National Mower 68 DL, 68 SR User Manual

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MODEL 68 SR TRIPLEX MOWER

MODEL 68 DL TRIPLEX MOWER

OWNER'S MANUAL

Includes Operation, Maintenance and Parts List

NATIONAL MOWER CO.

700 Raymond Ave., P.O. Box 14299

St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-0299, U.S.A.

Phone (651) 646-4079 – Fax (651) 646-2887

www.nationalmower.com

June 2003

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

For the period of one year from the date of purchase (45 days if the product is used for rental purposes), National Mower Company will repair or replace free of charge, for the original purchaser, any part or parts found by inspection to be defective by our Factory Authorized Service Station or by the Factory at St. Paul, Minnesota to be defective in material or workmanship or both. All transportation charges on parts submitted for repair or replacement under this warranty shall be paid for by the purchaser.

This warranty does not include engines, engine parts or tires which are covered under separate warranties furnished by their manufacturer or supplier. All service under this warranty will be furnished and performed by our Factory Authorized Service Stations.

THERE IS NO OTHER WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED

Warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year from purchase or 45 days if the product is rented, and to the extent permitted by law, any and all implied warranties are excluded. The above remedy of repair and replacement of defective parts is the purchaser's exclusive remedy for any defect, malfunction, or breach of warranty. Liability for incidental or consequential damages under any and all warranties is excluded to the extent permitted by law.

NATIONAL MOWER COMPANY

P.O. Box 14299

700 Raymond Avenue

St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-0299, U.S.A.

Phone (651) 646-4079

Fax (651) 646-2887

www.nationalmower.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Warranty ...................................................................................................

2

Introduction ...............................................................................................

3

Safety Information ....................................................................................

4

Safety and Control Decals ........................................................................

7

Receipt of Shipment ...............................................................................

11

Uncrating Instructions .............................................................................

11

Assembly ................................................................................................

12

Preparation .............................................................................................

14

Operation ................................................................................................

14

Maintenance ...........................................................................................

18

Maintenance Record ..............................................................................

26

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................

27

Parts List .................................................................................................

28

Frame & Running Gear ...................................................................

28

Running Gear & Misc. Parts - 68 DL ...............................................

30

Seat Mounting & Belt Guards ..........................................................

31

Drive Mechanism - Upper Portion ...................................................

32

Drive Mechanism - Middle Portion ..................................................

34

Drive Mechanism - Lower Portion ...................................................

35

Drive Mechanism - 68 DL ................................................................

36

Rear Axle & Differential ...................................................................

38

Wing Cutting Units ...........................................................................

40

Rear Cutting Unit .............................................................................

42

Skids, Reel End Shields & Guards .................................................

44

Roller & Standard Scrapers ............................................................

45

Roller Scraper Kit, Dial-A-Height™ .................................................

46

Dial-A-Height™ Roller Adjuster Kit .................................................

47

Dial-A-Height™ Adjuster .................................................................

48

Safety Switches ......................................................................................

49

Electrical Diagrams .................................................................................

50

Electrical Parts ........................................................................................

51

Specifications ..........................................................................................

52

Parts Ordering Information .....................................................................

53

Declaration of Conformity .......................................................................

55

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared by National Mower Company as an aid to users in the assembly, safe operation, maintenance, adjustment and ordering replacement parts. Additional information will gladly be furnished by calling or writing the manufacturer or his authorized agent.

Please furnish us with the Model Number, Serial Number and Date of Purchase when contacting us about your machine. Designations of right, left, front add rear are used as if the operator was sitting in the mower seat.

Before operating mower, carefully and completely read this manual. The contents provide you with an understanding of safety instructions and controls during normal operation and maintenance. Understand all safety precautions provided in the manuals. Review control functions and operation of the mower. Do not operate the mower unless all controls function as described in this manual. Review recommended lubrication, maintenance, and adjustments.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

The safety alert words below are used in this manual to identify potentially hazardous conditions. Their definitions are:

DANGER means "IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, WILL RESULT in death or serious injury."

WARNING means "POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, COULD RESULT in death or injury."

CAUTION means "POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, MAY RESULT in minor or moderate injury." It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

The safety alert triangle symbols on your mower point out important safety precautions.

