Lastec ARTICULATOR XF100 Series User manual

WARNING! Read and understand this
manual before using this machine.
!
The Articulator
Operator’s Manual
XF100 series D1
Manual number: MXF100D1

© Lastec, 2019
Printed in the United States of America, all rights reserved. No part of this manual may be
reproduced in any form by any photographic, electronic, mechanical or other means or used in
any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from
Lastec, LLC
8180 W. 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Phone [phone]
www.lastec.com
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Table of Contents Section-Page
Table of Contents D1 12/9/20 3
SECTION 1 TO THE OWNER 1-1
1.1 Read This Manual BEFORE Operating The Articulator .......................1-1
1.2 Product Registration ...............................................................................1-1
1.3 Warranty Registration ............................................................................1-1
1.4 If You Need To Order Parts ...................................................................1-2
1.5 Servicing The Articulator.......................................................................1-2
1.6 Lastec Product Warranty ........................................................................1-3
1.7 Component Manufacturers’ Warranties .................................................1-5
SECTION 2 SAFETY INFORMATION 2-1
2.1 Safety Symbols.......................................................................................2-1
2.2 About This Section.................................................................................2-1
2.3 Safety Guards And Covers .....................................................................2-2
2.4 Pre-operational Safety Rules ..................................................................2-3
2.5 Personal Protection Equipment ..............................................................2-3
2.6 Operational Safety Rules........................................................................2-3
2.7 Maintenance Safety ................................................................................2-5
2.8 Storage Safety Rules...............................................................................2-7
2.9 Safety Decals and Symbols ....................................................................2-7
2.10 Hazard Identified Chart ..........................................................................2-8
SECTION 3 INITIAL SET-UP 3-1
3.1 Assembly Instructions ............................................................................3-1
3.2 Mounting the Articulator to the Deere Tractor.......................................3-1
3.3 Lift Arm Stop Bolt Adjustment..............................................................3-2
3.4 Gearbox ..................................................................................................3-3
3.5 Mower Deck Height Adjustment............................................................3-4
3.6 Deck Drive Belt......................................................................................3-5
3.7 Deck Belts and Alignment......................................................................3-6
3.8 Blades .....................................................................................................3-8
3.9 Deck Wheels...........................................................................................3-8
3.10 General ...................................................................................................3-9
3.11 Pre-Operation Equipment Inspection Checklist .....................................3-9
SECTION 4 OPERATING PROCEDURES 4-1
4.1 Transporting The Articulator..................................................................4-1
4.2 Preparation For Cutting ..........................................................................4-2
4.3 Recommended Blades ............................................................................4-4
4.4 Ground Speed .........................................................................................4-4
4.5 Cutting In Reverse..................................................................................4-5
4.6 Cutting Extreme Contours......................................................................4-5
4.7 Cutting Wet Grass ..................................................................................4-6

Table of Contents Section-Page
4 D1 12/9/20 Table of Contents
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE 5-1
5.1 Maintenance Safety ................................................................................5-1
5.2 Every 25 Operating Hours......................................................................5-2
5.3 Every 50 Operating Hours......................................................................5-2
5.4 Every 100 Operating Hours....................................................................5-2
5.5 Every 200 Operating Hours....................................................................5-2
5.6 Every 500 Operating Hours....................................................................5-3
5.7 Articulator Specifications ......................................................................5-3
5.8 Articulator Maintenance Chart...............................................................5-4
5.9 Torque Values ........................................................................................5-5
5.10 Urethane Bushings..................................................................................5-6
5.11 Lubrication points...................................................................................5-7
SECTION 6 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 6-1

To The Owner
Read This Manual BEFORE Operating The Articulator
To The Owner 12/9/20 1-1
1
SECTION 1 TO THE OWNER
1.1 Read This Manual BEFORE Operating The Articulator
Do not allow anyone to operate the Articulator without first read-
ing and understanding this operator’s manual in its entirety. Do
not allow children to operate the Articulator. Do not operate the
Articulator when children are present.
This information prepares you to operate the Articulator in a
safe and knowledgeable manner. Proper operation of the Articu-
lator will provide a safer working environment, and promote
higher quality, more efficient results.
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in properly and safely operating and maintain-
ing the deck. Read and understand this entire manual before attempting to set-up, oper-
ate, adjust, perform any maintenance on, or store the deck.
Keep this manual at hand at all times for ready reference.
1.2 Product Registration
Immediately record the model and serial numbers of your Articulator in the spaces pro-
vided below.
Model Number: ________________________
Serial Number: ______________________________
These numbers can be found on the serial number plate which is permanently affixed to
the mower.
You should now fill out the warranty registration form online at www.lastec.com or
located in the back of this section. This form must be completed and returned to the fac-
tory within fifteen (15) days of purchase in order to validate the warranty. Please do not
hesitate!
1.3 Warranty Registration
Complete the following Lastec Warranty Registration Form and return to Lastec within 15
days of the purchase of the Articulator. This will aid you, Lastec, and Lastec distributor in
warranting and servicing of your Articulator.

