Alamo Switchblade Sickle Bar 5 - Manual (Page 91)

OPERATION
SB5/6 03/09 Operation Section 3-17
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERA
T
ION
All operating positions of the mower are controlled
with two control valve levers. The 'lift' function control
permits selection of Up, Lock, or Down position and
the 'tilt' control may be placed in one of four positions;
Up, Lock, Down, or Float.
Moving the 'lift' lever up will raise the cutter bar.
Release the lever and it will automatically return to
the center position to lock the cutter bar into position.
Moving the "lift" lever down will lower cutter bar.
Lift the 'tilt' lever and the cutter bar tip will arc up
toward the operator. Push down on the tilt control
lever and the tip of the cutter bar will rotate down.
Release the lever and it will automatically return to
center position to lock the cutter bar into position. By
pushing the lever all the way down, it will lock into
float detent position. This allows the cutter bar to
follow the contour of the ground. The tilt function also
incorporates an additional feature. If the tilt is lifted to
its maximum position, the lift cylinder will engage and
fully raise the cutter bar to maximum up position.
When the tilt is lowered the bar will automatically
return to the same lift height it was. This allows the
operator to use one lever to raise the cutter bar to
avoid an obstruction such as a utility pole.
If it is necessary to hold the cutter bar in the air (in such conditions as mowing over water, stones, or other
debris) the operator should then set the height with the 'lift' control in the hold (center) position and the 'tilt'
control in the hold (center) position. The valve incorporates holding components to maintain position.
7.1 MOTOR CONTROL
The motor starts when the button on the control stand is pulled out and tractor engine is running. The motor
rotation can be reversed, to clear cutter bar, by moving the toggle switch, located above the motor switch, to
the center position, allow the cutter bar to stop and then move the toggle to the other position.
7.2 KNIFE SPEED
Operate the tractor engine at the RPM that will produce 540 PTO RPM. This will produce the proper knife
speed for the cutter bar.
7.3 TRACTOR MOWING SPEED
The best mowing speeds are usually between 1-3 MPH. Conditions will vary with the material being cut and
the terrain, but select a speed producing the desired result and maintain that speed. If too much material falls
on the cutter bar, increase the ground speed slightly. If grass is being torn out, slow down by switching to a
slower gear to allow the knife time to cut clean. If the cutter bar breaks back frequently when cutting heavy
dead grass, brush, or vines, slow down to allow the knife time to cut cleanly.
Many varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains, can become entangled in the
operating parts of the mower head. These items could then swing outside the housing at
greater velocities than the blades. Such a situation is extremely hazardous and could result
in serious injury or even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before mowing.
Remove any like object from the site. Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.
(SGM-06)