Alamo RHINO FLEX FLAIL FX17 User manual

©2013 Alamo Group Inc.
FX17/FX21
FLEX FLAIL
Published 04/13 Part NO. 00776900C
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
RHINO®
1020 S. Sangamon Ave.
Gibson City, IL 60936
800-446-5158
Email: [email protected]
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_R
Important Operating
and Safety Instructions
are found in the Mower
Safety Video that can
be instantly accessed
on the internet at:
www.algqr.com/rve
$0.00

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 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 operation of their
mowing equipment and be able to recognize the potential hazards that can occur while operating 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 Rhino 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 [e-mail] or Fax AEM VHS
Video at [phone] 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.
The information and material listed above along with this Operator’s Manual can assist you in meeting the OSHA
requirement for Operator annual training.
OSHA TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
The following training requirements have been taken from Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations Part
1928.57 (a)(6). www.osha.gov
Operator Instructions. At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the employer shall instruct
every employee who operates an agricultural tractor or implement in the safe operating practices and servicing of
equipment with which they are or will be involved, and of any other practices dictated by the work environment.

Alamo Group Ag. Division will 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
Requester Name:_________________________________Phone:___________________________
Requester Address: ___________________________________________
City:_____________________________________
State: ____________________________________
Zip Code:_________________________________
Mower Model:___________________________Serial Number:_____________________________
Date Purchased:__________________________Dealer Salesperson:_________________________
Dealership Name:________________________ Dealership Location:________________________
Mail to:
AEM Video Services
1502 E. Walnut Street
Seguin, TX 78155
Or Fax to:
[phone]
Or Email to:
AEMV[email protected]

To the Owner/Operator/Dealer
This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation of this machine and must be maintained with the
implement at all times. A Manual canister is provided on the implement where this manual can be properly stored.
If you lose or damage this manual a free replacement manual can be obtained from an authorized Rhino dealer or
by down loading the manual from the Rhino website www.servis-rhino.com
BEFORE YOU START! READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the information provided in this manual, the AEM
Mower Safety manual and the tractor operator's manual carefully to learn how to operate and service your machine
properly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury to you and bystanders. All implements with moving parts
are potentially hazardous. Every effort has been made to ensure that this machine is safe, but operators must
avoid engaging in unsafe practices and follow the written instructions provided. The manufacturer has designed
this implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of accidents.
SAFETY FIRST. Completely read and understand the safety section of this manual before operating this
equipment. Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and understood this manual.
Contact your Dealer to explain any instructions that you do not fully understand.
The care you give your Rhino Implement will greatly determine your satisfaction with its performance and its
service life. Carefully read and follow the instructions in this manual to provide you with a thorough understanding
of your new implement and its intended use and service requirements.
All references made in this manual to right, left, front, rear, top or bottom are as viewed facing the direction of
forward travel with the implement properly attached to the tractor.
Replacement Parts information is located in a separate Parts Manual. Rhino mowers use balanced and matched
system components for blade carriers, blades, cuttershafts, knives, knife hangers, rollers, drivetrain components,
and bearings. These parts are made and tested to Rhino specifications. Non-genuine “will fit” parts do not
consistently meet these specifications. The use of “will fit” parts may reduce mower performance, void warranties,
and present a safety hazard. Use genuine Rhino mower parts for economy and safety.
For future reference, record your Rhino product model number and serial number.
Dealer Telephone Model Number
Owner Purchase Date Serial Number
Serial Number Plate

