Nortrac 51473 User manual

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3-Pt. PTO Rough Cut Mower
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety
precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item #51473, #51474, #51475

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Thank you very much for choosing a Nortrac™product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin
using it.
This 3-Pt. PTO Rough Cut Mower is designed for certain applications
only. Northern Tool & Equipment is not responsible for issues arising
from modification or improper use of this product such as an application
for which it was not designed. We strongly recommend that this product
not be modified and/or used for any application other than that for which
it was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.

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Table of Contents
Intended Use..........................................................................................................................................4
Technical Specifications......................................................................................................................4
Specific Operation Warnings...............................................................................................................6
Assembly Instructions..........................................................................................................................8
Before Each Use..................................................................................................................................12
Operating Instructions........................................................................................................................13
After Each Use.....................................................................................................................................15
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................15
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................16
Parts Diagram......................................................................................................................................17
Parts List..............................................................................................................................................18
Replacement Parts..............................................................................................................................19
Limited Warranty.................................................................................................................................20

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Intended Use
The NorTrac 3-Pt. PTO Rough Cut Mower is ideal for owners requiring an economical machine to
handle their land maintenance requirements. This mower was built to take on the toughest terrain.
The front or rear mount capability, combined with PTO’s full-floating hitch mechanism, gives you
incredible mobility and allows the mower to follow the contour of the land even when cresting hills or
crossing gullies.
Technical Specifications
Specification
#51473
#51474
#51475
Recommended tractor
22-50 HP
22-50 HP
30-80 HP
Cutting width
45" (1150 mm)
57" (1450 mm)
69" (1750 mm)
Overall width
50" (1270 mm)
61" (1560 mm)
73" (1870 mm)
Width in feet
4
5
6
Cutting height
1-1/2" - 10"
1-1/2" - 10"
1-1/2" - 10"
PTO Speed
540 RPM
540 RPM
540 RPM
Blade Tip Speed
12,142 ft/min
12,142 ft/min
12,142 ft/min
Blades
18-3/4" x .475" x 2pcs
24" x .475" x 2pcs
30-1/2" x .475" x 2pcs
Important Safety Information
•Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
•The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this mower. Always
be aware of the environment and ensure that the mower is used in a safe and responsible
manner.
•Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the mower until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
•Do not modify this mower in any way. Unauthorized modifications may impair the function and/or
safety and could affect the life of the mower. There are specific applications for which the mower
was designed.
•Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this mower was designed. You will
be safer and the unit will do a better job at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use
this mower for a purpose for which it was not intended.
•Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
WORK AREA SAFETY

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•Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the mower in confined work areas
may put you dangerously close to other cutting
•tools and rotating parts.
•Do not use the mower where there is a risk of a fire or an explosion; e.g., in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The product can create sparks, which may ignite the flammable
liquids, gases, or dust.
•Do not allow the mower to come into contact with an electrical source. The mower is not insulated
and contact will cause electrical shock.
•Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the mower. Do not allow
children to handle the mower.
•Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
PERSONAL SAFETY
•Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the mower. Do not
use the mower while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating the mower may result in a serious personal injury.
•Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing,
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving
parts. Air vents on the mower often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
•Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust
mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection
systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area.
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•Ensure the power switch is off prior to plugging it in.
•Remove the keys or wrenches before connecting the mower to an air supply, power supply, or
turning on the mower. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the mower may
cause personal injury.
•Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution
allows for proper mower operation using both hands.
MOWER USE AND CARE
•Do not force the mower. Products are safer and do a better job when used in the manner for
which they are designed. Plan your work and use the correct product for the job.
•Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the mower will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate
the mower with a damaged part.
•Do not use a mower with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with
the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative
before using.

