OPERATION
FN180/FN120 01/11 Operation Section 4-14
© 2011 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
7.1 Driveline Length Check
When fitting the mower to the tractor, the telescoping driveline must be inspected to ensure that at its most
compressed position, the profiles do not “bottom out”, and when at its farthest extended position, there is
sufficient engagement between the profiles to operate safely. At its shortest length, there must be at least a 1”
clearance between each profile end and opposite profile universal joint. At its farthest operating extension, a
minimum profile engagement of 6” must be maintained for a Constant Velocity (CV) tube type driveline and a
minimum engagement of 6” for non-CV solid shaft drivelines.
When attaching the Implement input driveline to the Tractor PTO, it is important that the
connecting yoke spring activated locking collar slides freely and the locking balls are seated
securely in the groove on the Tractor PTO shaft. Push and pull the driveline back and forth
several times to ensure it is securely attached. A driveline not attached correctly to the
Tractor PTO shaft could come loose and result in personal injury and damage to the
Implement.
(S3PT-17)
Before operating the Implement, check to make sure the Implement input driveline will not
bottom out or become disengaged. Bottoming out occurs when the inner shaft penetrates
the outer housing until the assembly becomes solid-it can shorten no more. Bottoming out
can cause serious damage to the Tractor PTO by pushing the PTO into the Tractor and
through the support bearings or downward onto the PTO shaft, breaking it off. A broken
driveline can cause personal injury.
(S3PT-18)
“Bottoming Out” Check Procedure
• Disconnect driveline from the tractor and slide
the profiles together until fully compressed.
• Place a mark on the inner shield 1/8” from the
end of the outer shield and reattach the
driveline to the PTO shaft.
• With the PTO NOT TURNING, slowly drive the
tractor with mower attached through the
sharpest turn possible and watch shaft
movement. With the PTO NOT TURNING,
slowly drive the tractor with the mower attached
through the most severe terrain conditions
expected and watch shaft movement.
• If the distance between the mark and the outer
shield becomes less than 2” at any point there is a potential problem bottoming out the driveline and the
driveline should be replaced with shorter driveline. Contact your local dealer or Technical Service for
proper directions. OPS-R-0004_J