Lastec 325EFR User manual

LasTec Articulator
Model 325EFR
Owner's Manual
Manual Part Number: Man-325EFR
LasTec
A Division of Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
7865 N County Rd 100E
Lizton, Indiana 46149
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
www.lastec.com

Table of Contents Page
Table of Contents 325EFR/Odoc100499 iii
SECTION 1 TO THE OWNER 1-1
1.1 Read This Manual In Its Entirety BEFORE Operating The Articulator.........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 Articulator..............................................................................1-4
1.6 Warranty Registration................................................................................... 1-5
SECTION 2 SAFETY INFORMATION 2-1
2.1 Warning Symbols......................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 About This Manual .......................................................................................2-1
2.3 Safety Guards And Covers...........................................................................2-2
2.4 Preparational Safety Rules...........................................................................2-3
2.5 Operational Safety Rules .............................................................................2-4
2.6 Maintenance Safety Rules ........................................................................... 2-5
2.7 Storage Safety Rules ................................................................................... 2-6
SECTION 3 INITIAL SET-UP 3-1
3.1 Mounting The Articulator To The Tractor .....................................................3-1
3.2 Gearbox........................................................................................................ 3-2
3.3 Deck Drive Belts........................................................................................... 3-2
3.4 Deck Belts.................................................................................................... 3-3
3.5 Blades ..........................................................................................................3-4
3.6 Mower Deck Height...................................................................................... 3-5
3.7 Gauge Wheels..............................................................................................3-6
3.8 General.........................................................................................................3-6
3.9 Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checklist............................................ 3-7
SECTION 4 OPERATING PROCEDURES 4-1
4.1 Transporting The Articulator.........................................................................4-1
4.2 Preparation For Cutting................................................................................4-1
4.3 Ground Speed..............................................................................................4-3
4.4 Cutting In Reverse........................................................................................4-3
4.5 Cutting Severe Contours.............................................................................. 4-3
4.6 Cutting Wet Grass........................................................................................ 4-4
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 Annual..........................................................................................................5-2
5.6 Model 325EFR Articulator Specifications.....................................................5-3
5.7 Model 325EFR Articulator Maintenance Chart.............................................5-5
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To The Owner
Read This Manual In Its Entirety BEFORE Operating The Articulator
To The Owner 325EFR/Odoc100499 1-1
1
SECTION 1 To The Owner
1.1 Read This Manual In Its Entirety BEFORE Operating The
Articulator
The information presented herein will prepare you to operate the Articulator in a safe and
knowledgeable manner. Proper operation of the Articulator will provide a safer working
environment, and promote higher quality, more efficient results.
Keep this manual at hand at all times for ready reference. The designed and tested
safety of the Articulator is dependent upon its operation within the guidelines and limita-
tions as outlined in this manual. Always adhere to all the safety rules presented in this
manual.
1.2 Product Registration
Immediately record the model and serial numbers of your Articulator in the spaces pro-
vided below. These numbers can be found on the serial number plate which is perma-
nently affixed to the mower. The serial number plate is located on the outside of the left
upright of the center mower deck.
You should provide this information to your dealer any time you are ordering parts. This
will assist them in supplying you the correct and most current parts available for your
Articulator.
You should now fill out the warranty registration form (located in the back of this section)
and mail or fax it to LasTec. This form must be completed and returned to the factory
within thirty (30) days of purchase in order to validate the warranty. Please do not hesi-
tate!
Model Number:
Serial Number:
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To The Owner
LasTec Product Warranty
1
1-2 LasTec Warranty/Odoc100600 To The Owner
1.3 LasTec Product Warranty
LasTec, A Division of Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. warrants its new products to be free of
defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is applicable only for the normal ser-
vice life expectancy of the machine or components, not to exceed twelve consecutive
months from the date of delivery of the new LasTec product to the original purchaser.
LasTec, A Division of Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. warrants any new products supplied to a
rental yard, or any other situation involving the rental, lease, or other temporary use of the
product by a third party, to be free of defects in material or workmanship, not to exceed
90 days from the date of delivery of the new LasTec product to the original purchaser.
Under no circumstances will it cover any merchandise or components thereof, which, in
the opinion of the company has been subjected to negligent handling, misuse, alteration,
accident, or repairs made with any parts other than those obtainable through LasTec.
