Take note! This safety alert symbol found throughout this manual is used to call your
attention to instructions involving your personal safety and the safety of others. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in injury or death.
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Signal Words
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal words for each have been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
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.
INDEX
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3 - OPERATION
4
41.01 - General
41.02 - Warranty Information
51.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
6
62.01 - Preparation
72.02 - Starting and Stopping
72.03 - Messages and Signs
10
103.01 - Operational Safety
123.02 - Set Up
133.03 - Cutting Height Adjustment
143.04 - Pre-Operational Check
143.05 - Attaching to the Tractor
153.06 - Start Up
163.07 - Working Speed
173.08 - Operating Techniques
4 - MAINTENANCE
5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
6 - TROUBLESHOOTING
183.09 - Uneven Terrain
183.10 - Removing Mower from the Tractor
183.11 - Quick Hitch Adapter Assembly and Operation
21
214.01 - Maintenance Safety
224.02 - Service
234.03 - Blade Maintenance
254.04 - Belt Tension
264.05 - Belt Replacement
274.06 - Driveline
284.07 - Transport
294.08 - Storage
31
315.01 - Gearbox
315.02 - Blade Spindle
335.03 - Suggested Spare Parts
34
7 - PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST
PARTS MANUAL
INDEX3FRONTIER
35
37
GROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you and congratulations for having chosen our implement. Your new grooming
mower is a technologically advanced machine constructed of high quality, sturdy
components that will fulfill your working expectations. Read this manual carefully. It will
instruct you on how to operate and service your mower safely and correctly. Failure to
do so could result in personal injury and/or in equipment damage.
1.01 - General
The implement described in this manual is to be used with tractors with PTO at 540 rpm
and clockwise rotation.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the coupling of the implement with the tractor is
done at the same PTO speed and direction of rotation. Do not operate this
implement at a PTO speed or direction of rotation other than that shown on the
implement. Serious damage can occur to the machine and/or the operator.
CAUTION: Unless otherwise specified, all hardware is metric. Use only metric
tools on metric hardware. Other tools that do not fit properly can slip and cause
injury.
CAUTION: Right hand and left hand sides of the implement are determined by
facing in the direction the implement will travel when going forward (see fig. 2).
1.02 - Warranty Information
Warranty coverage is provided by John Deere according to the terms of the
Agricultural/Commercial & Consumer Equipment Warranty Statement. Carefully read
the warranty statement on the back of your original purchase order for details on
coverage and limitations of this warranty.
Your Authorized Company Dealer has genuine parts in stock. Only these approved
replacement parts should be used.
GENERAL INFORMATION4FRONTIER
GROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
1.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
Attached to the frame is an ID plate showing the model and the serial number. Record
your implement model and serial number in the space provided below. Your dealer
needs this information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order parts.
GENERAL INFORMATION5FRONTIER
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety is the 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.
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 is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand all safety and
operating instructions in the manual and to follow these.
Allow only properly trained personnel to operate the mower. Working with unfamiliar
equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operation, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the
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, reads and
understands the operator’s manuals and is instructed in safe and proper use.
2.01 - Preparation
1. Before operating equipment read and understand the operator’s manual and the
safety signs (see fig. 2).
2. Thoroughly inspect the implement before initial operation to assure that all
packaging materials, i.e. wires, bands, and tape have been removed.
3. Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and
gloves are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment,
maintaining and/or repairing the implement.
4. Operate the mower only with a tractor equipped with an approved
Roll-Over-Protective-System (ROPS). Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or
even death could result from falling off the tractor.
5. Clear area to be cut of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown,
causing injury or damage.
6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Ensure mower is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
8. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good
condition.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS6FRONTIER
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
2.02 - Starting and Stopping
1. Be sure that no one is near the machine prior to engaging or while the machine is
working.
