TX235
TURF FLEX
FINISHING MOWER
Published 02/07
Part NO. 00767122C
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
RHINO®
1020 S. Sangamon Ave.
Gibson City, IL 60936
800-446-5158
Email: [email protected]
$0.00
©2007 Alamo Group Inc.
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In order to reduce accidents and enhance the safe operation of mowers, Alamo Group Ag Division, in
cooperation with other industry manufacturers has developed the AEM/FEMA Industrial and Agricul-
tural 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 Ag 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 Group Ag.
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 Group Ag. 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 ..............................................................................................................1-1
General Safety Instructions and Practices .........................................................................................................1-2
Operator Safety Instructions and Practices .......................................................................................................1-3
Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices ....................................................................................1-5
Connecting or Disconnecting Implement Safety Instructions and Practices ....................................................1-10
Transporting Safety Instructions and Practices ...............................................................................................1-11
Maintenance and Service Safety Instructions and Practices ...........................................................................1-13
Storage and Parking Safety Instructions and Practices ...................................................................................1-15
Concluding Safety Instructions and Practices ..................................................................................................1-15
Decal Location .................................................................................................................................................1-16
Decal Description .............................................................................................................................................1-18
Federal Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................................1-29
INTRODUCTION SECTION .................................................................................................2-1
ASSEMBLY SECTION ........................................................................................................3-1
TONGUE JACK AND WHEEL ATTACHMENT ..................................................................................................3-2
SWIVEL AND LIFT ARM ATTACHMENT ..........................................................................................................3-3
HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ATTACHMENT ..........................................................................................................3-4
WING MOWER ATTACHMENT .........................................................................................................................3-4
CASTER WHEEL ATTACHMENTS - REAR MOWER ......................................................................................3-5
CASTER WHEEL ATTACHMENTS - WING MOWER .......................................................................................3-5
REAR MOWER ATTACHMENT ........................................................................................................................3-6
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT ..............................................................................................................................3-7
JACKSTAND AND HOSE ATTACHMENT ........................................................................................................3-7
HYDRAULIC HOSE ATTACHMENT ..................................................................................................................3-8
3-SPOOL VALVE ...............................................................................................................................................3-8
LOCK-UP ARMS ATTACHMENT ......................................................................................................................3-8
SMV ATTACHMENT ..........................................................................................................................................3-8
ROPE ROUTING ...............................................................................................................................................3-8
FIELD ASSEMBLY ..........................................................................................................................................3-10
WING DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT ..................................................................................................................3-10
OPERATION SECTION .......................................................................................................4-1
Standard Equipment and Specifications ............................................................................................................4-3
OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................................4-4
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................4-5
ROPS and Seat Belt ..........................................................................................................................................4-5
Tractor Safety Devices .......................................................................................................................................4-5
Drawbar .............................................................................................................................................................4-6
Front End Weight ...............................................................................................................................................4-6
Power Take Off (PTO) .......................................................................................................................................4-6
GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRACTOR .........................................................................................................4-7
Boarding the Tractor ..........................................................................................................................................4-7
Dismounting the Tractor .....................................................................................................................................4-7
STARTING THE TRACTOR ..............................................................................................................................4-8
CONNECTING THE MOWER TO THE TRACTOR ...........................................................................................4-9
Connecting the Mower Tongue to the Tractor ...................................................................................................4-9
Safety Tow Chains .............................................................................................................................................4-9
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Connecting Mower Hydraulics .........................................................................................................................4-10
SETTING THE MOWER ..................................................................................................................................4-10
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT ............................................................................................................................4-11
Driveline Length Check ....................................................................................................................................4-12
Constant Velocity (CV) Driveline ......................................................................................................................4-14
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND SERVICE ...........................................................................................4-15
Tractor Pre-Operation Inspection/Service ........................................................................................................4-16
Mower Pre-Operation Inspection/Service ........................................................................................................4-16
DRIVING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT .................................................................................................4-22
Starting the Tractor ..........................................................................................................................................4-23
Brake and Differential Lock Setting ..................................................................................................................4-23
Transporting the Cutter ....................................................................................................................................4-24
Operating the Tractor and Mower ....................................................................................................................4-25
Crossing Ditches and Steep Inclines ...............................................................................................................4-26
OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ...........................................................................................4-27
Foreign Debris Hazards ...................................................................................................................................4-28
Bystander/Passerby Precautions .....................................................................................................................4-28
Engaging the Power Take Off (PTO) ...............................................................................................................4-29
PTO RPM and Ground Speed .........................................................................................................................4-30
Operating the Mower .......................................................................................................................................4-30
Shutting Down the Implement ..........................................................................................................................4-32
DISCONNECTING THE MOWER FROM THE TRACTOR .............................................................................4-33
MOWER STORAGE ........................................................................................................................................4-34
TRANSPORTING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ...................................................................................4-34
Transporting on Public Roadways ...................................................................................................................4-36
Hauling the Tractor and Implement ..................................................................................................................4-38
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................4-39
MAINTENANCE SECTION ..................................................................................................5-1
LUBRICATION INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................5-2
GEARBOX .........................................................................................................................................................5-3
SWIVEL ASSEMBLY .........................................................................................................................................5-4
CENTER 4-WAY GEAR BOX ............................................................................................................................5-4
GAUGE WHEEL ASSEMBLIES ........................................................................................................................5-5
BLADE SPINDLE LUBRICATION ......................................................................................................................5-5
DRIVELINE LUBRICATION ...............................................................................................................................5-6
CV DRIVELINE PROFILE LUBRICATION .........................................................................................................5-6
WING DRIVELINE PROFILE LUBRICATION ....................................................................................................5-7
BLADE SERVICING ..........................................................................................................................................5-7
BLADE SHARPENING ......................................................................................................................................5-8
BLADE INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................................5-8
BELT ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................5-9
BELT REMOVAL / INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................5-9
BLADE SPINDLE SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................5-10
STORAGE .......................................................................................................................................................5-11
PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS ..........................................................................................................5-11
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SAFETY
General Safety Instructions and Practices
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)
TX235 02/07
Safety Section 1-2
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
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SAFETY
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. (SG-30)
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. (SG-31)
Operator Safety Instructions and Practices
The rotating parts of this machine continue to rotate even after the PTO has been turned off.
