OPERATION
OPERATION
Operation Section 4-31
© 2006 Alamo Group Inc.
FLX15/10 04/06
10.5 Operating the Flex Arm & Mower
The mower is designed to cut vegetation up to 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 Flex-Arm, mower, and tractor. When cutting on ditches use the
cylinder to avoid most obstacles. The tractor may be needed to maneuver around larger obstacles.The FLX15 can
swing the cutter 87” using the cylinder. The FLX10 gives 75”. Choose a driving pattern that provides the maximum
pass length and minimizes turning.
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the PTO with the flex arm in the transport position for extended periods of time.
This may cause driveline vibration and will accelerate universal joint wear.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some grasses down preventing them from being cut at the same
height as the surrounding area. However a better cut is possible with the Flex-Arm. There is only a single caster
wheel in front of the cutter and it is ideally located to maximize quality of cut. Lower cutting heights in general will
also increase cutting performance.
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. The Flex-Arm attaches to the mower by means of a strut that does not allow the mower to pivot in relation
to the arm. Which allows the mower to be easily backed up. However when mowing in reverse, operate the tractor,
Flex-Arm, and mower at a reduced ground speed to ensure tractor, Flex-Arm, and mower control is maintained.
WARNING!
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows
closed. (SGM-11)
When ready for field use, stop the cutter and pull the transport pins on the cylinder guard and the rotary cutter.
Lower the wings and cutter before entering the ditch. Drive the tractor forward along the side of the road and extend
the flex arm cylinder to ease the cutter into the ditch. Engage the PTO. Only operate the Flex-Arm and 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.
Before engaging the PTO the operator needs to make
sure that the blades are rotating in the correct direction.
If they are not they need to contact there local dealer
or Schulte to correct the problem. Refer to your operators
manual for proper blade rotation.
IMPORTANT: The operator should never operate the
mower with the Flex Arm if the blades do not have the
proper blade rotation. Serious injury or even death may
occur if cutter is operated.