These symbols mean:

ATTENTION!

PERSONAL SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

BECOME ALERT!

OBEY THE MESSAGE!

NATIONAL MOWER SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES

1. TRAINING

Know the control functions and how to stop quickly. READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.

2. PREPARATION

Clear the work place of objects which might be picked up by the blades and thrown.

Handle fuel with CAUTION - it is highly flammable.

Use an approved fuel container.

Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel to a running or hot engine. Never fill the fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.

Open garage doors to allow ventilation if engine is run inside – exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not run engine in any enclosed area.

Keep the mower in safe operating condition. Make sure that all safety switches are operating properly and all

safety guards are in place at all times, except during servicing.

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight.

3. OPERATION

Wear approved safety glasses or goggles when operating the mower.

Do not allow children to operate mower. Do not allow adults to operate mower without proper instruction.

Do not carry passengers. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from an operating mower. Stop the mower if anyone approaches the mower.

Disengage all cutting-unit clutches and shift into neutral before attempting to start the engine. Disengage main clutch before shifting cutting-unit clutches.

Disengage power to the cutting units and stop the engine before leaving the operator’s position.

Disengage power to the cutting units and stop the engine before making any repairs or adjustments.

Disengage power to the cutting units when transporting or not in use.

Take all possible precautions when leaving the mower unattended, including shifting into neutral, setting the parking brake, stopping the engine and removing the ignition key.

Watch for dangerous traffic when crossing or near roadways.

Never direct the discharge of material from operating reels toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower.

The mower and reels should be stopped and inspected for damage after striking a foreign object. The damage should be repaired before restarting and operating the mower.

Proceed as follows when mowing:

Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

Never make a cutting height adjustment while the engine is running.

Shut the engine off when removing grass or unclogging reels.

This machine is to be used only as a grass cutter or lawn mower.

Never operate the mower while using drugs, medications, or alcohol. Safe operation requires complete and unimpaired attention. Never allow anyone to operate the mower when their alertness or coordination is impaired.

Do not wear loose clothing or loose shoelaces, which may become entangled in mower controls or drive components.

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Do not mow in reverse, unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and during reverse motion.

Shut off and raise the cutting units before operating the mower at transport speed. (Model 68 DL only.)

Do not reverse battery connections. Damage to the mower can result. Battery gases are explosive and can cause death or injury. Keep open flames, sparks, and smoking materials away from batteries. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Contact with skin, eyes, or clothing can cause chemical burns. Wash immediately and seek medical assistance. Wear protective clothing and safety glasses when handling a battery. (Model 68 DL only.)

4. HILL OPERATION

Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill. Mow up and down the face of steep slopes — never across steep slopes. Do not exceed a slope of 15o in any direction.

Reduce travel speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss of control. Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

Watch for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.

Do not shift into neutral and coast downhill.

Use extreme care when mowing near dropoffs or embankments. The mower could roll over if a wheel goes over the edge, or if an edge caves in.

If mower stops going uphill, disengage power to the cutting units and slowly back down.

5. MAINTENANCE

Never store the mower, with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes could reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

Keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease to reduce a fire hazard.

Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.

Keep non-skid surfaces clean. Replace the non-skid material if worn, damaged, or missing.

Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves, while servicing the mower.

ISO SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES

1. TRAINING

Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.

Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations can restrict the age of the operator.

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Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.

Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

Do not carry passengers.

All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical instruction. Such instruction should emphasize:

the need for care and concentration when working with ride-on machines;

control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake. The main reasons for loss of control are:

insufficient wheel grip;

being driven too fast;

inadequate braking;

the type of machine is unsuitable for the task: do not use mower for unsuitable tasks;

lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions, especally slopes;

hitching and load distribution: do not hitch or tow other devices.

2. PREPARATION

WARNING Gasoline (petrol) is highly flammable. Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose. Refuel outdoors only. Do

not smoke while refuelling. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine is running or when the engine is hot. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any sources of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated. Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.

While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects which can be thrown by the machine.

Replace faulty silencers.

Before using, always visually inspect to see that the reels, bed knives, and cutting unit assemblies are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged reels and bedknives in sets to preserve balance.

