Avantco 1200 User manual

Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 2016 2 3
Operator's Manual for Attachment
Collecting Lawn Mower 1200
Product number:
Collecting Lawn Mower 1200
A35973
English
www.avanttecno.com

Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 2016 2 3
CONTENTS
1. FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................................ 3
2. DESIGNED PURPOSE OF USE.......................................................................................................... 4
3. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE ATTACHMENT...................................................... 5
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Safety labels and main components of the attachment .................................................................................... 8
5. ATTACHING THE ATTACHMENT ................................................................................................. 11
5.1 Connecting and disconnecting the hydraulic hoses .......................................................................................... 12
6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ................................................................................................................ 14
6.1 Checks before use..................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.2 Transport position..................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.3 Using the mower ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.4 Operating on inclined terrain ................................................................................................................................. 18
6.5 OptiFloat®................................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.5.1 Safety valve .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
6.6 Adjusting the cutting height..................................................................................................................................... 19
6.7 Handling of the clippings .......................................................................................................................................... 20
6.8 Emptying the collector box ..................................................................................................................................... 21
6.9 Removing a blockage................................................................................................................................................. 22
6.10 Collector unit ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
7. MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE ....................................................................................................... 23
7.1 Checking hydraulic components............................................................................................................................ 23
7.2 Cleaning and lubricating the mower ..................................................................................................................... 24
7.3 Sharpening and replacing the cutting blades ....................................................................................................... 24
7.3.1 Fastening of the blades ..................................................................................................................................... 25
7.4 Checking and tightening the drive belt................................................................................................................. 26
7.5 Checking the timing of the blades ......................................................................................................................... 27
8. WARRANTY TERMS .......................................................................................................................... 28

3 (30)
1. Foreword
Avant Tecno Oy would like to thank you for your purchase of this attachment for your Avant loader. It has
been designed and manufactured on the basis of years of experience on product development and
manufacturing. By familiarising yourself with this manual and following the instructions, you ascertain your
safety and ensure the reliable operation and long service life of the equipment. Read the instructions carefully
before starting to use the equipment or performing maintenance.
The purpose of this manual is to help you to:
operate the equipment in a safe and efficient manner
observe and prevent any hazardous situations
keep the equipment intact and ensure a long service life
The following warning symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate factors that must be taken into
account to reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to property:
WARNING:
This safety symbol refers to important safety information in this manual. It
warns of an immediate hazard that could cause personal injury.
When you see this symbol, be alert, your safety is involved, carefully read
the message that follows, and inform other operators.
DANGER:
This signal word indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING:
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION:
This signal word is used when minor injury could result if the instructions are not followed
properly.
This signal word indicates information about the correct operation and maintenance
of the equipment.
Failure to observe the instructions accompanying the symbol can lead to equipment
breakdown or other property damage.
With these instructions, even an inexperienced user can use the attachment and loader safely. The manual
includes important instructions for experienced AVANT operators as well. Ensure that all persons using the
loader have received proper guidance and familiarised themselves with the manual of the loader, each
attachment that are used, and all safety instructions before using the equipment. Using the equipment for
other purposes or use in any other way than described in this manual is prohibited. Keep this manual at hand
throughout the service life of the equipment. If you sell or transfer the equipment, be sure to hand over this
manual to the new owner. If the manual is lost or damaged, you can request a new one from your Avant
dealer or from the manufacturer. Due to continuous product development some of the details shown in this
manual may differ from your equipment. This manual contains the original instructions in English.
In addition to the safety instructions included in this manual, you must observe all occupational safety
regulations, local laws, and other regulations concerning the use of the equipment. Particularly the regulations
concerning the use of the equipment on public road areas must be observed. We reserve the right to change
the contents of the manual without notification.

