEER ROTARY MOWER

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

Rhino rotary mowers are manufactured with quality material by skilled workers. These mowers are designed
to cut grass, weeds, small brush, and other vegetative material up to 2” in diameter. The mower is equipped
with protective deflectors and chain guards to prevent objects being thrown from the mower by the blades,
however, no shielding is 100% effective. All shields, guards, deflectors, and chains equipped on the unit must
be maintained on the mower in good operational condition.

It is the operator’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of all potential operating hazards and to take every
reasonable precaution to ensure oneself, others, animals, and property are not injured or damaged by the
mower, tractor, or a thrown object. Do not operate the mower if passersby, pets, livestock, or property are
within 300 feet of the unit.

This section of the Operator’s Manual is designed to familiarize, instruct, and educate safe and proper mower
use to the operator. Pictures contained in this section are intended to be used as a visual aid to assist in
explaining the operation of a rotary mower and are not necessarily of a SM72 cutter. Some pictures may show
shields removed for purposes of clarity. NEVER OPERATE this implement without all shields in place and in

OPERATION

operational condition. The operator must be familiar with mower and skid steer operation and all associated
safety practices before operating the mower and skid steer. Proper operation of the mower, as detailed in this
manual, will help ensure years of safe and satisfactory use of the mower.

IMPORTANT: To avoid mower damage, retorque all bolts after the first 10 hours of operation. Retighten blade
carrier retaining nut on gearbox lower shaft to 400 ft. lbs.

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-2

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION

1. SM72 Standard Equipment and Specifications

Cutting Width 72”
Cutting Capacity (Diameter) 2” maximum
Cutting Height Range 1-9/16” to 18”
Overall Width 78”
Overall Length 94”
Front and Rear Guards Standard
Hitch Universal Mount, Quick
Weight (Approximate) 1485 lbs.
Drive Protection Hydraulic Relief Valve
Blade Carrier Heavy Duty Pan
Deck Thickness 10 Gauge
Side Skirts 1/4” x 9-1/4”
Replaceable Skid Shoes Standard
Drive Motors:

Low Volume................................... For Systems Delivering 11-18 GPM at 1500-3000 PSI;

117 ft./lbs. Torque at 2500 PSI

Medium Volume ............................ For Systems Delivering 15-20 GPM at 1500-3000 PSI;

140 ft./lbs. Torque at 2500 PSI

High Volume.................................. For Systems Delivering 19-27 GPM at 1500-3000 PSI;

188 ft./lbs. Torque at 2500 PSI

Blade Tip Speed:

Low Volume................................... 11 GPM / 12,170 FPM

18 GPM / 19,900 FPM

Medium Volume ............................ 15 GPM / 13,800 FPM

20 GPM / 18,550 FPM

High Volume.................................. 19 GPM / 13,120 FPM

27 GPM / 18,650 FPM

OPERATION

Optional Equipment Front-Mounted Skid Shoes

Front-Mounted Gauge Wheel

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-3

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION

2. OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS

Safe operation of the unit is the responsibility of a qualified operator. A qualified operator has read and
understands the implement and power unit’s Operator’s Manuals and is experienced in implement and power
unit operation and all associated safety practices. In addition to the safety messages contained in this manual,
safety decals are affixed to the implement and power unit. If any part of the operation and safe use of this
equipment is not completely understood, consult an authorized dealer for a complete explanation.

If the operator cannot read the manuals for themselves or does not completely understand the operation of the
equipment, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to read and explain the manuals, safety practices, and
operating instructions to the operator.

Safe operation of equipment requires that the operator wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
for the job conditions when attaching, operating, servicing, and repairing the equipment. PPE is designed to
provide operator protection and includes the following safety wear:

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• Protective Eye Glasses, Goggles, or Face
Shield

•Hard Hat

• Steel Toe Safety Footwear

• Gloves

• Hearing Protections

• Close Fitting Clothing

• Respirator or Filter Mask (depends on mowing
conditions) OPS-UPI-0002

DO NOT 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. Serious injury or death to the operator or others
could result if the operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

(SG-27)

OPERATION

SKID STEER REQUIREMENTS

Skid Steer Requirements and Capabilities

• ASABE approved Roll-Over Operator Protective Structure and Seatbelt.

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-4

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION

2.1 ROPS and Seat Belt

The power unit must be equipped with a Roll-Over-Protective-Structure (ROPS) and seat belt to protect the
operator from falling off the power unit, especially during a roll over where the driver could be crushed and
killed. Only operate the power unit with the ROPS in the raised position and seat belt fastened. Power units
not equipped with a ROPS and seat belt should have these life saving features installed by an authorized
dealer. OPS-UPI- 0003

Operate this Equipment only with a Power Unit equipped with an
approved operator Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS). Always
wear seat belts. Serious injury or even death could result from falling
off the Power Unit--particularly during a turnover when the operator
could be pinned under the Operator Protective Structure.