On multi-reel machines, take care as rotating one reel can cause other reels to rotate.

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SAFETY INFORMATION

3. OPERATION

Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all cutting unit clutches and shift into neutral.

Do not use on slopes of more than 15°.

Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against overturning:

do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;

engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear, especially when travelling downhill;

machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;

stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;

never mow across the face of the slope, unless the machine is designed for this purpose.

Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

Stop the reel rotation before crossing surfaces other than grass.

Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while in operation.

Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards, or without safety devices in place.

Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.

Before leaving the operator's position,

disengage the power take-off and lower the cutting units;

shift into neutral and set the parking brake;

stop the engine and remove the key.

Disengage drive to the cutting units, stop the engine, remove the ignition key, and disconnect the spark plug wire:

before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;

before checking, cleaning, or working on the machine;

after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operation the lawn mower;

if lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).

Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.

Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment:

before refuelling;

before removing the grass catcher;

before making height adjustment;

before cleaning blockages;

before checking, cleaning, or working on the mower;

after striking a foreign object. Inspect the mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment.

Reduce the throttle setting during engine shutdown and turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.

4. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark.

Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment, and fuel storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.

Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.

When machine is to be parked, stored, or left unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive mechanical lock is used.

Be careful during adjustment of the machine to prevent entrapment of the fingers between moving blades and fixed parts of the machine.

On multi-reel machines, take care as rotating one reel can cause other reels to rotate.

CALIFORNIASAFEOPERATINGPRACTICES

Mowers used in California, USA are required by law (CA PRC 4442 & CA H & SC 13005) to have their engines equipped with spark arresters when operating in flammable vegetation. Arresters must be obtained from your engine dealer and are not available from National Mower Company.

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SAFETY AND CONTROL DECALS

Safety decals and instructions are located on the mower near the controls or near areas of potential hazards. Worn, damaged, or loose decals must be replaced. The decal part number and the location of the decal on the mower are listed next to each decal.

07581 - MAIN ENGINE CLUTCH LEVER

(located on top surface of engine belt guard)

Move lever backward to put clutch in neutral position, forward to cause mower to travel (direction depends on differential shift position).

WARNING Engage the clutch slowly. Refer to instructions in the OPERATIONS section

07582 - DIFFERENTIAL SHIFT LEVER (located on top edge of differential gear drive)

Move the shift lever and set it in the notch to place the differential into Forward, Neutral, or Reverse. NEVER SHIFT THE DIFFERENTIAL WITH THE MOWER IN MOTION OR THE MAIN ENGINE CLUTCH ENGAGED.

07584 – TRANSPORT CLUTCH PEDAL (Model 68 DL)

(located on top surface of engine belt guard)

Pressing the pedal will cause the mower to run in high-speed transport mode. Operate the transport clutch by slowly pressing the pedal with your left foot. Releasing the pedal will cause the mower to coast to a stop, or resume mowing speed.

Before using, disengage the cutting unit clutches and raise the cutting units to their transport position.

WARNING NEVER USE THE TRANSPORT CLUTCH WHILE THE CUTTING

UNITS ARE TURNING, OR WHEN THE DIFFERENTIAL SHIFT IS IN REVERSE.

07585 – ENGINE THROTTLE (located on steering wheel)

Move the engine throttle lever forward for fast speed, backward for slow speed

07583 – WING MOWER CLUTCH (located on top surface of main belt guard)

Move the clutch lever back to engage the wing mower clutch. Move the lever forward to put the clutch in neutral.

07586 – IGNITION KEY (Model 68 DL)

(located on instrument cluster panel)

To start the engine, sit on the seat and place all cutting unit clutches in neutral. Turn the key to the full clockwise position to start the engine. Use the choke as required. Once the engine has started, release the key and allow it to rotate to the central run position.

To stop the engine, turn the key to the full counterclockwise position.

Refer to the engine manual for details on proper engine operation.

Disengage cutting unit clutches, engage the parking brake and remove the key whenever leaving the mower seat.