4 (30)
2. Designed purpose of use
The AVANT Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 is an attachment suitable for use with AVANT multi purpose loaders
shown in Table 1. The lawn mower is suitable for residential and professional use as well. It is intended to be
used to mow lawns on level, tended areas free of rocks, tree stumps, large branches, or other similar
obstacles. The collecting lawn mower can also be used to shred and collect tree leaves and small branches,
and the mover collects them for easy composting. The lawn mower is equipped with the OptiFloat® floating
linkage system, which allows the mower to freely follow the ground, eliminating the need for the loader boom
floating. In addition, the float system enables efficient side tilting of the mower.
The cutting deck has 2 blades. The collector unit has a hydraulic suction device, which moves the clippings to
the spacious collector box. The collector box can be emptied from the driver's seat by using the loader boom
to lift and tilt the mower. The collector fan can be switched off, in which case the mower acts as a mulching
mower.
The Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 is also available as a version without the clippings collector. Either a side
cover, side discharge chute, mulching kit, or collector unit must be installed to the the mower. The use of the
mower without any side guard in place is dangerous to both the operator and any person nearby, and
therefore it is strictly prohibited. The lawn mower is not intended for mowing long hay shrub or equivalent taller
vegetation. The lawn mower cannot be used in a hung position; it is meant to run on its own wheels. For
mowing long hay, we recommend the AVANT Flail Mowers.
The attachment has been designed to require as little maintenance as possible. The operator can perform
regular maintenance tasks. All repair work can’t be performed by the operator, and demanding repair and
maintenance operations are to be left for professional maintenance. All maintenance work must be done using
proper safety equipment. Spare parts must be identical with original specifications, which can be ensured by
using only original spare parts. A separate spare parts catalogue may be available, consult your Avant dealer.
Familiarise yourself with the manual's instructions regarding service and maintenance. Please contact your
AVANT retailer if you have additional questions about the operation or maintenance of the equipment, or if
you require spare parts or maintenance services.
Table 1 - Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 - Compatibility with Avant loaders
Avant
216
218
220
220series 2
225
225LPG
313S
320S
320S+
419
420
520
R20
525LPG
R28
528
630
R35
635
640
745
750
755i
760i
A35973
-

-



(
Various Avant mower models are available to best suite each task and loader model. The compatibility
recommendations are based on the mass, width, and auxiliary hydraulic flow of the loader. Normally the
mower should be as wide as or wider than the loader. Depending on the tyres of the loader, the mower may
be narrower than the loader, making it difficult to have good, even cut. When using with models marked with
(, care must be taken to avoid running the mower at too high speed, which can damage the mower. See the
operator's manual of the loader for the correct engine rpm setting for correct auxiliary hydraulics oil flow.
Additional counterweights may also be required. For compatibility with a model not shown in table, contact
your Avant dealer.

5 (30)
3. Safety instructions for using the attachment
Please bear in mind that safety is the result of several factors. The loader-attachment combination is highly
powerful and improper or careless use or maintenance may cause serious personal injury or property
damage. Due to this, all operators must carefully familiarise themselves about correct use and the operator's
manuals of both the loader and the attachment before starting operation. Do not use the attachment if you
have not completely familiarised yourself with its operation and the related hazards.
WARNING: Misuse, careless use, or using an attachment that is in poor condition,
may cause risk of serious injuries. Familiarise yourself with the controls of the
loader, correct coupling procedure, and the correct way to operate the attachment at
a safe area. Study especially how to stop the equipment in a safe manner. Read all
safety precautions carefully.
Read all safety instructions carefully before handling the attachment
When attaching an attachment to the loader, ensure that the locking pins of the
loader's quick attach plate are in the lower position and that they have locked
the attachment to the loader. Never lift or move an unlocked attachment.
The Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 is designed to be used by one operator at a time.
Do not let others near the danger area of the equipment when it is in use.
Always transport the attachment as low as possible to keep the centre of gravity low,
and keep the telescopic boom retracted during driving.
Never leave the driver’s seat when the mower is running or if the auxiliary hydraulics
control lever is locked on. The blades move for a short period after the hydraulic
supply has been shut off. Wait until the blades have stopped completely before
going near the machine.
Always keep a safety distance of at least two metres between persons and a mower
that may start or move. Stop the mower following the safe stopping procedure and
lower the mower firmly on the ground before leaving the driver’s seat.
Severing and crushing hazard - sharp and strong blades rotate at high speed. Use
the mower only while lowered against the ground, supported by all of its four
wheels. Running the mower in any other position may expose the blades, making
contact with them possible, and will also cause a hazard of flying debris. Make sure
that the safety valve cuts off the hydraulic oil supply to blades as intended, refer to
instructions in this manual.
Impact hazard - thrown objects. Do not let bystanders stay near the machine. Stop
the attachment if others get closer than from the attachment. Use only if all covers
in place.
Never use the mower if all covers, blade guards, or other safety related parts are
not intact and securely in place. Either the complete collector unit or side discharge
guard or mulching kit must always be installed.
Check the blades and clean the mowing deck regularly. Read the instructions about
maintenance and service and use only original blades.
Use the attachment only for its intended use and only with original tools and spare
parts.