(SPU-14)

2.2 Operator Protective Door

The skid steer must be equipped with an
Operator Front Protective Door. Serious injury
or death can result from a thrown object hitting
an unprotected operator. Contact the skid steer
manufacturer or an authorized dealer for this
protective feature. OPS-SS-0017

• Operator Protective Door ................. Contact authorized skid steer dealer for equipping unit with

operator protective door.

• Skid Steer Warning Equipment ........ Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem, proper lighting

• Hitch ................................................. Universal Mount, Quick Hitch

• Front Auxiliary Hydraulics................. Mower drive motors must be matched with the hydraulic output

capacity of the skid steer

• Unit Weight 1500 lbs. .......................Skid Steer must be rated for this weight.

OPERATION

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-5

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION

2.3 Power Unit Safety Devices

If transporting or operating the power unit and implement near a public roadway, the power unit must be
equipped with proper warning lighting and a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem which are clearly visible
from the rear of the unit. Lights and an SMV emblem must be equipped directly on implements if the visibility
of the tractor warning signals are obscured.

Maintain all manufacturer equipped safety shields and guards. Always replace shields and guards that were
removed for access to connect, service, or repair the power unit or implement. OPS-UPI- 0004

2.4 Hitch

The skid steer must be equipped with a compatible
Standard Universal Quick Mount Hitch to connect
and operate the mower. OPS-SS-0001

OPERATION

2.5 Auxiliary Hydraulics

The skid steer must be equipped with Front
Auxiliary Hydraulics. The hydraulic output
capacity of the skid steer must match the
equipped mower drive motor. Reference the skid
steer operator’s manual to determine the hydraulic
output specifications of the skid steer.

A decal is affixed to the mower designating the
mower as equipped with either a High, Medium, or
Low Flow Motor. If the decal is missing or is not
legible, the motor flow volume can be determined
from its part number (found on tag attached to the
motor) using the table below or by contacting
Rhino customer service.

The mower is not shipped equipped with hydraulic
hose coupler ends. Coupler ends must be
purchased from an authorized skid steer dealer to
ensure mower and skid steer auxiliary hydraulic
couplers are compatible.

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-6

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION

3. GETTING ON AND OFF THE SKID STEER

Before getting onto the skid steer, the operator must read and completely understand the implement and skid
steer operator manuals. If any part of either manual is not completely understood, consult an authorized
dealer for a complete explanation. OPS-SS- 0002

Do not mount the Power Unit while the Power Unit is moving. Mount the
Power Unit only when the Power Unit and all moving parts are
completely stopped.

(SPU-18)

3.1 Boarding the Power Unit

Use both hands and equipped handrails and steps for support when boarding the power unit. Never use
control levers for support when mounting the power unit. Always seat yourself in the operator’s seat and
secure the seat belt around you. Only operate the power unit and implement with the ROPS in the raised
position.

Never allow passengers to ride on the power unit or digger. Extra riders can easily fall off and be
seriously injured or killed from falling off and being ran over. It is the operator’s responsibility to forbid all extra
riders. OPS-UPI- 0006

Never allow children or other persons to ride on the Power Unit or
Implement. Falling off can result in serious injury or death.

(SPU-16)

Part Number Flow Volume

00776773 LOW

00776772 MEDIUM

00776771 HIGH

OPERATION

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-7

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.

OPERATION

Never allow children to operate or ride on the Power Unit or Implement.

(SPU-17)

3.2 Dismounting the Skid Steer

Before dismounting, park the skid steer and mower on a reasonably level surface, apply the parking brake,
idle the engine down, disengage the auxiliary hydraulics, and lower the mower to the ground. Shut down the
skid steer engine according to the operator’s manual, remove the key, and wait for all motion to completely
stop. Never leave the seat until the skid steer, its engine and all moving mower parts are completely stopped.

OPS-SS- 0003

BEFORE leaving the Power Unit seat, always engage the brake and set the Power Unit
transmission in parking gear, disengage the auxiliary hydraulics, stop the engine, remove
the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the Power Unit shift lever into a low
range or parking gear to prevent the tractor from rolling. Never dismount a Power Unit that
is moving or while the engine is running. Operate the Power Unit controls from the
operator seat only.

(SPU-15)

OPERATION

Use hand rails and steps when exiting the skid steer. Be careful of your step and use extra caution when mud,
ice, snow or other matter has accumulated on the steps or hand rails. Use all handrails and steps for support
and never rush or jump off the skid steer.

SM72 02/10 Operation Section 4-8

© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.