Progressive Turf Equipment PRO-MAX 36 User manual

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Operator’s Manual and Parts List
PRO-MAX 36
Rotary Finish Mowers
Serial No. 16371000 and up
PROGRESSIVE TURF EQUIPMENT INC.
137 WEST WILLIAM STREET
SEAFORTH, ONTARIO
CANADA N0K 1WO
TOLL FREE: 800 668-8873
ISSUE DATE: May 2017
P.N. 120587 www.progressiveturfequip.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS _____________________________________ PAGE
TO THE OWNER:.................................................................................................................................................... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION: ................................................................................................................................. 6
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................................... 7
SAFETY RULES....................................................................................................................................................... 8
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL................................................................................................................................... 8
HAZARD SERIOUSNESS LEVEL........................................................................................................................ 8
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................................................. 9
POWER UNIT SAFETY......................................................................................................................................... 9
OPERATING EQUIPMENT SAFELY ................................................................................................................ 10
MAINTENANCE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................................... 11
WELDING AND GRINDING WORK PRECAUTIONS................................................................................. 12
WORKING ON PAINTED SURFACES.......................................................................................................... 12
SAFETY & MAINTENANCE DECAL LOCATIONS........................................................................................ 13
PM36 DECAL LISTING....................................................................................................................................... 14
MOWER SETUP FOR OPERATION:................................................................................................................. 14
HITCHING TO TRACTOR:................................................................................................................................. 16
TRACTOR DRAWBAR:...................................................................................................................................... 17
PTO BEARING MOUNTING BRACKET SETUP: ............................................................................................ 17
TD92 –HOOK UP TO Pro-Max 36:..................................................................................................................... 18
TD92 CONNECTING FRAME:........................................................................................................................... 20
TD92 CONNECTING LINK: ............................................................................................................................... 20
CONNECTING THE PTO SHAFT:..................................................................................................................... 22
CHECK PTO LENGTH DURING TURNS:......................................................................................................... 22
OPERATION OF THE MOWER: ........................................................................................................................ 22
DAILY CHECK LIST:.......................................................................................................................................... 23
PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS............................................................................................................... 24
CUTTING HEIGHT AND ADJUSTMENT:........................................................................................................ 25
LOWERING THE WING DECKS:...................................................................................................................... 25
DECK POSITION BUSHING: ............................................................................................................................. 26
TIRES:................................................................................................................................................................... 26
POWER TAKE-OFF SHAFTS:............................................................................................................................ 27
TRANSPORTING THE MOWER:....................................................................................................................... 28
SAFETY CHAINS:............................................................................................................................................... 28
MAINTENANCE:................................................................................................................................................... 31
LUBRICATION:................................................................................................................................................... 31
GREASE COMPATIBILITY................................................................................................................................ 32
BLADE SERVICING ........................................................................................................................................... 33
SPINDLE INSPECTION: ..................................................................................................................................... 37
SPINDLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL:............................................................................................................... 37
SPINDLE ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION: ..................................................................................................... 37
SPINDLE REPAIR: .......................................................................................................................................... 37
ASSEMBLY OF SPINDLE: ............................................................................................................................. 38
“V” BELT ADJUSTMENT: ................................................................................................................................. 39
“V” BELT TENSION: ...................................................................................................................................... 39
HYDRAULICS: .................................................................................................................................................... 40
TROUBLESHOOTING:....................................................................................................................................... 41

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TO THE OWNER:
Before you operate this mower, study this manual carefully. It has been prepared
to help you do a better and safer job of maintaining your mower.
Use only genuine Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. replacement parts. Substitute
parts will void the warranty and may not meet the standards required for safe and
satisfactory operation of this equipment.
ATTENTION! Your personal safety is involved. Be sure to observe and follow
these instructions.
CAUTION! A reminder about safety practices, or directs attention
to unsafe practices which could result in personal injury if proper
precautions are not taken.
WARNING! A hazard exists which can result in injury or death if
proper precautions are not taken.
DANGER! An extreme intrinsic hazard exists, which would result
in a high probability of death or injury, if proper precautions are not
taken.

