3-Pt. PTO Rough Cut Mower Owner s Manual WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury. Item #51473, #51474, #51475 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you very much for choosing a Nortrac product! For future reference, please complete the owner s record below: Serial Number/Lot Date Code: Purchase Date: Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin using it. This 3-Pt. PTO Rough Cut Mower is designed for certain applications only. Northern Tool & Equipment is not responsible for issues arising from modification or improper use of this product such as an application for which it was not designed. We strongly recommend that this product not be modified and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed. For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381. Page 2 of 22
Table of Contents Intended Use... 4 Technical Specifications... 4 Specific Operation Warnings... 6 Assembly Instructions... 8 Before Each Use... 12 Operating Instructions... 13 After Each Use... 15 Maintenance... 15 Troubleshooting... 17 Parts Diagram... 18 Parts List... 19 Replacement Parts... 20 Limited Warranty... 21 Page 3 of 22
Intended Use The NorTrac 3-Pt. PTO Rough Cut Mower is ideal for owners requiring an economical machine to handle their land maintenance requirements. This mower was built to take on the toughest terrain. The front or rear mount capability, combined with PTO s full-floating hitch mechanism, gives you incredible mobility and allows the mower to follow the contour of the land even when cresting hills or crossing gullies. Technical Specifications Specification #51473 #51474 #51475 Recommended tractor 22-50 HP 22-50 HP 30-80 HP Cutting width 45" (1150 mm) 57" (1450 mm) 69" (1750 mm) Overall width 50" (1270 mm) 61" (1560 mm) 73" (1870 mm) Width in feet 4 5 6 Cutting height 1-1/2" - 10" 1-1/2" - 10" 1-1/2" - 10" PTO Speed 540 RPM 540 RPM 540 RPM Blade Tip Speed 12,142 ft/min 12,142 ft/min 12,142 ft/min Blades 18-3/4" x.475" x 2pcs 24" x.475" x 2pcs 30-1/2" x.475" x 2pcs Important Safety Information Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury or property damage. The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this mower. Always be aware of the environment and ensure that the mower is used in a safe and responsible manner. Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the mower until they have read this manual and have developed a thorough understanding of how it works. Do not modify this mower in any way. Unauthorized modifications may impair the function and/or safety and could affect the life of the mower. There are specific applications for which the mower was designed. Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this mower was designed. You will be safer and the unit will do a better job at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this mower for a purpose for which it was not intended. Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements. WORK AREA SAFETY Page 4 of 22
Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit. Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the mower in confined work areas may put you dangerously close to other cutting tools and rotating parts. Do not use the mower where there is a risk of a fire or an explosion; e.g., in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The product can create sparks, which may ignite the flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Do not allow the mower to come into contact with an electrical source. The mower is not insulated and contact will cause electrical shock. Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the mower. Do not allow children to handle the mower. Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury and/or property damage if contacted. PERSONAL SAFETY Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the mower. Do not use the mower while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the mower may result in a serious personal injury. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents on the mower often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Ensure the power switch is off prior to plugging it in. Remove the keys or wrenches before connecting the mower to an air supply, power supply, or turning on the mower. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the mower may cause personal injury. Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution allows for proper mower operation using both hands. MOWER USE AND CARE Do not force the mower. Products are safer and do a better job when used in the manner for which they are designed. Plan your work and use the correct product for the job. Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the mower will operate properly and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate the mower with a damaged part. Page 5 of 22