2. Be sure the tractor is in “Neutral” before starting engine.
3. Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual
for PTO engagement and disengagement instructions. Always operate PTO at 540
rpm. Know how to stop the tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. After striking an obstacle, disengage the PTO, shut the tractor down and thoroughly
inspect for damage before restarting.
7. Never engage the PTO until the mower is in the down position and resting on the
ground. Never raise the mower until all blades have come to a complete stop.
8. To park the vehicle safely, stop vehicle on a level surface (not on a slope),
disengage PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the engine, remove the key, and
wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s seat.
9. Stay clear of rotating drivelines. Entanglement in rotating driveline can cause serious
injury or death. Wear close fitting clothing. Stop the engine and be sure PTO
driveline is stopped before getting near it.
2.03 - Messages and Signs
1. Read and adhere to all safety and operating decals on this machine (see fig. 2).
2. Before dismounting tractor: Allow moving parts to stop, stop engine, set brake and
remove the key of unattended equipment.
3. Keep away from rotating blades and driveline.
4. Keep guards and shields in place and in good condition.
5. Do not mow with bystanders in area.
6. Allow no riders on tractor or mower.
7. Allow moving parts to stop before repair.
8. Securely support mower before working underneath.
Additional warning and operating decals are available at no extra charge. Please specify
model and serial number when ordering.
Safety decals - driveline; replace immediately if damaged.
placed on outer tube
placed on outer shield
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS9FRONTIER
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
3 - OPERATION
You have purchased a three spindle mower designed especially for the mowing of
grassy areas where a highly professional cut is required without wasting time.
This mower is perfect for the maintenance of parks, private lawns, industrial parks,
airports, hospital grounds, schools, highways, golf courses, sport complexes, etc. The
GM21 series, for tractors up to 70 HP, come in working widths of 90” and 110”. The
mower can be either tractor front or rear mounted. On your mower, the tractor PTO
transmits its power through a driveline to a speed multiplier gearbox. A pulley is
attached to the pinion gear shaft of the gearbox which, via high resistance belts,
transmits power to pulleys coupled to the three individual spindle shafts. Blades are
secured to these shafts which turn at a high blade tip speed to cut the grass.
Our grooming mower comes equipped with 4 swivel wheels. Aside from regulating the
cutting height, the wheels are set in such a way as to allow the mower to follow the
contour of the terrain and give a precise, level cut even in undulating conditions.
3.01 - Operational Safety
CAUTION: Our mowers are designed considering safety as the most important
aspect and are the safest available in today’s market. Unfortunately, human
carelessness can override the safety features built into our machines. Injury
prevention and work safety, aside from the features on our mowers, are very
much due to the responsible use of the equipment. It must always be operated
prudently following with great care, the safety instructions laid out in this manual.
1. The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be prevented
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.
2. Do not operate the tractor and mower when you are tired, sick or when using
medication.
3. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least several feet from a rotary mower. Only
properly trained people should operate this machine.
4. When this machine is operated in populated 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.
5. The majority of accidents involve entanglements 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
OPERATION10FRONTIER
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who
has not read the operator’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary mower.
6. Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition
key, lower implement to the ground and allow mower blades to come to a complete
stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with the tractor
running.
7. 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.
8. Do not allow riders on the mower or tractor at any time. There is no safe place for
riders.
9. Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock and pets are several feet away to
prevent injury by thrown objects.
10.Before backing up, disengage the mower and look behind carefully.
11.Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
12.Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
13.This rotary mower is designed for use only on tractors with 540 rpm power take off.
14.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.
15. 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 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.
16.Frequently check mower blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and
securely fastened.
17. Stop mower immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off, remove key,
inspect and repair any damage before resuming operation.
18. Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from drop-offs.
19.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.
20. 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.
21. 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 or 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!
1
22. Inspect the entire machine periodically
. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken
parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
1
OPERATION11FRONTIER
See Chapter 4 - Maintenance.