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GENERAL INFORMATION:
The main purpose of this manual is to assist the operator in maintaining and
operating Progressive Turf Equipment mowers. Read it carefully. It provides
information and instructions that will help you achieve years of dependable
performance. Some information may be general in nature due to unknown and
varying conditions.
Throughout this manual, references are made to right and left directions. These
are determined by standing at the rear of the equipment and facing the direction of
forward travel. Blade rotation is counter-clockwise as viewed from the top of the
mower.
For quick reference, record the following information:
Model: PRO-MAX 36
Date Purchased: ___________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________
For additional information, assistance during assembly or operation of this mower
contact the dealer you contacted the machine from, or call Progressive Turf
Equipment Inc.
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
NOTE: The Warranty Registration form must be completed and returned to
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. to validate the warranty.

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SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION
Pro-Max 36
Cutting Width
36’
Cutting Height
3/4” to 5”
Recommended PTO HP
80 to 110 (or 64% more than what is currently used)
Hydraulics
Requires 2 double acting outlets. One with float position.
Transport Width
13’
Height (folded)
13’
Length
Pro-Max 36 only 13’2”.
Complete system with 22’ mower 29’8”.
Ground Clearance
8”
Deck Flexibility
25 degrees up 15 degrees down
Number of Tires
Pro-Max 36 - 2 road wheels, 8 deck wheels.
Total system –4 road wheels, 18 deck wheels
Mowing Capacity MPH
2
4
6
7.5
8.8 acres/hr
17.5 acres/hr
26 acres/hr
32.8 acres/hr
Assumes no stops or overlap
Weight
4600 lbs.
Tongue Weight
1400 lbs. in transport position
Tongue Weight
700 lbs. in mowing position
Paint Finish
Electrostatically applied paint with oven baked finish
Deck
Note: see TD-92 specifications for mower deck information
Frame
Hollow structural steel tubing with supports at high stress
areas to achieve maximum strength.
Axles
Two specially designed castors with 6000 lb. rating for
transport wheels
Wheels
6 bolt with 6” bolt circle
Tires
2 of P275/60SR 15” automotive style radials
Cylinders
Wing lift –2 of 3.5” by 24”
Screw Jack
5000 lb. top wind jack for easy hook-up
Main Gearbox
4 shaft gearbox with 1 3/8” – 6 spline shafts
PTO Shafts
Telescoping, agricultural PTO driveshafts with proper safety
shields 1-3/8”-6 spline quick disconnect yoke on both ends
with ring lock collars
Input PTO
Category # 6 H.D.
Deck PTO
Category # 3 H.D.

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SAFETY RULES
All rotary mowers are potentially dangerous machines; this mower has been designed to
minimize the safety risks to the operator, bystanders and property. This section of the
Operator’s Manual details a number of safety rules pertaining to the operation and
maintenance of Progressive Turf Equipment mowers. In order to minimize risks and
promote safety at all times, these rules must always be followed and obeyed.
Further safety rules and warning texts are given within the respective sections of this
manual.
IMPORTANT!
When it comes to safety, nothing will ever replace a careful operator.
It is imperative that the operator reads and understands all the safety information in this
manual before proceeding. Failure to follow the instructions or heed the warnings could
result in injury or death.
Proper care is your responsibility.
The manufacturer cannot anticipate every possible circumstance that might involve a
hazard. The hazard alerts in this publication and on the product, are therefore not all
inclusive. If a tool, procedure, work method, or operating technique not specifically
recommended by the manufacturer is used, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is
safe for you and others. You should also ensure the machine will not be damaged or
made unsafe by the operation, maintenance, or repair procedures you choose.
Modifications or adaptations to the machine are not allowed.
Various jurisdictions have specific requirements for work zone safety. Know and adhere
to your local requirements. Treat the instructions in this manual as minimum
requirements for safe operation.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This symbol appears at various points in the manual together with a signal word and
warning text. It means –Be alert! Your safety is involved. This symbol is
used throughout the manual to call attention to areas in which carelessness or
failure to follow specific procedures may result in personal injury or
component damage / malfunction or both.
HAZARD SERIOUSNESS LEVEL
The following signal words are found throughout the manual together with the safety
alert symbol to indicate the seriousness level of identified hazards. Their selection is
based on the consequence of human interaction with a hazard.
DANGER! –Hazards or unsafe practices which WILL result in
severe personal injury or death.
WARNING! –Hazards or unsafe practices that COULD result
in severe personal or death.