DEALER to CUSTOMER Pre-Delivery / Operation Instructions
Dealer should inform the Purchaser of this product of Warranty terms, provisions, and procedures that are
applicable. Dealer should also inform the Purchaser to review the contents of the Operator’s Manual including
safety equipment, safe operation and maintenance, to review the Safety Signs on the implement (and tractor if
possible) and of Purchaser’s responsibility to train his/her operators in safe operation procedures.
•IMPLEMENTS: I have explained that Deflectors, Chain Guards, or Solid Skirts must be installed and
maintained in good repair.
•DRIVELINES: I have made certain that all driveline, gearbox, and other shields are in good repair and fastened
securely in place to prevent injuries from entanglement or thrown objects.
•HYDRAULIC MACHINES: I have explained the necessity of using clean hydraulic oil, changing filters as
instructed, stopping leaks, damage caused by operating with over-heated oil, caring for hoses, using hoses of
proper rating, maintaining the specified operating pressure and the potential hazard of oil’s penetrating the
skin.
•FOLDING-TYPE IMPLEMENTS: I have explained that it is not possible to guard against thrown objects when
the head is lifted off ground and that operator is responsible to watch out for persons in the area. I have
explained that the lifted mower head or boom can contact overhead obstructions with damage to cables and
telephone lines and possible injury. I have explained that the extended head or boom or retracted boom can
contact power lines with resulting electrocution, injury or death and that operator is responsible for keeping
clear of such hazards.
PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE
CHECK AND ADJUST OR LUBRICATE AS REQUIRED
See Operator’s Manual for Details
Inspection Performed - Warranty and Safety Procedures Explained - Installation Complete
LUBRICATION & HYDRAULICS
p Gearbox (Oil Levels)
p Hydraulic Oil Level (External Tank)
p Tractor Hydraulic Oil Level
p Hydraulic Hoses (Not Kinked Tighten Connections)
p Front Pump Drive (Assembly Is Tight And Shaft Properly
Aligned)
MOWER
p Spindle And Motor Bolts Properly Torqued
p Spindle Oil Level
p Blade Carrier Bolts Properly Torqued/Retaining Pin In
Place
p Mower Cutting Height And Level Adjusted
p Cutting Shaft Bearings Lubricated
p All Hardware Properly Torqued
p Tire and Air Pressure/Lug Nuts (Correct Torque)
p Wheel Bearings (Check, Grease, and Preload)
ATTACHMENTS & INSTALLATION
p Deflectors Front And Rear
p Shredding Attachments
p Correct Blade Rotation Direction
p Axle Arms And Beams
p Tongue And Control Rods (Installed And Adjusted)
p All Bolts - Pins And Nuts (Proper Torque)
MOWER TO TRACTOR CONNECTIONS
p Draw Bar Length (Check And Set)
p A-Frame Pivot & Links
p Control Rods (Adjusted Equal)
p Axle Height (Adjusted)
p Cutting Height (Adjust)
p Mount Kit-Pre-Operation Check Complete
p Mower Wing (Adjust Level With The Center)
p Mower Wing (Check For Proper Raising Operation)
p C.V. Drivelines (Check Max Turn Radius)
p Pull Type Hitch (Height Adjustment)
p Mounting Hardware Properly Torqued
SAFETY ITEMS
p Protective Shields (Operation And Installation)
p Driveline Clutch (Torque Limiter) (Adjust And Run In)
p Safety Decals (Installed)
p Operator’s Manual (Supplied)
p Tractor PTO Shield (Installed)
p S.M.V. Emblem (Installed If Needed)
p Tongue Jack (Installation and Operation)
p Safety Tow Chain (Installed)
p ADMA Driveline Safety Manual Supplied
p AEM Mower Safety Manual (Supplied in Canister)
p AEM Mower Safety Video has been shown to Purchaser