6 (30)
.
Be sure not to tilt the lawn mower too far up, since this will make it tip over towards
the loader boom due to the movement made possible by the floating system linkage.
Secure the mower against unintended movements when unlocking it from the loader.
Unlock only on a level surface, and use blocks of wood to prevent the mower from
moving, for example.
Make sure that the mower is properly supported before performing any inspections,
maintenance, or adjustments. If access to blades is necessary, secure the mower
with suitable lifting equipment, or lower it on firm blocks of wood, for example.
Always transport the mower as low and as close to the machine as possible to keep
the centre of gravity low. On slippery surfaces drive slowly and deliberately. Operate
the controls of the loader slowly and calmly especially on inclined terrain.
Shut down the loader and place the attachment to a safe position as shown in Safe
stopping procedure before any cleaning, maintenance, or adjustments.
Pay attention to the surroundings and any other persons and machines moving in the
vicinity. Pay attention to the contours of the terrain and other hazards, such as
branches and trees that can reach to the driver's area, loose rocks, and slippery
surfaces.
Make sure to use only an attachment that is in good condition. Do not modify the
attachment in any way that could affect its safety.
Use the attachment only for its intended purpose. Other use may create unnecessary
safety risks, and the equipment may get damaged.
Make sure that the loader is equipped with necessary safety components, and that
they are in working condition. Seat belt must be used. If there are specific hazards
related to the operating area, use appropriate safety equipment.
Also read the safety instructions and correct use of the loader from the operator's
manual of the loader.
DANGER: Wrong, improper, or careless use of the attachment causes serious risk
of severe injuries or death. Familiarise yourself with the controls of the loader in a safe
area. Pay particular attention to the safe stopping of the attachment and the loader; follow
the safe stopping procedure shown in this manual before leaving the driver's seat.
WARNING: Risk of cutting and thrown objects. Make sure all guards are in place.
Never run the mower if all guards are not in place. Exposed blades can throw material at
very high speed, creating serious danger to the operator and any person also at a
distance of up to 30 m from the mower. The Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 is intended to
be used with the full collector unit and all related parts fitted.

7 (30)
WARNING: Risk of crushing - Never allow anyone to get under a lifted attachment
or loader boom. Keep in mind that the loader boom can be lowered or tilted even if the
engine has been shut down (crushing hazard). The loader is not intended to be left to keep
a load elevated for longer periods. Always lower the attachment to a safe position before
leaving the driver's seat.
CAUTION: Risk of cutting - Sharp blades. Beware of the sharp blades and risk of
crushing especially during maintenance or when removing blockages. Always stop the
attachment by following the safe stopping procedure. Note that the loader boom moves
down and may be tilted even if the engine has been stopped. Never go under a raised
boom or any component of the attachment. Keep away from the moving linkage.
Remember to wear proper protective clothing:
The noise level at the driver's seat may exceed 85 dB(A). Wear hearing
protection while working with the loader.
Wear protective gloves.
Wear safety boots whenever working with the loader.
Wear safety glasses when handling hydraulic components.
.
..
Safe stopping of the attachment, before going near the attachment:
WARNING: Always stop the attachment following safe stopping procedure
before leaving the driver's seat. Safe stopping procedure prevents all
unintentional movements of the attachment. Note that the loader boom can move
down even if the engine of the loader is turned off. Safe stopping procedure:
Lower the boom and the attachment on the ground.
Shut down the loader engine and lock the parking brake.
Release residual pressure from the hydraulic system; move all hydraulic control
levers to their extreme positions a couple of times.
Prevent starting of the machine, remove ignition key.