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CAUTION! –Hazards or unsafe practices that COULD result in
minor personal injury or product or property damage.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The operator of this machine must have sufficient knowledge and instructions in the
care and operation of this mower and the power unit being used before he / she uses
the machine. Do not allow unauthorized persons or children to operate the machine.
Do not allow riders on the machine.
It is the obligation of the operator to make sure that all guards and shields are in place
on the machine. Safety decals must be in place and be readable –accidents may
otherwise occur. Contact your dealer or the manufacturer for replacement manuals or
decals.
Never use a machine that does not have an operator’s manual available. Learn and
understand the safety signs and symbols on the machine and the operator instructions
before you begin to use the machine.
Wear personal protective equipment. Know and use the protective equipment that is
to be worn when operating or servicing the machine. Hard hats, protective glasses
and face shields, protective shoes, gloves, reflector type vests,
and ear protection are types of equipment that may be
required. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing
damage.
Never operate a mower while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol. These make reflexes slow and put you and others in
grave danger. Always make sure you have full concentration while mowing.
Adhere strictly to all regulations at the worksite pertaining to the operation of this
equipment.
Always disengage power takeoff (PTO) when transporting or traveling between work
sites.
Be prepared for emergencies. Have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and emergency
contact information available at the work site.
POWER UNIT SAFETY
Operator must have sufficient knowledge in the care and operation of the power unit
(tractor) before connecting power unit to mower.
Power unit must be equipped with ROPS and seat belt. Foldable ROPS must be
secured in the upright position. Follow recommendations of power unit
manufacturer. Seat belt must be worn at all times.

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Power unit must be equipped with a 1-3/8” 6 spline 540 RPM PTO connection.
Never use PTO adapters to connect implements. Never connect mower driveline to
1000 RPM PTO.
OPERATING EQUIPMENT SAFELY
Never allow persons to stand between power unit and mower while backing power
unit up to hitch the mower.
Before hitching mower to power unit, place transmission in neutral, set park brake,
and turn engine off. Remove the ignition key.
Make sure locking collar on PTO shaft is properly locked. If the PTO shaft comes off
during operation, personal injury or equipment damage could result.
Always install safety chains properly when hitching mower to power unit.
Tall grass can hide obstacles. Carefully walk the entire area to be
mowed beforehand. Look for debris, rocks, tree limbs etc. that will
damage or be thrown by the mower blades. Identify objects that cannot
be removed. Set mower cutting height to avoid contact.
Ensure that no bystanders are within 25 ft of mower when wing
transport locks are released.
Keep all bystanders well away from the machine when it is operating. Always
maintain a safe operating distance of 300 ft from personnel, other equipment, or
vehicles.
Never operate the mower with deflectors or guards removed. Mower blades can
cause small objects and debris to be thrown from under the mower deck at high
speeds, up to 300 ft away. Objects ejected by the mower blades can cause severe
injury.
Never tamper with safety devices or operate the mower with them removed. Check
proper operation regularly.
Always disengage PTO, turn power unit off and remove key before dismounting, for
any reason.
Never place hands or feet under mower deck when the mower is operating or power
unit engine is running.
Disengage the PTO when crossing gravel areas or roadways.
Disengage the PTO and turn power unit off upon striking any object. Inspect mower
and repair any damage before continuing.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally during operation, stop the mower,
shut down power unit, and immediately check for the cause. Excess vibration is
generally an indication of a problem. Replace bent or damaged parts, do not attempt
to straighten a bent blade.
Use extreme care when operating on uneven terrain.

