General Operation; Daily Inspection; Attaching; Detaching - Ventrac LQ450 Operator Manual And Parts Drawings

Daily Inspection

Always set the parking brake, shut off the power
unit engine, remove the ignition key, and ensure
all moving parts have stopped before checking
mower deck or blade condition, or attempting
any repair or adjustment.
1. Park the power unit and mower deck on a level
surface, with the engine shut off and all fluids cold.
2. Perform a visual inspection of the power unit and
mower deck. Look for loose or missing hard-
ware, damaged components, or signs of wear.
Inspect hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fittings, and
fuel lines to ensure tight, leak free connections.
3. Refer to the power unit operator's manual.
Check the power unit's engine oil, hydraulic oil,
cooling system, tire pressure, and fuel level. Add
fluid or service system as required.
4. Inspect the drive belts and mower blades. Belts
should be in good condition. Blades should be
sharp and securely fastened. Service as required.
5. Refer to the power unit operator's manual. Test
the power unit's operator safety interlock system.

Attaching

1. Drive the power unit slowly forward into the hitch
arms of the field mower. Align the lift arms of the
power unit with the field mower hitch arms by
raising or lowering the front hitch and complete
the engagement.
2. Once completely engaged, close the front hitch
locking lever.*
3. Engage the parking brake* and shut off the engine.
4. Place the attachment belt onto the PTO drive
pulley on the power unit. Ensure the belt is prop-
erly seated in each pulley.
5. Remove the top deck covers and engage the
drive belt tension spring.
6. Reinstall the top deck covers.
7. If the power unit is equipped with a shield kit,
install the limb pickup rods to the rod mounts on
the power unit.

Detaching

1. Park the power unit on a level surface and set
the parking brake.*
2. Lower the field mower to the ground. NOTE: set-
ting the back of the field mower on blocks will raise
the hitch arms and allow for easier reattachment.

GENERAL OPERATION

Operation - 16
3. Shut off power unit engine.
4. Remove the limb pickup rods from the rod
mounts on the power unit (if equipped).
5. Remove the top deck covers and disengage the
PTO tension spring.
6. Remove the attachment belt from the PTO drive
pulley of the power unit.
7. Reinstall the top deck covers.
8. Disengage the front hitch locking lever.*
9. Restart the power unit and slowly back away
from the mower. A side to side movement of the
steering wheel may aid disengagement.
If the power unit is equipped with a shield kit, the
shields can remain on the power unit, although
some attachments may require the removal of the
front tire shields.

Mowing and Operating Procedure

Before operation, perform daily inspection and
confirm that the cutting height is set properly. Set the
power unit's weight transfer system* (if equipped) to
the desired setting.
With the power unit engine running between 2,000
and 2,500 RPM, engage the PTO switch. Adjust the
throttle to the desired engine RPM.
Lower the mower deck to the ground and place
the power unit's primary S.D.L.A. control lever in
the float position by pushing it to the right until the
detent engages. The lever will stay in this position
until intentionally removed.
Begin forward motion in the desired path of mowing.
Avoid obstacles, removing debris as necessary.
Lift the mower deck when the edge of the mowing
area is reached. Turn the power unit and mower
around and align for the next pass.
Always shut off the engine, remove the ignition
key, and set the parking brake before checking
mower deck or blade condition, or attempting
any repair or adjustment.
Blades should be kept in good condition. Sharp
blades will increase efficiency and improve the
quality of cut.
Mowing in wet conditions may result in a build up of
clippings under the deck. Periodic checking should be
done by the operator to determine if the deck should
be cleaned. The deck should also be checked any-
time mowing performance seems to be reduced.
* Refer to power unit operator's manual for operation of power
unit controls
.