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY SECTION .............................................................................................................. 1-1
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND PRACTICES .................................................................................1-2
OPERATOR SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................ 1-3
CONNECTION OR DISCONNECTING IMPLEMENT SAFETY ........................................................................1-4
CRUSHING HAZARDS ...................................................................................................................................... 1-5
THROWN OBJECT HAZARDS ..........................................................................................................................1-6
THROWN OBJECTS HAZARDS (CONTINUED) .............................................................................................. 1-7
RUN OVER HAZARDS ......................................................................................................................................1-8
PTO ENTANGLEMENT HAZARDS ...................................................................................................................1-9
MOWER BLADE CONTACT HAZARDS .......................................................................................................... 1-10
HIGH PRESSURE OILLEAK HAZARDS .........................................................................................................1-10
ELECTRICAL & FIRE HAZARDS .................................................................................................................... 1-11
TRANSPORTING HAZARDS ..........................................................................................................................1-12
HAZARDS WITH MAINTENANCE OF IMPLEMENT ....................................................................................... 1-13
PARTS INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................1-14
Decal Location ................................................................................................................................................. 1-15
Decal Description ............................................................................................................................................. 1-17
Federal Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................................1-27
INTRODUCTION SECTION ................................................................................................. 2-1
Attention Owner/Operator ..................................................................................................................................2-4
RHINO LIMITED WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................2-5
ASSEMBLY SECTION ........................................................................................................ 3-1
SETUP AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................3-2
CHANGING ROTATION OF CUTTERSHAFT ................................................................................................... 3-3
CUTTER KNIFE INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................3-4
WING DRIVELINE TIMING ................................................................................................................................ 3-4
SETTING CUTTING HEIGHT ............................................................................................................................3-5
RollerScraper Assembly Instruction Sheet - Part No. 5057W ............................................................................3-6
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
Tractor Horsepower ........................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Tractor Hydraulics .............................................................................................................................................. 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
CONNECTING THE MOWER TO THE TRACTOR ...........................................................................................4-8
SETTING MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT ...........................................................................................................4-10
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT ............................................................................................................................4-12
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 .................................................................................................................. 4-24
Operating the Mower Wings ............................................................................................................................ 4-24
Driving the Tractor and Implements .................................................................................................................4-26
Crossing Ditches and Steep Inclines ............................................................................................................... 4-27
OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ...........................................................................................4-27
Foreign Debris Hazards ................................................................................................................................... 4-29
Bystanders/Passersby Precautions .................................................................................................................4-29
Engaging the Power Take Off (PTO) ...............................................................................................................4-30
PTO RPM and Ground Speed ......................................................................................................................... 4-31
Operating the Mower ....................................................................................................................................... 4-31
Shutting Down the Implement ..........................................................................................................................4-33
DISCONNECTING THE MOWER FROM THE TRACTOR ............................................................................. 4-33
MOWER STORAGE ........................................................................................................................................ 4-35
TRANSPORTING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ................................................................................... 4-35
Hauling the Tractor and Implement ..................................................................................................................4-38
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................ 4-40
MAINTENANCE SECTION .................................................................................................. 5-1
HAZARDS WITH MAINTENANCE OF IMPLEMENT ......................................................................................... 5-2
Maintenance Instructions ...................................................................................................................................5-3
Daily Checks ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-3
Mower Lubrication ..............................................................................................................................................5-4
Gearbox Oil Level ..............................................................................................................................................5-5
REPLACING CUTTER UNIT DRIVEBELTS ......................................................................................................5-6
ROLLER BEARING REPLACEMENT ................................................................................................................5-6
CUTTERSHAFT BEARING REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................... 5-7
OUTBOARD (DRIVE) BEARING .......................................................................................................................5-7
CENTER SECTION INBOARD BEARING REPLACEMENT .............................................................................5-8
CUTTERSHAFT REPLACEMENT .....................................................................................................................5-9
CUTTER KNIVES ..............................................................................................................................................5-9
Sharpening .......................................................................................................................................................5-10
Straightening .................................................................................................................................................... 5-10
WING DRIVELINE TIMING .............................................................................................................................. 5-10
PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS .......................................................................................................... 5-11
General Information on Flail Mower Vibration .................................................................................................. 5-12

Safety Section 1-1
© 2013 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY SECTION

SAFETY
FX17/FX21 04/13 Safety Section 1-2
© 2013 Alamo Group Inc.
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.
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.
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 this
Manual and in the Safety Messages on the implement. Always follow the instruction in this
manual and use good common sense to avoid hazards.
NOTE: If you want a translation of this safety section in one of the following Languages, please contact:
Translations at 1502 E. Walnut Street Seguin, TX 78155; Fax: [phone]; Safety Section Translations
are available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian. PN GS01
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.