This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation of this machine and must be maintained with the
implement at all times. A Manual canister is provided on the implement where this manual can be properly stored.
If you lose or damage this manual a free replacement manual can be obtained from an authorized Rhino dealer or
by down loading the manual from the Rhino website www.servis-rhino.com
BEFORE YOU START! READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the information provided in this manual, the AEM
Mower Safety manual and the tractor operator's manual carefully to learn how to operate and service your machine
properly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury to you and bystanders. All implements with moving parts
are potentially hazardous. Every effort has been made to ensure that the machine is safe, but operators must avoid
engaging in unsafe practices and follow the written instructions provided. The manufacturer has designed this
implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of accidents.
SAFETY FIRST. Completely read and understand the safety section of this manual before operating this
equipment. Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and understood this manual.
Contact your Dealer to explain any instructions that you do not fully understand.
The care you give your Rhino Implement will greatly determine your satisfaction with its performance and its
service life. Carefully read and follow the instructions in this manual to provide you with a thorough understanding
of your new implement and its intended use and service requirements.
All references made in this manual to right, left, front, rear, top or bottom are as viewed facing the direction of
forward travel with the implement properly attached to the tractor.
Replacement Parts information is located in a separate Parts Manual. 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.
For future reference, record your Rhino product model number and serial number.
DealerTelephoneModel Number
OwnerPurchase DateSerial Number
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
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’sManual, 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 email AEMVideo@alamo-group.com or Fax AEM VHS
Video at (830) 372-9529 or mail in a completed copy of the form on the back of this page to AEM VHS Video 1502
E Walnut Street, Seguin, TX 78155. and request the VHS video version. Please include your name, mailing
address, mower model and serial number.
Every operator should be trained for each piece of equipment (Tractor and Mower), understand the intended use
and the potential hazards before operating the equipment.
The information and material listed above along with this Operator’s Manual can assist you in meeting the OSHA
requirement for Operator annual training.
OSHA TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
be educated in the operation of their
The following training requirements have been taken from 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 or implement 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.
Alamo Group Ag. Division will provide
one (1) AEM Mower Safety Practices Video
Please Send Me:VHS Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video
Mower Cutting Height And Level Adjusted
Cutting Shaft Bearings Lubricated
All Hardware Properly Torqued
Tire and Air Pressure/Lug Nuts (Correct Torque)
Wheel Bearings (Check, Grease, and Preload)
ATTACHMENTS & INSTALLATION
Deflectors Front And Rear
Shredding Attachments
Correct Blade Rotation Direction
Axle Arms And Beams
Tongue And Control Rods (Installed And Adjusted)
All Bolts - Pins And Nuts (Proper Torque)
MOWER TO TRACTOR CONNECTIONS
Draw Bar Length (Check And Set)
A-Frame Pivot & Links
Control Rods (Adjusted Equal)
Axle Height (Adjusted)
Cutting Height (Adjust)
Mount Kit-Pre-Operation Check Complete
Mower Wing (Adjust Level With The Center)
Mower Wing (Check For Proper Raising Operation)
C.V. Drivelines (Check Max Turn Radius)
Pull Type Hitch (Height Adjustment)
Mounting Hardware Properly Torqued
SAFETY ITEMS
Protective Shields (Operation And Installation)
Driveline Clutch (Torque Limiter) (Adjust And Run In)
Safety Decals (Installed)
Operator’s Manual (Supplied)
Tractor PTO Shield (Installed)
S.M.V. Emblem (Installed If Needed)
Tongue Jack (Installation and Operation)
Safety Tow Chain (Installed)
ADMA Driveline Safety Manual Supplied
AEM Mower Safety Manual (Supplied in Canister)
AEM Mower Safety Video has been shown to Purchaser
Instructions
Dealer should inform the Purchaser of this product of Warranty terms, provisions, and procedures that are
applicable. Dealer should also inform the Purchaser to review the contents of the Operator’s Manual including
safety equipment, safe operation and maintenance, to review the Safety Signs on the implement (and tractor if
possible), and Purchaser’s responsibility to train his/her operators in safe operation procedures.
•IMPLEMENTS: I have explained that Deflectors, Chain Guards, or Solid Skirts must be installed and
maintained in good repair.
•DRIVELINES: I have made certain that all driveline, gearbox, and other shields are in good repair and fastened
securely in place to prevent injuries from entanglement or thrown objects.
•HYDRAULIC MACHINES: I have explained the necessity of using clean hydraulic oil, changing filters as
instructed, stopping leaks, damage caused by operating with over-heated oil, caring for hoses, using hoses of
proper rating, maintaining the specified operating pressure and the potential hazard of oil’s penetrating the
skin.
•FOLDING-TYPE IMPLEMENTS: I have explained that it is not possible to guard against thrown objects when
the head is lifted off ground and that operator is responsible to watch out for persons in the area. I have
explained that the lifted mower head or boom can contact overhead obstructions with damage to cables and
telephone lines and possible injury. I have explained that the extended head or boom or retracted boom can
contact power lines with resulting electrocution, injury or death and that operator is responsible for keeping
clear of such hazards.
