Lastec Articuator Mode 325EFD-CE Owner s Manua Manua Part Number: Man-325EFD-CE Lastec A Division of Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. 8180 West 10th Street Indianapois, Indiana 46214 Phone (317) 808-0703 Fax (317) 808-0704 www.astec.com
Tabe of Contents Page SECTION 1 TO THE OWNER 1-1 1.1 Read This Manua In Its Entirety BEFORE Operating The Articuator... 1-1 1.2 Product Registration... 1-1 1.3 LasTec Product Warranty... 1-3 1.4 Component Manufacturers Warranties... 1-4 1.5 Servicing The Articuator... 1-4 1.6 Warranty Registration... 1-5 SECTION 2 SAFETY INFORMATION 2-1 2.1 Warning Symbos... 2-1 2.2 About This Manua... 2-1 2.3 Safety Guards And Covers... 2-2 2.4 Preparationa Safety Rues... 2-3 2.5 Operationa Safety Rues... 2-4 2.6 Maintenance Safety Rues... 2-5 2.7 Storage Safety Rues... 2-6 SECTION 3 INITIAL SET-UP 3-1 3.1 Mounting The Articuator To The Tractor... 3-1 3.2 Gearbox... 3-2 3.3 Deck Drive Bets... 3-2 3.4 Deck Bets... 3-3 3.5 Bades... 3-4 3.6 Deck Cutting Height... 3-5 3.7 Gauge Whees... 3-6 3.8 Genera... 3-6 3.9 Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checkist... 3-7 SECTION 4 OPERATING PROCEDURES 4-1 4.1 Transporting The Articuator... 4-1 4.2 Preparation For Cutting... 4-2 4.3 Ground Speed... 4-3 4.4 Cutting In Reverse... 4-4 4.5 Cutting Severe Contours... 4-4 4.6 Cutting Wet Grass... 4-4 Tabe of Contents ML-009/Odoc080400 ii
Tabe of Contents Page SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE 5-1 5.1 Every 8 Operating Hours... 5-1 5.2 Every 25 Operating Hours... 5-1 5.3 Every 50 Operating Hours... 5-2 5.4 Every 500 Operating Hours... 5-2 5.5 Annua... 5-2 5.6 Mode 325EFD Articuator Specifications... 5-3 5.7 Mode 325EFD Articuator Maintenance Chart... 5-5 Tabe of Contents ML-009/Odoc080400 iii Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
To The Owner Read This Manua In Its Entirety BEFORE Operating The Articuator 1 SECTION 1 To The Owner 1.1 Read This Manua In Its Entirety BEFORE Operating The Articuator The information presented herein wi prepare you to operate the Articuator in a safe and knowedgeabe manner. Proper operation of the Articuator wi provide a safer working environment, and promote higher quaity, more efficient resuts. Keep this manua at hand at a times for ready reference. The designed and tested safety of the Articuator is dependent upon its operation within the guideines and imitations as outined in this manua. Aways adhere to a the safety rues presented in this manua. 1.2 Product Registration Immediatey record the mode and seria numbers of your Articuator in the spaces provided beow. These numbers can be found on the seria number pate which is permanenty affixed to the mower. The seria number pate is ocated on the outside of the eft upright of the center cutting deck. You shoud provide this information to your deaer any time you are ordering parts. This wi assist them in suppying you the correct and most current parts avaiabe for your Articuator. Mode Number: Seria Number: You shoud now fi out the warranty registration form (ocated in the back of this section) and mai or fax it to LasTec. This form must be competed and returned to the factory within thirty (30) days of purchase in order to vaidate the warranty. Pease do not hesitate! To The Owner 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 1-1 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
1 To The Owner LasTec Product Warranty 1.3 LasTec Product Warranty LasTec, A Division of Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. warrants its new products to be free of defects in materia or workmanship. This warranty is appicabe ony for the norma service ife expectancy of the machine or components, not to exceed tweve consecutive months from the date of deivery of the new LasTec product to the origina purchaser. LasTec, A Division of Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. warrants any new products suppied to a renta yard, or any other situation invoving the renta, ease, or other temporary use of the product by a third party, to be free of defects in materia or workmanship, not to exceed 90 days from the date of deivery of the new LasTec product to the origina purchaser. Under no circumstances wi it cover any merchandise or components thereof, which, in the opinion of the company has been subjected to negigent handing, misuse, ateration, accident, or repairs made with any parts other than those obtainabe through LasTec. Warranty on a norma wear items such as bearings, bets, and bushings is 90 days from date of deivery. Any caim received after 90 days wi not be accepted. A warranty items must be fied with your distributor. The distributor wi then fie the warranty caim with LasTec. Our obigation under this warranty sha be imited to repairing or repacing, free of charge to the origina purchaser, any part that in our judgement sha show evidence of such defect, provided further that such part sha be returned within thirty (30) days from date of faiure to LasTec, routed through the deaer and distributor from whom the purchase was made, with transportation charges prepaid. This warranty sha not be interpreted to render us iabe for injury or damages of any kind or nature, direct, consequentia, or contingent to person or property. This warranty does not extend to oss of any expense or oss incurred for abor, suppies, substitute machinery, renta or for any other reason. There are no warranties, either expressed or impied, of merchantabiity or fitness for particuar purpose intended or fitness for any other reason. This warranty is subject to any existing conditions of suppy which may directy affect our abiity to obtain materias or manufacture repacement parts. LasTec reserves the right to make improvements in design or changes in specifications at any time, without incurring any obigations to owners of units previousy sod. No one is authorized to ater, modify or enarge this warranty nor the excusion, imitations and reservation. A LasTec warranty work wi be done at a distributors faciity. FOB responsibiity is the customers. 1-2 LasTec Warranty/Odoc100600 To The Owner Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