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SAFETY AND CONTROL DECALS

07587 – IGNITION KEY (Model 68 SR) (located on top surface of main belt guard)

To start the engine, place the main clutch and all cutting unit clutches in neutral. Turn the key to the clockwise position and pull on the recoil starter. Use the choke as required.

To stop the engine, turn the key to the full counterclockwise position.

Refer to the engine manual for details on proper engine operation.

Disengage cutting unit clutches, engage the parking brake and remove the key whenever leaving the mower seat.

07588 – PARKING BRAKE LEVER (located on top surface of main belt guard)

Move the parking brake lever forward to set the brake, rearward to release the brake. Driving the mower with the parking brake set will cause excess wear on the brake mechanism.

07589 – SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL (located on top surface of main belt guard)

Press the brake pedal with your right foot to stop the mower. You must also release the main engine clutch in order for the mower to come to a complete stop.

07599 – WARNING DECAL

(located on instrument cluster [68 DL] or main belt guard [68 SR])

Read and understand the information in the Owner’s Manual before operating this mower.

Read and understand the information in the Owner’s Manual before attempting to repair, service, or maintain this mower.

Turn off the mower engine, remove the ignition key, and disconnect the engine spark plug before

attempting to repair, service, or maintain this mower.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this prod-

uct contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

 

 

Objects may be thrown from the cut-

 

WARNING

 

ting units. Keep bystanders away

 

 

 

 

from the mower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never allow the mower to freewheel

 

DANGER

 

down hills without the traction drive

 

 

engaged. Serious injury or death can result from loss of control.

WARNING

Do not operate the mower on slopes

greater than 15 degrees.

 

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07590 – REAR CUTTING UNIT CLUTCH (located on top surface of rear cutting unit)

Pull lever forward and toward the center of the machine to engage sliding jaw clutch.

To disengage, pull lever forward and out to engage locking pin.

Never engage the drive unless the rear cutting unit has been lowered to the cutting position.

(Note that the decal is viewed properly while looking toward the rear of the mower.)

07595 – MANUFACTURER & SOUND LEVELS (located on left side of main belt guard)

Guaranteed sound power level and manufacturer’s information

07415 – MODEL 68 DL LABEL (68 DL only)

07598 – MODEL 68 SR LABEL (68 SR only

(located on left side of engine belt guard and right side of main belt guard)

07083 – SERIAL NUMBER DATA PLATE (located on mower frame, left side, below seat)

07600 – CUTTING UNIT DANGER (located on top surface of each cutting unit)

 

 

 

Reels and bed knives on the cutting

 

DANGER

 

 

 

units are sharp. Keep hands and

 

 

 

 

feet away from the cutting units.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not attempt to work around the

 

DANGER

 

 

 

cutting units while they are running.

 

 

 

Your fingers, hands, arms, or any loose clothing may become entangled in the belt drives. Do not operate the cutting units unless you are seated on the mower. Keep all guards and shields in place.

205341 – INSTRUCTIONS for OPTIONAL DIAL-A- HEIGHT ADJUSTER

(located on the top shield of each cutting unit)

Raise and turn the adjuster knob counterclockwise to lower the height of cut. Raise and turn the adjuster knob clockwise to raise the height of cut. Read the instructions for the Dial-A-Height adjusters in the Operations section of this manual.

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SAFETY AND CONTROL DECALS

205399 – Optional DIAL-A-HEIGHT SCALE (Rear cutting units)

205346 – Optional DIAL-A-HEIGHT SCALE (Wing cutting units)

(located on each Dial-A-Height bracket)

Align the bottom edge of the Dial-A-Height bracket with the desired height of cut on this decal. Read the instructions for the Dial-A-Height adjusters in the Operations section of this manual.

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RECEIPT OF SHIPMENT

Carefully inspect your machine and crate for damage that could have occurred during shipment. If damages or shortages are noted, have the transportation company’s representative note this on the bill of lading.

Note: Claims for shipping damages must be noted by the consignee at the point of destination and filed with the transportation company that delivers the shipment.

UNCRATING INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

Wear protective gloves. Steel

 

CAUTION

 

banding is sharp. Handle cutting

 

 

 

 

units carefully. Reels rotate freely

 

 

and are very sharp.

