Modern AG 10' Predator - Manual (Page 38)

38 - 10' Predatorrr
opeRATIon secTIon
pTo RpM and Ground speed
Ground speed for mowing will depend upon the height, type, and density of vegetation to be cut.
Recommended speed for efficient cutter performance is between 2 and 5 mph. Operate the cutter at
its full rated PtO speed to maintain blade speed for a clean cut. Refer to the tractor operator’s manual
or the tractor instrument panel for the engine speed and gear to provide the required PtO and desired
ground speed. make sure that the cutter is operating at its full rated speed before entering the vegeta-
tion to be cut. If it becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed, increase or decrease the
throttle gradually.
Ground speed is achieved by transmission gear selection and not by the engine operating speed. the
operator may be required to experiment with several gear range combinations to determine the best
gear and range which provides the most ideal performance from the cutter and most efficient tractor
operation. as the severity of cutting conditions increase, the ground speed should be decreased by
selecting a lower gear to maintain the proper operating PtO speed.
Do not exceed the rated PtO speed for the Implement. excessive PtO speeds can cause implement
driveline or blade failures resulting in serious injury or death.
mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and cutter. Safe mowing speed
depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of cut. normal ground speed range is
from 2 to 5 mph. use slow mowing speeds when operating on or near steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs,
overhead obstructions, power lines, or when debris and foreign objects are to be avoided.
operating the cutter
Only operate the cutter from the tractor operator’s seat with the seatbelt securely fastened. the tractor
must be equipped with a ROPS in the raised position or a ROPS cab.
the cutter is designed to cut vegetation up to 2” in diameter. Sharp blades will produce a cleaner cut and
require less power. travel at a speed that allows the cutter sufficient time to cut through the vegetation
and maintain the PtO operating speed to prevent overloading the cutter and tractor. Choose a driving
pattern that provides the maximum pass length and minimizes turning.
under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some grasses down preventing them from being cut at
the same height as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce the tractor ground speed while main-
taining the operating speed of the cutter. a slower ground speed will permit grasses to at least partially
rebound and be cut. taking a partial cut and/or reversing the direction of travel may also help produce
a cleaner cut.
avoid mowing in the reverse direction when possible. In situations where the cutter must be backed to
access areas to be cut, make sure there are no persons or other foreign debris behind the cutter before
mowing in reverse. When mowing in reverse, operate the tractor and cutter at a reduced ground speed
to ensure tractor and cutter control is maintained.
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