G
3
ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
23. Use only the driveline supplied with the mower. Do not use it if it is missing any
shield or safety protection.
24. Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up”
tractor and mower.
25.Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
26. 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.
3.02 - Set Up
Notice to dealer: Pre-delivery setup and service including lubrication is the
responsibility of the authorized dealer. It is up to him to assure that the machine is in
perfect condition and ready to be used. It is his responsibility to ensure that the
customer is aware of all safety aspects and operational procedures for the mower. He
must also fill out the Pre-Delivery Checklist
2
prior to delivering the mower.
Fig.
Front mounted mower.
Fig. 4
Rear mounted mower.
2
OPERATION12FRONTIER
See Chapter 7 - Pre-Delivery Checklist.
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
CAUTION: Stand clear of bands when cutting as they could be under sufficient
tension to cause them to fly loose. Take care in removing bands and wire, they
often have extremely sharp edges and cut very easily.
As mentioned above, all our grooming mowers may be either tractor front or rear
mounted. Changing our mowers from front mount to rear, or vice versa, can be easily
done at our authorized dealerships. This is accomplished by simply turning the three
point hitch and the gearbox 180 degrees (see fig. 3 & 4).
3.03 - Cutting Height Adjustment
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from moving blades.
Be sure tractor engine is off, parking brake is locked, and key is removed before
making any adjustments.
Never rely on the tractor lift system. Install blocks or stands under the mower
deck to prevent it from falling.
Fig. 5
The cutting height is
adjusted by moving
the height adjustment
spacers on the wheel
yokes above or below
the wheel arm.
The cutting height is the distance from the blades to the ground. The cutting height is
adjusted by moving the spacers on the wheel yokes. Placing spacers between the
wheel arm and the wheel yoke raises the cutting height by the size of the spacer.
Removing the spacers lowers it by the same height (see fig. 5).
Be sure all wheel arms are adjusted equally. This is the only way to ensure a completely
uniform cut.
OPERATION13FRONTIER
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT: Very low cutting heights should be avoided. Damaging shock loads
occur when the blades strike the ground repeatedly. This can cause damage to
the mower.
Cutting lower than 2” under most circumstances should be avoided.
The cutting height is adjustable from 1.3” to 5.3”.
The mower comes equipped with a front anti-scalping roller. The roller is particularly
helpful when cutting over uneven terrain.
3.04 - Pre-Operational Check
IMPORTANT: Check each of the following, carefully, prior to engaging the equipment:
1. The spindle bearings have been greased.
2. The belts for proper tension.
3. The oil in the gearbox.
4. The driveline cross and bearings have been greased.
5. No wrappings or foreign objects are around the blades, belts or driveline.
6. The blades are properly installed and the blade bolts properly torqued3.
7. All hardware is tight.
8. The tractor, to ensure correct direction of PTO and rpm speed.
9. All safety shields and guards are in place and tightly attached.
10.No people or animals are in the work area.
11. When working, make sure the tractor hitch is in the “float” position, in order to allow
the mower to follow the contour of the ground.
DANGER: Stay clear of rotating driveline. Entanglement in rotating driveline can
cause serious injury. Disengage PTO, engage parking brake or place
transmission in “Park”, shut off the tractor and remove the key before working
around hitch, attaching or detaching driveline, making adjustments, servicing or
cleaning the machine.
3.05 - Attaching to the Tractor
Unit may be used on tractors ranging from 30 to 70 HP equipped with a standard PTO
and category 1 three point hitch4. Never use this mower with tractors over 70 HP.
CAUTION: Check the tractor PTO rpm to ensure it is set at 540 and turns
clockwise.
3
4
See Table 1, page 30.
See Table 2, page 30.
OPERATION14FRONTIER
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
CAUTION: Always ensure that the tractor tire pressure is correct according to the
tractor operator’s manual.
DANGER: Failure to ensure a secure coupling of the implement to the tractor can
cause injury and damage to the implement or tractor.