 

 

 

In order to prevent possible damage to the machine or personal injury, the following uncrating procedure must be followed:

1. Position Crate (1) on a hard, level surface.

2Cut and remove all Steel Banding (2). Remove the entire top of the crate.

3.Unbolt Seat (3) from crate bracing and lay seat aside for installation later.

4.Lift Rear Cutting Unit (4) off the crate supporting members and set aside for later attachment.

5.Make sure Wing Cutting Units (5) are in their upright positions, secured to the mower frame with Wing Cutting Unit Latches.

6.Knock down all sides of crate and remove. Roll mower backwards off of crate base.

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National Mower 68 DL, 68 SR User Manual

ASSEMBLY

 

 

Improper assembly or adjustments

 

WARNING

 

can cause serious injury.

 

 

 

 

 

SEAT

1.Mount the Rear Cutting Unit Lifter and Seat Assembly

(A) to the mower frame using (2) 1/2" bolts, nuts, and washers (B).

2.Fasten the seat slides (C) to the bottom of the seat (D) using the fasteners provided with the slider mechanisms. Orient the slider so the adjuster lever (E) is on the operator's left hand side.

3.Remove the seat switch bracket (F, 1" x 10" bar)) mounted near the ends of the legs of the seat hinge. Discard the fasteners. Mount the seat and slider assembly onto the seat hinge (G). Replace the seat switch bracket and tighten fasteners. Plug the wire harness socket (H) into the seat safety switch (J). Use care in routing the wires so that they are not pinched by the switch lever or seat support mechanisms.

REAR CUTTING UNIT

1.Pivot the Seat Brace (A) from the axle so that the top end aligns with the tab at the back of the seat hinge assembly. Fasten with a 5/16" x 1" Hex Head Bolt, Lock Washer and Hex Nut.

2.Slide the rod end of the lifter tee (B) through the hole

(C)in the pad on the rear mower frame and secure it to the lift arm pivot with the cotter pin and washer as shown at (D).

3.Attach the Pull Rod (E) to the cutting unit Pivot Tube

(F)with Pin and Spacers.

NOTE: Before completing assembly, it will be necessary to adjust the drive belt tension. See "Rear Cutting Unit Drive Belt Tension" in the Maintenance section of this manual, page 23.

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REAR CUTTING UNIT BELT

Install Rear Cutting Unit Belt (A) from Countershaft Pulley

(B) to outer Drive Pulley (C). Idler Pulley (D) must ride on top of lower belt to provide proper tension. NOTE: It will be necessary to raise rear cutting unit to allow enough slack to get belt over pulleys.

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WING CUTTING UNITS

1.Remove the two Wing Cutting Unit Belts from the steering column.

2.Release the Laches (A) from Wing Cutting Units. To release the latch, lift the wing cutting unit handle until the latch swings upward into a nearly vertical position. Carefully lower the cutting unit to the ground. Avoid dropping the cutting unit, as damage may result to the cutting unit, the mower, or your turf.

3.Slip wing Cutting Unit belts (B) over Countershaft Pulleys (C).

4.Block mower wheels to prevent mower from moving forward. Pull Wing Cutting Units (D) forward so that they slide on Pull Rods (E) and compress springs (F). This will allow enough slack to enable belts to be installed over Reel Pulleys (G).

5.Pull Cutting Units backwards to adjust belt tension. Tighten bolt (H) to lock in place.

REEL TO BED KNIFE ADJUSTMENT

To prevent damage during shipment, the reels have been moved away from the bed knives at the factory. Follow the procedure for "Reel to Bed Knife Adjustment" in the Maintenance section of this manual to properly adjust your cutting units.

ENGINE

CAUTION MOWER IS SHIPPED WITH DRY ENGINE. DO NOT START ENGINE

UNTIL OIL IS ADDED TO CRANKCASE. See Engine Manual for additional information.

DIFFERENTIAL

Grease has been installed in the differential at the factory. For additional information, refer to the Maintenance section of this manual.

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PREPARATION

Handle cutting units carefully with DANGER protective gloves. Reels and bed

knives are very sharp. Reels rotate freely and rotating one reel can cause other reels to rotate.

FUEL - Check fuel level. Add fuel as required. Refer to the engine manual for type of fuel and other safety requirements.