Do not use a mower with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative before using. Disconnect the power/air supply from the mower and place the switch in the locked or off position before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the mower. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the mower accidentally. Store the mower when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children. Inspect the mower for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your mower. Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure than the tool itself. Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the mower without the guards in place. Do not leave the mower running unattended. Specific Operation Warnings ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD To prevent serious injury or death from rotating driveline: DO NOT operate without guards in place. DO NOT operate higher than 540 RPM. Keep hands, feet, clothing, and hair away from moving parts. DO NOT operate without driveline securely attached at both ends. DO NOT operate without driveline shields that turn freely on driveline. ROTATING BLADE HAZARD To prevent serious injury or death when the engine is running and the blades are rotating: Never allow riders on tractor or mower. Keep hands and feet clear from under the deck while operating. DO NOT operate without deflector/guards in place. DO NOT stand on or near implement at any time. DO NOT stand between tractor and implement. DO NOT operate with bystanders in mowing area. Turn engine off and detach implement before servicing. THROWN OBJECT HAZARD To prevent serious injury or death: DO NOT operate without all guards in place and in good operating condition. Stop blade rotation if bystanders come within 50 feet. MOVING PARTS HAZARD Page 6 of 22
To prevent serious injury or death from moving parts: Close and secure all guards and shields before starting. Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts. Disconnect and lockout power source before adjusting or servicing. DO NOT stand or climb on machine when operating. To prevent serious injury or death: Read and understand owner s manual before operating, servicing or repairing equipment. Stop engine, remove key and set brake before dismounting tractor. Operate from tractor seat only. DO NOT operate without guards in place and in good condition. Never allow riders on equipment. DO NOT operate or transport on steep inclines. DO NOT operate with blade in the raised position. DO NOT exceed this implement s maximum speed of 5 MPH. Exceeding this speed may result in loss of control during transport or braking. Before mowing, clear debris from mowing area. Keep bystanders at least 50 feet away while operating. DO NOT use if implement is damaged. Repair before continuing use. Park and store on a hard, level surface. Store out of reach of children. Not for use by or around children. To prevent property damage, check the following before operating this machine, having first stopped the tractor engine and disengaged the P.T.O. 1. Check oil levels (if needed, add SAE 90 EP oil) 2. Grease the driveline spiders. 3. Grease all marked points on the machine. 4. Check that all nuts/bolts are snug on parts which are under the most stress (lines, blades, front linkage bolts, gear box bolts, etc.) FALLING OFF CAN RESULT IN IMPALEMENT OR BEING RUN OVER. Tractor must be equipped with Roll Over Protection Structure (or ROPS CAB) and seat belt. Keep foldable ROPS system in locked up position at all times. Keep seat belt securely fastened. Never allow riders on equipment. RAISED EQUIPMENT CAN DROP AND CRUSH. Before servicing, follow all instructions and safety rules in owner s manual and securely block all corners of equipment with jack stands. Securely blocking prevents equipment dropping from mechanical component failures. FALLING OFF OR FAILING TO BLOCK SECURELY CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Page 7 of 22
Assembly Instructions Step 1: Place the mower on a flat level surface (Figure 1). Step 2: Remove the wired-on PTO shaft, the lift pins, and the spacers. Loosen and remove the bolts four (4) on the lift arm brackets that secure the lift arm support straps, the lift arms, and the lift arm braces (from the shipping positions) and set all pieces aside (Figure 2). Step 3: Remove PTO shaft, lift pins, and spacers Step 4: Install the right lift arm and lift arm support strap using two (2) short bolts and one (1) lift pin (Figure 3). Note: The lift arm support strap has one hole punched larger than the other. The larger hole is to be used to fasten with the lift pin. The lift arm & support straps should be fastened to the outside of the lift arm bracket. Page 8 of 22
Step 5: Loosen and remove the two (2) nuts and washers for the A-frame tailwheel section, leaving the bolts in place (Figure 4). Step 6: Install both the right and left side lift arm braces by sliding them over the two (2) A-frame tailwheel bolts that were loosened in Step 4. Start the nuts on the bolts, but at this time DO NOT TIGHTEN THEM. Allow the lift arm braces to rotate forward and rest against the installed lift arm (Figure 5). Page 9 of 22
Step 7: Install the long top mounting bolt by inserting it through the hole in the left side lift arm brace, the lower of the two (2) holes in the left side lift arm, the spacer, the lower of the two (2) holes in the top of the right side lift arm (which should not be attached to the lift arm bracket at this time), and finally through the right side lift arm brace. Install a washer and start the nut on the bolt, but do not tighten it at this time (Figures 6-8). Note: You may have to move the assembly around to start the nut and washer. If you are unable to get the nut and washer started, a C clamp may be necessary to compress the assembly in order to start the nut & washer. Page 10 of 22