8 (30)
4. Technical specifications
Table 2 - Collecting Lawn Mower 1200 - Technical specifications
Product number
A35973
Working width:
1 200 mm
Total width:
1393 mm
Cutting height:
25-100 mm
Drive system:
Hydraulic, direct/belt drive
Blades:
2 pcs, 615 mm, A33205
Collector unit volume:
210 l
Clippings handling:
Collecting
Mulching
Side discharge*
Weight, empty:
230 kg
Maximum load:
100 kg
Support wheel air pressure:
1,5 –2 bar
Recommended hydraulic flow:
28 l/min
Maximum input of hydraulic energy:
20 MPa (200 bar), 33 l/min
Compatible Avant loaders:
See Table 1
.
..
Choose a mower that is compatible with the loader. Do not exceed the maximum input of
hydraulic energy or the operating pressure.
4.1 Safety labels and main components of the attachment
Listed below are the labels and markings, which must be visible on the equipment. Replace the warning
labels, if they have become unclear or if they have detached completely. New labels are available via your
retailer or contact information provided on the cover.
The warning labels contain important safety information and they help to identify and
remember the hazards related to the equipment. Replace damaged or missing
warning labels with new ones.

9 (30)
A46771
A46772
A46803
A46802
Attachment identification plate A4203231
Table 3 - Decal locations and warning messages
Decal
Warning message
1
A46771
Read instructions before use.
2
A46772
Crushing hazard - Do not go under
a raised attachment; stay away
from raised equipment.
3
A46803
Pinching and cutting hazard, keep
clear of moving parts, do not leave
the equipment running. Operate
the attachment only from the
driver’s seat.
4
A46802
Beware of sharp blades –never
reach to the rotating components
and do not use the equipment
without all covers in place.
5
A4203231
Attachment identification plate

10 (30)
.
Table 4 - Main components of the Collecting Lawn Mower 1200
1
Frame with quick coupling brackets
2
Multiconnector holder
3
Collector box hatch
4
Collector box locking screw (unlock for maintenance)
5
Collector nozzle
6
Collector tubes
7
Collector fan
8
Collector fan shut off valve
9
Protective cover
10
Support wheels, adjustable (4 pcs)

11 (30)
5. Attaching the attachment
Attaching the attachment to the loader is quick and easy, but it must be done carefully. The attachment is
mounted to the loader boom by using the quick attach plate on the loader boom and the counterpart on the
attachment.
If the attachment is not locked to the loader, it may detach from the loader and cause a hazardous situation.
The loader must not be driven and the boom must never be lifted when the attachment has not been locked.
To prevent hazardous situations, always follow the coupling procedure shown below. Also remember the
safety instructions shown in this manual. The attachment is mounted to the loader as follows:
WARNING: Cruching risk - Make sure that an unlocked attachment will not
move or fall over. Do not stay in the area between the attachment and the loader.
Mount the attachment only on level surface.
Never move or lift an attachment that has not been locked.
Avant quick coupling system:
Step 1:
Lift the quick attach plate locking pins up and turn them backwards into the slot
so that they are locked in the upper position.
If your loader is equipped with a hydraulic attachment locking system, see
additional instructions about the use of the locking system from the relevant
manuals.
Ensure that the hydraulic hoses (and the electric harness, if applicable) are not
in the way during installation.
Step 2:
Turn the quick attach plate hydraulically to an obliquely forward position.
Drive the loader onto the attachment. If your loader is equipped with a
telescopic boom, you can utilise this.
Align the upper pins of the loader’s quick coupling plate so that they are under
the corresponding brackets of the attachment.
Step 3:
Lift the boom slightly –pull the boom control lever backward to raise the
attachment off the ground.
Turn the boom control lever left to turn the bottom section of the quick attach
plate onto the attachment.
Lock the locking pins manually or lock the hydraulic locking.
Always check the locking of pins.

