Setting The Mower; Setting Deck Height - Bush Hog 1812 Operator's Manual

7. SETTING THE MOWER

Properly setting the cutting height is essential for efficient and safe operation. A properly set mower will make
a more uniform cut, distribute clippings more evenly, require minimal tractor work, and follow the contour of
uneven terrain. NOTE: Avoid very low cutting heights, striking the ground with the blades gives the most
damaging shock loads and will cause damage to the mower and drive. Blades contacting the ground may
cause objects to be thrown out from under the mower deck. Always avoid operating the mower at a height
which causes the blades to contact the ground. OPS-U- 0010
Never work under the Implement, the framework, or any lifted
component unless the Implement is securely supported or blocked up
to prevent sudden or inadvertent falling which could cause serious
injury or even death.

7.1 Setting Deck Height

LEVELING DECK CENTER SECTION
1. Place the tractor and mower on a level surface
and lower both wings.
2. Using the center section hydraulic cylinder,
position the mower so the skid shoes are 1"
less off the ground than the desired final cut
height. For example, for a 3" cut raise or lower
the mower until
approximately 2" off the ground.
3. Shut down the tractor, place the transmission in
park, and set the parking brake before
dismounting.
4. Level the mower deck front to rear by adjusting
the leveling rods linking the tongue to the rear
axle. DO NOT allow feet or other body parts
underneath the
adjustments. To adjust rod length, loosen
jamnut and screw turnbuckles. To lower the
front, lengthen the rods and to raise the front, shorten the rods. DO NOT unscrew turnbuckles to the point
that either rod threaded ends becomes disconnected which will cause the mower to fall. Re-tighten
jamnuts when deck is leveled.
5. IMPORTANT: Alternate adjustments between rods and adjust at equal lengths to maintain equal tension.
Improper adjustments may cause rods to snap or bend.
6. Place split collar assemblies on the center axle hydraulic cylinder rod to maintain a set cutting height each
time the mower is raised and lowered.
LEVELING WING SECTIONS WITH CENTER
Wings should be adjusted before use if they are not level with center deck section. Lower cutter until skids on
center section are approximately 1-2 inches off ground. Remove wing transport lock pin(s) and place in pin
storage hole. (Ops-1874) Lower wing(s) to ground allowing weight to rest on wheel(s). If wing(s) are not level
(parallel) to center section, loosen jam nut and turn turnbuckle body to adjust. (Ops-2025) Adjust shorter to
raise the wing outside edge and longer to lower the wing outside edge. It may be necessary to use wing lift
cylinder to relieve pressure from the linkage retaining pin. Tighten jam nut.
1812 08/14
© 2012 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
(SG-14)
the skid shoes are
mower when making
Operation Section 4-11