1 To The Owner Component Manufacturers Warranties 1.4 Component Manufacturers Warranties Some of the component parts of the Mode 325EFD Articuator are warranted by their respective manufacturers. These parts incude: Curtis Gearbox Bondioi PTO Shaft The compete manufacturers warranty information for these components is ocated in the back of this manua. Contact your LasTec deaer if you have questions concerning warranties on these component parts. 1.5 Servicing The Articuator ALWAYS use ony genuine LasTec parts when servicing the Articuator! Utiization of substitute parts wi void the warranty and may cause unsafe operation or unsatisfactory performance of the Articuator! The Articuator is carefuy engineered and manufactured to provide safe, dependabe, and satisfactory service. As with a other mechanica equipment, the Articuator requires routine inspection, ceaning and maintenance. When servicing the Articuator, be sure to use ony genuine LasTec parts. Utiization of substitute parts wi not ony void the warranty, but may aso cause unsafe or unsatisfactory operation of the Articuator due to their substandard quaity or incorrect appication. In order to hande a of your service needs, your authorized LasTec deaer stocks genuine LasTec parts, and has trained mechanics on hand. Be sure to compete the foowing LasTec Warranty Registration Form and return to LasTec within 30 days of the purchase of your Articuator. This wi aid you, LasTec, and your LasTec deaer in the warranting and servicing of your Articuator. 1-4 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 To The Owner Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Lastec Warranty Registration Form IMPORTANT! To vaidate the warranty, this registration form must be competed in fu and returned to Lastec within fifteen (15) days of purchase! Company Name Detatch Here Detatch Here Detach Here Company Contact Maiing Address Shipping Address Phone Fax Authorized Company Representative Signature: Articuator Mode: Seria Number: Distributor/Deaer Purchased From: Gof Course Municipa Date Purchased: Purchase Price: How did you hear about Lastec? Pease check the box that most accuratey describes your business: Sod Farm Tota Acreage Cut: Average Operating Hours: How Did You Hear About Us? Customer Profie Information Government Pease hep us to better serve you by competing the foowing survey information: Do you own an Aritcuator, and if so what mode? Schoos Coege I have read and understand the warranty poicy and maintenance sections of the operators manua for the machine described beow. Sports Compex Landscaping Company Weeky Weeky Monthy Monthy The Articuator Light Agricuture Other Annuay Annuay Pease ist the features and/or benefits which heped you to choose the articuator: Who referred you to the Articuator? Who was the saesman that assisted you? Pease check the box to your eft if you woud not aow Lastec to use your company's name for marketing purposes. Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Safety Information Warning Symbos 2 SECTION 2 Safety Information 2.1 Warning Symbos Foowing is a egend describing the warning symbos utiized throughout this manua, and the potentia types of hazards which they indicate: Caution! This symbo indicates a potentia equipment hazard. Faiing to propery adhere to the instructions, rues, or procedures may resut in equipment mafunction, damage, or destruction. Warning! This symbo indicates a potentia persona injury hazard. Faiing to propery adhere to the instructions, rues, or procedures may resut in persona injury. Danger! This symbo indicates a potentia serious injury or fata injury hazard. Faiing to propery adhere to the instructions, rues, or procedures may resut in serious injury or even fata injury. The above iustrated symbos are dispayed throughout this manua in order to indicate important safety information. When coming upon one of these symbos in this manua, be aware of a potentia hazard being discussed in the accompanying paragraphs. Hazards such as damage to equipment, serious persona injury, or even fata injury are possibe, perhaps even ikey, if the accompanying instructions or procedures are not heeded. 2.2 About This Manua Safety instructions are important! Read a safety rues in this manua as we as a safety rues in any reated equipment manuas! The purpose of this manua is to assist you in propery and safey operating and maintaining the Articuator. Read and understand this entire manua before attempting to set-up, operate, adjust, perform any maintenance on, or store the Articuator. This manua provides essentia information and instructions which wi hep you enjoy years of dependabe performance from the Articuator. The designed and tested safety of the Articuator is dependent upon its operation within the parameters and imitations expained in this manua. Be famiiar with and foow a safety rues in this manua as we a safety rues for any reated equipment. Safety Information 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 2-1 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