12 (30)
DANGER - Risk of falling objects - Prevent
dropping of attachment
An attachment that has not been completely
locked to the loader may fall on the boom or
towards the operator, or fall under the loader
during driving, causing loss of control of the
loader. Never move or lift an attachment that
has not been locked. Before moving or lifting
the attachment, make sure that the locking
pins are in the lower position and come
through the fasteners on the attachment on
both sides.
WARNING: Risk of crushing - Avoid tipping over the attachment.
Excessive tilting or lifting of an unlocked attachment increases the risk of tipping the
attachment over. Do not use the automatic locking of the locking pins when the
attachment is lifted more than one meter from the ground. If the locking pins do not
return to the normal position when tilting, do not tilt or raise the attachment any
more. Lower the attachment on the ground and secure the locking manually.
5.1 Connecting and disconnecting the hydraulic hoses
On Avant loaders the hydraulic hoses are connected using the multi connector system. If you have an Avant
300-700 series loader with the conventional quick couplers and wish to change to the multi connector system,
contact your Avant dealer or service point for instructions or installation services.
WARNING: Never connect or disconnect quick couplings or other hydraulic components
while the control lever of the auxiliary hydraulics control lever is locked on or if the system
is pressurized. Connecting or disconnecting the hydraulic couplings while the system is
pressurized may lead to unintended movements of the attachment, or ejection of
high-pressure fluid, which can cause serious injuries or burns. Follow safe stopping
procedure before disconnecting hydraulics.
Keep all fittings as clean as possible; use the protective caps on both the attachment and
the loader. Dirt, ice, etc. may make using the fittings significantly more difficult. Never
leave the hoses hanging on the ground; place the couplings onto the holder on the
attachment.

13 (30)
Connecting the multi connector system:
1. Align the pins of the attachment connector with corresponding
holes of the loader connector. The multi connector will not
connect if the attachment connector is upside down.
2. Connect and lock the multi connector by turning the lever towards
the loader.
The lever should move easily all the way to its locking position. If the lever does not slide smoothly, check the
alignment and position of the connector and clean the connectors. Also shut down the loader and release the
residual hydraulic pressure.
To disconnect the multi connector system:
Before disconnecting put the attachment down on a solid and even
surface.
1. Switch off the auxiliary hydraulics of the loader.
2. While pushing unlock button, turn the lever to disconnect the
connector.
3. After ending operation put the multi connector on its holder on the
attachment.
Disconnecting hydraulic hoses:
Before disconnecting the fittings, lower the attachment to safe position on solid and level surface. Turn the
control lever of the auxiliary hydraulics to its neutral position.
When uncoupling the attachment, always disconnect the hydraulic couplings before
unlocking the quick attach plate, to prevent hose damage and any oil spills.
Releasing residual hydraulic pressure:
In case residual pressure is left in the hydraulic system of the attachment, it is often possible to disconnect the
hydraulic couplings, but it may be difficult to connect them the next time. If the fittings will not connect, the
residual pressure must be released by turning the auxiliary hydraulics control lever of the loader, when the
engine is turned off. To make sure that there will not be residual pressure in the hydraulic system of the
attachment, shut down the loader engine and move the auxiliary hydraulics control lever of the loader back
and forth before disconnecting the couplings.

14 (30)
6. Instructions for use
Check the attachment and the operating environment once more before starting to work, and that all obstacles
have been removed from the operating area. Quick inspection of the equipment and the operating area before
use are parts of ensuring safety and the best performance of the equipment.
DANGER: Hazard of thrown objects and cutting -
Check all guards are installed. Before using the
mower, check that it is intact and that all protective
covers and collector related parts are in place. Keep a
safe distance from the attachment when it is running
and stay back if other person operates the controls of
the loader.
WARNING: Thrown objects - impact hazard. Always
keep a safety distance of at least to other persons.
Note that the mower may throw stones, gravel, or other
objects found in the area at high speed. Do not allow
others to get near a running mower. Whenever possible,
avoid mowing on areas with loose objects.
WARNING: Avoid overturning of the machine. Do not
extend the telescopic boom, when the load approaches
the lifting capacity of the loader, or when the loader
boom is in horizontal position. If the load indicator of the
loader (if fitted) signals, lower the load calmly and retract
the telescopic boom. Avoid sudden changes in speed or
direction whenever load is lifted. Use additional
counterweights as needed.