To The Owner
If You Need To Order Parts
1-2 12/9/20 To The Owner
1
Warranty registration can be done online through the Lastec website at www.lastec.com.
(See Figure 1-1.) If you have difficulties accessing or filling out your registration form,
your Lastec representative can assist you.
1.4 If You Need To Order Parts
To order parts, contact your distributor. Ensure to have your model and serial number
available as a reference. This will assist them in supplying you the correct and most cur-
rent parts available for your Articulator.
NOTE: Always use only genuine Lastec parts when servicing your
Articulator! Use of substitute parts may cause unsafe operation, unsat-
isfactory performance, and void the warranty of your Articulator!
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, ensure 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 genuine
Lastec parts, and has trained mechanics on hand.
FIG. 1-1

To The Owner
Lastec Product Warranty
To The Owner 12/9/20 1-3
1
1.6 Lastec Product Warranty
GOLF & TURF WARRANTY
Lastec (“warrantor”), with its place of business at 8180 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN
46214 warrants as stated herein to the original purchaser (“purchaser”) for two (2) years
or 2000 hours* of equipment use, whichever comes first, on parts and one (1) year of
labor for equipment use from the date of purchase from Lastec (“warrantor”), that the
equipment manufactured by warrantor and any optional equipment or accessories pur-
chased at the same time, subject to the exclusions herein, will be free from defects in
material and workmanship attributable to warrantor so long as it is operated and main-
tained in accordance with the instructions provided by warrantor and purchaser has com-
pleted the registration form or warrantor may choose to not honor any warranty claims. All
urethane bushing hardware will be warranted for five (5) years from the date of purchase
from Lastec.
* Applies to units with hour meters
90 Day Limited Warranty
Warrantor agrees to replace any defective wear components including but not limited to
seals, bearings, idlers with bearings, wheels/tires, bushings and blades for ninety (90)
days from date of purchase. After ninety (90) days, all wear components are no longer
covered under further warranty from warrantor. Component failure as a result of improper
maintenance of wear items may not be covered under warranty at the warrantor’s discre-
tion. After ninety (90) days, component failure as a result of loose hardware is no longer
covered under further warranty from warrantor.
Warrantor agrees to warrant for a period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase to any
original purchaser who is a rental yard, lease-based business or temporary use facility
that the equipment manufactured by warrantor and any optional equipment or accesso-
ries purchased at the same time will be free from defects in material and workmanship
attributable to warrantor so long as it is operated and maintained in accordance with
instructions provided by warrantor. After ninety (90) days, no further warranty will exist for
rental yard, lease-based or temporary use businesses or facilities.
Freight Allowance
Freight allowance for warranty – Next Day Air freight covered by warrantor in “mower
down” situations for first year of warranty not to include wear items as listed above in the
(90) day limited warranty. After the first year freight for warranty items would be limited to
regular ground shipment at the discretion of the warrantor.
Warrantor’s Obligations as to Defects