ENGINE COOLING - Keep engine cowlings clear of clippings.

CAUTION

Moving machinery can be dangerous

if not operated properly. Follow all safe operating suggestions listed in the Safety Information section of this manual.

Check the following items before each use of the mower.

TIRE PRESSURE - Use a tire pressure gage to check the tire pressure. Fill tires with compressed air as needed to obtain the pressure labelled on the sidewall of the tire.

ENGINE OIL - Check level on dipstick. Refer to the engine manual for instructions on adding oil and which oil viscosity to use.

LUBRICATION - Add lubricant to pivots and other lubrication points as required. Refer to the lubrication chart in the Maintenance section of this manual.

REELS CLEAR OF DEBRIS - Remove any debris that may be tangled in the cutting reels. Keep the reel shaft and bearing clean of grass or other debris buildup.

SAFETY SWITCH OPERATION - Check operation of all safety switches. Do not use mower if safety switches are disconnected or not operational, as dangerous conditions will result.

OPERATION

The following is a description of the machine controls and their function.

A. Main Clutch Lever

WARNING Engage slowly before full engagement. Always disengage

the drive when stopping or leaving the machine.

Engages power for travel and mowing. Down position is disengaged and up position is engaged.

The engine clutch lever has an electrical interlock and engine will not start if clutch is engaged. For added safety, the interlock system should be checked periodically to ensure that it is adjusted to function properly.

B.Engine Throttle Lever – Regulates mowing and travel speeds. Moving the control handle back will reduce engine speed for starting and idling engine. Push forward to increase engine speed. Never travel at speeds faster than required for proper mowing.

C.Wing Cutting Unit Clutch Lever – Engages drive to

Wing Cutting Units. Pull lever back and down to engage. Never engage drive unless Wing Cutting Units have been lowered to cutting position.

Engine Choke Lever (No photo) - Located near the upper rear right corner of the engine. Use the choke when starting a cold engine. See the engine manual for engine starting information and proper use of the choke.

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OPERATION

D. Transport Clutch (Model 68 DL only)

NEVER USE THE TRANSPORT WARNING CLUTCH WHILE THE CUTTING

UNITS ARE TURNING OR WHEN THE DIFFERENTIAL SHIFT IS IN REVERSE.

Use this clutch to travel between mowing sites at speeds faster than those obtained with the main clutch. Before using, disengage the cutting unit clutches and raise the cutting units to their transport position.

G. Rear Cutting Unit Clutch

Engages drive to the Rear

Cutting Unit.

Pull lever forward and toward the center of the machine to engage sliding jaw clutch.

To disengage, pull lever forward and out to engage locking pin.

Never engage the drive unless the rear cutting unit has been lowered to the cutting position.

Operate the transport clutch by slowly pressing the pedal with your left foot. Releasing the pedal will cause the mower to coast to a stop, or resume mowing speed.

E.Wing Cutting Unit Latch

WARNING

NEVER ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE

WING CUTTING UNITS WHEN

THE WING MOWER CLUTCH IS

ENGAGED.

The Wing Cutting Units should be latched in their elevated position whenever the mower is being transported or in storage.

If needed, push the latch

(E) down to a generally horizontal position. Grasp the Wing Cutting Unit lift handle (not shown) and raise the cutting unit until the latch (E) engages the lift arm socket (F).

To release the latch, lift the handle until the latch (E) swings upward into a nearly vertical position, then carefully lower the cutting unit onto the ground. Avoid dropping the cutting unit, as damage may result to the cutting unit, the mower, or your turf.

H. Rear Cutting Unit Lift Arm

Raises rear mower to the transport position. Pull handle up, forward and over center to lock it in the up position.

J. Seat Position Adjuster Lever

WARNING DO NOT OPERATE THE SEAT SLIDE MECHANISM WHILE THE

MOWER IS MOVING

The seat may be moved forward or backward to suit the operator. Pull the lever near the front left corner of the seat outward to release the slide mechanism. After moving the seat to a comfortable position, release the lever to lock the slide mechanism.

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OPERATION

K. Ignition Switch (Model 68 DL shown)

CAUTION

ALWAYS SHUT OFF THE ENGINE

AND REMOVE THE KEY BEFORE

LEAVING THE MOWER SEAT.

