Alamo Lawn Mower Swingtrim User Manual

SWINGTRIM  
SICKLE BAR  
BOOM MOWER  
Published 03/09  
Part No. 00763548C  
OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation of this machine and must  
be maintained with the unit at all times. READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the Safety  
and Operation Instructions contained in this manual before operating the equipment. C01-  
Cover  
ALAMO INDUSTRIAL®  
1502 E. Walnut  
Seguin, Texas 78155  
830-372-3551  
©2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
$0.00  
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In order to reduce accidents and enhance the safe operation of mowers, Alamo Industrial, in cooperation  
with other industry manufacturers has developed the AEM/FEMA Industrial and Agricultural Mower  
Safety Practices video and guide book.  
The video will familiarize and instruct mower-tractor operators in safe practices when using industrial  
and agricultural mowing equipment. It is important that Every Mower Operator be educated in the oper-  
ation of their mowing equipment and be able to recognize the potential hazards that can occur while oper-  
ating a mower. This video, along with the mower operator’s manual and the warning messages on the  
mower, will significantly assist in this important education.  
Your Authorized Alamo Industrial Dealer may have shown this video and presented you a DVD Video  
when you purchased your mower. If you or any mower operator have not seen this video, Watch the  
Video, Read this Operator’s Manual, and Complete the Video Guidebook before operating your new  
mower. If you do not understand any of the instructions included in the video or operator’s manual or if  
you have any questions concerning safety of operation, contact your supervisor, dealer or Alamo Indus-  
trial.  
If you would like a VHS video tape of the video, please email [email protected] or Fax  
AEM VHS Video at (830) 372-9529 or mail in a completed copy of the form on the back of this page to  
AEM VHS Video 1502 E Walnut Street, Seguin, TX 78155. and request the VHS video version. Please  
include your name, mailing address, mower model and serial number.  
Every operator should be trained for each piece of equipment (Tractor and Mower), understand the  
intended use, and the potential hazards before operating the equipment.  
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Alamo Industrial Division is willing to provide  
one (1) AEM Mower Safety Practices Video  
Please Send Me:  
VHS Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video  
DVD Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video  
Mower Operator’s Manual  
AEM Mower Operator’s Safety Manual  
Phone:  
Requester Name  
Requester Address:  
City  
State  
Zip Code  
Mower Model:  
Date Purchased:  
Serial Number:  
DealerSalesperson:  
DealershipLocation:  
Dealership Name:  
Mail to:  
AEM Video Services  
1502 E Walnut street  
Seguin, TX 78155  
Or Fax to:  
(830) 372-9529  
Or Email to:  
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SAFETY SECTION  
Safety Section 1-1  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
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SAFETY  
Safety Messages  
A careful operator is the best operator. Safety is of primary importance to the manufacturer and should be to  
the owner/operator. Most accidents can be avoided by being aware of your equipment, your surroundings, and  
observing certain precautions. The first section of this manual includes a list of Safety Messages that, if  
followed, will help protect the operator and bystanders from injury or death. Read and understand these Safety  
Messages before assembling, operating or servicing this Implement. This equipment should only be operated  
by those persons who have read the manual, who are responsible and trained, and who know how to do so  
responsibly.  
The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word, as seen below, is used throughout this  
manual and on decals which are attached to the equipment. The Safety Alert Symbol means:  
“ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!” The Symbol and Signal Word  
are intended to warn the owner/operator of impending hazards and the degree of possible injury  
faced when operating this equipment.  
Practice all usual and customary safe working precautions and above all---remember safety is  
up to YOU. Only YOU can prevent serious injury or death from unsafe practices.  
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, WILL result in DEATH OR  
VERY SERIOUS INJURY.  
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, COULD result in DEATH  
OR SERIOUS INJURY.  
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, MAY result in MINOR  
INJURY.  
Identifies special instructions or procedures that, if not strictly observed, could result in  
damage to, or destruction of the machine, attachments or the environment.  