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Reduce speed when operating on slopes during wet conditions, especially when
making sharp turns.
Do not use the mower in limited visibility (e.g. at dusk, in fog, heavy rain etc.). Mow
only in daylight or good artificial light.
Disengage PTO and ensure blades are completely stopped before raising wings.
Ensure transport locks are securely engaged before transporting mower with wings in
raised position.
Clean reflectors, Slow Moving Vehicle sign and lights before transporting. Use
power unit hazard lights.
Before disconnecting from power unit, always lower equipment to the ground, place
controls in neutral, set park brake, turn engine off, and wait for all moving parts to
stop. Relieve hydraulic pressure per power unit manufacturer’s instructions.
Ensure mower tongue jack is securely fastened to mower frame with supplied pin
before removing hitch draw pin.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Always disengage PTO,
turn engine off, lower wings to cutting position and relieve hydraulic pressure before
performing any maintenance.
Observe and perform proper lock-out procedures for power unit if attached to mower
during service.
Keep nuts and bolts tight and properly torqued, especially blade attachment bolts.
Check that all cotter pins are properly installed. Keep equipment in good condition.
Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Never work on raised mower decks without safety locks in place.
Periodically check condition of safety devices, guards, and deflectors. Replace only
with manufacturer’s recommended parts.
Inspect and replace damaged blades. Use only original OEM parts. Blades can fail
from poor maintenance practices.
Handle mower blades carefully. They are sharp and can cut
unprotected skin. Use caution and wear gloves when handling them.
Check to make sure hydraulic hoses are not worn or damaged, and are
routed to avoid chafing.
Immediately replace any hydraulic hose that shows signs of swelling,
wear, leaks or damage so it does not burst.
Do not use your hand to check for hydraulic oil leaks. Use a piece of cardboard
instead. Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can penetrate the skin causing

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serious injury. If skin penetration occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Relieve all pressure before disconnecting hoses.
Do not bend or strike hydraulic lines, tubes or hoses, or reinstall them in a bent or
damaged condition.
Inspect tires daily for wear or damage. Check tire pressures weekly with an accurate
pressure gauge. Do not inflate tires beyond 35 psi.
Mounting and dismounting tires from rims can be dangerous and should be
performed by trained personnel using correct tools, equipment and procedures.
WELDING AND GRINDING WORK PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT! A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible during all welding
work.
Welding repairs are to be performed by a trained welder with proper service
instructions. Know the material to be welded and select the correct welding
procedure and materials (electrodes, rods, wire) that will provide a weld metal
strength equivalent to the parent material.
Move the machine to a clean, safe area before welding, grinding or using a cutting
torch on it. This type of work should only be done in a clean area and not in places
that contain combustible liquids, such as fuel tanks, hydraulic pipes or similar.
Connect arc welder ground as close as possible to work area.
Work with extra care when welding, grinding or torch cutting near flammable
objects.
WORKING ON PAINTED SURFACES
Heated paint gives off poisonous gases. Therefore, paint must be removed from an
area with a radius of at least 4 in (10 cm) before carrying out welding, grinding,
or gas cutting. In addition to the health hazard, the weld will be of inferior
quality and strength if the paint is not removed.
Methods and precautionary measures when removing paint:
Blasting –use respiratory protective equipment and protective goggles.
Paint remover or other chemicals –use a portable air extractor, respiratory protective
equipment, and protective gloves.
Grinding –use a portable air extractor, respiratory protective equipment, and
protective gloves and goggles.

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE DECAL LOCATIONS
ITEM
NO.
DESCRIPTION
QTY
ITEM
NO.
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
CAUTION –READ MANUAL
1
10
GREASING SCHEDULE
1
2
CAUTION –TURNING
1
11
MOWER MODEL
2
3
CAUTION–REPLACE SHIELDS
9
12
NOTICE –PM HITCH SETUP
1
4
COMPANY NAME
1
13
INDICATOR –INPUT PTO
1
5
DANGER –BLADE HAZARD
4
14
DECK SIDE DECAL
2
6
WARNING –OEM PARTS
2
15
DANGER –OUTER TUBE
3
7
CAUTION –DISENGAGE PTO
1
16
DANGER –OUTER SHIELD
3
8
IMPORTANT GREASING
1
17
WARNING –BLADE HARDWARE
1
9
CAUTION –PM36 TO TRACTOR
1
12
6
9
7
5
5
5
5
3
3
3
3
11
11
10
15
16
15
16
15
16
15
16
13
2
1
14
14
4
17

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PM36 DECAL LISTING
If decals become faded, damaged or lost, replace immediately. Order according to
corresponding Part # below. Complete decal kits are also available.
PM36 Decal Kit –209106
ITEM 2
(521819)
ITEM 1
(209175)
ITEM 3
(209113)
ITEM 5
(209173)
ITEM 4
(521817)
ITEM 6
(209115)
ITEM 7
(521820)
ITEM 8
(209114)
ITEM 9
(209117)

