Bush Hog 2215R1 Operator's Manual page 107

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 2215 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 120 HP may cause
mower damage by overpowering the unit in heavy cutting conditions.
3.1 Drawbar
Constant Velocity and Standard Driveline.
Position the length of the drawbar from the end of the
tractor PTO shaft to the drawbar hitch hole according
to the operating speed of the mower. If the mower isa
540 RPM unit, position the drawbar length from shaft
end to hitch hole at 14". For 1000 RPM mowers, set
the drawbar length at 16" for 21 spline1-3/8" mowers.
Do not use PTO adapters. Use of PTO adapters will
invalidate your warranty.
3.2 Tractor Hydraulics
The mower center section and each wing are positioned with hydraulic cylinders that are operated by the
tractor hydraulic pump. The tractor must have a minimum of 2 hydraulic control valves devoted to the mower
unless the tractor is fitted with a 3-spool control valve (extra equipment).
A 3-spool control valve is required if the tractor is equipped with a single valve and is recommended for those
with two valves so that the center section and each wing can be controlled independent of one another. Refer
to the Assembly Section of this manual for properly equipping the tractor with a 3-spool control valve. Tractors
equipped with three hydraulic ports can position the center section and each wing independently with no extra
equipment. If the tractor is equipped with only two hydraulic ports and a 3-spool control valve is not used, the
wings cannot be operated independently and will raise and lower at different speeds.
3.3 Front End Weight
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
2215/12215 07/20
© 2020 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
Operation Section 4-5