To The Owner
Lastec Product Warranty
1-4 12/9/20 To The Owner
1
Warrantor’s only responsibility shall be to replace any covered defects or repairs without
cost to purchaser. Warrantor may request that such part or unit be returned to Warran-
tor’s place of business. Purchaser will be responsible for transportation or shipping of part
or unit to the distributor and such part must be returned to distributor within fifteen (15)
days after requested. Warrantor shall have a reasonable time within which to replace or
repair defective part or unit. If warrantor determines that the part or unit is not defective
under the terms of this warranty, then purchaser shall be responsible for expenses
incurred by warrantor in returning part or unit to original purchaser. Warrantor gives no
allowance for labor, travel time, mileage or incidental or consequential damages. Pur-
chaser must submit warranty claims to a distributorship authorized by Warrantor. Warran-
tor’s authorized distributors are responsible for all repairs and the processing of all
warranty claims.
Warranty Parts Return
Lastec reserves the right to have parts returned that have been submitted for warranty.
The service department will issue an RMA number. The part must be returned within 30
days of the requested return date. Parts not returned within 30 days of the RMA issue
date will result in rejection of claim.
Limitations and Disclaimers of Other Warranties
EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PROVISIONS STATED ABOVE, WARRAN-
TOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND/OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
No representation or other affirmation of fact by representatives of warrantor, whether
verbal or in writing, including photographs, brochures, samples, models, or other sales
aids, shall constitute a warranty or other basis for any legal action against warrantor. THE
ORIGINAL PURCHASER, ANY PERSONS TO WHOM THIS EQUIPMENT IS TRAN-
FERRED AND ANY INTENDED USER OR BENEFICIARY OF THIS EQUIPMENT
SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL
DAMAGES FROM WARRANTOR FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING
WARRANTY OR DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT. Warrantor does not warrant that its equip-
ment meets or complies with the requirements of a particular safety code or governmental
requirements.
Design Changes
Warrantor reserves the right to change the design of its products from time to time without
notice and without obligation to make corresponding changes in its products previously
manufactured.
Rights of Purchasers

To The Owner
Component Manufacturers’ Warranties
To The Owner 12/9/20 1-5
1
The validity and effect of this limited warranty as well as its interpretation, operation and
effect, shall be determined exclusively by the principles of law and equity of the State of
Indiana. This limited warranty gives purchaser specific legal rights. Purchaser may also
have other rights, which may vary from State to State. Some States may not allow limita-
tions as to duration of warranties so the above may not apply.
This contract supersedes all prior written and oral agreements related to the purchase
and is intended to be an integration of the entire agreement between the parties. All of the
promises, warranties, guarantees and representations made by warrantor or its represen-
tatives that are not specifically contained herein are not included in this warranty.
1.7 Component Manufacturers’ Warranties
Some of the component parts of your Articulator are warranted by their respective manu-
facturers. These parts include:
Superior Gearbox
Bondioli PTO Shaft
The complete manufacturers’ warranty information for these components is available
upon request. Contact your Lastec dealer if you have questions concerning warranties on
these component parts.

Safety Symbols
2-1 12/9/20
2
SECTION 2 SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 Safety Symbols
The following symbols and signal words call your attention to instructions concerning your
personal safety. Ensure to observe and follow these instructions.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in serious injury or death.
Suggests a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in serious injury or death.
Refers to potentially hazardous situations which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or damage to equipment.
Indicates vital information.
NOTE: gives helpful information.
The above illustrated symbols are displayed throughout this manual in order to indicate
important safety information. When one of these symbols appears 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 Section
Read this manual and all manuals of related equipment in their
entirety.
OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
The procedures listed in this manual may not include all ANSI, OSHA, or locally
required safety procedures. It is the owner/operator’s responsibility and not Las-
tec to ensure all operators are properly trained and informed of all safety protocols.
Owner/Operators are responsible for following all safety procedures when operating
and performing maintenance to the Articulator.

Safety Guards And Covers
12/9/20 2-2
2
Right and left are determined facing in the direction of forward travel.
Blade rotation is clockwise as viewed from the top of the deck.
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in properly and
safely operating and maintaining the deck. Read and under-
stand this entire manual before attempting to set-up, operate,
adjust, perform any maintenance on, or store the deck. This
manual provides essential information and instructions which
will help you enjoy years of dependable performance from the
deck.
The safety of the deck is dependent upon operating within the parameters explained in
this manual. Follow all safety rules for this deck and all related equipment.
Although these instructions have been compiled through field experience and engineer-
ing data, some information presented herein may be general in nature due to varying
operating conditions. It is up to the operator to develop procedures suitable to your partic-
ular cutting application.
NOTE: The illustrations and data used in this manual were current at
the time of printing, but the deck may vary slightly due to ongoing engi-
neering changes. Lastec reserves the right to implement engineering
and design changes to the deck as may be necessary without prior
notification.
2.3 Safety Guards And Covers
Do not operate the deck with any safety covers removed.
Follow all safety rules.
Some illustrations in this manual show the deck with safety covers
removed in order to provide improved viewing of the particular compo-
nents being discussed. This is for informational purposes only -- do
not operate the deck 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 of the deck, accident prevention is