The operator should remain in his seat for 60 seconds after the brake has been set, the
PTO disengaged, the tractor turned off, and all evidence of rotation has ceased. (S3PT-10)
“Wait a minute...Save a life!”
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 or Implement without supervision. Make sure the
operator has fully read and understood the manuals prior to operation.
(SG-4)
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)
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)
TX235 02/07
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
Safety Section 1-3
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SAFETY
Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturer’s
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other
chemical agent. (SG-22)
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)
NEVER use drugs or alcohol immediately before or while operating the
Tractor and Implement. Drugs and alcohol will affect an operator’s
alertness and coordination and therefore affect the operator’s ability to
operate the equipment safely. Before operating the Tractor or 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)
Prolonged operation may cause operator boredom and fatigue affecting safe operation.
Take scheduled work breaks to help prevent these potentially impaired operating
conditions. Never operate the Implement and Tractor in a fatigued or bored mental state
which impairs proper and safe operation. (SG-32)
Use extreme caution when getting onto the Implement to perform repairs, maintenance and
when removing accumulated material. Only stand on solid flat surfaces to ensure good
footing. Use a ladder or raised stand to access high spots which cannot be reached from
ground level. Slipping and falling can cause serious injury or death. (SG-33)
DO NOT operate this Implement on a Tractor that is not properly maintained. Should a
mechanical or Tractor control failure occur while operating, immediately shut down the
Tractor and perform repairs before resuming operation. Serious injury and possible death
could occur from not maintaining this Implement and Tractor in good operating condition.
(SG-36)
TX235 02/07
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
Safety Section 1-4
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SAFETY
Avoid contact with hot surfaces of the engine or muffler. Use gloves and eye protection
when servicing hot components. Contact with a hot surface or fluid can cause serious injury
from burns or scalding. (SG-38)
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)
Always keep a careful lookout and use extreme care when working around utility and
municipal obstructions. Never allow the Mower to contact any utility, municipal, or other
type structure. Clearly mark all mowing obstructions and consult local utility providers for
a safe code of operation. (SPU-5)
Do not operate the implement while wearing loose fitting clothing. Entanglement of the
clothing with the rotating elements can result in serious injury or even death. Stay clear of
all rotating elements at all times. (SSP-03)
Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices
Never leave the Tractor and Implement unattended while the Implement is in the lifted
position. Accidental operation of lifting lever or a hydraulic failure may cause sudden drop
of unit with injury or death by crushing. To properly park the implement when disconnecting
it from the tractor, lower the stand and put the retaining pin securely in place, or put a secure
support under the A-Frame. Lower the implement carefully to the ground. Do not put hands
or feet under lifted components. (S3PT-1)
Use extreme care when lowering or unfolding the implement’s wings. Make sure no
bystanders are close by or underneath the wings. Allow ample clearance around the
implement when folding or unfolding the wings. Use extreme caution around buildings or
overhead power lines. (S3PT-05)
This Implement may be wider than the Tractor. Be careful when operating or transporting
this equipment to prevent the Implement from running into or striking sign posts, guard rails,
concrete abutments or other solid objects. Such an impact could cause the Implement and
Tractor to pivot violently resulting in loss of steering control, serious injury, or even death.
Never allow the Implement to contact obstacles. (S3PT-12)
Be sure you have adequate knowledge of the property you will be working on. Take time to
make yourself aware of any area underground lines or cables. Contact with buried lines or
cable could result in serious injury or death. If in doubt about buried utility lines call 811
before digging or 1-800-258-0808. (SBH-6)
TX235 02/07
Safety Section 1-5
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
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SAFETY
Do not operate Mower if excessive vibration exists.
Shut down PTO and the Tractor
engine. Inspect the Mower to determine the source of the vibration. If Mower blades are
missing or damaged replace them immediately. Do not operate the mower until the
blades have been replaced and the Mower operates smoothly. Operating the Mower with
excessive vibration can result in component failure and 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 Mower to be operated with blades missing. (SFL-4)
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)
BEFORE leaving the tractor seat, always set the parking 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)
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)
TX235 02/07
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
Safety Section 1-6
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SAFETY
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)
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)
Never run the Tractor engine in a closed building or without adequate ventilation. The
exhaust fumes can be hazardous to your health. (SG-23)
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)
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)
In case of mechanical difficulty during operation, place the transmission in the park
position, set the parking brake, shut down all power, including the PTO and the engine and
remove the key. Wait until all rotating motion has stopped before dismounting. (SG-39)
Do Not operate this equipment in areas where insects such as bees may attack you and/or
cause you to lose control of the equipment. If you must enter in such areas, use a tractor
with an enclosed Cab and close the windows to prevent insects from entering. If a tractor
cab is not available, wear suitable clothing including head, face, and hand protection to
shield you from the insects. Attacking insects can cause you to lose control of the tractor,
which can result in serious injury or death to you or bystanders. Never dismount a moving
tractor. (SG-40)
TX235 02/07
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
Safety Section 1-7
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SAFETY
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)
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)
TX235 02/07
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
Safety Section 1-8
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