2 Safety Information Safety Guards And Covers Athough these instructions have been compied through extensive fied experience and engineering data, some information presented herein may be genera in nature due to unknown and/or varying operating conditions. However, these instructions, combined with your increasing experience with the Articuator, wi enabe you to deveop procedures suitabe to your particuar cutting appication. The iustrations and data used in this manua were current at the time of printing, but the Articuator may vary sighty due to ongoing engineering changes. LasTec reserves the right to impement engineering and design changes to the Articuator as may be necessary without prior notification. Throughout this manua, we make references to right and eft directions. We determine right and eft whie sitting in the operator seat and facing in the direction of forward trave. Bade rotation is cockwise as viewed from the top of the Articuator. 2.3 Safety Guards And Covers NEVER operate the Articuator with any safety covers removed!! Work safey! Foow a safety rues! A carefu operator is the best insurance against accidents! Some iustrations in this manua show the Articuator with safety covers removed in order to provide improved viewing of the particuar components being discussed. This is for informationa purposes ony -- never operate the Articuator without a covers, shieds, safety devices, and grass chute or muching pate instaed and secure! Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of a LasTec products. Unfortunatey, our extensive efforts to provide safe equipment can be negated by a singe careess act of an operator. In addition to the design and configuration of the Articuator, hazard contro and accident prevention are aso dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training of a personne invoved in the operation, transportation, maintenance, and storage of the Articuator. The Best Safety Device is an informed, carefu Operator! We ask you to be that kind of operator. 2-2 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Safety Information Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Safety Information Preparationa Safety Rues 2 2.4 Preparationa Safety Rues Know your contros and how to stop the Articuator quicky in an emergency! Read this entire manua before attempting to operate the Articuator! NEVER aow anyone to operate the Articuator without proper instruction! Any and a operators must be instructed in and capabe of the safe operation of the Articuator, its attachments, and contros! NEVER aow chidren to operate the Articuator! NEVER aow chidren on or near the Articuator! NEVER operate the Articuator when chidren are present! ALWAYS cear area of a personne before operating the Articuator! Never operate the Articuator when chidren are present. Aways wear reativey tight and beted cothing to avoid entangement in moving parts. Wear sturdy rough-soed work shoes, as we as protective equipment for the eyes, hands, hearing and head. Never operate the Articuator or reated equipment in bare feet, sandas, or sneakers. Cear the cut area of any stones, branches or other debris that may be thrown and cause injury or damage. Verify that a safety decas are propery instaed, visibe, and inteigibe. Aways remove accumuated debris, fue, or excess grease and oi from the tractor engine area to avoid a fire hazard. Verify that the Articuator is propery mounted, set up, adjusted, and in good operating condition. Aways perform the pre-operation equipment inspection (Section 3) and the appropriate maintenance schedue (Section 5) before operating the Articuator. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. Safety Information 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 2-3 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
2 Safety Information Operationa Safety Rues 2.5 Operationa Safety Rues ALWAYS work safey! Foow a safety rues! A carefu operator is the best insurance against accidents! ALWAYS cear area of a personne before operating the Articuator! NEVER operate the Articuator without a safety covers propery instaed and in good condition! ALWAYS stay we cear of a moving parts! ALWAYS stay cear of bades during operation! NEVER aow chidren to operate the Articuator! NEVER aow chidren on or near the Articuator! NEVER operate the Articuator when chidren are present! ALWAYS cear area of a personne before operating the Articuator! Never operate the Articuator when chidren are present. Be sure that the parking brake is set before attempting to start the engine. Operate ony in dayight or good artificia ight (min. 200 Lux). Be sure that a auxiiary equipment switches (bades, ights, etc.) are in the OFF position before attempting to start the engine. Be sure your tractor is equipped with a ROPS (Ro Over Protection System), and be sure to wear your seat bet. Never operate the Articuator without the grass chute or muching pate instaed and secure. Never operate the Articuator without a covers, shieds, and safety devices instaed and secure. Never permit any person other than the operator to ride or board the tractor or Articuator at any time. Never aow riders! Never aow anyone near the tractor or Articuator whie operating. Be sure that the area behind you is cear before operating in reverse! Never aow anyone into the path of discharge. Never discharge in the direction of bystanders, vehices, or buidings. Do not stop or start suddeny when going up or down a hi. Avoid operating on steep sopes. Do not mow in reverse uness absoutey necessary - and then ony after carefu observation of entire area behind the tractor and Articuator. 