!! OPERATING SAFETY !!

•  Read and understand the Operator's Manual and all safety signs before operating, servicing, adjusting, repairing, or unplugging.

•  Do not allow riders.

•  Install and secure all guards, shields, and deflectors before starting or operating.

•  Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.

•  Place all controls in neutral, stop tractor engine, set park brake, remove ignition key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before servicing, adjusting, repairing, or unplugging.

•  Place all tractor and machine controls in neutral before starting.

•  Never start or operate machine unless sitting on tractor seat.

•  Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children, before starting.

•  Stay away from PTO shaft and machine when engaging PTO. Keep others away.

•  Clean reflectors, Slow Moving Vehicle sign, and lights before transporting.

•  Use hazard flashers on tractor when transporting

•  Do not put hands or feet under machine while tractor engine or machine is running.

•  Do not operate Mower in the raised position.

•  Objects can be thrown out from under machine with sufficient force to severely injure people. Stay away from machine when it is running. Keep others away.

•  Always know what you are cutting. Never operate cutter in an area that has hidden obstacles. Remove sticks, stones, wire, or other objects from working area before starting.

•  Review safety instructions with all operators annually.

MACHINE BREAK-IN

Efficient and safe operation of the Finishing Mower require that each operator reads and understands the operating procedures and all related safety precautions outlined in this section. A pre-operational checklist is provided for the operator. It is important for both personal safety and maintaining the good mechanical condition of the Mower that this checklist be followed.

Before operating the machine and each time thereafter, the following areas should be checked:

1. Lubricate the machine per the scheduled outline in the service and maintenance section of this manual.

2. Use only a small agricultural tractor of less than 30 horsepower on the machine.

3. Check that the machine is properly attached to the tractor. Be sure retainers are used on all the mounting pins.

4. Check the oil level in the gearbox. Add as required.

5. Check that the PTO driveline turns freely and that the driveline can telescope easily.

6. Check the tire pressure. Bring to the specified level.

7. Check the blades. Be sure they are not damaged or broken. Repair or replace as required.

8. Check for entangled material in all rotating parts. Remove this material.

9. Install and secure all guards and deflectors before starting.

DRIVELINE DIMENSIONS

A PTO driveline is supplied with the machine to accommodate the variety of three point hitch geometry available. The driveline can be too long for some machines and must be cut. It is very important that the driveline be free to telescope but not bottom out when going through its working range. If the driveline bottoms out, the bearings on both the machine and the tractor PTO shaft will be overloaded and fail in a short time.

When cutting the driveline, follow this procedure:

•  Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children.

•  Attach the mower to the tractor, but do not attach the driveline.

•  Raise the machine until the input shaft is level with the tractor PTO shaft.