CHECK AND ADJUST OR LUBRICATE AS REQUIRED
Inspection Performed - Warranty and Safety Procedures Explained - Installation Complete
RUN OVER HAZARDS ..................................................................................................................................... 1-8
HAZARDS WITH MAINTENANCE OF IMPLEMENT...................................................................................... 1-14
PARTS INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................. 1-15
Federal Laws and Regulations ....................................................................................................................... 1-25
SHEAR BOLT or SLIP CLUTCH DRIVELINE INSTALLATION ........................................................................ 3-5
Front Rubber Fabric Deflectors (Standard Equipment)..................................................................................... 3-6
Front Deflector ................................................................................................................................................ 3-6
Rear Metal Band ............................................................................................................................................... 3-6
ROPS and Seat Belt ......................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Front End Weight .............................................................................................................................................. 4-5
Power Take Off (PTO) ...................................................................................................................................... 4-5
GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRACTOR ........................................................................................................ 4-6
Boarding the Tractor ......................................................................................................................................... 4-7
Dismounting the Tractor.................................................................................................................................... 4-7
STARTING THE TRACTOR ............................................................................................................................. 4-8
CONNECTING THE MOWER TO THE TRACTOR .......................................................................................... 4-9
Safety Tow Chain............................................................................................................................................ 4-10
SETTING THE MOWER ................................................................................................................................. 4-10
Setting Mower Height- Lift Type - (Standard or Quick Hitch) .......................................................................... 4-11
DRIVING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ................................................................................................ 4-25
Starting the Tractor ......................................................................................................................................... 4-26
Brake and Differential Lock Setting................................................................................................................. 4-26
Raising the Mower .......................................................................................................................................... 4-27
Driving the Tractor and Mower........................................................................................................................ 4-27
Crossing Ditches and Steep Inclines .............................................................................................................. 4-28
OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT.......................................................................................... 4-29
Engaging the Power Take Off (PTO) .............................................................................................................. 4-31
PTO RPM and Ground Speed ........................................................................................................................ 4-32
Operating the Mower ...................................................................................................................................... 4-33
Right of Way (Highway) Mowing ..................................................................................................................... 4-36
Shutting Down the Implement ......................................................................................................................... 4-37
DISCONNECTING THE MOWER FROM THE TRACTOR ............................................................................ 4-37
TRANSPORTING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT .................................................................................. 4-39
Tire and Wheels.............................................................................................................................................. 4-40
Transporting on Public Roadways .................................................................................................................. 4-41
Hauling the Tractor and Implement................................................................................................................. 4-42
HAZARDS WITH MAINTENANCE OF IMPLEMENT........................................................................................ 5-2
PARTS INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................... 5-3
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.
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 this
Manual and in the Safety Messages on the implement. Always follow the instruction in this
manual and use good common sense to avoid hazards.
NOTE: If you want a translation of this safety section in one of the following Languages, please contact:
Translations at 1502 E. Walnut Street Seguin, TX 78155; Fax: (830) 372-9529; Safety Section Translations
are available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian.
PN GS01
Practice all usual and customary safe working precautions and above all--remember safety is up to YOU
ROTARY MOWERS CAN THROW OBJECTS 300 FEET OR MORE UNDER ADVERSE
CONDITIONS.
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO OPERATOR OR BYSTANDERS FROM THROWN OBJECTS:
•KEEP bystanders 300 feet away
STOP MOWING IF PASSERSBY ARE WITHIN 300 FEET UNLESS:
•All THROWN OBJECT SHIELDING including, Front and Rear Deflectors, Chains Guards, Steel Guards, Bands,
Side Skirts and Skid Shoes in place and in good condition when mowing.
•Mower sections or wing are adjusted to be close and parallel to ground without exposing blades.
•MOWING AREA has been inspected and foreign materials and debris have been removed.
•PASSERSBY are inside enclosed vehicle.
INSPECT AREA FOR POTENTIAL THROWN OBJECTS BEFORE MOWING:
•REMOVE debris, rocks, wire, cable, metal objects and other foreign material from area.
Wire, cable, rope, chains and metal objects can be thrown or swing outside deck with great velocity:
1. MARK objects that cannot removed.
2. AVOI D these objects when mowing.
HIGH GRASS and WEED AREA INSPECTION:
•INSPECT for and REMOVE any hidden large debris.
•MOW at Intermediate height
•INSPECT and remove remaining debris
•MOW at final height.
MOWER THROWN OBJECT SHIELDING:
•KEEP all thrown object shielding including, Front and Rear Deflectors, Chains Guards, Steel Guards, Bands, Side
Skirts and Skid Shoes in place and in good condition when mowing.
•DO NOT OPERATE with any thrown object shielding missing, damaged or removed.
RIGHT OF WAY (Highway) MOWING
•USE DOUBLE CHAIN GUARDS for highway, right-of-way, parks or greenbelt mowing or all other mowing where
human dwellings, vehicles, or livestock could be within 300 feet of the mower.