2-4 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Safety Information Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Safety Information Maintenance Safety Rues 2 Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on a hiside or over rough ground, and when operating cose to ditches, fences, or water. Reduce speed on sopes and in sharp turns to minimize potentia tipping or oss of contro. Use caution when changing directions on sopes. Be aert for hoes in the terrain as we as any other hidden hazard. Aways drive sowy over rough ground. Disengage the bades, stop the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the key before dismounting the tractor or making any adjustments to the Articuator. Stop the tractor immediatey upon striking any obstruction. Disengage the bades, turn off the engine, set the parking brake, remove the key, and inspect the tractor and Articuator for any damage. Aways repair any damage before resuming operation of the Articuator. Never adjust the cutting deck height or ift the deck into transport position whie the bades are engaged. Never engage the bades with the cutting decks raised into transport position. Never pace your hands or feet under the Articuator whie the engine is running. Stay we cear of any and a moving parts. Keep hands and feet away from the bades at a times during operation. Take a possibe precautions when eaving the tractor and Articuator unattended: disengage the bades, turn off the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the key anytime you eave the tractor and Articuator unattended. If your tractor is equipped with headights and hazard ights, aways activate them whenever crossing or accessing any roadways, driveways, or parking ots. Watch for oncoming traffic. Hande fue with caution - it is exposive! Aways use approved fue containers; never hande fue near an open fame; never use fue as a sovent; never fue the tractor whie the engine is running or hot; never fue the Articuator indoors; aways cean up any spied fue; never smoke around fue. Do not aow extended running of tractor engine indoors - exhaust fumes are deady. 2.6 Maintenance Safety Rues ALWAYS disengage the bades, turn off the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the key before performing any service to, maintenance on, or adjustments to the tractor or Articuator! NEVER aow chidren on or around the Articuator! Never perform maintenance on the Articuator when chidren are present. Safety Information 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 2-5 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Safety Information Storage Safety Rues 2 Aways perform the appropriate maintenance schedue(s) in a timey fashion. Never aow anyone near any operator contros whie performing adjustments, service or maintenance to the tractor or Articuator. Aways use persona protection equipment such as eye, hand, head, and ear protection when performing any service or maintenance to the tractor or Articuator. Keep the tractor engine area free of accumuated debris, fue, or excess grease and oi to reduce fire hazard. Keep the Articuator in good operating condition with a safety devices in pace. Check the bades frequenty. Verify that they are sharp, free of nicks and cracks, and securey fastened. Periodicay tighten a bots, nuts and screws and check that a fasteners are propery instaed to ensure the tractor and Articuator are in safe operating condition. Upon competing any maintenance or service function, verify that a safety guards and devices are propery instaed before operating the tractor or Articuator. Verify that a warning abes and decas are propery instaed, visibe, and egibe. Aways remove debris from the top and bottom of the Articuator after each use. 2.7 Storage Safety Rues NEVER aow the extended running of tractor engine indoors! Exhaust gasses contain carbon monoxide, an odoress and deady poison! NEVER aow chidren on or around the Articuator! Never store the Articuator in any area accessabe by chidren. Never aow extended running of any engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are deady. Never store tractor with fue in the tank inside a buiding where fumes coud reach an open fame or spark. Aow the tractor engine to coo before storing in an encosed area. Remove a accumuated debris from the tractor, and both the top and bottom of the Articuator before storing. Sand chipped or scratched areas and re-paint them to prevent rust during storage. Lubricate a moving parts of the tractor and Articuator to prevent rust during storage. Safety Information 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 2-6 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Initia Set-Up Mounting The Articuator To The Tractor 3 SECTION 3 Initia Set-Up 3.1 Mounting The Articuator To The Tractor Before attempting to mount the Articuator to the tractor, be sure the PTO is disengaged, the engine is off, the parking brake is set, and the transmission is in neutra! The Mode 325EFD Articuator is designed to be mounted to the John Deere F1145 traction unit ONLY. Do NOT attempt to mount the Mode 325EFD Articuator to any other traction unit make or mode. Damage to the equipment and/or persona injury may resut from instaation and/or operation of the Articuator with an improper traction unit. Foow the procedures isted beow to propery mount the Articuator to the tractor: 1. Park the tractor on eve ground. Be sure deck ift arms are in owered position. 2. Turn off the tractor, disengage the PTO, shift the transmission into neutra, and set the parking brake. 3. Approximate the position of the Articuator in front of the tractor. 4. Mount the Articuator push arms onto the tractor. Secure with cevis pins. 5. Mount the push arms onto the Articuator. Secure with bots and nuts. 6. Mount the PTO shaft to the Articuator gearbox. Secure with ro pin. 7. Mount the PTO shaft to the tractor. Secure with quick-disconnect coar. 8. Baast the rear of the traction unit. To obtain the proper baast, order and insta the foowing: (6) 36-b weights, JD part no. BM17967; (1) Weight Mounting Hardware Kit, JD part no. BM17983. 9. Compete the entire Initia Set-Up section of this manua before attempting to operate the tractor and Articuator. Initia Set-Up 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 3-1 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