15 (30)
.
6.1 Checks before use
Remove or mark visibly all obstacles, such as trash, large tree branches or stones, from the working
area before operation. Check the area for possible hidden ditches, manholes, or other dangerous
areas. Remember that tall grass can hide obstacles.
Set and lock all four wheels of the mower to same height.
Ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance when operating the equipment. Do not let anyone to
enter danger area of the boom or to stay directly in front of the loader. Also make sure that it is safe to
reverse with the loader. Never assume that bystanders will remain where you last saw them;
especially children are often attracted to the moving equipment.
Check the general condition of the attachment and the loader, and check for possible hydraulic oil
leaks. The attachment must not be used, if there is a fault in the hydraulic system of the loader or the
attachment. Refer to Chapter 7 for maintenance instructions.
Operate the attachment and the controls of the loader only when seated on the driver’s seat. Ensure
that the loader and the attachment are used in a safe manner and as intended. Do not allow children
to operate the equipment.
Never operate the loader or attachments while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication that
may impair judgement or cause drowsiness, or if not otherwise medically fit to operate the equipment.
Remember correct working methods and avoid leaving the driver’s seat unnecessarily.
Before each use, check the operation of the mower and ensure that the blades and the
collector rotor can rotate freely. Check that there is no string or other foreign material
coiled around the blades, and that the floating linkage can move as intended.
WARNING: Avoid running over persons - Check surroundings before driving.
Always look in the direction the loader is moving. Before reversing, always ensure that
bystanders, especially children, are at a safe distance to avoid back-over accidents.
WARNING: Risk of tipping over - Avoid overload and keep heavy load close to the
machine. Always wear seat belt.
Pay attention that a heavy load or long distance between the loader and the centre of
gravity of the load will affect the balance and handling of the loader. The use of additional
counterweights is recommended especially when operating smaller loader models. For
200-series loader the wheel weights are recommended. With heavy loads, the telescopic
boom must be kept retracted while moving with the loader.

16 (30)
.
6.2 Transport position
When driving with the loader, keep the mower
lifted off the ground and tilted back slightly.
6.3 Using the mower
Set and adjust the mower to correct operating position before starting the mower. See following chapters
about floating system and adjustments.
Starting the mower:
Move the auxiliary hydraulics control lever of the loader towards its locking
position (or use electric buttons on joystick, if equipped) to operate the
mower.
Stop by releasing the lever to neutral position.
Release the lever to its neutral position whenever not mowing.
The mower will only rotate to intended running direction. Reverse direction
of the auxiliary hydraulics control has no effect.
WARNING: Careless operation can injure you or bystanders - Keep the loader
under control at all times. Operating a powerful mower requires the full attention of the
operator. Do not perform distractive actions while mowing, such as using mobile devices.

17 (30)
Recommended operating speed and maximum allowed oil flow:
Adjust engine RPM so that the loader's auxiliary hydraulic flow is within the specified range for the
mower. Too little flow will not rotate the blades fast enough for good mowing results. Correct flow
ensures that the blades to rotate fast enough for a good finish. However, too high setting will result in
excess vibration and noise, and the mower may get damaged. Generally, only the 1-pump setting
should be used (on applicable loaders).
Adjust drive speed according to cutting height, grass type, and other conditions to ensure clean cut.
Monitor the loading and rotating speed of the mower by listening to changes in its noise.
Operate the attachment keeping the hydraulic flow within recommended range. Never
exceed maximum allowed input of hydraulic energy.
For the best finish:
Avoid cutting wet grass. Wet or dense grass can build up under the deck, gradually decreasing mower
performance.
Keep the blades in good condition, and keep the mower clean. Sharp blades will increase efficiency
and improve the quality of cut.
Avoid cutting too much at one pass. Generally, no more than one third of the length of the grass
should be cut at once. Tall grass may require incremental cutting with gradually lower cutting height.
Mowing in reverse direction is not recommended as the loader wheels compact the grass just before
cutting while reversing.
It is important to set the floating system as instructed in this manual. Otherwise the
blades may not turn, or the mower will not follow the ground properly.
Stop the mower immediately if it makes abnormal noise, vibrates, or if the blades or the
collector are blocked. Find out the cause before continuing use.
Operating the attachment at too high speed may cause material be thrown from the
attachment, or damage that could lead to personal injury. See recommended input flow in
this manual.
Never leave the equipment running unattended. Start the attachment only when it is
ready to be used. Do not go near the equipment when another person operates the
controls of the loader.

