Tractor Horsepower; Drawbar; Tractor Hydraulics; Front End Weight - Schulte V1280 Operator's Manual

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2.3 Tractor Horsepower

The horsepower required to operate the mower depends on several operating factors including the vegetation

to be cut, terrain condition, operator experience, condition of the mower and tractor, and others. For most

mowing conditions, the V1280 mower requires a tractor with a minimum of 60 HP. Operating the mower with a

tractor that does not have adequate power may damage the tractor engine. Exceeding 60 HP for a 540 RPM

drive may cause mower damage by overpowering the unit in heavy cutting conditions.

Tractor drawbar length must be positioned based

on the operating speed of the mower to ensure

proper driveline operation. For 540 RPM mowers,

position the drawbar length from shaft end to hitch

hole at 14".

Ensure that the drawbar is rated to carry the tongue

weight of the mower.

The mower center section and wings are raised and lowered with two hydraulic cylinders. The tractor operating

the mower must have two hydraulic control remotes devoted to the mower or be equipped with a 2-spool

control valve.

A minimum of 20% total tractor weight must be maintained on the tractor front end at all times. Front end

weight is critical to maintain steering control and to prevent the tractor from rearing up while driving. If the

front end is too light, add weight until a minimum of 20% total weight is reached on the front tires. Front

weights and weight carriers can be purchased through an authorized tractor dealership. OPS-U- 0005

Depending on the unit, the mower is designed to operate at a PTO speed of 540 or 1000 RPM. Most tractors

operate at either 540, or a combination of 540 and 1000 RPM PTO speeds. The operating speed of the

mower and tractor can be determined by the number of splines on the driveline yoke and PTO output shaft.

Those operating at 540 RPM will have a 6-spline shaft and those operating at 1000 RPM will have a 20 or 21-

spline shaft. Note: Refer to the tractor owner's manual for instructions to change PTO speeds on models that

operate at more than one speed.

If operating an older model tractor where the tractor's transmission and PTO utilize one master clutch, an

over-running clutch must be used between the PTO output shaft and the driveline of the mower.

authorized tractor dealer can provide the over-running clutch and its installation if needed. OPS-U- 0006_A

V1280 07/16

OPERATION

Operation Section 4-5

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