To attach the mower to the tractor do the following:
1. Back the tractor up to the mower in order to slip the tractor hitch arms over the hitch
pins welded to the mower hitch arms. Turn off the tractor engine. Secure them in
place with the lynch pins.
2. Adjust the tractor sway blocks or chains to remove all side movement.
3. Attach the top link. Adjust tractor top link to allow the mower to follow the ground
contour and yet remain as level as possible when raised to transport position.
4. Install the shielded driveline to the tractor by first lining up the splines and
depressing the snap pin. Push the yoke onto the PTO shaft as far as it will go.
Release the pin and pull back slowly until the pin clicks in place. Repeat this
operation on the implement end.
5. Ensure that the driveline has at least 2” from bottoming out in its shortest working
position and has the minimum 6” overlap in its longest working position. Refer to
Section 4.065 of this manual, if it is determined that the driveline is too long and
needs to be shortened. Contact your local dealer if it is determined that the driveline
is too short for your tractor.
6. Attach the driveline chains to the tractor and to the mower to keep the driveline
protection from turning. The chains should not be too tight.
3.06 - Start Up
DANGER: The mower must always be lowered to the ground before starting
tractor engine or engaging PTO lever.
Lower mower to the ground with the tractor rock shaft control lever. With the engine
idling, slowly engage the PTO drive. Move the throttle lever until the PTO speed
indicated on the mower is obtained.
The mower is set for a PTO speed of 540 rpm.
Shift the transmission to a slow speed gear and start forward, increase the ground
speed by shifting upward until the desired speed is obtained. Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely necessary and only after careful observation of the area behind the
mower.
5
procedures for shortening the driveline.
OPERATION15FRONTIER
See Section 4.06 - Driveline, for instructions on how to determine correct driveline length and
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ROOMING MOWERSOPERATOR’S MANUAL
CAUTION: Do not operate this mower at a PTO speed or direction of rotation
other than that shown on the mower. Serious damage can occur to the machine
and/or the operator.
Before starting to mow, never forget that the operator is responsible for the following:
1. Safe and correct driving of the tractor and mower.
2. To learn precise safe operating procedures for both the tractor and the mower.
3. To ensure all maintenance and lubrication has been performed on the mower.
4. To have read and understood all safety aspects for the mower in the operator’s
manual.
5. To have read and understood all safety decals on the mower.
6. Checking the condition of the blades. Worn or damaged blades should be changed
before starting6.
7. Checking to ensure that the cutting edge is the leading edge of the blade7.
8. Checking that there is no wire, weed, grass or other material wrapped around
blades.
9. Checking to see if front weights need to be added to the tractor in order to maintain
balance.
10.Checking the tractor tires for the proper pressure in accordance with the tractor
operator’s manual.
11. Checking that the PTO shield, belt shields and all other shielding are on the
machine and securely in place.
12.Making sure the proper attire is worn. Avoiding loose fitting clothing which can
become entangled. Wearing sturdy, tough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hands, ears and head. Never operate tractor or implements in
bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
13.Checking area for stones, branches and other debris that might be thrown.
14.Ensuring proper lighting is available, sunlight or good artificial lighting.
3.07 - Working Speed
The mowing speed depends on ground conditions, tractor HP, mowing height, and
grass thickness. Only a test run will enable you to gauge the optimal working speed for
your conditions. Under most conditions a 3 to 8 mph ground speed is best. As a rule of
thumb, and if the conditions permit, grass dispersion is increased by higher ground
speeds.
In order to obtain the best cut possible, always keep the tractor rpm up to the speed
indicated on the mower. When increasing or decreasing mowing ground speed, always
use gear selection, not engine speed. This will maintain the constant maximum blade
speed necessary for a clean cut.
6
7
OPERATION16FRONTIER
See Section 4.03 - Blade Maintenance.
See Section 4.03 - Blade Maintenance.
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