3 Initia Set-Up Gearbox 3.2 Gearbox Check the oi eve and condition in the gearbox. The gearbox shoud be approximatey haf fu (16 ounces). Add oi if ow. If the oi appears excessivey contaminated, change the oi. Use Amoco Permagear EP 220 or equivaent gear oi. Inspect the entire area around and under the gearbox for any oi eakage. If a eak is discovered, repair it and refi the gearbox before operating the Articuator. 3.3 Deck Drive Bets NEVER inspect, adjust, or change the deck drive bet whie the engine is running! ALWAYS cean the entire deck(incuding under the bet cover) of a grease, oi, fue, grass, or debris to prevent fire & projectie hazards! The deck drive bets are ocated between the gearbox and the center cutting deck, under the center deck bet cover. To access the bets, remove the wing bot and ift the cover from the deck. The spring-oaded ider system automaticay tensions the bets to the proper eve. Check the bets for visibe wear or damage. If either bet appears excessivey worn, damaged, cracked, weathered, or otherwise appears to pose an unsuitabe or unsafe operating condition, repace the bet. Check the bets for proper tension. If the ider arm pivots to its maximum stroke without adequatey tightening the bets, you need to repace the bets. If the bets you are checking are new, and the ider tensioner goes to its maximum stroke without adequatey tightening the bets, it is ikey you are have instaed the wrong size bets. Contact your LasTec deaer for the proper bet engths for your Articuator. If you are unabe to insta new bets with the ider arm at its minimum stroke, it is ikey you are instaing the wrong size bets. Contact your LasTec deaer for proper bet engths for your Articuator. Be sure that the ider tensioning spring is propery instaed and in good condition. If for some reason this spring becomes oose, detached, or fatigued, the ider wi not propery tension the bets. Cean entire deck area (under the bet cover) of a excess grease, oi, fue, grass, or debris before operating the Articuator. This wi hep prevent damage to the equipment, fire hazard, and projectie hazards. Be sure to repace the bet cover and hardware. 3-2 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Initia Set-Up Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Initia Set-Up Deck Bets 3 3.4 Deck Bets NEVER inspect, adjust, or change the deck bets whie the engine is running! ALWAYS cean each entire deck (incuding under the bet covers) of a grease, oi, fue, grass, or debris to prevent fire & projectie hazards! The deck bets are ocated under the bet covers on each deck. To access each bet, remove the bet cover hardware, and ift the bet cover from the cutting deck. The doube-puey ider bet tensioning system automaticay tensions the bets on the cutting decks, thus eiminating the need for manua bet tension adjustment. Check the bets for visibe wear or damage. If any bet appears excessivey worn, damaged, cracked, weathered, or otherwise appears to pose an unsuitabe or unsafe operating condition, repace the bet. Check the bets for proper tension. If an ider arm pivots to its maximum stroke without adequatey tightening the bet, you need to repace the bet. If the bet you are checking is new, and the ider arm pivots to its maximum stroke without adequatey tightening the bet, it is ikey you have instaed the wrong size bet. Contact your LasTec deaer for the proper bet engths for your Articuator. If you are unabe to insta a new bet with the ider arm at its minimum stroke, it is ikey you are instaing the wrong size bet. Contact your LasTec deaer for proper bet engths for your Articuator. Be sure that each ider puey tensioning spring is propery instaed and in good condition. If for some reason this spring becomes oose, detached, or fatigued, the ider wi not propery tension the bet. Cean each entire deck area (under the bet covers) of a excess grease, oi, fue, grass, or debris before operating the Articuator. This wi hep prevent damage to the equipment, fire hazard, and projectie hazards. Be sure to repace a bet covers and hardware. Initia Set-Up 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 3-3 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
3 Initia Set-Up Bades 3.5 Bades Never inspect, adjust, change, or perform any other maintenance to the bades whie the engine is running! Aways turn off the bades, turn off the engine, remove the key, and set the parking brake before attempting to inspect, adjust, change, or perform any other maintenance to the bades! Keep a personne cear of a contros whie inspecting, adjusting, changing, or performing maintenance to the bades! The Mode 325EFD Articuator utiizes three individua 25 ow-ift bades, ocated under each articuated cutting deck. NEVER go near, or expose yoursef or others in any way to the bades whie the engine is running! ALWAYS disengage the bades, turn off the tractor, remove the key, and set the parking brake before attempting to inspect, adjust, change or perform any other maintenance to the bades! Keep a personne cear of a contros whie inspecting, adjusting, changing, or performing maintenance to the bades! Inspect a bades for proper instaation, orientation, tightness, sharpness, and overa condition. Be sure the ift fins are oriented to the top of the bades. Verify that the mount bots are secure, the bades are sharp, and free of any nicks, cracks, or bends. Aways repace any damaged, du, or missing bades before operating the Articuator. The Recommended torque vaue for the bade bots is 45 ft/bs. LasTec aso offers optiona high-ift bades and muching bades for certain cutting appications. Contact your LasTec deaer for further information about optiona bades avaiabe. 