Operating Procedures
XR500
11/19/21
4-1
Operating Procedures
Transporting The Articulator
4
SECTION 4 OPERATING PROCEDURES
4.1 Transporting The Articulator
DANGER!
Never engage the PTO with the decks
raised!
Never raise the decks with the PTO engaged!
Never operate the hydraulics with the PTO
engaged!
The Model Articulator uses hydraulics to lower the rear
wheels and lift the decks allowing easy transportation.
This feature facilitates remote operation, access across
narrow bridges, through gates, or doorways, and reduction
of required storage space.
Complete the Initial Set-Up section of this manual
BEFORE operating the Articulator.
1.
Ensure all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
2.
Disengage the PTO.
3.
Slowly engage the hydraulics.
4.
As the decks begin to rise, watch carefully to ensure
there is no obstruction or binding in the Articulator.
5.
Secure the safety chains
6.
The Articulator is now ready for transport.
7.
Remove the safety chains at the work area.
8.
Lower the Articulator.
4.2 Preparation For Cutting
WARNING!
Always follow all safety rules stated
in this manual and in your tractor manual.
Never attempt to operate the Articulator until you
have read and understood this manual and your
tractor manual in their entirety!
CAUTION!
Complete the Initial Set-Up section of
this manual BEFORE attempting to operate the
Articulator.
Always perform the preoperation equipment
inspection before attempting to operate the Articu
-
lator.
Always perform the appropriate maintenance
schedule(s) before attempting to operate the Artic
-
ulator.
Do not attempt to use it to cut extremely long grass or
areas heavy with brush or debris.
Before operating the Articulator, read and completely
understand this manual and the tractor manual.
1.
Transport to the work area.
2.
Lower the Articulator into the cutting position.
WARNING!
Ensure the Articulator is not posi
-
tioned over any debris or loose objects.
Ensure there are no people near the Articulator,
especially in the path of discharge.
3.
Turn off the tractor, disengage the PTO, shift the trans
-
mission into neutral, and set the parking brake.
4.
Remove the safety chains.
5.
Start the tractor. Keep the tractor on a low RPM setting.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the PTO with the trac
-
tor at high idle.
6.
Engage the PTO.
WARNING!
Only transport the deck when
properly attached to the tractor.
7.
Slowly increase the tractor engine speed until the PTO
shaft is operating at the tractor manufacturer's recom
-
mended operating RPM.
NOTICE
For best results the Articulator should run
as close to 540 RPM as possible without exceed
-
ing it.
8.
Release the parking brake and carefully begin cutting.
4.3 Recommended Blades
LOW-LIFT BLADE
Low-Lift Blade is recommended for 1”-2” cutting height.
Use a Low Lift Blade when the conditions are dry, the
region is experiencing a drought, in sandy soil areas or
when performing seasonal scalping. When conditions like
this are evident, lift created by the cutter blades can be
reduced, decreasing the abrasion wear to the cutter blades
and deck caused by sand. The Low Lift Blade will also help
reduce cutter deck blowout during the conditions stated
above.
HIGH-LIFT BLADE
High-Lift Blade is recommended for cool season grasses
and cut heights of 2” and above, unless in sandy condi
-
tions. These blades are shipped standard on all mowers.
Use a High Lift Blade when the conditions are extremely
wet or heavy. The High Lift Blades will create greater lift
that may be needed in difficult cutting conditions. Additional
WARNING!
If there is any belt squeal, excessive
vibration, or any indication of obstructions or debris
in the blades, disengage the PTO at once.