NOTE: Identifies points of particular interest for more efficient and convenient operation or  
repair.(SG-1)  
READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the following Safety Messages. Serious injury or  
death may occur unless care is taken to follow the warnings and instructions stated in the  
Safety Messages. Always use good common sense to avoid hazards. (SG-2)  
Si no lee ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea para que le traduzca las  
medidas de seguridad. (SG-3)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
Safety Section 1-2  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
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SAFETY  
Never operate the Tractor or Implement until you have read and  
completely understand this Manual, the Tractor Operator’s Manual, and  
each of the Safety Messages found in the Manual or on the Tractor and  
Implement. Learn how to stop the tractor engine suddenly in an  
emergency.  
Never allow inexperienced or untrained personnel to  
operate the Tractor and Implement without supervision. Make sure the  
operator has fully read and understood the manuals prior to operation.  
(SG-4)  
Always maintain the safety signs in good readable condition. If the safety signs are missing,  
damaged, or unreadable, obtain and install replacement safety signs immediately. (SG-5)  
Make certain that the “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) sign is installed in  
such a way as to be clearly visible and legible. When transporting the  
Equipment use the Tractor flashing warning lights and follow all local  
traffic regulations. (SG-6)  
Operate this Equipment only with a Tractor equipped with an approved roll-  
over-protective system (ROPS). Always wear seat belts. Serious injury or  
even death could result from falling off the tractor--particularly during a turnover  
when the operator could be pinned under the ROPS. (SG-7)  
Do not modify or alter this Implement. Do not permit anyone to modify or alter this  
Implement, any of its components or any Implement function. (SG-8)  
BEFORE leaving the tractor seat, always engage the brake and/or set  
the tractor transmission in parking gear, disengage the PTO, stop the  
engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the  
tractor shift lever into a low range or parking gear to prevent the tractor  
from rolling. Never dismount a Tractor that is moving or while the engine  
is running. Operate the Tractor controls from the tractor seat only. (SG-9)  
Never allow children or other persons to ride on the Tractor or Implement.  
Falling off can result in serious injury or death. (SG-10)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
Safety Section 1-3  
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SAFETY  
Never allow children to operate, ride on, or come close to the Tractor or  
Implement. Usually, 16-17 year-old children who are mature and  
responsible can operate the implement with adult supervision, if they  
have read and understand the Operator’s Manuals, been trained in  
proper operation of the tractor and Implement, and are physically large  
enough to reach and operate the controls easily. (SG-11)  
Do not mount or dismount the Tractor while the tractor is moving. Mount  
the Tractor only when the Tractor and all moving parts are completely  
stopped. (SG-12)  
Start tractor only when properly seated in the Tractor seat. Starting a  
tractor in gear can result in injury or death. Read the Tractor operators  
manual for proper starting instructions. (SG-13)  
Never work under the Implement, the framework, or any lifted  
component unless the Implement is securely supported or blocked up  
to prevent sudden or inadvertent falling which could cause serious  
injury or even death. (SG-14)  
Do not operate this Equipment with hydraulic oil or fuel leaking. Oil  
and fuel are explosive and their presence could present a hazard. Do  
not check for leaks with your hand! High-pressure oil streams from  
breaks in the line could penetrate the skin and cause tissue damage  
including gangrene. To check for a hose leak, SHUT the unit ENGINE  
OFF and remove all hydraulic pressure. Wear oil impenetrable gloves,  
safety glasses and use Cardboard to check for evidence of oil leaks. If  
you suspect a leak, REMOVE the HOSE and have it tested at a Dealer.  
If oil does penetrate the skin, have the injury treated immediately by a  
physician knowledgeable and skilled in this procedure. (SG-15)  
The operator and all support personnel should wear hard hats, safety  
shoes, safety glasses, and proper hearing protection at all times for  
protection from injury including injury from items that may be thrown by  
the equipment. (SG-16)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
Safety Section 1-4  
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SAFETY  
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE  
PERMANENT HEARING LOSS! Tractors with or without an Implement  
attached can often be noisy enough to cause permanent hearing loss.  
