Alamo Switchblade Sickle Bar 5 - Manual (Page 89)

OPERATION
SB5/6 03/09 Operation Section 3-15
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERA
T
ION
6.3 Driving the Tractor and Switch Blade
Start off driving at a slow speed and gradually increase your speed while maintaining complete control of the
tractor and mower. Moving slowly at first will also prevent the tractor from rearing up and loss of steering
control. The tractor should never be operated at speeds that cannot be safely handled or which will prevent
the operator from stopping quickly during an emergency. If the power steering or engine ceases operating,
stop the tractor immediately as the tractor will be difficult to control.
Perform turns with the tractor and implement at
slow speeds to determine how the tractor with an
attached mower handles a turn. Determine the
safe speed to maintain proper control of the tractor
when making turns. When turning with an attached
implement, the overall working width of the unit is
ncreased. Allow additional clearance for the
implement when turning.
To avoid overturns, drive the tractor with care and
at safe speeds, especially when operating over
rough ground, crossing ditches or slopes, and
turning corners. Tractor wheel tread spacing should
be increased when working on inclines or rough
ground to reduce the possibility of tipping.
Triumph mowers will cut neat, square corners. It is
seldom necessary to raise the cutterbar at corners.
Turn quickly when near the end of cut using brake
to pivot right-hand wheel of tractor when making
turns to the right. When turning corners to the left,
run tractor in low gear. The cutterbar swings around
faster when turning in this direction and increases
the possibility of striking an unnoticed obstacle.
When mowing a ditch, the tip of the cutting bar is in
the ditch. When you want to come out, be sure to
turn out of the ditch to allow the cutterbar to exit the
ditch.
Use extreme caution when operating on steep
slopes. Keep the tractor in a low gear when going downhill. DO NOT coast or free-wheel downhill. OPS-SB-
0006
BEFORE leaving the tractor seat, always engage the brake and/or set
the tractor transmission in parking gear, disengage the PTO, stop the
engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the
tractor shift lever into a low range or parking gear to prevent the tractor
from rolling. Never dismount a Tractor that is moving or while the engine
is running. Operate the Tractor controls from the tractor seat only.
(SG-9)
Never Leave the mower unattended while the head is in the raised
position. The mower could fall causing serious injury to anyone who
might inadvertently be under the mower
. (SBM-4)