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•Disconnect the power/air supply from the mower and place the switch in the locked or off position
before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the mower. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the mower accidentally.
•Store the mower when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children.
Inspect the mower for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
•Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your mower.
Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with
another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure
than the tool itself.
•Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the mower without the guards in place.
•Do not leave the mower running unattended.
Specific Operation Warnings
ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD
To prevent serious injury or death from rotating driveline:
•DO NOT operate without guards in place.
•DO NOT operate higher than 540 RPM.
•Keep hands, feet, clothing, and hair away from moving parts.
•DO NOT operate without driveline securely attached at both ends.
•DO NOT operate without driveline shields that turn freely on driveline.
ROTATING BLADE HAZARD
To prevent serious injury or death when the engine is running and the blades are rotating:
•Never allow riders on tractor or mower.
•Keep hands and feet clear from under the deck while operating.
•DO NOT operate without deflector/guards in place.
•DO NOT stand on or near implement at any time.
•DO NOT stand between tractor and implement.
•DO NOT operate with bystanders in mowing area.
•Turn engine off and detach implement before servicing.
THROWN OBJECT HAZARD
To prevent serious injury or death:
•DO NOT operate without all guards in place and in good operating condition.
•Stop blade rotation if bystanders come within 50 feet.
MOVING PARTS HAZARD
To prevent serious injury or death from moving parts:
•Close and secure all guards and shields before starting.
•Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.
•Disconnect and lockout power source before adjusting or servicing.
•DO NOT stand or climb on machine when operating.

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To prevent serious injury or death:
•Read and understand owner’s manual before operating, servicing or repairing equipment.
•Stop engine, remove key and set brake before dismounting tractor.
•Operate from tractor seat only.
•DO NOT operate without guards in place and in good condition.
•Never allow riders on equipment.
•DO NOT operate or transport on steep inclines.
•DO NOT operate with blade in the raised position.
•DO NOT exceed this implement’s maximum speed of 5 MPH. Exceeding this speed may result in
loss of control during transport or braking.
•Before mowing, clear debris from mowing area.
•Keep bystanders at least 50 feet away while operating.
•DO NOT use if implement is damaged. Repair before continuing use.
•Park and store on a hard, level surface.
•Store out of reach of children. Not for use by or around children.
To prevent property damage, check the following before operating this machine, having first stopped
the tractor engine and disengaged the P.T.O.
1. Check oil levels (if needed, add SAE 90 EP oil)
2. Grease the driveline spiders.
3. Grease all marked points on the machine.
4. Check that all nuts/bolts are snug on parts which are under the most stress (lines, blades, front
linkage bolts, gear box bolts, etc.)
FALLING OFF CAN RESULT IN IMPALEMENT OR BEING RUN OVER
•Tractor must be equipped with Roll Over Protection Structure (or ROPS CAB) and seat belt. Keep
foldable ROPS system in “locked up” position at all times.
•Keep seat belt securely fastened.
•Never allow riders on equipment.
RAISED EQUIPMENT CAN DROP AND CRUSH
•Before servicing, follow all instructions and safety rules in owner’s manual and securely block all
corners of equipment with jack stands.
•Securely blocking prevents equipment dropping from mechanical component failures.
FALLING OFF OR FAILING TO BLOCK SECURELY CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH

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Assembly Instructions
Step 1: Place the mower on a flat level surface (Figure 1).
Step 2: Remove the wired-on PTO shaft, the lift pins, and the spacers. Loosen and remove the bolts
four (4) on the lift arm brackets that secure the lift arm support straps, the lift arms, and the lift arm
braces (from the shipping positions) and set all pieces aside (Figure 2).
Step 3: Remove PTO shaft, lift pins, and spacers
Step 4: Install the right lift arm and lift arm support strap using two (2) short bolts and one (1) lift pin
(Figure 3). Note: The lift arm support strap has one hole punched larger than the other. The larger
hole is to be used to fasten with the lift pin. The lift arm & support straps should be fastened to the
outside of the lift arm bracket.

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Step 5: Loosen and remove the two (2) nuts and washers for the A-frame tailwheel section, leaving
the bolts in place (Figure 4).
Step 6: Install both the right and left side lift arm braces by sliding them over the two (2) A-frame
tailwheel bolts that were loosened in Step 4. Start the nuts on the bolts, but at this time DO NOT
TIGHTEN THEM. Allow the lift arm braces to rotate forward and rest against the installed lift arm
(Figure 5).
Step 7: Install the long top mounting bolt by inserting it through the hole in the left side lift arm brace,
the lower of the two (2) holes in the left side lift arm, the spacer, the lower of the two (2) holes in the
top of the right side lift arm (which should not be attached to the lift arm bracket at this time), and
finally through the right side lift arm brace. Install a washer and start the nut on the bolt, but do not
tighten it at this time (Figures 6-8).