3-4 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Initia Set-Up Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Initia Set-Up Deck Cutting Height 3 3.6 Deck Cutting Height NEVER attempt to change the cutting deck height whie the engine is running! The Mode 325EFD Articuator has a standard cutting range of 1" to 4 1/2", in 1/4" increments. If you wish to change the deck cutting height, do so before attempting to operate the Articuator. The deck height adjustment ever has (1) permanenty fixed spacer, and (16) adjustabe spacers, each equa to 1/4" deck height adjustment. The deck is at its minimum height (a cutting height of 1") when ony the fixed spacer is in front of the ever ock bracket. Each adjustabe spacer paced in front of the ock bracket raises the cutting height by 1/4, up to 4 1/2". The spacers which mark the 2", 3", and 4 cutting height positions are knured for quick identification. To adjust the cutting deck height: 1. Disengage the PTO. 2. Tighten both deck imit chains, and secure the snap inks. 3. Lift the cutting deck to transport position. 4. Secure the deck service safety atch. 5. Turn the spacer ocking knob on the height adjustment ever counter-cockwise unti the spacers and ever are oose. Raise the ever from the ocking bracket and adjust the spacers to the desired height setting. Each spacer paced in front of the ock pate wi indicate an additiona 1/4 of cutting height. When the desired cutting height setting is reached, pace the ever back into the ocking bracket and turn the spacer ocking knob cockwise unti the spacers are tight. Avoid trapping fingers between the spacers and the ock pate during adjustment. Repeat process on a three deck height adjusting rods. 6. Disengage the deck service safety atch. 7. Lower the cutting deck to the ground. 8. Loosen both deck imit chains, and secure the snap inks. NOTE: An additiona 1/4 of cutting height can be attained, for a maximum height of 4 3/4, by removing the 1/4 spacers from ABOVE a the whee yoke coars and pacing them BELOW the coars. This wi raise a of the cutting height settings obtained with the deck height adjusting ever by 1/4 respectivey. Initia Set-Up 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 3-5 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Initia Set-Up Gauge Whees 3 3.7 Gauge Whees Verify proper function of a cutting deck gauge whees. The whees shoud turn freey without excessive side-to-side motion, and be free of debris. Cean, adjust, or repace as necessary. Check that each whee swives freey in the shaft pivot coar, and the bushings are in good condition. If any whee does not swive freey, cean and grease the shaft coar assemby. Repace the bushings if necessary. Refi or repace any ow or fat tires. Check the Specifications Chart for proper tire pressure. 3.8 Genera Verify that a warning decas are in pace, visibe and egibe. Verify that a covers and safety devices are propery instaed and secure. Check that the discharge chute is cear of debris, propery mounted, and in good condition. Inspect entire Articuator for oose or entanged parts, debris, obstructions, negected toos, or any other possibe safety hazards, equipment hazards or projectie hazards. Set engine ide speed of the F1145 traction unit @2900 RPM. Initia Set-Up 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 3-6 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Initia Set-Up Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checkist 3 3.9 Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checkist Perform the foowing equipment inspection prior to each operation of the Articuator. q With the tractor and Articuator parked on eve ground, verify that the Articuator is propery mounted to the tractor and secure. q Verify that the PTO shaft is propery mounted and secure. q Check the oi eve in the gearbox. q Inspect area around and under the gearbox for any oi eakage. q Check the deck drive bet and ider tension spring for proper instaation, tension and condition. q Cean the entire center deck area (incuding under the bet cover) of a grease, oi, fue, grass, or debris. q Check a deck bets and ider tension springs for proper instaation, tension and condition. q Cean each entire deck area (incuding under the bet covers) of a grease, oi, fue, grass, or debris. q Inspect a bades for proper instaation, orientation, tightness, sharpness, and overa condition. q Set the cutting deck height to the desired eve. q Verify proper function and air pressure of a gauge whees. q Verify that a warning decas are in pace, visibe and egibe. q Verify that a covers and safety devices are propery instaed and secure. q Check that the discharge chute is cear of debris, propery mounted, and in good condition. q Inspect entire Articuator for oose or entanged parts, debris, obstructions, or negected toos. q Perform a safety, set-up, and pre-operation procedures isted in your tractor manua. q Compete the appropriate maintenance checkist (section 5). Initia Set-Up 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 3-7 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
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SECTION 4 Operating Procedures Operating Procedures Transporting The Articuator 4 4.1 Transporting The Articuator NEVER engage the PTO when the Articuator is in transport position! NEVER raise the Articuator into transport position whie the PTO is engaged! ALWAYS ift the Articuator off the ground before transporting! The Mode 325EFD Articuator can easiy be ifted and transported by the tractor. Once the deck ift ocking chains are ocked into position, simpy ift the arms to their maximum height. This wi aow for easy transport and transport over curbs and other obstructions, as we as extending the overa ife of the Articuator. Compete the Initia Set-Up section of this manua BEFORE attempting to operate the Articuator. Review the tractor manua for proper ift arm operation. Lock deck ift ocking chains into pace by siding them through retaining ring unti tight, then ocking the chain ink into the sot beow the ring. Secure the snap ink. Lift the Articuator into transport position before traveing. Secure the service safety atch. Do not make quick stops or starts when transporting the Articuator. Aways wear you seat bet when transporting or operating the Articuator. Never engage the bades whie the Articuator is in transport position. Never ift the cutting deck whie the bades are engaged. NOTE: WHEN LIFTING & TRANSPORTING, ALWAYS LIFT THE ARTICULATOR COMPLETELY OFF THE GROUND WITH THE TRACTOR ARMS. TRANSPORTING THE ARTICULATOR WITH THE WHEELS ON THE GROUND WILL RESULT IN DAM- AGE TO THE EQUIPMENT!! Operating Procedures 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 4-1 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
