(7.5) Operating The Mower; Ground Speed - Alamo UNDER THE GUARDRAIL Operator's Manual

WARNING! Do not put hands or feet under mower decks. Blade Contact can result
serious injury or even death. Stay away until all motion has stopped and
the decks are securely blocked up.

7.4 Ground Speed

Ground speed for mowing will depend upon the height, type, and density of vegetation to be cut. Recommended
speed for efficient mower performance is between 1 and 3 mph. Operate the tractor engine at the RPM that will
produce 540 RPM. This will produce the proper blade speed for the mower. Refer to the tractor operator's manual
or the tractor instrument panel for the engine speed and gear to provide the required RPM and desired ground
speed. Make sure that the mower is operating at its full rated speed before entering the vegetation to be cut. If it
becomes necessary to temporarily regulate engine speed, increase or decrease the throttle gradually.
Ground speed is achieved by transmission gear selection and not by the engine operating speed. The operator
may be required to experiment with several gear range combinations to determine the best gear and range which
provides the most ideal performance from the mower and most efficient tractor operation. As the severity of cutting
conditions increase, the ground speed should be decreased by selecting a lower gear to maintain the proper
operating speed.
WARNING!
Mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the Tractor and Mower.
mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of cut.
Normal ground speed range is from 2 to 5 mph. Use slow mowing speeds when operating
on or near steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, power lines, or when
debris and foreign objects are to be avoided.
7.5 Operating the Mower
Only operate the mower from the tractor operator's seat with the seatbelt securely fastened on a ROPS or cab
equipped tractor. The mower is designed for cutting grass and small weeds around guardrails and under fences.
Sharp blades will produce a cleaner cut and require less power. Travel at a speed that allows the mower sufficient
time to cut through the vegetation and maintain the operating speed to prevent overloading the mower and tractor.
Choose a driving pattern that provides the maximum pass length and minimizes turning. Stay alert and watch for
trees, low hanging limbs, power lines, and other overhead obstacles and solid ground objects while you are
operating.
When the mower strikes the guardrail while traveling forward, it will break back against the return spring. The
mower will return automatically to cutting position when the guardrail is passed.
The Break-Away System only allows the mower to break back. Do not back the tractor or
WARNING!
allow it to roll back with the rear of the mower against an obstruction. Severe damage to
the mower or related components may result.
Avoid driving in the reverse direction. If the mower must be backed to access an area to cut, make sure there are
no obstructions, persons, or other foreign debris behind the mower before driving the mower and tractor in reverse.
WARNING!
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows
closed.
UGM 06/03
© 2003 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
(SGM-11)
Operation Section 4-15
(SGM-9)
(SGM-7)
Safe