Farm Star MDM70-72C 6 User Manual
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO’S
MDM70-60 5’
MDM70-60C 5’
MDM70-72 6’
MDM70-72C 6’
CAUTION
For Safe Operation
Read Rules And
Instructions Carefully
SINO LEEINGLES, PIDAA YUDA
A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA
PARA QUE LE TRADUZCA LAS
MEDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.
MEDIUM DUTY 3-PT. MOUNTED
ROTARY MOWER
Safety Instructions Operating Instructions Maintenance
Tractor Preparation Assembly & Mounting Repair Parts
CAUTION
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO BEGIN ASSEMBLING THIS MACHINE
1. Select an area for assembly that is clean and free
of any debris which might cause persons working
on the assembly to trip.
2. Do not lift heavy parts or assemblies. Use crane,
jack, tackle, fork trucks or other mechanical devices.
3. Preview the assembly instructions in your operator’s
manual before proceeding further.
4. If the assembly instructions call for parts or assemblies to be blocked up, use only blocking material
that is in good condition and is capable of handling
the weight of the assembly to be blocked. Also
insure that the blocking material is on a clean, dry
surface.
5. Never put hands, or any part of body, under blocked
up assemblies if at all possible.
6. After completing assembly, thoroughly inspect the
machine to be sure that all nuts, bolts, hydraulic
fittings or any other fastened assemblies have been
thoroughly tightened.
7. Before operating the machine, thoroughly read the
operation section of your operator’s manual.
8. Before operating, read the maintenance section of
your operator’s manual to be sure that any parts
requiring lubrication, such as gearboxes, are full,
to avoid any possible damage.
9. Before operating equipment – If you have any
questions regarding the proper assembly or
operation, contact your Farm Star dealer or
representative.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CHECKLISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SAFETY SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
OWNER MAINTENANCE & LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
TORQUE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
PA RTS LISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
STATEMENT
OF POLICY
It is the policy of Farm Star
to improve its products
where it is possible and practical
to do so. Farm Star
reserves the right to make
changes or improvements in
design and construction at any
time, without incurring the obligation to make these changes on
previously manufactured units.
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before using your Rotary Mower. This manual is provided to give you the necessary operating
and maintenance instructions for keeping your rotary mower in top operating condition. Please read this manual
thoroughly. Understand what each control is for and how to use it. Observe all safety signs on the machine and
noted throughout the manual for safe operation of implement. Keep this manual handy for ready reference.
Like all mechanical products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the Mower as specified.
Use only genuine Farm Star service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet stan-
dards required for safe and satisfactory operation. Record the model and serial number of your Mower here:
Model:________________________________________ Serial Number:_______________________________
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator’s Manual, to operate, lubricate, maintain, and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures. Failure
of the operator to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this equipment.
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to inspect the product and to have any part(s)
repaired or replaced when continued operation would cause damage or excessive wear to other parts or
cause a safety hazard.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized Farm Star Dealer, from
whom he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are covered by warranty.
Repairs to be submitted for warranty consideration must be made within forty-five (45) days of failure.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or hauling
of the product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.
SINO LEEINGLES, PIDA AYUDA A
AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA PARA QUE
LE TRADUZCA LAS MEDIDAS DE
SEGURIDAD.
2
SUBJECT MODEL MDM70-60 MODEL MDM70-72
Cutting Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60” 71”
Overall Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98” 109”
Overall Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641/2”76
1
/2”
Cutting Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5” 1-5”
Deck (Welded Construction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Gauge (.135” thick)
Front/Side Skids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
/8” x 2” Front and 3/8” x 11/4” Side
3 pt. Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Category I Standard
Tailwheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151/4” Dia. x 33/4” Wide – Segmented Rubber Tire
Gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Horsepower Maximum Rating
Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1.50
Input RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540 RPM
Output RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 810 RPM
Gearbox Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limited 1 Year
Gearbox Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 wt Gear Oil
PTO Driveline Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Metric Series 5
Total Driveline Length (Closed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38” 42”
Shearbolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
/2” Diameter x 3.0” Bolt Grade 5
Blades (Number & Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) Suction Type
Width & Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
/2” x 3”
Length (Total) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25” 30”
Tip Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,725 Ft./Min. 15,056 Ft./Min.
Blade Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stump Jumper Type
Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
/8”
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welded
Shipping Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 lb. 645 lb.
RO TA RY MOWER SPECIFICATIONS
3
DELIVERY CHECKLIST
Inspect the mower thoroughly after assembly to be certain it is set up properly. The following checklist is a
reminder of points to inspect. Check off each item as it is
found satisfactory or after proper adjustment is made.
h Check operator's manual and familiarize the opera-
tor with all sections of it.
h Check that all safety shielding is in place.
h Check all bolts to be sure they are tight or adjusted
properly at hinged locations.
h Check that all cotter pins are properly installed.
h Check PTO driveline. Make sure it is the correct
length to operate mower with intended tractor.
h Check that all lubrication points with grease fittings
have been lubricated.
h Check that blades have been properly installed.