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Note: You may have to move the assembly around to start the nut and washer. If you are unable to
get the nut and washer started, a ‘C’ clamp may be necessary to compress the assembly in order to
start the nut & washer.

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Step 8: Using the right side lift arm as a lever, pull to the outside of the lift arm bracket and insert the
bolt through the lift arm and the lift arm bracket. (See Figure 9.) Install the washer and nut. Place the
lift pin in the larger of the two (2) holes on the lift arm brace and loosely attach the lift arm. Finally,
inset the bolt, nut, and washer to lower the section of lift arm support strap to lift the arm bracket
(Figure 10).

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Step 9: Tighten all nuts and bolts.
Before Each Use
•Before each use, perform the maintenance described in the maintenance section
•Read, understand, and follow the information on safety, preparation, starting and stopping safety,
operational safety, operational safety and transport safety warning sections of this manual
•With the tractor running, lower the mower into working position.
•With the tractor at idle RPM, engage the PTO, and slowly advance the throttle to approximately
540 PTO RPM.
Note: Do not allow the tractor engine or the mower to bog down or stall. This causes unnecessary
wear and tear on the mower and the tractor. If this continues to occur, reduce the ground speed
and/or raise the cutting height of the mower.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN OUT A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE UNLESS THE MOWER
BLADES HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE TRACTOR HAS BEEN SHUT OFF.
Safety Decal Locations
Good safety requires that you familiarize yourself with this unit’s safety decal warnings. The
positioning of the labels on the equipment is shown on the diagram on the following page. The
numbered labels follow (1-6).

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Operating Instructions
DO NOT overfill the gearbox. This could cause damage to the oil seals and can cause permanent
damage to the gearbox and which would not be covered under the warranty.
Before Putting the Mower into Service
The mower shipped without oil in the gear box and without grease in the grease fitting. The unit needs
to be serviced before using.
Fill the gearbox with oil using multi-purpose gear oil.
For all grease fittings, use a high-temperature, multi-purpose grease.
Lubricating Instructions
Step 1: Place the mower so the deck is secure and level.
Step 2: Remove the 1/2" pipe plug (located at the top of the gearbox) and the 1/8" pipe plug (located
on the lower 1/3 of the gearbox).
Step 3: Fill the gearbox using multi-purpose gear oil through the top 1/2" fill hole until the gear oil is
level with the lower 1/8" hole.
Step 4: Replace both the 1/2" pipe plug (located at the top of the gear box) and the 1/8" pipe plug
(located on the lower 1/3 of the gear box) and clean off any excess oil.
Step 5: Grease the following zerts:
▪Tail wheel fork (Figure 11).
▪Both U-joints on the PTO shaft (Figure 12).

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Step 6: Inspect all guards to insure they are in good working order. If they are not, replace them
before using the unit.
Step 7: Check the bolts, the nuts, and the belt to insure each is tight and secure.
Height Adjustment
To prevent blades from striking the ground, your mower should be set to the highest
position that will give the desired grass height. By setting the mower, you will
reduce the blade wear and stress on the mower. Mowing at regular intervals will yield
far better results than periodical mowing, e.g., weekly and bi-weekly mowing.
Step 1: Raise the mower off the ground with the tractor and SECURELY BLOCK IT IN POSITION.
Step 2: Remove the pin from the top of the wheel fork assembly. Lower the wheel fork assembly from
the tail wheel arm.
Step 3: Arrange the spacers until the desired cutting height is achieved. Cutting heights range from
approximately 1-1/2-10 inches in height.
Step 4: Reinstall the wheel fork assembly into the tail wheel arm and install the keeper pin.
Step 5: Repeat the adjustment process on the remaining wheel fork assembly.
NOTE: Make sure each wheel fork is adjusted to the same height for an even cut.
Step 6: Check to ensure that the tail wheel does not come within the specified 1" of the rear deck.
Mower Operation
Step 1: Before each use, perform the steps described in the Maintenance section.
Step 2: Read, understand, and follow the information on safety training, preparation, starting and
stopping safety, operational safety, and the transport safety warning sections of this manual.
Step 3: With the tractor running, lower the mower to the ground so that the deck surface of the mower
is parallel to the ground.
Arrows Indicate Grease Points
Figure 11
Figure 12