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ITEM 10
(521119)
ITEM 11
(209119)
ITEM 12
(209105)
ITEM 13
(209118)
ITEM 14
(209112)
ITEM 15
(521451)
ITEM 16
(521455)
GREASE POINT DECAL
(521014)
PROGRESSIVE
PRO-MAX 36
ITEM 17
(209196)

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MOWER SETUP FOR OPERATION:
HITCHING TO TRACTOR:
Before hitching the mower to the tractor, a number of conditions must be checked.
Having the proper hitching dimensions for the tractor drawbar and the PTO will
ensure long and trouble free hours of operation with this PTO driven mower.
Incorrect setup will damage the driveline components prematurely.
The following decal is mounted to the machine:
Adjustable Hitch and PTO Shaft:
The Pro-Max 36 is equipped with an adjustable hitch plate for mounting on the
tractor drawbar to ensure the correct distance between the end of the tractor PTO
stub and the end of the Pro-Max 36 PTO stub. This distance should be 39”. The
drawpin of the mower should be exactly in the center of the two PTO shaft ends
for smooth operation and long life for all driveline components. This set-up allows
equal turning angles for the front and rear U-joints to avoid vibration while
negotiating turns during the mowing process.
Use the following steps to ensure proper hook up.
19 ½”
6”-12”

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TRACTOR DRAWBAR:
1. Raise or remove the safety guard around the tractor PTO shaft.
2. Using a straight edge, measure the distance from the end of the PTO shaft to
the back edge of the drawpin hole. This distance should be 20”.
3. If this distance is not correct, check to see if the tractor drawbar is adjustable,
and if there is a mounting hole that gives this dimension, adjust it so the
distance is 20”.
4. If the drawbar cannot be set correctly on the tractor, use the adjustable tractor
hitch unit supplied with the mower.
5. Mount the adaptor plate to the top of the drawbar as shown in the sketch.
6. Adjust the adaptor plate until the 20” dimension is set between the end of the
tractor PTO and the back edge of the drawpin hole.
7. Snug up the 4 mounting bolts and mount the input PTO shaft.
PTO BEARING MOUNTING BRACKET SETUP:
It is important that the PTO shaft be in a straight line between the tractor PTO and
the gearbox. This will ensure a long life and smooth operation of the driveline
components.
8. When the mower is connected to the tractor, the mower hitch frame (A) should
be as close to level with the ground as possible.
20

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9. To ensure proper life of the PTO shaft, the driveline from the mower gearbox
(D) to the PTO shaft (E) on the tractor should be in a straight line.
10. Spacers (F) are provided under the bearing mounting bracket (C) to allow
adjustment up or down. Each spacer is ½” high. Sixteen are provided, for a
2” total adjustment, four on each corner. Adjust spacers until the driveline is
straight.
11. For a final check, if everything is correct, the driveline will be straight and the
grease zerk will be visible on the input shaft, when the shield grease holes are
lined up.
12. To complete the mounting of the adaptor plate, with a marking pen or scriber,
mark the location of the accessory mounting hole in the tractor drawbar, on
the adaptor plate. See sketch on Page 17.
13. Remove the adaptor plate and drill the hole to match the accessory hole on the
tractor drawbar.
14. Re-mount the adaptor plate to the tractor and securely tighten all 5 bolts.
Proper setup will allow you
to see the grease zerk on PTO
shaft.

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TD92 –HOOK UP TO Pro-Max 36:
1. With the transport wheel locked on the Pro-Max 36, back up to within 12” of
the TD92 mower.
2. Remove the sliding drawbar lock pin and slide the drawbar out and connect to
TD92.
3. Replace the sliding drawbar lock pin in bushing.
4. With TD92 frame still on the jack, back the unit up slowly and lock pin will
fall into place. Replace the hair pin.
5. Connect the PTO shaft, hydraulics and deck lock release rope for the TD92
mower.
Drawbar
Lock Pin

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TD92 CONNECTING FRAME:
A connecting frame is provided with the Pro-Max 36, that mounts to the TD92
mower, and is used to connect the two mowers together. The connecting link will
mount to this, allowing the two mowers to be set up parallel with each other for
proper cutting.
Mount the connecting frame (1) to the hitch frame (10) of the TD92 mower with
the four 1/2” x 3 1/2” bolts. Tighten securely.