Pre-operational Safety Rules
2-3 12/9/20
2
dependent upon the awareness and proper training of all personnel involved in the opera-
tion, transportation, maintenance, and storage of the deck.
The best safety device is an informed, careful operator.
We ask you to be that kind of operator.
2.4 Pre-operational Safety Rules
Do not allow children on or near the deck.
Do not operate the deck when children are present.
Clear area of all personnel before operating the deck.
Do not allow anyone to operate the deck without proper instruction.
Know how to stop the deck quickly in an emergency. .
2.5 Personal Protection Equipment
Wear eye and hearing protection.
Wear close-fitting clothing to avoid entangle-
ment in moving parts.
Do not operate the deck or related equipment
in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers: wear sturdy
rough-soled work shoes.
Clear the cut area of stones, branches, balls or
other debris that may be thrown.
2.6 Operational Safety Rules
Stay clear of blades during operation.
Stay clear of all moving parts.

Operational Safety Rules
12/9/20 2-4
2
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light
(min. 200 Lux)..
Wear ear protection when operating the Articula-
tor.
Do not operate the deck without the grass chute
or mulching plate installed and secure.
Do not operate the deck unless all covers, shields, and safety devices
are installed and secure.
Do not permit any person other than the operator to ride or board the
drive unit or deck at any time.
Do not allow anyone near the deck while operating.
Do not allow anyone near or in the path of discharge.
Do not discharge in the direction of bystanders, vehicles, or buildings.
Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or down a hill.
Avoid operating on steep slopes.
Disengage the blades, stop the engine, set the parking brake, and
remove the key before dismounting the drive unit or making any
adjustments to the deck.
Stop the drive unit immediately upon striking any obstruction. Disen-
gage the blades, turn off the engine, set the parking brake, remove the
key, and inspect the deck for any damage. Repair any damage before
resuming operation of the deck.
Do not adjust the mower deck height or lift the deck into transport posi-
tion while the blades are engaged.
Do not engage the blades with the mower decks raised into transport
position.
Do not place your hands or feet under the deck while the engine is run-
ning, even with blades disengaged.

Maintenance Safety
2-5 12/9/20
2
Take all possible precautions when leaving the drive unit and deck
unattended: 
disengage the blades, 
turn off the engine, 
set the parking brake, and 
remove the key.
Activate headlights and/or hazard lights whenever crossing or access-
ing any roadways, driveways, or parking lots.
Watch for oncoming traffic.
Handle fuel with caution - it is explosive. 
Use approved fuel containers; 
do not handle fuel near an open flame; 
do not use fuel as a solvent; 
do not fuel the drive unit while the engine is running 
do not fuel the drive unit while the engine is hot; 
do not fuel the mower indoors; 
do not fuel while on drive unit; 
clean up any spilled fuel; 
do not smoke around fuel or while fueling.
2.7 Maintenance Safety
Disengage the blades, turn off the engine, set the drive unit parking
brake, and remove the key before performing any maintenance or
adjustments to your Articulator.
Verify that all blades are sharp, free of nicks or cracks, and securely
fastened. Immediately replace blades that show any signs of
cracks.
Do not perform maintenance on your mower when children are pres-
ent.!
Verify that all safety decals are properly installed, visible, and legible.
Remove accumulated debris, fuel, or excess grease and oil from the
drive unit engine area to avoid a fire hazard.
Verify that the deck is properly mounted, set up, adjusted, and in good
operating condition.

Maintenance Safety
12/9/20 2-6
2
Perform the pre-operation equipment inspection and the appropriate
maintenance schedule (Section 5) before operating the deck.
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 deck.
Do not perform maintenance on the deck when children are present.
Perform the appropriate maintenance schedule(s) in a timely fashion.
Do not allow anyone near any operator controls while performing
adjustments, service or maintenance to the drive unit or deck.
Use personal protection equipment such as eye, hand, head, and ear
protection when performing any service or maintenance to the drive
unit or deck.
Keep the drive unit engine area free of accumulated debris, fuel, or
excess grease and oil to reduce fire hazard.
Keep the deck in good operating condition with all safety devices in
place.
Check the blades frequently. Verify that they are sharp, free of nicks
and cracks, and securely fastened.
Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws. Verify that all fasteners
are properly installed to ensure the drive unit and deck are in safe
operating condition.
Upon completing any maintenance or service function, verify that all
safety guards and devices are properly installed before operating the
drive unit or deck.
Verify that all warning labels and decals are properly installed, visible,
and legible.
Remove debris from the top and bottom of the deck after each use.