4 Operating Procedures Preparation For Cutting 4.2 Preparation For Cutting NEVER attempt to operate the Articuator unti you have read and understand this manua in its entirety, as we as the manua suppied with your tractor! ALWAYS perform the pre-operation equipment inspection before attempting to operate the Articuator! ALWAYS perform the appropriate maintenance schedue(s) before attempting to operate the Articuator! NEVER operate the Articuator without a covers, shieds, safety devices, and grass chute or muching pate instaed and secure! ALWAYS foow a safety rues stated in this manua, as we as the manua suppied with your tractor! A we-informed, safety-conscience operator is the best safeguard against accident or injury! NEVER aow extended running of any engine indoors! Exhaust gasses contain carbon monoxide, an odoress and deady poison! The Articuator is intended to be used specificay for finish mowing appications. One of the unique benefits of the Articuator s cutting system is its abiity to foat over contours that are impossibe for other wide-area mowers to cut accuratey. The Articuator aso offers a high eve of maneuverabiity, incuding the abiity to cut in reverse. Athough the Articuator is an industria quaity mower, do not attempt to use it to cut extremey ong grass or areas heavy with brush or debris. Upon competion of reading and understanding this manua in its entirety, reading and understanding your tractor manua in its entirety, competing the pre-operation inspection checkist, and performing the appropriate maintenance schedue(s), you are ready to begin operating the Articuator. Compete the Initia Set-Up section of this manua BEFORE attempting to operate the Articuator. After transport to the cut site, reease the service safety atch, ower the Articuator into cutting position, and oosen both deck imit chains. Secure the snap inks. 4-2 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Operating Procedures Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Operating Procedures Ground Speed 4 Be sure the Articuator is not positioned over any debris or oose objects. Be sure there are no peope near the Articuator, especiay in the path of discharge. Shift the tractor into neutra, and keep the tractor on a ow RPM setting. DO NOT ENGAGE THE PTO WITH THE TRACTOR AT HIGH IDLE. Engage the PTO. If there is any bet squea, excessive vibration, or any indication of obstructions or debris in the bades, disengage the PTO at once. Check and eiminate probem before continuing. If the Articuator appears to be operating correcty, sowy increase the tractor ide unti the PTO shaft is operating at the tractor manufacturer s recommended operating RPM. DO NOT EXCEED THIS RPM DURING OPERATION OF THE ARTICU- LATOR. Never operate the Articuator without a covers, shieds, safety devices, and grass chute or muching pate instaed and secure. 4.3 Ground Speed Excessive ground speed over rough terrain can cause structura stress and damage to the Articuator! ALWAYS drive cautiousy and reduce ground speed when transversing rough or severe terrain! Aways adhere to the tractor manufacturer s recommended ground speed range when operating the Articuator. Your speed may vary within this range as your cutting conditions vary. Excessive ground speed whie traveing over rough terrain can cause the Articuator to bounce excessivey, which in turn increases the stress on its structure and the ikeihood of damage to the machine. Thus, whie a higher ground speed is acceptabe for wide, open, fat areas, a sower ground speed is required for rough or contoured areas. Do not make quick starts or stops when transporting or operating the Articuator. Aways wear your seatbet. Operating Procedures 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 4-3 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
4 Operating Procedures Cutting In Reverse 4.4 Cutting In Reverse ALWAYS check to be sure that the area behind you is cear of peope or obstaces before backing the tractor and Articuator! Be sure entire area around the tractor and Articuator are cear of peope or obstructions before traveing in reverse. If you are not famiiar with backing techniques, we recommend practice in an open area to deveop the required skis before operating the Articuator. 4.5 Cutting Severe Contours NEVER attempt to operate the Articuator unti you have read and understand this manua in its entirety! NEVER aow anyone to operate the Articuator without proper training and without first reading and understanding this manua in its entirety! The Articuator cuts contours areas we, producing a quaity of cut which rivas that of a singe push mower. The basic rue of thumb to use when judging the abiity of the Articuator to hande a contoured area is to cut the area with a 25" push mower set at the same height as the Articuator. If the mower cuts without scaping, the Articuator shoud be abe to hande the area. However, there are important guideines to foow when cutting severe contours or side his: Never exceed the tractor manufacturer s maximum side sope ratings. Aways use tractors with a ROPS. Aways wear your seatbet. Do not operate the Articuator in areas which are so severey contoured as to cause PTO shaft chatter. 