Warranty on all normal wear items such as bearings, belts, and bushings is 90 days from
date of delivery. Any claim received after 90 days will not be accepted. All warranty
items must be filed with your distributor. The distributor will then file the warranty claim
with LasTec.
Our obligation under this warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing, free of charge
to the original purchaser, any part that in our judgement shall show evidence of such
defect, provided further that such part shall be returned within thirty (30) days from date of
failure to LasTec, routed through the dealer and distributor from whom the purchase was
made, with transportation charges prepaid.
This warranty shall not be interpreted to render us liable for injury or damages of any kind
or nature, direct, consequential, or contingent to person or property. This warranty does
not extend to loss of any expense or loss incurred for labor, supplies, substitute machin-
ery, rental or for any other reason.
There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, of merchantability or fitness for par-
ticular purpose intended or fitness for any other reason.
This warranty is subject to any existing conditions of supply which may directly affect our
ability to obtain materials or manufacture replacement parts.
LasTec reserves the right to make improvements in design or changes in specifications at
any time, without incurring any obligations to owners of units previously sold.
No one is authorized to alter, modify or enlarge this warranty nor the exclusion, limitations
and reservation.
All LasTec warranty work will be done at a distributors facility. FOB responsibility is the
customers.
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To The Owner
Component Manufacturers’ Warranties
1
1-4 325EFR/Odoc100499 To The Owner
1.4 Component Manufacturers’ Warranties
Some of the component parts of the Model 325EFR Articulator are warranted by their
respective manufacturers. These parts include:
l Curtis Gearbox
l Weasler PTO Shaft
The complete manufacturers’warranty information for these components is located in the
back of this manual. Contact your LasTec dealer if you have questions concerning war-
ranties on these component parts.
1.5 Servicing The Articulator
The Articulator is carefully engineered and manufactured to provide safe, dependable,
and satisfactory service. As with all other mechanical equipment, the Articulator requires
routine inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
When servicing the Articulator, be sure to use only genuine LasTec parts. Utilization of
substitute parts will not only void the warranty, but may also cause unsafe or unsatisfac-
tory operation of the Articulator due to their substandard quality or incorrect application.
In order to handle all of your service needs, your authorized LasTec dealer stocks genu-
ine LasTec parts, and has trained mechanics on hand.
Be sure to complete the following LasTec Warranty Registration Form and return to
LasTec within 30 days of the purchase of your Articulator. This will aid you, LasTec, and
your LasTec dealer in the warranting and servicing of your Articulator.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ANY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION, ALTERATION, ADDI-
TION, OR REMOVAL OF ANY COMPONENT PART OF THE ARTICULATOR MAY
VOID ANY WARRANTY OFFERED BY LASTEC. LASTEC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO
REFUSE WARRANTY CLAIMS ON ANY EQUIPMENT IT DEEMS TO HAVE BEEN
ALTERED IN SUCH A MANNER WITHOUT DIRECT AUTHORIZATION BY LASTEC.
ALWAYS use only genuine LasTec parts when servicing the
Articulator! Utilization of substitute parts will void the warranty and
may cause unsafe operation or unsatisfactory performance of the
Articulator!
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Company Name
Company Contact
Mailing Address
Shipping Address
Phone
Fax
Authorized Company
Representative Signature:
Detatch Here Detatch Here Detach Here
Serial Number:
Please check the box that most accurately describes your business:
Please check the box to your left if you would not allow Lastec to use your company's name for marketing purposes.
Lastec Warranty Registration Form
IMPORTANT! To validate the warranty, this registration form must be completed in full and returned to Lastec within
fifteen (15) days of purchase!
Articulator Model:
How did you hear about Lastec?
Who referred you to the Articulator?
Date Purchased:
Distributor/Dealer Purchased From:
How Did You Hear About Us? The Articulator
Average Operating Hours:
Total Acreage Cut:
Customer Profile Information
I have read and understand the warranty policy
and maintenance sections of the operators
manual for the machine described below.
Who was the salesman that assisted you?
Please help us to better serve you by completing the following survey
information:
Please list the features and/or benefits which
helped you to choose the articulator:
Do you own an Aritculator, and if so what model?