We recommend that you always wear hearing protection if the noise in  
the Operator’s position exceeds 80db. Noise over 85db over an  
extended period of time will cause severe hearing loss. Noise over 90db  
adjacent to the Operator over an extended period of time will cause  
permanent or total hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud noise  
[from tractors, chain saws, radios, and other such sources close to the  
ear] is cumulative over a lifetime without hope of natural recovery. (SG-I7)  
Transport only at speeds where you can maintain control of the  
equipment. Serious accidents and injuries can result from operating this  
equipment at high speeds. Understand the Tractor and Implement and  
how it handles before transporting on streets and highways. Make sure the Tractor steering  
and brakes are in good condition and operate properly.  
Before transporting the Tractor and Implement, determine the proper transport speeds for  
you and the equipment. Make sure you abide by the following rules:  
Test the tractor at a slow speed and increase the speed slowly. Apply the Brakes smoothly  
to determine the stopping characteristics of the Tractor and Implement. As you increase  
the speed of the Tractor the stopping distance increases.  
Determine the maximum  
transport speed not to exceed 20 mph (30 kph) for transporting this equipment.  
Test the equipment at a slow speed in turns. Increase the speed through the turn only after  
you determine that the equipment can be operated at a higher speed. Use extreme care  
and reduce your speed when turning sharply to prevent the tractor and implement from  
turning over. Determine the maximum turning speed for you and this equipment before  
operating on roads or uneven ground.  
Only transport the Tractor and Implement at the speeds which allow you to properly control  
the equipment.  
Be aware of the operating conditions. Do not operate the Tractor with weak or faulty brakes  
or worn tires. When operating down a hill or on wet or rain slick roads, the braking distance  
increases: use extreme care and reduce your speed. When operating in traffic always use  
the Tractor’s flashing warning lights and reduce your speed. Be aware of traffic around you  
and watch out for the other guy. (SG-19)  
Never attempt to lubricate, adjust, or remove material from the Implement while it is in  
motion or while tractor engine is running. (SG-20)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
Safety Section 1-5  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
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SAFETY  
Periodically inspect all moving parts for wear and replace when  
necessary with authorized service parts. Look for loose fasteners, worn  
or broken parts, and leaky or loose fittings. Make sure all pins have  
cotter pins and washers. Serious injury may occur from not maintaining  
this machine in good working order. (SG-21)  
Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturer’s  
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other  
chemical agent. (SG-22)  
Never run the Tractor engine in a closed building or without adequate ventilation. The  
exhaust fumes can be hazardous to your health. (SG-23)  
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING ELEMENTS to prevent entanglement  
and possible serious injury or death. (SG-24)  
Never allow children to play on or around Tractor or Implement. Children can slip or fall off  
the Equipment and be injured or killed. Children can cause the Implement to shift or fall  
crushing themselves or others. (SG-25)  
Do not exceed the rated PTO speed for the Implement. Excessive PTO speeds can cause  
Implement driveline or blade failures resulting in serious injury or death. (SG-26)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
Safety Section 1-6  
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SAFETY  
NEVER use drugs or alcohol immediately before or while operating the  
Tractor and Implement.  
alertness and coordination and therefore affect the operator’s ability to  
operate the equipment safely. Before operating the Tractor or  
Drugs and alcohol will affect an operator’s  
Implement, an operator on prescription or over-the-counter medication  
must consult a medical professional regarding any side effects of the  
medication that would hinder their ability to operate the Equipment safely.  
