OPERATION
MACHETE 2 11/08 Operation Section 3-34
©2008 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
9.OPERATING THE BOOM UNIT AND ATTACHED HEAD
THE OPERATOR MUST COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND HOW TO OPERATE THE TRACTOR AND
MOWER AND ALL CONTROLS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MOW. The operator must read and understand
the Safety and Operation Sections of this manual and the tractor operator’s manuals. These manuals must
be read and explained to any operator who cannot read. Never allow someone to operate the unit without
complete operating instructions.
To ensure safety to the operator, bystanders, and equipment and before starting any mowing operation. The
operator must become familiar with the area to be mowed, and any obstacles and hazards contained within.
Special attention should be paid to foreign debris, overhead obstrucions, rough terrain, steep
slopes,passersby and animals in the area.
Only operate the mower head from the tractor operator’s seat with the seatbelt securely fastened. Only
operate a boom and equipped head on cabbed tractor that is equipped with a Lexan
®
protected right side
window or a non cabbed tractor equipped with a ROPS and operator safety screen.
Avoid operating in the reverse direction when possible. In situations where the boom and mower must be
backed to access areas to be cut, make sure there are no persons or other foreign debris behind the tractor.
When backing, operate the tractor at a much reduced ground speed to ensure complete control of the unit is
maintained. OPS-B- 0007
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows
closed.
(SGM-11)
Mow only in conditions where you have clear visibility in daylight or with adequate artificial
lighting. Never mow in darkness or foggy conditions where you cannot clearly see at least
100 yards(90 m) in front and to the sides of the tractor and mower. Make sure that you can
clearly see and identify passersby, steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions,
power lines, debris and foreign objects. If you are unable to clearly see these type of items
discontinue mowing.
(SGM-1)
Avoid mowing in reverse direction when possible. Check to make sure there are no
persons behind the mower and use extreme care when mowing in reverse. Mow only at a
slow ground speed where you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower.
Never mow an area that you have not inspected and removed debris or foreign material.
(SGM-8)
Never operate the mower head tilted down where the operator can see the blades of the
mower. The blade could throw an object toward the operator causing serious injury or
death. Never operate the mower without an Operator Protective Structure. Always were
safety glasses and a hard hat. (Ops-0005-MISC)