Purchase Price:
Golf Course
Municipal Sod Farm Government Sports Complex Other
Weekly
Weekly Monthly
Monthly Annually
Annually
Schools
College Landscaping Company Light Agriculture
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Safety Information
Warning Symbols
Safety Information 325EFR/Odoc100499 2-1
2
SECTION 2 Safety Information
2.1 Warning Symbols
Following is a legend describing the warning symbols utilized throughout this manual, and
the potential types of hazards which they indicate:
The above illustrated symbols are displayed throughout this manual in order to indicate
important safety information. When coming upon one of these symbols in this manual, be
aware of a potential hazard being discussed in the accompanying paragraphs. Hazards
such as damage to equipment, serious personal injury, or even fatal injury are possible,
perhaps even likely, if the accompanying instructions or procedures are not heeded.
2.2 About This Manual
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in properly and safely operating and maintain-
ing the Articulator. Read and understand this entire manual before attempting to set-up,
operate, adjust, perform any maintenance on, or store the Articulator. This manual pro-
vides essential information and instructions which will help you enjoy years of dependable
performance from the Articulator.
The designed and tested safety of the Articulator is dependent upon its operation within
the parameters and limitations explained in this manual. Be familiar with and follow all
safety rules in this manual as well all safety rules for any related equipment.
Caution!
This symbol indicates a potential equipment hazard.
Failing to properly adhere to the instructions, rules, or procedures may
result in equipment malfunction, damage, or destruction.
Warning!
This symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard. Failing to
properly adhere to the instructions, rules, or procedures may result in
personal injury.
Danger!
This symbol indicates a potential serious injury or fatal injury hazard.
Failing to properly adhere to the instructions, rules, or procedures may
result in serious injury or even fatal injury.
Safety instructions are important! Read all safety rules in this manual
as well as all safety rules in any related equipment manuals!
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Safety Information
Safety Guards And Covers
2
2-2 325EFR/Odoc100499 Safety Information
Although these instructions have been compiled through extensive field experience and
engineering data, some information presented herein may be general in nature due to
unknown and/or varying operating conditions. However, these instructions, combined
with your increasing experience with the Articulator, will enable you to develop proce-
dures suitable to your particular cutting application.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were current at the time of printing, but the
Articulator may vary slightly due to ongoing engineering changes. LasTec reserves the
right to implement engineering and design changes to the Articulator as may be neces-
sary without prior notification.
Throughout this manual, we make references to right and left directions. We determine
right and left while sitting in the operator seat and facing in the direction of forward travel.
Blade rotation is clockwise as viewed from the top of the Articulator.
2.3 Safety Guards And Covers
Some illustrations in this manual show the Articulator with safety covers removed in order
to provide improved viewing of the particular components being discussed. This is for
informational purposes only -- never operate the Articulator without all covers,
shields, safety devices, and grass chute or mulching plate installed and secure!
Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of all LasTec products. Unfor-
tunately, our extensive efforts to provide safe equipment can be negated by a single care-
less act of an operator. In addition to the design and configuration of the Articulator,
hazard control and accident prevention are also dependent upon the awareness, con-
cern, prudence and proper training of all personnel involved in the operation, transporta-
tion, maintenance, and storage of the Articulator. The Best Safety Device is an
informed, careful Operator! We ask you to be that kind of operator.
NEVER operate the Articulator with any safety covers removed!!
Work safely! Follow all safety rules! A careful operator is the best
insurance against accidents!
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Safety Information
Preparational Safety Rules
Safety Information 325EFR/Odoc100499 2-3
2
2.4 Preparational Safety Rules
l Never operate the Articulator when children are present.
l Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid entanglement in moving
parts. Wear sturdy rough-soled work shoes, as well as protective equipment for the
eyes, hands, hearing and head. Never operate the Articulator or related equipment
in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
l Clear the cut area of any stones, branches or other debris that may be thrown and
cause injury or damage.
l Verify that all safety decals are properly installed, visible, and intelligible.
l Always remove accumulated debris, fuel, or excess grease and oil from the tractor
engine area to avoid a fire hazard.
l Verify that the Articulator is properly mounted, set up, adjusted, and in good operat-
ing condition.
l Always perform the pre-operation equipment inspection (Section 3) and the appro-
priate maintenance schedule (Section 5) before operating the Articulator.
l Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine.
Know your controls and how to stop the Articulator quickly in an
emergency! Read this entire manual before attempting to operate the
Articulator!
NEVER allow anyone to operate the Articulator without proper
instruction! Any and all operators must be instructed in and capable
of the safe operation of the Articulator, its attachments, and controls!
NEVER allow children to operate the Articulator!
NEVER allow children on or near the Articulator!