•No shielding is 100% effective in preventing thrown objects. To Reduce Possibility of Injury:
1. MAINTAIN MOWER SHIELDING, side skirts, skid shoes, and blades in good operational condition,
2. RAISE CUTTING HEIGHT to 6 INCHES minimum,
3. INSPECT AREA thoroughly before mowing to REMOVE potential THROWN OBJECT HAZARDS,
4. NEVER ALLOW BLADES to CONTACT SOLID OBJECTS like wire, rocks, post, curbs, guardrails, or ground
if implement driveline does not match Tractor PTO shaft:
•DO NOT USE PTO ADAPTER.
Using a PTO adapter can cause excessive vibration, thrown objects, blade and implement failures by
doubling operating speed. Increased working length exposing unshielded driveline areas. PN PE01
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM ELECTRICAL CONTACT WHEN
WORKING AROUND ELECTRICAL POWER LINES, GAS LINES AND UTILITY LINES:
•INSPECT mowing area for overhead or underground electrical power lines, obstructions, gas lines,
cables and Utility, Municipal, or other type structure.
•DO NOT allow mower to contact with any Utility, Municipal, or type of structures and obstructions.
•CALL 811 and 1-800-258-0808 for identify buried utility lines.
FIRE PREVENTION GUIDELINES while Operating, Servicing, and Repairing Mower and Tractor to
reduce equipment and grass fire Risk:
•EQUIP Tractor with a FIRE EXTINGUISHER
•DO NOT OPERATE mower on a tractor equipped with under frame exhaust
•DO NOT SMOKE or have open flame near Mower or Tractor
•DO NOT DRIVE into burning debris or freshly burnt area
•AVOID FIRE IGNITION by not allowing mower blade to contact solid objects like metal or rock.
•ADJUST SLIP CLUTCHES to avoid excessive slippage and clutch plate heating.
•CLEAR any grass clippings or debris buildup around mower drivelines, slip clutches, and gearboxes.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM COMPONENT FAILURE BY KEEPING IMPLEMENT IN
GOOD OPERATING CONDITION IN PERFORMING PROPER SERVICE, REPAIRS AND
MAINTENANCE.
BEFORE PERFORMING SERVICE, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE ON THE IMPLEMENT:
•STOP ENGINE AND PTO, engage parking brake, lower implement, allow all moving parts to stop and remove key before
dismounting from tractor.
•PLACE implement on ground or securely block up raised equipment. Use large blocks on soft or wet soil.
•PUSH and PULL Remote Hydraulic Cylinder lever to relieve hydraulic pressure.
•DISCONNECT IMPLEMENT driveline from tractor PTO SHAFT.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, PROTECTIVE GLOVES and follow SAFETY PROCEDURES when performing service, repairs
and maintenance on the implement:
•Always WEAR protective GLOVES when handling blades, knives, cutting edges or worn component with sharp edges.
•Always WEAR GLOVES and SAFETY GLASSES when servicing hot components
•AVOID CONTACT with hot hydraulic oil tanks, pumps, motors, valves and hose connection surfaces.
•SECURELY support or BLOCK UP raised implement, framework and lifted components before working underneath
equipment.
•STOP any implement movements and SHUT-OFF TRACTOR engine before doing any work procedures.
•USE ladder or raised stands to reach high equipment areas inaccessible from ground.
•ENSURE good footing by standing on solid flat surfaces when getting on implement to perform work.
•FOLLOW manufacturer's instructions in handling oils, solvents, cleansers, and other chemical agents.
•DO NOT change any factory-set hydraulic calibrations to avoid component or equipment failures.
•DO NOT modify or alter implement, functions or components.
•DO NOT WELD or repair rotating mower components. These may cause vibrations and component failures being thrown
from mower.
PERFORM SERVICE, REPAIRS, LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE OUTLINED IN IMPLEMENT MAINTENANCE
SECTION:
•INSPECT for loose fasteners, worn or broken parts, leaky or loose fittings, missing or broken cotter keys and washers on
pins, and all moving parts for wear.
•REPLACE any worn or broken parts with authorized service parts.
•LUBRICATE unit as specified by lubrication schedule
•NEVER lubricate, adjust or remove material while it is running or in motion.
•TORQUE all bolts and nuts as specified.
BLADE INSPECTION:
•REPLACE bent, damage, cracked or broken blades immediately with new blades.
•AV OID blade failures and thrown broken blades. DO NOT straighten, weld, or weld hard-facing blades.
SAFETY SHIELDS, GUARDS AND SAFETY DEVICES INSPECTION:
•KEEP all Deflectors, Chain Guards, Steel Guards, Gearbox Shields, and PTO integral shields, Bands, Side Skirts and Skid
Shoes in place and in good condition.
•REPLACE any missing, broken or worn safety shields, guards and safety devices.
•Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
•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.
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.
NOTE: Rhino supplies safety decals on this product to promote safe operation. Damage to the decals may
occur while in shipping, use, or reconditioning. Rhino cares about the safety of its customers, operators, and
bystanders, and will replace the safety decals on this product in the field, free of charge (Some shipping and
handling charges may apply). Contact your Rhino dealer to order replacement decals.