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Step 4: With the tractor at an idle RPM, engage the PTO and slowly advance the throttle to 540 PTO
RPM.
NOTE: The mower is designed to run at 540 PTO RPM only.
Step 5: Select a low gear for the tractor and begin to mow. The tractor ground speed is controlled by
the gear selector only and not the engine speed. The tractor’s ground speed should allow the mower
to maintain 540 PTO RPM and thus maximum blade tip speed.
NOTE: Do not allow the tractor’s engine or mower to bog down or stall. This causes undue wear and
tear on the mower and the tractor. If this continues to happen, reduce the ground speed and raise the
cutting height of the mower.
Step 6: After each use, clean all debris from the top and bottom of the mower. Replace any missing
or illegible safety decals. Inspect for any damaged or worn parts and replace before the next use.
Store the mower in a dry environment.
After Each Use
After each use, clean all debris from the top and bottom of the mower. Replace any missing or
illegible safety decals. Inspect the unit for any damaged or worn parts and replace them before the
next use. Store the mower in a dry environment.
Maintenance
Maintain the mower by adopting a program of conscientious repair and maintenance in accordance
with the following recommended procedures. It is recommended that the general condition of any tool
be examined before it is used. Keep your mower in good repair. Keep all cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to
control. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Also refer to your tractor’s manual for
additional information about engine maintenance. The following chart is based on a normal operation
schedule.
1. Periodically check and maintain a proper gear oil level.
2. Approximately every 8 hours, grease spindles (3), roller axle (1), wheel forks (4), wheel axles
(4), PTO shaft universal joints (2), and the PTO’s telescoping surface.
NOTE:Use a high-temperature, multi-purpose grease.
3. Before each use, check to make sure all safety features are installed and working properly.
4. Keep the mower blades sharp and balanced at all times. When replacing the blades, replace
the blade bolts at the same time.
5. Periodically check all nuts, bolts, and the belt to insure they are tight and secure.

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Troubleshooting
Use the table below to troubleshoot problems before contacting customer service or your local dealer.
If the problem continues after troubleshooting, call your local dealer for assistance.
Failure
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
Mower leaves a
streak of uncut or
partially cut grass
Mower is not level (side to side)
Use the tractors hitch adjustment to
level the mower as needed
Blades are dull or bent
Sharpen or replace the blades
Carrier’s RPM is too low
Use the correct PTO speed
Field conditions are so wet that the
tractor tire is pushing grass into the
mud
Too wet to mow. Stop operating and
wait until it is dry
Ground speed is too fast
Reduce ground speed by shifting to a
lower gear. Free blades
Blades lock
Replace blade bolts
Blades are riding up due to the blade
bolt wear or loose bolts
Mow in only one direction
Mower seems to
require excessive
power
Mower is advancing into the grass or
brush too rapidly
Reduce forward travel speed
Mower is hitting ground
Raise mower and reset tailwheel
Worn or dull blades
Sharpen or replace blades
Tractor is not large enough
Use larger horsepower tractor
Blade bolts come
loose
Bolts not tightened
Tighten bolts to 350 ft/lb
Blade bolt threads are worn or
damaged
Replace blade bolt, lock washer, and
nut
Gearbox is noisy
Gears are not aligned properly in the
gear box
Run in or change gears
Worn bearings
Replace bearing

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Parts Diagram

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Parts List

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Replacement Parts
•For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at 1-800-222-5381.
•Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a
convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence.
•When ordering parts, the following will be required: the item model number, item serial number/lot
date code, item description, and the part’s reference number.
•The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines
and manuals without notice.

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Limited Warranty
Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc. ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only
("You'' or “Your”) that the Nortrac product purchased will be free from material defects in both
materials and workmanship, normal wear and tear excepted, for a period of one year from date of
purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in
accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied, including the
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this
limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a
commercially reasonable time, either replace the product or product component without charge to You
or refund the purchase price (less shipping). This limited warranty is not transferable.
Limitations on the Warranty
This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect,
misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication,
overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration
in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to
product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
Obligations of Purchaser
You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original
purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at 1-800-222-5381, identify the product by make
and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the
purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned
product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return
shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store.
Remedy Limits
Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty
or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or
damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including,
without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper
use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind for any reason.
Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified
use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk.
Governing Law
This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary
from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited
warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to
conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction
for any disputes relating to this warranty.