NEVER knowingly allow anyone to operate this equipment when their  
alertness or coordination is impaired. Serious injury or death to the  
operator or others could result if the operator is under the influence of  
drugs or alcohol. (SG-27)  
Operate the Tractor and/or Implement controls only while properly seated in the Tractor seat  
with the seat belt securely fastened around you. Inadvertent movement of the Tractor or  
Implement may cause serious injury or death. (SG-29)  
Mow only in conditions where you have clear visibility in daylight or with adequate artificial  
lighting. Never mow in darkness or foggy conditions where you cannot clearly see at least  
100 yards(90 m) in front and to the sides of the tractor and mower. Make sure that you can  
clearly see and identify passersby, steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions,  
power lines, debris and foreign objects. If you are unable to clearly see these type of items  
discontinue mowing. (SGM-1)  
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of this  
Mower. REMEMBER! This machine is often operated in heavy brush  
and in heavy weeds. The Blades of this Mower can throw objects if  
shields are not properly installed and maintained. Serious injury or even  
death may occur unless care is taken to insure the safety of the operator,  
bystanders, or passersby in the area. Do not operate this machine with  
anyone in the immediate area. Stop mowing if anyone is within 100 yards  
of mower. (SGM-02)  
All Safety Shields, Guards and Safety devices including (but not lim-  
ited to) - the Deflectors, Chain Guards, Steel Guards, Gearbox  
Shields, PTO integral shields, and Retractable Door Shields should  
be used and maintained in good working condition. All safety  
devices should be inspected carefully at least daily for missing or  
broken components. Missing, broken, or worn items must be  
replaced at once to reduce the possibility of injury or death from  
thrown objects, entanglement, or blade contact. (SGM-3)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
Safety Section 1-7  
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SAFETY  
The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for rugged use.  
However, the blades could fail upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as metal guard  
rails and concrete structures. Such impact could cause the broken objects to be thrown  
outward at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage, serious  
injury, or even death, never allow the cutting blades to contact such obstacles. (SGM-4)  
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such  
as gravel, rocks, wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before  
mowing. Foreign objects should be removed from the site to prevent  
machine damage and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects that  
cannot be removed must be clearly marked and carefully avoided by the  
operator. Stop mowing immediately if blades strike a foreign object.  
Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade carrier is balanced  
before resuming mowing. (SGM-05)  
Many varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains, can become entangled in the  
operating parts of the mower head. These items could then swing outside the housing at  
greater velocities than the blades. Such a situation is extremely hazardous and could result  
in serious injury or even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before mowing.  
Remove any like object from the site. Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.  
(SGM-06)  
Mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower. The  
correct mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass type, density, and height of  
cut. Normal ground speed range is from 2 to 5 mph(3-8 kph). Use slow mowing speeds  
when operating on or near steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, power  
lines, or when debris and foreign objects are to be avoided. (SGM-07)  
Avoid mowing in reverse direction when possible. Check to make sure there are no  
persons behind the mower and use extreme care when mowing in reverse. Mow only at a  
slow ground speed where you can safely operate and control the tractor and mower.  
Never mow an area that you have not inspected and removed debris or foreign material.  
(SGM-08)  
Do not put hands or feet under mower decks. Blade Contact can result  
in serious injury or even death. Stay away until all motion has stopped  
and the decks are securely blocked up. (SGM-09)  
Replace bent or broken blades with new blades. NEVER ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN,  
WELD, OR WELD HARDFACING ON BLADES SINCE THIS WILL LIKELY CRACK OR  
OTHERWISE DAMAGE THE BLADE WITH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE  
SERIOUS INJURY FROM THROWN BLADES. (SGM-10)  
SWINGTRIM 03/09  
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.  
Safety Section 1-8  
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SAFETY  
Rotary Mowers are capable under adverse conditions of throwing  
objects for great distances (300 feet or more) and causing serious injury  
or death. Follow safety messages carefully.  
STOP MOWING IF PASSERSBY ARE WITHIN 100 YARDS UNLESS:  
-Front and Rear Deflectors, Chain Guards, or Bands are installed and in good, workable  
condition;  
-Mower sections or Wings are running close to and parallel to the ground without exposed  
Blades;  
-Passersby are outside the existing thrown-object zone;  
-All areas have been thoroughly inspected and all foreign material such as rocks, cans,  
glass, and general debris has been removed.