Step 8: Using the right side lift arm as a lever, pull to the outside of the lift arm bracket and insert the bolt through the lift arm and the lift arm bracket. (See Figure 9.) Install the washer and nut. Place the lift pin in the larger of the two (2) holes on the lift arm brace and loosely attach the lift arm. Finally, inset the bolt, nut, and washer to lower the section of lift arm support strap to lift the arm bracket (Figure 10). Page 11 of 22
Step 9: Tighten all nuts and bolts. Before Each Use Before each use, perform the maintenance described in the maintenance section Read, understand, and follow the information on safety, preparation, starting and stopping safety, operational safety, operational safety and transport safety warning sections of this manual With the tractor running, lower the mower into working position. With the tractor at idle RPM, engage the PTO, and slowly advance the throttle to approximately 540 PTO RPM. Page 12 of 22
Note: Do not allow the tractor engine or the mower to bog down or stall. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on the mower and the tractor. If this continues to occur, reduce the ground speed and/or raise the cutting height of the mower. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN OUT A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE UNLESS THE MOWER BLADES HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE TRACTOR HAS BEEN SHUT OFF. Safety Decal Locations Good safety requires that you familiarize yourself with this unit s safety decal warnings. The positioning of the labels on the equipment is shown on the diagram on the following page. The numbered labels follow (1-6). Operating Instructions DO NOT overfill the gearbox. This could cause damage to the oil seals and can cause permanent damage to the gearbox and which would not be covered under the warranty. Before Putting the Mower into Service The mower shipped without oil in the gear box and without grease in the grease fitting. The unit needs to be serviced before using. Fill the gearbox with oil using multi-purpose gear oil. For all grease fittings, use a high-temperature, multi-purpose grease. Lubricating Instructions Step 1: Place the mower so the deck is secure and level. Step 2: Remove the 1/2" pipe plug (located at the top of the gearbox) and the 1/8" pipe plug (located on the lower 1/3 of the gearbox). Step 3: Fill the gearbox using multi-purpose gear oil through the top 1/2" fill hole until the gear oil is level with the lower 1/8" hole. Page 13 of 22
Step 4: Replace both the 1/2" pipe plug (located at the top of the gear box) and the 1/8" pipe plug (located on the lower 1/3 of the gear box) and clean off any excess oil. Step 5: Grease the following zerts: Tail wheel fork (Figure 11). Both U-joints on the PTO shaft (Figure 12). Figure 11 Figure 12 Arrows Indicate Grease Points Step 6: Inspect all guards to insure they are in good working order. If they are not, replace them before using the unit. Step 7: Check the bolts, the nuts, and the belt to insure each is tight and secure. Height Adjustment To prevent blades from striking the ground, your mower should be set to the highest position that will give the desired grass height. By setting the mower, you will reduce the blade wear and stress on the mower. Mowing at regular intervals will yield far better results than periodical mowing, e.g., weekly and bi-weekly mowing. Step 1: Raise the mower off the ground with the tractor and SECURELY BLOCK IT IN POSITION. Step 2: Remove the pin from the top of the wheel fork assembly. Lower the wheel fork assembly from the tail wheel arm. Step 3: Arrange the spacers until the desired cutting height is achieved. Cutting heights range from approximately 2.0-6.0 inches in height. Step 4: Reinstall the wheel fork assembly into the tail wheel arm and install the keeper pin. Step 5: Repeat the adjustment process on the remaining wheel fork assembly. NOTE: Make sure each wheel fork is adjusted to the same height for an even cut. Step 6: Check to ensure that the tail wheel does not come within the specified 1" of the rear deck. Page 14 of 22