Check all blade beam bolts.
h Check mower attitude, after mounting on tractor.
h Check that gearbox is properly serviced and seals
are not leaking.
h Check shear bolt for proper grade and installation.
h
Check front of input gearbox shaft and make sure
that snap ring is properly installed. (Shearbolt Model)
h All safety signs (decals) in place and readable.
h When the cutter is transported on a road or highway
at night or during the day, safety devices should be
used for adequate warning to operators of other
vehicles.
CHECKLISTS
IMPORTANT!
Gearbox was not filled at factory. It
must be serviced before operating.
Fill to proper level with SAE 90 oil.
Failure to service will result in
damage to gearbox.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
(OWNER/OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY)
____ Review and follow safety rules and safety signs on
pages 4 through 16.
____ Check that mower is properly and securely
attached to tractor.
____ Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin or
locking balls operate freely and are seated firmly in
tractor PTO spline groove.
____ Lubricate all grease fitting locations. Make sure
PTO shaft slip joint is lubricated.
____ Check to be sure gear lube runs out the small
check plug on side of gearbox.
____ Check that all hardware is properly installed.
____ Check to ensure blades are sharp and secure and
cutting edge is positioned to lead in a counter-
clockwise rotation.
____ Check that all shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition.
____ Check cutting height, front to rear attitude and top
link adjustment.
____ Place tractor PTO and transmission in neutral
before starting engine.
____ Set tractor PTO gear select lever for 540 rpm
operation.
____ Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches or other hard objects that might be
thrown, causing injury or damage.
____ Check that PTO driveline shields are securely
locked and clears the front of the mower frame.
____ Adjust the tractor top link so the front of the mower
is slightly above the rear. Then raise the tractor lift
very slowly, making sure that the front drive shaft
shield does not hit the front of the mower. If it does,
damage will be done to the drive shaft shield and,
if it hits hard enough, it will also damage the drive
shaft itself. (See page 20 – items 9 and 10.)
NOTE: This type of damage is not covered
under warranty , as it is totally under the control
and the responsibility of the operator.
4
T o 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!
THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL IDENTIFIES IMPORTANT
SAFETY WARNING MESSAGES. CAREFULLY READ EACH
WARNING MESSAGE THAT FOLLOWS. FAILURE TO
UNDERSTAND AND OBEY A SAFETY WARNING, OR
RECOGNIZE A SAFETY HAZARD, COULD RESULT IN AN
INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS AROUND YOU.
THE OPERATOR IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SAFETY OF HIMSELF, AS WELL AS OTHERS, IN THE
OPERATING AREA OF THE TRACTOR AND ATTACHED
EQUIPMENT.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your tractor,
before assembly or operating, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the implement owner’s responsibility, if this
machine is used by any person other than yourself, is loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to
operating:
1. Reads and understands the operator’s manuals.
2. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against by mechanical
means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read and understand this entire manual, paying
particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using. If there is something in this manual you
do not understand, ask your supervisor, or your dealer, to explain it to you.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS
– A TTENTION!
– BECOME ALERT!
– YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING
and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal word for each has been selected
using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme
situations typically for machine components which, for
functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
If you have questions not answered in this manual or require additional copies or the manual is damaged, please
contact your dealer or the manufacturer directly.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed. It may also
be used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a new piece of equipment.
Designers and manufacturers build in as many safety features as possible. However, every year many
accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to
handling equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions in
this section. To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those working with you, or for
you, follow them.
In order to provide a better view, certain photographs or illustrations in this manual may show an assembly
with a safety shield removed. However, equipment should never be operated in this condition. Keep all shields
in place. If shield removal becomes necessary for repairs, replace the shield prior to use.
To prevent injury or death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll-Over Protective System (ROPS). Do not paint
over, remove or deface any safety signs or warning signs on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and
practice the instruction on them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question -
DON’T TRY IT.
Do not modify the equipment in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or safety and
could affect the life of the equipment.
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 Mower
Manuals. Pay close attention to the Safety Signs affixed to the Tractor and the Mower.
Replace any CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER or instruction safety sign that is not readable or is missing.
Location of such safety signs is indicated in this booklet.
Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which can hinder alertness or coordination while operating this
equipment. Consult your doctor about operating this machine while taking prescription medications.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should be a
responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow per-
sons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a thorough
understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
6
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)COMER GEARBOX 116.805
Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current sign.
Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry.
Be sure temperature is above 50˚F (10˚C).
Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
Remove the smallest portion of the split backing paper.
