Ventrac LM520, Operator Manual & Illustrated Parts List

Operation - 17

Daily Inspection

1. 

Always set the parking brake, shut off the power 

unit engine, remove the ignition key, and ensure 

all moving parts have stopped before checking 

mower deck or blade condition, or attempting 

any repair or adjustment.

Park the power unit and mower deck on a level 

surface, with the engine shut off and all fluids cold.

2.  Perform a visual inspection of the power unit and 

mower deck. Look for loose or missing hard-

ware, damaged components, or signs of wear. 

Inspect hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fittings, and 

fuel lines to ensure tight, leak free connections.

3.  Refer to the power unit operator’s manual. 

Check the power unit’s engine oil, hydraulic oil, 

cooling system, tire pressure, and fuel level. Add 

fluid or service system as required.

4.  Inspect the drive belts and mower blades. Belts 

should be in good condition. Blades should be 

sharp and securely fastened. Service as required.

5.  Refer to the power unit operator’s manual. Test 

the power unit’s operator safety interlock system.

Attaching

1.  Drive the power unit slowly forward into the hitch 

arms of the mower deck. Align the lift arms of the 

power unit with the mower hitch arms by rais-

ing or lowering the front hitch and complete the 

engagement.

2.  Once completely engaged, close the front hitch 

locking lever.*

3.  Engage the parking brake* and shut off the 

engine.

4.  Place the attachment belt onto the PTO drive 

pulley on the power unit. Ensure the deck belt is 

properly routed and engaged in each pulley.

5.  Engage the main belt tensioner. NOTE: if deck 

is raised to the top position, the deck shield will 

interfere with the belt tensioner.

6.  Always check to ensure the deck belt is properly 

located in each pulley groove before attempting 

to operate.

Detaching

1.  Park the power unit on a level surface and set 

the parking brake.*

2.  Lower the mower deck to the ground.

3.  Shut off power unit engine.

4.  Raise the mower deck to the highest cutting 

height position for easy reattachment.

5.  Disengage the main belt tensioner.

6.  Remove the attachment belt from the PTO drive 

pulley of the power unit.

7.  Disengage the hitch locking lever.*

8.  Restart the power unit and slowly back away 

from the mower. A side to side movement of the 

steering wheel may aid disengagement.

Mowing and Operating Procedure

Before operation, perform daily inspection and 

confirm that the cutting height is set properly. Set the 

power unit’s weight transfer system* (if equipped) to 

the desired setting.

With the power unit engine running between 2,000 

and 2,500 RPM, engage the PTO switch. Adjust the 

throttle to the desired engine RPM.

Lower the mower deck to the ground and place 

the power unit’s primary S.D.L.A. control lever in 

the float position by pushing it to the right until the 

detent engages. The lever will stay in this position 

until intentionally removed.

Begin forward motion in the desired path of mowing. 

Avoid obstacles, removing debris as necessary.

A stripe pattern in the grass is produced when each 

mowing pass is done in the opposite direction of 

the pass beside it. This look is enhanced by the 

full length roller, which helps to roll the grass in the 

direction of travel.

Lift the mower deck when the edge of the mowing 

area is reached. Turn the power unit and mower 

around and align for the next pass.

Always shut off the engine, remove the ignition 

key, and set the parking brake before checking 

mower deck or blade condition, or attempting 

any repair or adjustment.

Blades should be kept in good condition. Sharp 

blades will increase efficiency and improve the 

quality of cut.

Mowing in wet conditions may result in a build up of 

clippings under the deck. Periodic checking should be 

done by the operator to determine if the deck should 

be cleaned. The deck should also be checked any-

time mowing performance seems to be reduced.

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

power unit controls.

GENERAL OPERATION