OPERATION
FN20/FN14 NITRO 02/10 Operation Section 4-6
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
3.3 Tractor Horsepower
The horsepower required to operate the mower depends on several operating factors including the vegetation
to be cut, terrain condition, operator experience, condition of the mower and tractor, and others. For most
mowing conditions, the FL14 NITRO and FL20 NITRO mower requires a tractor with a minimum of 80 HP.
Operating the mower with a tractor that does not have adequate power may damage the tractor engine.
The tractor drawbar must be positioned at a certain
length based on the operating speed of the mower
for proper driveline operation. If the mower is a 540
RPM unit, position the drawbar length from shaft end
to hitch hole at 14”. For 1000 RPM mowers, set the
drawbar length at 16” for 21 spline 1-3/8” mowers
and at 20” for 1-3/4” 20 spline mowers.
Ensure that the drawbar is rated to carry the
tongue weight of the mower.
Pintle Hook Hitch-Optional Equipment
Drawbar length must be modified to obtain
dimension “A” (CV Driveline = 17” ± 2”)
3.4 Tractor Hydraulics
The mower center section and each wing are positioned with hydraulic cylinders that are operated by the
tractor hydraulic pump. The tractor must have a minimum of 2 hydraulic control valves devoted to the mower
unless the tractor is fitted with a 3-spool control valve (extra equipment).
A 3-spool control valve is required if the tractor is equipped with a single valve and is recommended for those
with two valves so that the center section and each wing can be controlled independent of one another. Refer
3.2 Tractor Safety Devices
If transporting or operating the tractor and implement near a public roadway, the tractor must be equipped with
proper warning lighting and a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem which are clearly visible from the rear of
the unit. Lights and a SMV emblem must be equipped directly on implements if the visibility of the tractor
warning signals are obscured.
Maintain all manufacturer equipped safety shields and guards. Always replace shields and guards that were
removed for access to connect, service, or repair the tractor or implement. Never operate the tractor PTO
with the PTO master shield missing or in the raised position. OPS-U- 0004