Align the sign over the specified area and carefully press the small portion with the exposed sticky backing in
place.
Slowly peel back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion of the sign in place.
Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using the piece of sign backing paper.
Failure to follow proper procedures when mounting a tire on a wheel or rim can produce an explosion which
may result in serious injury or death.
Do not attempt to mount a tire unless you have the proper equipment and experience to do the job.
Inflating or servicing tires can be dangerous. Whenever possible, trained personnel should be called to service
and/or mount tires.
Always order and install tires and wheels with appropriate capacity to meet or exceed the anticipated weight
to be placed on the equipment.
How to Install Safety Signs:
SAFETY SIGNS
TIRE SAFETY
7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single careless act of an operator.
Know your controls and how to stop tractor, engine, and mower quickly in an emergency. Read this manual
and the one provided with your tractor.
In addition to the design and configuration of 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 equipment.
It has been said, “The best safety device is an informed, careful operator.” We ask you to be that kind of an
operator. It is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand ALL Safety and Operating instructions in the
manual and to follow these. Accidents can be avoided.
Train all new personnel and review instructions frequently with existing workers. A person who has not read
and understood all operating and safety instructions is not qualified to operate the machine. An untrained operator exposes himself and bystanders to possible serious injury or death.
Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operating, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the rotary mower owner’s
responsibility, if this machine is used by any person other than yourself, is loaned or rented, to make certain
that the operator, prior to operating:
1. Reads and understands the operator’s manuals.
2. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
SAFETY TRAINING
Do not allow children to operate this machine.
8
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Never operate the tractor and mower until you have read and completely understand this manual, the Tractor
Operator’s Manual, and each of the Safety Messages found on the safety signs on the tractor and mower.
Clear area to be cut of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown, causing injury or damage.
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
Ensure mower is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin or balls operate freely and are seated firmly in tractor PTO
stub shaft groove.
Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good condition.
Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves are recommended
during assembly , installation, operation, adjustment, maintaining, repairing, removal, or moving the implement.
Do not allow long hair, loose fitting clothing or jewelry to be around moving parts.
Operate the mower only with a tractor equipped with an approved Roll-Over Protective System (ROPS).
Always wear your seat belt on tractors equipped with a ROPS. 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 or
the tractor.
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS!
Tractors with or without Mowers attached can often be noisy enough to cause permanent, partial hearing loss.
We recommend that you wear hearing protection on a full-time basis if the noise in the Operator’s position
exceeds 80db. Noise over 85db on a long-term basis can cause severe hearing loss. Noise over 90db adjacent to the Operator over a long-term basis may cause permanent, 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.
PREPARATION
9
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual for PTO engagement and
disengagement instructions. Always operate the tractor PTO in the 540 rpm speed selection. DO NOT OVER
SPEED! Know how to stop tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
All tractors that are not equipped with a “live” takeoff (PTO) need to be equipped with an over-running PTO
clutch type driveline. See page 23.
NOTE: The addition of a separate over-running PTO clutch attachment will change the length of the PTO
driveline. Pay extra attention to the instructions on PTO driveline installation.
Separate over-running clutch attachments will increase the length of the driveline and may cause the front
knuckle joint to operate beyond the cover of the tractor master shield. This is NOT recommended and will
present a dangerous operating condition.
The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against by mechanical
means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read and understand this entire manual, paying
particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using. If there is something in this manual you
do not understand, ask your supervisor, or your dealer, to explain it to you.
Most accidents occur because of neglect or carelessness. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least several
hundred feet from an operating rotary mower. Only properly trained people should operate this machine.
When this machine is operated in populated areas or in other areas where thrown objects could injure persons
or property, standard equipment safety chain shielding (which is designed to reduce the possibility of thrown
objects) must be installed. If this machine is not equipped with full chain shielding, operation must be
stopped when anyone comes within several hundred feet.
The majority of accidents involve entanglement on the driveline, injury of bystanders by objects thrown by the
rotating blades, and operators being knocked off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by
the mower. Accidents are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has
not read the owner’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary mower.
Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and fastened
securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing. (You may have to use a
tractor salvage yard for replacement parts on older tractors.)
When engaging PTO, the engine RPM should always be low. Once engaged and ready to start cutting, raise
PTO speed to 540 RPM and maintain throughout cutting operation.
STARTING
AND STOPPING SAFETY
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
10
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition key, lower implement to the
ground and allow cutter blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave
equipment unattended with the tractor running or with implement in raised position.
Never place hands or feet under mower with tractor engine running or before you are sure all motion has
stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
Do not reach or place yourself under equipment until it is blocked securely.
Take all possible precautions when leaving unit unattended: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine
and remove key from ignition. Park in level area.