Storage Safety Rules
2-7 12/9/20
2
2.8 Storage Safety Rules
Follow the safety rule of the drive unit concerning engine operation in
storage areas, fuel storage, removing debris, and .
Do not store the deck in any area accessible by children.
Lock the safety pins on the raised decks.
Remove all accumulated debris from the top and bottom of the deck
before storing.
Sand chipped or scratched areas and re-paint them to prevent rust
during storage.
Lubricate all moving parts of the drive unit and deck to prevent rust
during storage.
Remove the PTO shaft for storage.
2.9 Safety Decals and Symbols
The following safety symbols are used on the deck. Operators should become familiar
with these symbols and heed the warnings where they appear on the deck.
Attention.
Pinching/Crushing Danger.
Caution. Rotating Blades.

Hazard Identified Chart
12/9/20 2-8
2
Keep Hands and Feet Away from Blades.
Keep Covers Locked Down
Pinch Point.
Read the Manual.
Remove the Key.
Rotating Parts.
Rotating Shaft.
Stay Away.
Thrown Objects.
2.10 Hazard Identified Chart
Hazard Identified Risk Source Control Measure
Operator injury Inexperience Complete Owner’s Manual supplied cov-
ering all aspects of operating the unit.
Various warning decals strategically
placed on the unit.

Hazard Identified Chart
2-9 12/9/20
2
Danger of entanglement Moving parts, especially if
using a PTO.
Guards are not in place.
Warning decals stating guards must be in
place.
Physical guards around belts, pulleys and
shafts.
Clear warning in manual.
Danger of dismemberment Cutting blades Warning decals.
Clear warning in manual.
Physical guards around blades.
Clear prohibitions outlined in manual.
Danger of projectile strike Ejected debris from cutting
blades
Warning decals.
Clear warning in manual.
Physical guards around blades.
Finger pinch points Moving parts Warning decals stating hazardous loca-
tions.
Physical guards around such points.
Clear warning in manual.

Initial Set-Up
Assembly Instructions
Initial Set-Up 12/9/20 3-1
3
SECTION 3 INITIAL SET-UP
3.1 Assembly Instructions
The Articulator Includes a Hardware Kit and a Gearbox Kit, which should be assembled at the
dealership.
3.2 Mounting the Articulator to the Deere Tractor
Ensure the PTO is disengaged, then engine is off, the park-
ing break set, and the transmission is in neutral before
attempting to mount the Articulator to the tractor.
Do not install or use the Articulator mower deck on a front
mower with a cab if the side cutting decks in the raised
transport position interfere with the cab doors. This interfer-
ence could trap an operator inside the cab.
The XF100D1 Articulator mower deck is only approved for
use with the John Deere 1445 traction unit. Damage to the
equipment and/or personal injury may result from installa-
tion and/or operation of the Articulator with an improper
traction unit.
1. Park the tractor on level ground.
2. Turn off the tractor, disengage the PTO, shift the transmission into neutral, and set the
parking brake. Remove the key from the ignition.
3. Ensure deck lift arms are in lowered position.
4. Approximate the position of the Articulator in front of the tractor.
5. Attach the Articulator push arms to the tractor; secure with clevis pins.
6. Attach the push arms to the Articulator; secure with bolts and nuts.
7. Adjust the push arms properly.
8. Attach the PTO shaft to the Articulator gearbox. Secure with the metric bolt and nut pro-
vided.

Initial Set-Up
Lift Arm Stop Bolt Adjustment
3-2 12/9/20 Initial Set-Up
3
NOTE: Prior to use, be sure to check oil levels in the gear-
box and grease the PTO shaft according to the instructions
for each unit.
9. Attach the PTO shaft to the tractor; secure with quick-disconnect collar.
10. Adjust the lift arm stop bolts.
11. Complete the entire Initial Set-Up section of this manual before attempting to operate the
tractor and Articulator.
3.3 Lift Arm Stop Bolt Adjustment
Failure to perform the lift arm stop bolt adjustment as rec-
ommended will result in serious personal injury and/or
severe equipment damage.
Adjust each of the lift arm stop bolts so that the distance between the stop bolt head and the edge
of the plate is approximately 3/16”, if the mower deck cutting height is set between 2.5” - 3.5” (the
most common cutting height). Outside this range, the stop bolts must be adjusted for the specific
cutting height.
Slightly increase the distance between the stop bolt head and the plate, if the mower deck
cutting height is raised -- decrease the distance, if the mower deck cutting height is low-
ered.