NEVER operate the Articulator when children are present!
ALWAYS clear area of all personnel before operating the Articulator!
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Safety Information
Operational Safety Rules
2
2-4 325EFR/Odoc100499 Safety Information
2.5 Operational Safety Rules
l Never operate the Articulator when children are present.
l Be sure that the parking brake is set before attempting to start the engine.
l Operate only in daylight or good artificial light (min. 200 Lux).
l Be sure that all auxiliary equipment switches (blades, lights, etc.) are in the OFF
position before attempting to start the engine.
l Be sure your tractor is equipped with a ROPS (Roll Over Protection System), and
be sure to wear your seat belt.
l Never operate the Articulator without the grass chute or mulching plate installed and
secure.
l Never operate the Articulator without all covers, shields, and safety devices
installed and secure.
l Never permit any person other than the operator to ride or board the tractor or Artic-
ulator at any time. Never allow riders!
l Never allow anyone near the tractor or Articulator while operating. Be sure that the
area behind you is clear before operating in reverse!
l Never allow anyone into the path of discharge.
l Never discharge in the direction of bystanders, vehicles, or buildings.
l Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or down a hill. Avoid operating on
steep slopes.
l Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary - and then only after careful
observation of entire area behind the tractor and Articulator.
l Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on a hill-
ALWAYS work safely! Follow all safety rules!
A careful operator is the best insurance against accidents!
ALWAYS clear area of all personnel before operating the Articulator!
NEVER operate the Articulator without all safety covers properly
installed and in good condition!
ALWAYS stay well clear of all moving parts!
ALWAYS stay clear of blades during operation!
NEVER allow children to operate the Articulator!
NEVER allow children on or near the Articulator!
NEVER operate the Articulator when children are present!
ALWAYS clear area of all personnel before operating the Articulator!
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Safety Information
Maintenance Safety Rules
Safety Information 325EFR/Odoc100499 2-5
2
side or over rough ground, and when operating close to ditches, fences, or water.
l Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to minimize potential tipping or loss of
control. Use caution when changing directions on slopes.
l Be alert for holes in the terrain as well as any other hidden hazard. Always drive
slowly over rough ground.
l Disengage the blades, stop the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the key
before dismounting the tractor or making any adjustments to the Articulator.
l Stop the tractor immediately upon striking any obstruction. Disengage the blades,
turn off the engine, set the parking brake, remove the key, and inspect the tractor
and Articulator for any damage. Always repair any damage before resuming opera-
tion of the Articulator.
l Never adjust the mower deck height or lift the deck into transport position while the
blades are engaged.
l Never engage the blades with the mower decks raised into transport position.
l Never place your hands or feet under the Articulator while the engine is running.
l Stay well clear of any and all moving parts.
l Keep hands and feet away from the blades at all times during operation.
l Take all possible precautions when leaving the tractor and Articulator unattended:
disengage the blades, turn off the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the
key anytime you leave the tractor and Articulator unattended.
l If your tractor is equipped with headlights and hazard lights, always activate them
whenever crossing or accessing any roadways, driveways, or parking lots. Watch
for oncoming traffic.
l Handle fuel with caution - it is explosive! Always use approved fuel containers;
never handle fuel near an open flame; never use fuel as a solvent; never fuel the
tractor while the engine is running or hot; never fuel the Articulator indoors; always
clean up any spilled fuel; never smoke around fuel.
l Do not allow extended running of tractor engine indoors - exhaust fumes are deadly.
2.6 Maintenance Safety Rules
l Never perform maintenance on the Articulator when children are present.
l Always perform the appropriate maintenance schedule(s) in a timely fashion.
ALWAYS disengage the blades, 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 Articulator!
NEVER allow children on or around the Articulator!
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Safety Information
Storage Safety Rules
Safety Information 325EFR/Odoc100499 2-6
2
l Never allow anyone near any operator controls while performing adjustments, ser-
vice or maintenance to the tractor or Articulator.
l Always use personal protection equipment such as eye, hand, head, and ear pro-
tection when performing any service or maintenance to the tractor or Articulator.
l Keep the tractor engine area free of accumulated debris, fuel, or excess grease and
oil to reduce fire hazard.
l Keep the Articulator in good operating condition with all safety devices in place.
l Check the blades frequently. Verify that they are sharp, free of nicks and cracks,
and securely fastened.
l Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws and check that all fasteners are prop-
erly installed to ensure the tractor and Articulator are in safe operating condition.
l Upon completing any maintenance or service function, verify that all safety guards
and devices are properly installed before operating the tractor or Articulator.
l Verify that all warning labels and decals are properly installed, visible, and legible.
l Always remove debris from the top and bottom of the Articulator after each use.