Do not allow riders on the rotary mower or tractor at any time. There is no safe place for any riders.
Disengage power takeoff (PTO) and place transmission into neutral before attempting to start engine.
Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock, and pets are several hundred feet away to prevent injury by
thrown objects. Never direct discharge toward anyone.
Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.
This rotary mower is designed for use only on tractors with 540 RPM power takeoff.
Never operate tractor and mower under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators can be knocked off the tractor and then run over by the rotating blades.
The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for rugged use. However, they could fail
upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as steel guard rails, posts, and concrete abutments. 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.
Frequently check mower blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and securely fastened.
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. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before mowing. Removing any like
object from the site. Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.
Pick up all rocks and other debris before mowing. Enter new areas carefully. Cut material higher at first, allowing cutter to clear hidden objects. Never assume an area is clear. Always Check!
OPERATIONAL SAFETY (continued)
11
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Stop mower and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off, remove key, inspect and
repair any damage before resuming operation.
The chain guards, bands, flaps, driveline shields, and gearbox shields should be used and maintained in good
working condition. They should be inspected carefully, at least daily, for missing or broken cable, chain links,
shields, or guards. Missing broken, or worn items must be replaced at once to reduce the possibility of injury
from thrown objects or entanglement.
Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on hillside, over rough ground and
when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful when turning sharp corners.
Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimize tipping or loss of control. Be careful when changing
directions on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on slopes. Avoid operation on steep slopes.
When using a unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels. Without
this weight, tractor could tip over, causing personal injury or death. The weight may be attained with a front
end loader, front wheel weights, ballast in tires of front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS weight certification. Weigh the
tractor and equipment. Do not guess or estimate!
Inspect the entire machine periodically as indicated in the Maintenance Section of this manual. Look for loose
fasteners, worn or broken parts, pinched hydraulic hoses, 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.
Stay alert for holes, rocks, stumps and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep away from
drop-offs.
In extremely uneven terrain, tractor rear wheel weights, front tractor weights, and/or tire ballast should be used
to improve stability.
Be careful when operating tractor and mower on uneven ground to avoid upsetting.
Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up” tractor and cutter. Practice
will improve your skills in maneuvering rough terrain.
Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
Always cut down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes. Slow down on sharp turns
and slopes to prevent tipping and/or loss of control.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY (continued)
12
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of farm machinery on public roads.
The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most localities. However, some localities prohibit their use.
Local laws should be checked for all highway lighting and marking requirements.
When driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 20 mph (32 kph) at night or during the
day, use flashing amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem.
Always be sure the implement is in the proper raised position for transport.
Reduce speed when transporting mounted implements to avoid bouncing and momentary loss of steering
control.
Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
Always install transport locks, pins or brackets before transporting.
Do not drink and drive!
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
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, and loose gravel.
Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on hillside, over rough ground and
when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful when turning sharp corners.
Never allow riders on either tractor or mower. Falling off can kill.
Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations, including narrow bridges, intersections, etc.
Do not exceed 20 mph (32 kph). Reduce speed on rough roads and surfaces.
Use hardened hitch pins with retainers when attaching to pull-type machines.
Use a safety chain to prevent unexpected separation with pull-type models.
TRANSPORT SAFETY
13
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.
Follow good shop practices.
- Keep service area clean and dry.
- Be sure electrical outlets and tools are properly grounded.
- Use adequate light for the job at hand.
Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate the engine of the towing vehicle in a closed building.
The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
Before working on this machine, drive to a level area, disengage the PTO, lower implement (or if working
underneath, raise and block securely), shut off the engine, set the brakes, and remove the ignition keys.
Be certain all moving parts on attachments have come to a complete stop before attempting to perform
maintenance.
Never work under equipment unless it is blocked securely. Never depend on hydraulic system to keep implement in raised position.
Always use personal protection devices such as eye, hand and hearing protectors, when performing any
service or maintenance.
Keep all persons away from operator control area while performing adjustments, service, or maintenance.
Frequently check mower blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and securely fastened.
Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws and check that all cotter pins are properly installed to ensure unit
is in a safe condition.
When completing a maintenance or service function, make sure all safety shields and devices are installed
before placing unit in service.
Remove hydraulic pressure prior to doing any maintenance. Place the mower wings on the ground or securely
blocked up, disengage the PTO, and turn off the engine. Push and pull the remote cylinder lever in and out
several times to relieve hydraulic pressure.
Never use your hands to locate a hydraulic leak on attachments. Use a piece of cardboard or wood. Hydraulic
fluid escaping under pressure can penetrate the skin.
Openings in the skin and minor cuts are susceptible to infection from hydraulic fluid. If injured by escaping
hydraulic fluid, see a doctor at once. Gangrene and death can result. Without immediate medical
treatment, serious infection and reactions can occur.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
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