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OPERATION
FN20/FN14 NITRO 02/10 Operation Section 4-36
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
11.4 PTO RPM and 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 2 and 5 mph(3-8 kph). Operate the mower
at its full rated PTO speed to maintain blade speed for a clean cut. Refer to the tractor operator’s manual or
the tractor instrument panel for the engine speed and gear to provide the required PTO 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 PTO speed. OPS-R-0025
Do not exceed the rated PTO speed for the Implement. Excessive PTO speeds can cause
Implement driveline or blade failures resulting in serious injury or death.
(SG-26)
Mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower. The
correct mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of
cut. Normal ground speed range is from 2 to 5 mph(3-8 kph). 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.
(SGM-07)
11.5 Operating the Mower
Only operate the mower from the tractor operator’s seat with the seatbelt securely fastened. The tractor must
be equipped with a ROPS in the raised position or a ROPS cab.
The mower is designed to cut vegetation up to 4-1/2” in diameter. 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 PTO operating speed to prevent overloading the mower and tractor. Choose a driving pattern
that provides the maximum pass length and minimizes turning.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some grasses down preventing them from being cut at the
same height as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce the tractor ground speed while maintaining
the operating speed of the mower. A slower ground speed will permit grasses to at least partially rebound and
be cut. Taking a partial cut and/or reversing the direction of travel may also help produce a cleaner cut.
Avoid mowing in the reverse direction when possible. In situations where the mower must be backed to
access areas to be cut, make sure there are no persons or other foreign debris behind the mower before
mowing in reverse. When mowing in reverse, operate the tractor and mower at a reduced ground speed to
ensure tractor and mower control is maintained. OPS-R-0026_C
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows
closed.
(SGM-11)