Land Pride FDR1648 Operator's Manual page 22

Table of Contents
Section 3: Operating Instructions
General Operating Instructions
By now you should have thoroughly read your Grooming
Mower Operator's Manual, properly attached your Land
Pride FDR16 to your tractor, and reviewed the operating
checklist. You should have also inspected the area where
you intend to mow and cleared it of safety hazards and
foreign objects. If you have not yet completed all of these
functions, it is an absolute must that you do so now
before proceeding.
Now that you are properly briefed and prepared, its time
to start the tractor and move to your starting point. When
transporting to your mowing site, select a safe ground
transport speed. When traveling on roadways, transport
in such a manner that faster moving vehicles can easily
see you and pass you safely. When travelling over rough
and hilly terrain, reduce your speed and avoid quick or
sharp steering corrections. Take extra care to ensure that
the mower doesn't come into contact with obstacles such
as trees, buildings, or fences.
When you have arrived at the mowing site, start the
tractor, raise the deck to make sure that everything is
properly attached and that the driveline is not in a bind or
in contact with the mounting frame. Also make sure the
tractor tires aren't in contact with the deck. With the deck
still in the raised position, proceed to your starting point
and lower your deck to the ground in mowing position.
Reduce your tractor engine rpm to idle and engage PTO.
Gradually raise tractor engine rpm to achieve the
540-rpm PTO speed. Now begin mowing at a ground
speed of approximately 4-5 mph.
The proper mowing speed will ultimately be determined
by ground conditions, desired finish, common sense, and
good safe mowing practices by the operator. Grass is
best cut when it is dry. Mowing in wet grass can cause
plugging resulting in grass clumps behind the mower.
Grass should be mowed frequently as shorter clippings
deteriorate faster. When mowing in tall grass it is best to
raise the cutting height, mow the area, then lower the
cutting height, and mow a second time.
After mowing approximately 50 ft., stop the tractor,
disengage the PTO, set the brake, turn off the engine,
remove the key, and dismount the tractor to see if the
mower is adjusted properly. If you need to dismount the
tractor on a hill or incline to inspect, adjust, or park the
mower for any reason, place wheel chocks under the rear
tires for added safety. Once you have made necessary
adjustments, you may continue mowing. Do not engage
the PTO at high engine rpm and avoid making sharp
turns if at all possible. If some one approaches while you
are mowing, disengage the PTO and stop the tractor.
With a little practice and experience you will become very
good at operating your Land Pride FDR16 Rear
Discharge Grooming Mower. Always remember that
there is no substitute for proper maintenance and good
safe operating practices. See "Features and Benefits"
section page 28 or "Product Specifications" on page
27 for additional information and performance enhancing
options.
20 FDR1648, FDR1660 & FDR1672 Rear Discharge Grooming Mowers 310-366M 4/03/14