Ventrac 39.55144, Operator'S Manual

Operation - 17

GENERAL OPERATION

Daily Inspection

WARNING

Always engage the parking brake, shut off the power 

unit engine, remove the ignition key, and ensure that 

all moving parts have come to a complete stop be-

fore inspecting the components, or attempting any 

repair or adjustment.

1.  Park the machine on a level surface, with the en-

gine shut off and all fluids cold.

2.  Perform a visual inspection of both the power unit 

and the attachment. Look for loose or missing 

hardware, damaged components, or signs of wear.

3.  If equipped, inspect the hydraulic hoses and the 

hydraulic fittings to ensure tight, leak free connec-

tions.

4.  Inspect the belts for damage or excessive wear. 

Refer to the Belt Inspection section of this manual.

5.  Inspect the mower blades and the mower blade 

mounting bolts. The blades should be sharp and 

securely fastened. Service as required. 

6.  Check for rotor vibration.

Attaching

1.  Check to ensure both mower deck height adjust-

ment handles are set to position number 15.

2.  Drive the power unit slowly forward into the hitch 

arms of the attachment. Align the lift arms of the 

power unit with the attachment hitch arms by rais-

ing or lowering the front hitch and complete the 

engagement.

3.  Once completely engaged, close the front hitch 

locking lever.*

4.  Engage the parking brake* and shut off the engine.

5.  Place the attachment belt onto the PTO drive pul-

ley on the power unit. Ensure the belt is properly 

seated in each pulley.

6.  Engage the PTO tension spring.

7.  If equipped, wipe the hose ends clean, and con-

nect to the power unit’s hydraulic quick couplers. If 

equipped, connect the hoses and the quick cou-

plers so the colored indicators are paired together 

(red to red, etc.).

Detaching

1.  Set both of the mower deck height adjustment 

handles to position number 15.

2.  Park the power unit on a level surface and engage 

the parking brake.*

3.  Lower the attachment to the ground.

4.  Shut off the power unit engine.

5.  Disengage the PTO tension spring.

6.  Remove the attachment belt from the PTO drive 

pulley of the power unit.

7.  If equipped, disconnect the hydraulic quick cou-

plers from the power unit.

8.  Disengage the front hitch locking lever.*

9.  Restart the power unit and slowly back away from 

the attachment. A side to side movement of the 

steering wheel may aid in disengagement.

Checking for Rotor Vibration

Before each use, check for any unusual vibration of the 

rotor. 
1.  Park the power unit and flail mower on a level, 

open area away from bystanders.

2.  Lower the mower to the ground and engage the 

parking brake.

3.  With the power unit engine running between 2,000 

and 3,000 RPM, engage the PTO switch, then adjust 

the throttle to full engine speed.

4.  If the rotor vibration is unusual, shut off the engine, 

remove the ignition key, and wait for all moving 

parts to stop.

5.  Check the rotor for debris that prevents the rotor 

and blades from operating correctly. Remove any 

blockages.

6.  Check for a damaged rotor or worn rotor bearings.

7.  Check for missing, damaged, unbalanced, or exces-

sively worn cutting knives.  Refer to the Cutting 

Knife Inspection and Replacement section.

ATTENTION

If you cannot correct the cause of unusual rotor vi-

bration, contact your authorized Ventrac dealer.

*Refer to power unit operator’s manual for operation of power unit controls.