18 (30)
.
6.4 Operating on inclined terrain
Extra caution is needed when using the equipment on inclined terrains and slopes. Drive slowly especially on
inclined, uneven, or slippery surfaces, and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. Operate the controls
of the loader with careful and smooth movements. Watch out for ditches, holes on the ground, and other
obstacles, as hitting an obstacle may cause the loader to tip over.
Maximum lifting capacity can not be achieved on inclined terrain. On horizontally tilted terrain the load must
not be lifted high. The loader frame articulation should be kept straight when lifting heavy loads; turning the
load during lifting operation will affect the stability of the loader and may lead to overturning of the machine.
Mow slopes by driving straight up and down, not across. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
If the tyres lose traction, stop the mower blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. Do not mow near
drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The loader could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff,
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
6.5 OptiFloat®
The attachment is equipped with a mechanical floating system, which enables efficient operation on uneven
terrains. Floating refers to a linkage that allows the attachment to follow the contours of the ground surface
without moving the loader boom. OptiFloat® allows the attachment to tilt sideways as well and eliminates the
need for floating of the loader boom.
Adjusting to correct operating position:
Floating is adjusted by using
the controls of the loader boom
from the driver's seat, when
ready to begin use.
To set the optifloat linkage to
correct initial position:
Position the loader boom
and its quick coupling plate
to about in the middle of the
extreme positions of the
floating linkage.
The middle position in the
adjacent figure indicates
the correct initial setting.
The operation of floating is
greatly affected by its setting. If
the floating has been set too
high, the attachment is easily
left hanging in the air. When it is
too low, the loader's front
wheels are easily raised off the
ground.

19 (30)
When setting the mower floating linkage to correct operating position, avoid pressing the
attachment hard against the ground with the loader boom to avoid damaging it. Operate
both the lift and tilt movements of the loader boom carefully.
6.5.1 Safety valve
For safety, the attachment is equipped with a valve that prevents using the attachment when it has been lifted
off the ground. The valve stops the hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor of the attachment when the
attachment is raised or when the floating has been set too low. On uneven ground the safety valve may act
too frequently, therefore setting the correct floating position is important for the correct operation of the
attachment.
When the linkage is set to the position
indicated in the figure, the motor will not turn
because the safety valve is activated. The
quick coupling plate of the loader boom must
be tilted forward sufficiently.
The floating position must be checked if the
motor does not rotate at all or only rotates
inconsistently even when the auxiliary
hydraulic control lever of the loader is locked
on.
Check the operation of the safety valve regularly. Tilt the quick coupling plate up (bucket fill direction) to
activate the valve; the motor must stop once the linkage is fully tilted. Never operate the attachment if the
valve is faulty, contact service if needed.
6.6 Adjusting the cutting height
The cutting height can be adjusted by using the plastic sleeves on the vertical axles of the bearing wheels.
The mower does not need to be disconnected from the loader while adjusting the height. To adjust the height:
1. Lift the attachment slightly off the ground with the loader and shut
down the engine.
2. Remove the cotter pin from the vertical axle of the bearing wheel.
Pull the wheel off its holder.
3. Move some plastic sleeves from above the bracket to below it or
vice versa, depending on whether you wish to raise or lower the
mower.
4. Push the axle back in through the bracket and reinstall the cotter
pin.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 for each wheel. Ensure that all wheels are
adjusted to the same height.
There are two thicknesses of plastic sleeves (10 &
20 mm) for more accurate adjustment of the
operating height. Adjust all wheels to the same
height.

20 (30)
.
6.7 Handling of the clippings
The collector can be turned off to operate the mower as mulching mower.
Operating mode
How to use
Collecting
Standard setting
Mulching*
Collector turned off
Side discharge
Not possible without full conversion of the mower to side discharge model by
authorised service.
Collecting (standard configuration):
The collecting mode is on whenever the collecting unit is
fitted and the collector fan control lever is set towards
the on-position, as shown in adjacent figure.
Also, see chapter Collector Unit for more information.
Mulching (collector disabled):
Mulching allows to leave the shredded clippings on the
ground when the lawn is mown often enough. The
mulching mode works the best with dry grass and when
not too much grass is cut at once.
The quick setting for the mulching mode is practical for
occasional use, when the collector is not needed.
To set the mower to mulching mode, turn the control
lever completely to the off position.
If the collector is switched off, the mower will require less hydraulic flow. Lower engine
rpm of the loader to compensate.
WARNING: Collector assembly is an essential guard of the mower and must not be
removed. Do not modify the mower. Removing the collecting unit and related
components completely must be done by a qualified technician. If the mower needs to be
converted to a normal, non-collecting mower, contact Avant service for information and
parts.