Farm Star MDM70-72C 6 - Manual (Page 22)

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O P E R AT I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
GEARBOX OIL FILL
NOTE: The gearbox is shipped WITHOUT lubricant, so it
will be necessary to fill is before use. With the gearbox in
a level position, fill to the side inspection hole with a good
90 wt. gear lubricant. Check often and add lubricant if
necessary.
A D J U S T I N G F O R W O R K
The mower should be operated at the highest position
which will give desired cutting results. This will help pre-
vent the blades from striking the ground, reducing blade
wear and undue strain on the machine. For best results
always tilt the mower slightly lower in the front. This tilt
decreases horsepower requirements. When fine shred-
ding is desired, adjust mower deck level or slightly lower.
This will keep the foliage under mower until thoroughly
shredded. More power is required for shredding.
The cutting height is adjustable from 1 - 5 inches. To
adjust, proceed as follows:
A. Raise mower off ground using tractor 3-point lift. Turn
off tractor engine, disengage PTO, set parking brake,
and remove key from ignition.
B. SECURELY BLOCK MOWER.
C. Remove bolt securing tailwheel to adjusting strap.
D. Adjust tailwheel to desired position. Secure with bolt,
lockwasher and nut.
E. Lower mower to work position.
F. Adjust tractor 3-point hitch top link so linkage lift straps
have a small amount of slack to allow mower deck to
float during operation.
G E N E R A L S A F E T Y
Only qualified people familiar with this manual should
operate this machine. Operator should wear hard hat,
safety glasses, and safety shoes. It is recommended
that tractor be equipped with Roll-Over Protective
System (ROPS) and a seat belt be used. Before begin-
ning operation, clear work area of objects that may be
picked up and thrown. Check for ditches, stumps, holes,
or other obstacles that could upset tractor or damage
cutter. Always turn off tractor engine, set parking brake,
lower cutter to ground and allow mower blades to come
to a complete stop before dismounting tractor.
The designed and tested safety of this machine
depends on it being operated within the limitations as
explained in this manual. Be familiar with and follow all
safety rules in the manual, on the mower and on the
tractor.
The safe operation of this machine is the responsi-
bility of the owner/operator. The operator should be
familiar with the mower and tractor and all safety
practices before starting operation. Read the safety
rules on pages 4 thru 16.
C A U T I O N !
Do not operate the PTO at other than the rated 540
RPM. Excessive speeds can cause breakage, thrown
objects, and potential injury.
Read manual before operating.
C A U T I O N !
• Know your controls and how to stop tractor, engine,
and cutter quickly in an emergency. READ THIS
MANUAL AND THE ONE PROVIDED WITH YOUR
TRACTOR.
• To avoid accident or injury, do not allow anyone to
operate this equipment without proper instructions.
Any person who operates this equipment must be
instructed in and be capable of the safe operation of
the tractor, cutter and all controls.
• Do not allow children to operate this machine.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to
avoid entanglement in moving parts. Wear sturdy,
rough-soled work shoes and protective equipment for
eyes, hands, and hearing. Never operate tractor or
cutter in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
• Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Ensure cutter is properly mounted, adjusted and in
good operating condition.
• Ensure that all safety shielding and decals are
properly installed and in good condition.
O P E R AT I N G T E C H N I Q U E
Power for operating mower is supplied by tractor PTO.
Operate PTO only at 540 rpm gear range. Know how to
stop tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
Engage PTO at a low engine rpm to minimize stress on
the drive system and gearbox. Place tractor in gear and
proceed forward. Advance tractor throttle to 540 PTO
RPM. Tractor forward speed should be controlled by
gear selection, not engine speed. For maximum cutting
efficiency, forward speed should allow mower to maintain
a constant, maximum blade speed. If mower stalls or
tractor engine bogs, disengage PTO. Before re-engag-
ing PTO, position mower in a cut area and reduce trac-
tor throttle to idle. If mower continuously stalls, select
lower tractor gear and/or increase cutting height.
Blade rotation is counterclockwise causing cut material
to discharge to the left side of mower forming a windrow.
To shred and dissipate this windrow, tractor should be
driven in a counterclockwise direction throwing material
to the uncut area. The windrowed material will be recut
on each new pass. Tractor tire tracks are cut more effi-
ciently when tractor is traveling in a clockwise direction
especially when cutting height is high. Larger brush
should be cut in the center of mower. Always cut up and
down the face of slopes, never across.
If gearbox protection is provided by a shearbolt, then
the shearbolt will shear when excessive torsional loads
are encountered.
If gearbox protection is provided by a slip-clutch, then
the clutch will slip when excessive loads are encoun-
tered.
Proper ground speed will depend upon the terrain, the
height, type and density of material to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from two to five mph.
Tall dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin
medium-height material can be cut at a faster ground
speed.
When engaging the PTO, the engine speed should
always be low. Once the PTO is engaged and ready to
start cutting, raise the PTO speed to 540 RPM and main-
tain throughout mowing operation. ALWAYS operate the
PTO at 540 RPM. This is necessary to maintain proper
blade speed to obtain a clean cut.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some
grass down and prevent it from being cut at the same
height as the surrounding area. When this occurs,
reduce your ground speed, but maintain PTO at 540
rpm. The lower ground speed will permit grass to at least
partially rebound.
Under some conditions, grass will not rebound enough
to be cut evenly. In general, lower cutting heights give a
more even cut with less tendency to leave tire tracks.
However, it is better to cut grass frequently rather that
too short. Short grass deteriorates rapidly in hot weather Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp
drops to prevent “hanging up” tractor and mower.
Practice will improve your skills in maneuvering rough
terrain.
O P E R ATING TIPS
SHREDDING
For shredding, it is better to set the mower lower at the
rear. How much lower depend on the material to be
shredded. Determine the best setting for your situation
by experimenting.
Mower should not operate with front skids constantly on
ground. If tractor 3 pt. hitch leaks down, purchase limit
chains to set lift arm height.
Extremely tall material should be cut twice. Set cutter at
a higher cutting height for the first pass. Then on second
time cut at desired height at 90˚ to the first pass.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and
require less power.
Analyze area to be cut to determine the best procedure.
Consider height and type of grass and terrain type; hilly,
level or rough.
Plan your mowing pattern to travel straight forward
whenever possible. Mow clockwise around fields when
necessary to minimize streaking on corners.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
and invites weed growth during growing seasons. Follow
local recommendations for the suitable cutting height in
your area.
IMPORTANT
Vibration tends to loosen bolts during operation. All
hardware should be checked regularly to maintain
proper torque. It is a good practice to check mower
before each operation to ensure all hardware is
secure.
O P E R ATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
W A R N I N G !
Do not operate on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on
slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
Watch or hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
W A R N I N G !
Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches, or other hard objects that might be
thrown, causing injury or damage.