2.7 Storage Safety Rules
l Never store the Articulator in any area accessable by children.
l Never allow extended running of any engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
l Never store tractor with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes could reach
an open flame or spark.
l Allow the tractor engine to cool before storing in an enclosed area.
l Remove all accumulated debris from the tractor, and both the top and bottom of the
Articulator before storing.
l Sand chipped or scratched areas and re-paint them to prevent rust during storage.
l Lubricate all moving parts of the tractor and Articulator to prevent rust during stor-
age.
NEVER allow the extended running of tractor engine indoors! Exhaust
gasses contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison!
NEVER allow children on or around the Articulator!
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Initial Set-Up
Mounting The Articulator To The Tractor
Initial Set-Up 325EFR/Odoc061600 3-1
3
SECTION 3 Initial Set-Up
3.1 Mounting The Articulator To The Tractor
The Model 325EFR Articulator is designed to be mounted to the Ransomes 728D traction
unit ONLY. Do NOT attempt to mount the Model 325EFR Articulator to any other traction
unit make or model. Damage to the equipment and/or personal injury may result from
installation and/or operation of the Articulator with an improper traction unit.
Follow the procedures listed below to properly mount the Articulator to the tractor:
1. Disconnect & remove the existing PTO shaft.
2. Remove the existing mower deck from the push arms.
3. Remove the existing push arms from the traction unit.
4. Install the supplied push arm frame to the traction unit. Use the supplied 5/8-11 x 2 1/4”
bolts, 5/8”split lock washers, and 5/8-11 free nuts.
5. Install the supplied push arms to the push arm frame. Orient push arms so that they bend
downward when extending from the traction unit (right and left are determined from the
operator seat). The right push arm has the stop welded to the SIDE of the arm, and the
left push arm has the stop welded to the TOP of the arm (about 6” forward of the bend in
each arm). Use the supplied 1”pin weldments, 1/4-20 x 3/4”bolts, and 1/4”split lock
washers.
6. Mount the Articulator to the push arms. Locate the push arms to the INSIDE of the mount
plates on the Articulator. Use the supplied 1”-8 x 3 3/4”bolts and 1”-8 nylock nuts.
7. Remove the cover from the steering column of the traction unit, exposing the lift chains.
8. Remove the existing lift chains from the traction unit.
9. Feed the supplied lift cradle, chains first, into the bottom of the steering column. Feed the
chains around the pulleys, and attach them to the existing chain mounts.
10. Replace the cover & hardware to the steering column.
11. Install the supplied lift chain between the lift cradle and the Articulator. On the cradle end,
use the supplied 3/8-16 x 2”bolt, 3/8”flat washers, and 3/8-16 nylock nut (the washers go
Before attempting to mount the Articulator to the tractor, be sure the
PTO is disengaged, the engine is off, the parking brake is set, and the
transmission is in neutral!
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Initial Set-Up
Gearbox
3
3-2 325EFR/Odoc061600 Initial Set-Up
to the outside of the cradle plates under the nut and bolt head). On the mower end, use
3/8-16 x 1 1/2”bolt, three 3/8”flat washers, and 3/8-16 nylock nut (the washers go under
the nut, under the bolt head, and between the chain and the mount plate, sandwiching the
chain). Be sure to mount the mower-end chain to the RIGHT side of the mount plate.
The right side is determined from the operator seat.
12. Install the supplied PTO shaft to the traction unit, then to the Articulator. Secure the PTO
guard retaining chains located at each end of the PTO shaft.
3.2 Gearbox
Check the oil level and condition in the gearbox. The gearbox should be approximately
half full (16 ounces). Add oil if low. If the oil appears excessively contaminated, change
the oil. Use Amoco Permagear EP 220 or equivalent gear oil.
Inspect the entire area around and under the gearbox for any oil leakage. If a leak is dis-
covered, repair it and refill the gearbox before operating the Articulator.
3.3 Deck Drive Belts
The deck drive belts are located between the gearbox and the center mower deck, under
the center deck belt cover. To access the belts, remove the wing bolt and lift the cover
from the deck.
The spring-loaded idler system automatically tensions the belts to the proper level.