The 68 DL ignition switch is located on the instrument cluster. It is a threeposition switch.

Turn the key clockwise to the middle position to activate the electrical system. Turn the key to the full clockwise position to start the

engine. Turn the switch counterclockwise to shut off the engine.

The 68 SR ignition switch (not shown) is located on the steering column. It is a two-position switch.

Turn the key clockwise to activate the electrical system and allow the engine to be started. Turn the switch counterclockwise to shut off the engine.

L. Differential Shift Lever

WARNING

Never shift while machine is in mo-

tion, as damage to the gears could

 

result. Always disengage engine clutch before attempt-

ing to shift.

 

Located on the mower differential, this control has three positions: Forward, Neutral (center p o s i t i o n ) , and Reverse. The lever must be pulled toward the cen-

ter of the machine to clear the notch in the stop disc and positioned securely in the new notch.

M. Parking Brake Lever

Provides a lock for the brake. Push brake lever forward, over center, to lock. Pulling brake lever back, toward the rear of the machine will disengage the brake.

N. Service

Brake

Depress the Service Brake foot pedal to slow the mower and lock the rear wheels in the full stop position.

Note: It is best to slow the mower with the throttle and then disengage clutch lever before

applying brake. This prevents excessive wear and engine overload.

SAFETY SWITCHES

Your National 68 mower is equipped with safety switches to monitor the operating conditions of certain machine functions and stop the mower whenever unsafe conditions are found.

It is necessary for both the main engine clutch and the wing cutting unit clutch to be in their neutral position to start the engine. The 68 DL also requires the operator be in the seat. The 68 SR does not require the operator to be in the seat to facilitate use of the hand recoil starter.

If you encounter difficulties starting the mower’s engine, or keeping it running, check the chart in the Safety Switches section of this manual to make sure you are not causing the engine to kill or become unable to start.

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68OM-06/03

HEIGHT OF CUT ADJUSTMENT

DANGER To assure safety, disengage the engine clutch lever, remove the ignition key, and disconnect the engine spark plug

wire prior to making any of the following adjustments.

1. STANDARD ADJUSTERS

The height of cut is variable and may be adjusted on both wing cutting units and the rear cutting unit by loosening the top and bottom Adjusting Nuts (A) which hold Roller Adjusters (B) in Roller Brackets (C). Roller (D) may then be moved up and down.

It is important to get all rollers adjusted to the same height so that there will be uniform cutting across the entire width of the cutting unit. Do not adjust by sight. Place the mower on a hard, level surface and place a board or gauge plate of the desired height under each bed knife back bar. Allow the rear roller to rest on the level surface. Retighten the adjusting nuts and remove the gauge plate or board.

STANDARD HEIGHT ADJUSTER

NOTE: Guards removed or cut away to show detail

®

NATIONAL 68 SR & DL TRIPLEX

2. DIAL-A-HEIGHT ADJUSTERS (OPTIONAL)

To set the height of cut, lift the vinyl cap and socket (A) off the adjuster tube. To raise the height of cut, turn the socket clockwise (viewed from above). To lower the height of cut, turn the socket counterclockwise. Each quarter turn (90°) of the socket will raise or lower the height of cut by approximately 1/32". A full turn (360°) will raise or lower the height of cut approximately 1/8".

When making large adjustments (over 1/2"), make small adjustments to each side until the desired change is reached. When the desired height is achieved, lower the socket and make sure the adjuster tube locks it in position.

The scale decal (C) on the rear side of the adjuster indicates the height of cut. To use it, sight along the bottom edge of the adjuster tube (B). The reading on the scale is your approximate height of cut.

You should determine the exact settings by test mowing your turf. If very accurate cutting heights are required, place the cutting units on a hard, level surface and place a board or other gauge plate of the desired height under each bed knife backing bar. Lower the rollers to the level surface. When completed, make sure the socket is locked in position over the adjuster tube.

DIAL-A-HEIGHT ADJUSTER (OPTIONAL)

OTHER ADJUSTMENTS

For other machine adjustments, see the Maintenance section of this manual.

68OM-06/03

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