Mower Operation Step 1: Before each use, perform the steps described in the Maintenance section. Step 2: Read, understand, and follow the information on safety training, preparation, starting and stopping safety, operational safety, and the transport safety warning sections of this manual. Step 3: With the tractor running, lower the mower to the ground so that the deck surface of the mower is parallel to the ground. Step 4: With the tractor at an idle RPM, engage the PTO and slowly advance the throttle to 540 PTO RPM. NOTE: The mower is designed to run at 540 PTO RPM only. Step 5: Select a low gear for the tractor and begin to mow. The tractor ground speed is controlled by the gear selector only and not the engine speed. The tractor s ground speed should allow the mower to maintain 540 PTO RPM and thus maximum blade tip speed. NOTE: Do not allow the tractor s engine or mower to bog down or stall. This causes undue wear and tear on the mower and the tractor. If this continues to happen, reduce the ground speed and raise the cutting height of the mower. Step 6: After each use, clean all debris from the top and bottom of the mower. Replace any missing or illegible safety decals. Inspect for any damaged or worn parts and replace before the next use. Store the mower in a dry environment. After Each Use After each use, clean all debris from the top and bottom of the mower. Replace any missing or illegible safety decals. Inspect the unit for any damaged or worn parts and replace them before the next use. Store the mower in a dry environment. Maintenance Maintain the mower by adopting a program of conscientious repair and maintenance in accordance with the following recommended procedures. It is recommended that the general condition of any tool be examined before it is used. Keep your mower in good repair. Keep all cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Also refer to your tractor s manual for additional information about engine maintenance. The following chart is based on a normal operation schedule. 1. Periodically check and maintain a proper gear oil level. 2. Approximately every 8 hours, grease spindles (3), roller axle (1), wheel forks (4), wheel axles (4), PTO shaft universal joints (2), and the PTO s telescoping surface. NOTE: Use a high-temperature, multi-purpose grease. 3. Before each use, check to make sure all safety features are installed and working properly. Page 15 of 22
4. Keep the mower blades sharp and balanced at all times. When replacing the blades, replace the blade bolts at the same time. 5. Periodically check all nuts, bolts, and the belt to insure they are tight and secure. Page 16 of 22
Troubleshooting Use the table below to troubleshoot problems before contacting customer service or your local dealer. If the problem continues after troubleshooting, call your local dealer for assistance. Failure Possible Cause Corrective Action Mower leaves a streak of uncut or partially cut grass Mower seems to require excessive power Blade bolts come loose Gearbox is noisy Mower is not level (side to side) Blades are dull or bent Carrier s RPM is too low Field conditions are so wet that the tractor tire is pushing grass into the mud Ground speed is too fast Blades lock Blades are riding up due to the blade bolt wear or loose bolts Mower is advancing into the grass or brush too rapidly Mower is hitting ground Worn or dull blades Tractor is not large enough Bolts not tightened Blade bolt threads are worn or damaged Gears are not aligned properly in the gear box Worn bearings Use the tractors hitch adjustment to level the mower as needed Sharpen or replace the blades Use the correct PTO speed Too wet to mow. Stop operating and wait until it is dry Reduce ground speed by shifting to a lower gear. Free blades Replace blade bolts Mow in only one direction Reduce forward travel speed Raise mower and reset tailwheel Sharpen or replace blades Use larger horsepower tractor Tighten bolts to 350 ft/lb Replace blade bolt, lock washer, and nut Run in or change gears Replace bearing Page 17 of 22
Parts Diagram Page 18 of 22
Parts List Page 19 of 22
Replacement Parts For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at 1-800-222-5381. Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence. When ordering parts, the following will be required: the item model number, item serial number/lot date code, item description, and the part s reference number. The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines and manuals without notice. Page 20 of 22
Limited Warranty Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc. ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only ("You'' or Your ) that the Nortrac product purchased will be free from material defects in both materials and workmanship, normal wear and tear excepted, for a period of one year from date of purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a commercially reasonable time, either replace the product or product component without charge to You or refund the purchase price (less shipping). This limited warranty is not transferable. Limitations on the Warranty This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication, overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to product instructions and in a workmanlike manner. Obligations of Purchaser You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at 1-800-222-5381, identify the product by make and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store. Remedy Limits Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including, without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind for any reason. Assumption of Risk You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk. Governing Law This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes relating to this warranty. Page 21 of 22
Distributed by: Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc. Burnsville, Minnesota 55306 www.northerntool.com Made in China Page 22 of 22