Check the belts for visible wear or damage. If either belt appears excessively worn, dam-
aged, cracked, weathered, or otherwise appears to pose an unsuitable or unsafe operat-
ing condition, replace the belt.
Check the belts for proper tension. If the idler arm pivots to its maximum stroke without
adequately tightening the belts, you need to replace the belts. If the belts you are check-
ing are new, and the idler tensioner goes to its maximum stroke without adequately tight-
ening the belts, it is likely you are have installed the wrong size belts. Contact your
LasTec dealer for the proper belt lengths for your Articulator.
If you are unable to install new belts with the idler arm at its minimum stroke, it is likely
you are installing the wrong size belts. Contact your LasTec dealer for proper belt
lengths for your Articulator.
NEVER inspect, adjust, or change the deck drive belt while the engine
is running!
ALWAYS clean the entire deck(including under the belt cover) of all
grease, oil, fuel, grass, or debris to prevent fire & projectile hazards!
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Initial Set-Up
Deck Belts
Initial Set-Up 325EFR/Odoc061600 3-3
3
Be sure that the idler tensioning spring is properly installed and in good condition. If for
some reason this spring becomes loose, detached, or fatigued, the idler will not properly
tension the belts.
Clean entire deck area (under the belt cover) of all excess grease, oil, fuel, grass, or
debris before operating the Articulator. This will help prevent damage to the equipment,
fire hazard, and projectile hazards.
Be sure to replace the belt cover and hardware.
3.4 Deck Belts
The deck belts are located under the belt covers on each deck. To access each belt,
remove the belt cover hardware, and lift the belt cover from the mower deck.
The double-pulley idler belt tensioning system automatically tensions the belts on the
mower decks, thus eliminating the need for manual belt tension adjustment.
Check the belts for visible wear or damage. If any belt appears excessively worn, dam-
aged, cracked, weathered, or otherwise appears to pose an unsuitable or unsafe operat-
ing condition, replace the belt.
Check the belts for proper tension. If an idler arm pivots to its maximum stroke without
adequately tightening the belt, you need to replace the belt. If the belt you are checking is
new, and the idler arm pivots to its maximum stroke without adequately tightening the
belt, it is likely you have installed the wrong size belt. Contact your LasTec dealer for the
proper belt lengths for your Articulator.
If you are unable to install a new belt with the idler arm at its minimum stroke, it is likely
you are installing the wrong size belt. Contact your LasTec dealer for proper belt lengths
for your Articulator.
Be sure that each idler pulley tensioning spring is properly installed and in good condition.
If for some reason this spring becomes loose, detached, or fatigued, the idler will not
properly tension the belt.
Clean each entire deck area (under the belt covers) of all excess grease, oil, fuel, grass,
or debris before operating the Articulator. This will help prevent damage to the equip-
ment, fire hazard, and projectile hazards.
Be sure to replace all belt covers and hardware.
NEVER inspect, adjust, or change the deck belts while the engine is
running!
ALWAYS clean each entire deck (including under the belt covers) of
all grease, oil, fuel, grass, or debris to prevent fire & projectile
hazards!
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Initial Set-Up
Blades
3
3-4 325EFR/Odoc061600 Initial Set-Up
3.5 Blades
The Model 325EFR Articulator utilizes three individual 25”high-lift blades, located under
each articulated mower deck.
NEVER go near, or expose yourself or others in any way to the blades while the engine is
running!
ALWAYS disengage the blades, 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 blades!
Keep all personnel clear of all controls while inspecting, adjusting, changing, or perform-
ing maintenance to the blades!
Inspect all blades for proper installation, orientation, tightness, sharpness, and overall
condition. Be sure the lift fins are oriented to the top of the blades. Verify that the mount
bolts are secure, the blades are sharp, and free of any nicks, cracks, or bends. Always
replace any damaged, dull, or missing blades before operating the Articulator. The Rec-
ommended torque value for the blade bolts is 45 ft/lbs.
LasTec also offers optional low-lift blades and mulching blades for certain cutting applica-
tions. Contact your LasTec dealer for further information about optional blades available.
Never inspect, adjust, change, or perform any other maintenance to
the blades while the engine is running!
Always turn off the blades, 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 blades!
Keep all personnel clear of all controls while inspecting, adjusting,
changing, or performing maintenance to the blades!
Go to www.lastec.com for latest changes in this manual.