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Section 2: Operating Instructions
FM3188 & FM4188 Flail Mowers 309-523M
3/21/07
Land Pride
Table of Contents
Section 2: Operating Instructions
Transporting
1. When raising mower to transport position, be sure
driveline does not contact tractor or mower. Adjust
and set tractor’s 3-point lift height so that the
driveline does not contact mower deck in the fully
raised position.
2. Be sure to reduce tractor ground speed when
turning, leaving enough clearance so that the mower
does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees
or fences.
3. Select a safe ground travel speed when transporting
from one area to another. When traveling on
roadways, transport in such a way that faster moving
vehicles may pass safely.
4. When traveling over rough or hilly terrain, shift tractor
to a lower gear.
!
CAUTION
When traveling on public roads whether at night or during the
day, use accessory light and devices for adequate warning to
operators of other vehicles. Comply with all federal, state and
local laws.
Mowing Instructions
!
DANGER
Gearbox shields must be secured in place when operating to
avoid injury or death from entanglement in rotating
drivelines.
!
DANGER
Flail Mowers have the ability to discharge objects at high
speeds if guards and safety shields are not in place and closed.
!
WARNING
The FM3188 is designed to cut grass and brush up to 1”
diameter and the FM4188 will cut up to 2” diameter brush.
Using this mower for another type of work can damage the
cutting components, drive components, mower frame and
tractor.
1. Clear area to be mowed of objects and debris that
might be picked up and thrown by the mower blades.
Do not use mower on stony ground.
2. Make the following machine checks before operating
the mower.
• All hook-up pins should be secured.
• All shields should be in place and secured.
• All bolts and nuts should be present and tight.
• Make sure the knives are not be broken or loose.
NOTE: Always disengage PTO before raising mower
to transport position.
3. Grass is best cut when it is dry. Mowing wet grass
can cause plugging resulting in grass clumps behind
the mower.
4. Grass should be mowed frequently as shorter
clippings deteriorate faster.
5. If mowing extremely tall grass, it is best to raise
cutting height and mow the area, then lower cutting
height and mow a second time at the desired height.
Brush Rake Teeth
The FM4188 comes equipped with adjustable brush rake
teeth. Adjust teeth closer to the ground to allow
continued chopping of material into fine cuttings before
final dispersal or raise teeth fully up to discharge material
quickly. Refer to “Brush Rake Teeth Adjustment” on
page 15.
Operating Instructions
Proper servicing and adjustments are the key to the long
life of any machine. With careful and systematic
inspection of the mower, costly maintenance, time and
repair can be avoided.
!
CAUTION
When mowing in sandy soil areas, wear may occur to the
mower knives from sand erosion. Frequent inspection should
be made and knives replaced if damaged.
Before beginning to mow, the following inspection and
checks should be performed:
1. Check oil level in gearbox. Refer to “Section 4:
Maintenance and Lubrication” on page 16.
2. Check that all plugs in gearbox have been replaced
and tightened properly.
3. Be sure all mower knives, bolts and nuts are tight.
4. Be certain all guards and shields are in place and
secure.
5. Grease driveline shaft and all other grease fittings.
6. Clear area to be mowed of rocks, branches and other
foreign objects. Do not use mower on stony ground.
7. Lower mower to ground. Set tractor throttle at
approximately 1/4 open. Engage PTO to start blades
rotating.
8. Operate with 540 rpm PTO tractor.
9. At first begin mowing at a slow forward speed and
shift up until the desired speed is achieved -
maintaining 540 PTO rpm.
10. The rotor knives will cut better at a faster blade speed
than at reduced throttle.
11. After mowing the first 50 feet, stop and check to see
that the mower is adjusted properly.
12. Do not make sharp turns or attempt to back up while
mower is on the ground.