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OPERATION
RC456 02/11 Operation Section 4-19
© 2011 Alamo Group Inc.
OPERATION
9.1 Foreign Debris Hazards
Before raking, inspect the area to make sure there are no foreign objects that the rake teeth could hit or
become entangled with. Remove all foreign objects and debris. If objects are too big to remove, mark them
clearly and be sure to prevent the mower blades from contacting them.
If you hit a solid object or foreign debris, stop the implement and tractor at once. Immediately idle the engine
speed and disengage the PTO. Wait for all rotating motion to stop, then raise the implement and move the
tractor and implement off the object. Inspect the area and remove, or mark the location of the debris. Inspect
the condition of the implement and make any needed repairs immediately. Make sure the teeth are not
damaged and the tines are uniform before resuming operation.
Always wear your seat belt securely fastened and only operate the tractor and mower with the ROPS in the
raised position. If the tractor or implement hits a tree stump, rock, or bump, a sudden movement could throw
you off of the seat and under the tractor and/or implement. The seat belt is your best protection from falling off
the tractor and the ROPS provides protection from being crushed during a tractor roll-over. OPS-RK-0007
9.2 Bystanders/Passersby Precautions
If a bystander comes within 300 feet of the tractor while the mower is being operated, stop the tractor at once,
idle the engine and disengage the PTO. Do not engage the PTO again until all bystanders are well past the
300 foot distance. OPS-R-0024
9.3 Engaging the Power Take Off (PTO)
Before engaging the PTO, make certain that the area is clear of bystanders and passersby. The implement
must be completely lowered and the deck positioned at a safe operating height. NEVER engage the PTO with
the implement in the raised position.
Set the tractor engine speed at approximately 1,000 RPM before engaging the PTO. Shift the PTO control to
the on position, and slowly increase the engine speed until the PTO is operating at the rated speed. If you
hear unusual noises or see or feel abnormal vibrations, disengage the PTO immediately. Inspect the
implement to determine the cause of the noise or vibration and repair the abnormality. OPS-U- 0027
9.4 PTO RPM and Ground Speed
Ground speed for raking will depend upon the height, type, and density of vegetation to be raked.
Recommended speed for efficient rake performance is between 2 and 5 mph(3-8 kph). Operate the rake at its
full rated speed to maintain tine speed for a clean raking. 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 rake is operating at its full rated speed before entering the vegetation to be raked. 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 implement and most efficient tractor operation. As
the severity of raking conditions increase, the ground speed should be decreased by selecting a lower gear to
maintain the proper operating PTO speed. OPS-RK-0008