Alamo 803350C - Manual (Page 126)

OPERATION
VERSA PRO 03/09 Operation Section 4-26
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERA
T
ION
Engage the PTO shaft at low engine speed and speed the engine up after blades are fully engaged. Never
engage the PTO shaft at a high engine speed. This could cause damage to the PTO shaft as well as the Speed
Increaser and Pump. Always operate PTO at the recommended RPM when mowing. This is necessary to
maintain proper blade speed and to produce a clean cut.
Proper ground speed for cutting will depend upon the height, type, and density of material to be cut. Normally,
ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph. Tall dense material should be cut at low speed while thin medium
height material can be cut at a faster ground speed.
Always run the Mower at the highest position which will enable you to obtain the desired cutting results.
Allowing the blades to cut into the ground will cause wear and undue strain on the mower frame and mower
components.
If you are mowing in conditions of heavy growth or rough ground where the blades cut into the ground and the
tractor engine slows down, do not depress the clutch on the tractor to allow the engine to speed up and
engage the clutch again. This procedure exerts tremendous strain on Mower components. Always disengage
the PTO and move forward or backwards until the machine is clear.
This mower is designed with free swinging blades. This feature reduces the amount of shock transmitted to
other components. Always make sure the blades can swing freely.
Do not ride the clutch on the tractor. Mow in the appropriate gears to give the correct ground speed.
As often as possible, stop mowing when other people are passing by. Although the Mower is shielded to
prevent objects from being thrown out by the blades, no one shield device is 100% effective. The safest
possible course is the only sensible approach to the problem of endangering a passerby. The operator has
greater knowledge of the dangers of being around this Mower while it is operational than the person on the
street.
8. OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT
THE OPERATOR MUST COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND HOW TO OPERATE THE TRACTOR AND
IMPLEMENT AND ALL CONTROLS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE. The operator must read and
understand the Safety and Operation Sections of the implement and tractor operator’s manuals. These
manuals must be read and explained to any operator who cannot read. Never allow someone to operate the
implement and tractor without complete operating instructions.
Before starting any operation, the operator must become familiar with the area to be worked in and any
obstacles and hazards contained within to ensure safety to the operator, bystanders, and equipment. Special
attention should be paid to foreign debris, rough terrain, steep slopes, and passersby and animals in the area.
OPS-U- 0015
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such
as gravel, rocks, wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before
mowing. Foreign objects should be removed from the site to prevent
machine damage and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects that
cannot be removed must be clearly marked and carefully avoided by the
operator. Stop mowing immediately if blades strike a foreign object.
Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade carrier is balanced
before resuming mowing.
(SGM-05)