4.6 Cutting Wet Grass Operation of the Articuator is not adversey affected by wet cutting conditions. However, a sower ground speed is recommended for improved grass discharge and reduced turf tear. 4-4 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Operating Procedures Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Maintenance Every 8 Operating Hours 5 SECTION 5 Maintenance Proper maintenance of the Articuator is important! ALWAYS perform the appropriate Maintenance checkist at the proper time interva! Faiure to compete the appropriate Maintenance checkists at the proper time intervas wi cause damage to the Articuator, unsafe operating conditions, and substandard performance! Warranty issues are dependent upon proper maintenance! Aong with competing the Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checkist each time you operate the Articuator, compete the foowing Maintenance Checkists at the indicated time intervas. 5.1 Every 8 Operating Hours Compete the Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checkist. Grease a grease zerks. Grease the PTO shaft coar and both cross bearings. Inspect the spinde bearing grease seas (under each deck) for grease eakage or improper seating. Lubricate a joints and moving parts which are not equipped with grease fittings. Motorcyce oi or WD-40 is recommended for these areas. Verify proper instaation, operation, and fow of grass chute. Inspect entire Articuator for oose or entanged parts, debris, obstructions, negected toos, or any other possibe safety hazards, equipment hazards or projectie hazards. Perform the appropriate maintenance procedures isted in your tractor manua. 5.2 Every 25 Operating Hours Compete the 8 Hour Maintenance Checkist. Grease a whee hubs. Lubricate the PTO quick-disconnect pin or twist seeve. Maintenance 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 5-1 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
5 Maintenance Every 50 Operating Hours 5.3 Every 50 Operating Hours Compete the 8 & 25 Hour Maintenance Checkists. Grease a bade spinde housings. Inspect a bronze bushings for wear. Inspect a whee bearings for wear, damage, debris, and proper instaation. Check and cean if necessary any debris that may have accumuated during operation. 5.4 Every 500 Operating Hours Change the gearbox oi - 16 ounces Amoco Permagear EP 220 or equivaent. Inspect a bade spinde bearings for wear or damage. Repace if needed. Re-Pack a whee bearings. Repace if needed. Inspect a component parts and wear points. Repair or repace any worn, damaged, or missing parts. Compete the 8, 25, & 50 Hour Maintenance Checkists. 5.5 Annua As an annua maintenance program, LasTec recommends the instaation of a compete K612 Mode 325EFD Articuator Rebuid Kit. Contact your LasTec deaer for more information about the K612 Kit. After instaation of the compete K612 Mode 325EFD Articuator Rebuid Kit, compete the 8, 25, 50, & 500 Hour Maintenance Checkists. 5-2 325EFDCE/Odoc110700 Maintenance Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Maintenance Mode 325EFD Articuator Specifications 5 5.6 Mode 325EFD Articuator Specifications Mower Deck Cut Width 72 Mower Deck Configuration (3) 25 Articuating Mower Decks Bades (3) 25 L x 2 1/2 W x 1/4 T Low-Lift Bade Tip Speed Max 17,000 FPM Mower Deck Height Range 1 to 4 1/2 Gross Weight 450 Lb Operating Environment Outdoor Use Ony Gauge Whees (8) 9 x 3 Pneumatic Tires - 50 PSI Deck EFD1 Bet Goodyear Insta-Power 85890 Deck EFD2 Bet (Deck Drive) Goodyear Insta-Power BL35.5F Deck EFD3 Bet Goodyear Insta-Power 85870 Gearbox Curtis Mode 215A, Rat 1:1, Type B Gearbox Oi 16 Ounces Amoco Permagear EP 220 or Equivaent PTO Shaft 26 Bondioi 8210066FXR12001 Maintenance 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 5-3 Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
5 Maintenance Mode 325EFD Articuator Specifications 5-4 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 Maintenance Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua.
Maintenance Mode 325EFD Articuator Maintenance Chart 5 5.7 Mode 325EFD Articuator Maintenance Chart Go to www.astec.com for atest changes in this manua. Compete the Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checkist Grease A Grease Zerks Grease the PTO Shaft Coar & Both Cross Bearings Inspect A Bade Spinde Bearing Grease Seas for Grease Leakage or Improper Seating Lubricate A Joints & Moving Parts Not Equipped with Grease Zerks Verify Proper Instaation, Operation, & Fow of Grass Chute Inspect Entire Articuator for Loose or Entange Parts, Debris, Obstructions, Negected Toos, & Other Hazards Verify That A Hardware is Securey Fastened & Good Condition Perform the Appropriate Maintenance Procedures Listed in Your Tractor Manua Retighten a guage whees to reset the bearing oads. Compete the 8-Hour Maintenance Schedue Checkist Grease A W hee Hubs Lubricate the PTO Quick-Disconnect Pin or Twist Seeve Compete the 8-Hour & 25-Hour Maintenance Checkists Grease A Bade Spinde Bearing Housings Inspect A Bronze Bushings Inspect A W hee Bearings for W ear, Damage, Debris, & Proper Instaation Cean the gauge whees Change the Gearbox Oi Inspect A Bade Spinde Bearings for W ear, Damage, Debris, & Proper Instaation Re-pack A W hee Bearings Inspect A Component Parts & W ear Points Compete the 8-Hour, 25-Hour, & 50-Hour Maintenance Checkists Insta the K612 Mode 325EFD Articuator Rebuid Kit Compete the 8-Hour, 25-Hour, 50-Hour, & 500-Hour Maintenance Checkists Every 8 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 500 Hours Annua Maintenance 325EFDCE/Odoc080400 5-5
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