Progressive Turf Equipment TDR-12 User manual

Operator‟s Manual
and Parts List
TDR-12 & TDR-15 TRI-DECK
Roller Rotary Finishing Mower
TDR-12 Serial No. 1312030 and up
TDR-15 Serial No. 1315121 and up
PROGRESSIVE TURF EQUIPMENT INC.
137 WEST WILLIAM STREET
SEAFORTH, ONTARIO
CANADA N0K 1WO
PHONE:[phone] SERIAL # _____________________
TOLL FREE: 800 668-8873 WEB: www.progressiveturfequip.com
ISSUE DATE: May 2017 P.N.120518
Si No Lee Ingles, Pida Ayuda a Alguien Que Se Lo Lea
Para Que le Traduzca Las Medidas de Seguridad

TABLE OF CONTENTS__________________________________PAGE
TO THE OWNER:................................................................................................................................ 2
GENERAL INFORMATION: ............................................................................................................. 4
MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 5
SAFETY RULES................................................................................................................................... 6
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL ............................................................................................................... 6
HAZARD SERIOUSNESS LEVEL.................................................................................................... 6
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............................................................................................... 7
POWER UNIT SAFETY ..................................................................................................................... 7
OPERATING EQUIPMENT SAFELY............................................................................................... 8
MAINTENANCE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................... 9
WELDING AND GRINDING WORK PRECAUTIONS.............................................................................................10
WORKING ON PAINTED SURFACES......................................................................................................................10
SAFETY CHAIN: .........................................................................................................................................................11
TRANSPORTING MOWERS: .....................................................................................................................................11
TIRES:...........................................................................................................................................................................12
POWER TAKE-OFF:....................................................................................................................................................12
SAFETY & MAINTENANCE DECAL LOCATIONS ................................................................... 13
DECAL LISTING.............................................................................................................................. 14
OPERATING THE MOWER:........................................................................................................... 16
DAILY CHECK LIST: ...................................................................................................................... 16
HITCHING MOWER TO TRACTOR:............................................................................................. 17
LEVELLING THE MOWER & PTO:............................................................................................... 18
CONNECTING THE PTO SHAFT:.................................................................................................. 18
INSTALLING PTO SHAFTS:........................................................................................................... 19
CHECK PTO LENGTH DURING TURNS:..................................................................................... 20
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT:.............................................................................................. 21
Pro Lift-N-TurnTM SYSTEM ........................................................................................................... 22
MACHINE MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................ 23
MAINTENANCE SAFETY: ............................................................................................................. 23
PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS: .......................................................................................... 23
GREASE COMPATIBILITY ............................................................................................................ 24
LUBRICATION:................................................................................................................................ 25
BLADE SPINDLE GREASING:....................................................................................................... 25
GEARBOX OIL LEVELS:................................................................................................................ 26
DECK GEARBOXES: ..................................................................................................................................................26
MAIN GEAR BOX: ......................................................................................................................................................26
BLADE SERVICING ........................................................................................................................ 27
SPINDLE SERVICE.......................................................................................................................... 30
SPINDLE INSPECTION...............................................................................................................................................30
SPINDLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL............................................................................................................................30
SPINDLE ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION...................................................................................................................30
SPINDLE REBUILDING .............................................................................................................................................30
ASSEMBLY OF SPINDLE: .........................................................................................................................................31
“V” BELT ADJUSTMENT: .............................................................................................................. 32
“V” BELT TENSION:...................................................................................................................................................32
HYDRAULICS:................................................................................................................................. 33
TROUBLE SHOOTING:.................................................................................................................... 34

2
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.
Blades are especially important. Their manufacturing process is a very exacting one
and only a handful of blade producers are capable of this process. Always insist on
purchasing and using OEM blades for your own protection and that of your
employees.

3

4
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The purpose of this manual is to assist the operator in maintaining and operating
Progressive Turf Equipment mowers. Read it carefully. It furnishes 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. However, through experience and these instructions, you should be able to
develop operating procedures suitable to your particular situation.
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: ___________________________
DATE PURCHASED: ___________________________
SERIAL NUMBER: ___________________________
For additional information, assistance during assembly, or operation of this mower,
contact the dealer from whom the machine was purchased, or call Progressive Turf
Equipment Inc.
PHONE: [phone]
1-800-668-8873
FAX:[phone]

5
MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS
TDR-12
TDR-15
Cutting Width
12 ft
15 ½ ft
Deck Flexibility
25” up, 15 degree down
Cutting Height
½” to 4”
Numbers of
wheels
2 on main frame
Recommended HP
25-40
30 –50
Paint Finish
Electrostatically painted with oven
baked finish.
Hydraulics
Requires 1 double acting
outlet, all hoses supplied to
tractor
SMV Sign
Located at back of mower for
safety
Transport Width
84”
Mowing
Capacity
(Acres/hr)
MPH 2 4 6
Height
89”
94”
TDR-12 2.90 5.8 8.75
TDR-15 3.75 7.5 11.3
Length
14 ft.
Assumes no stops or overlap
Blade Spindles
7
9
Weight
TDR-12 3500 lbs
TDR-15 3725 lbs
Ground Clearance
9 1/4” Cutting
DECK
FRAME
Drive
PTO shaft to right angle gear box
driving 2-“B” section belts to 3
heavy-duty spindles.
“A”
Frame
Hollow structural steel tubing with supports
at high stress areas to achieve maximum
strength.
Belt
Adjustment
Easily made by loosening four bolts at
gear box base and adjusting the slide
plate forward or backward and
retightening.
Wheels
Tires
5 bolt, 41/2” bolt circle
2- 20.5X8-10ply Turf Tires
Deck
Construction
3/16” steel plate formed and welded
with supporting members at high
stress areas to achieve maximum
strength. Deck is 7” deep.
Hitch
4 positions, with height settings from 10-
1/2” to 15”. Safety chain with hook
according to Dept. of Transport regulations.
Cutting
Height
Easy and accessible screw
mechanism. Infinite number of
adjustments from ½” to 4”
Tongue
Weight
.
Transport
Mowing
TDR-12
1100
560
TDR-15
800
340
Spindles
30mm spindles are each carried in 2
maintenance free ball bearings, which
are housed, in a precision machined
hub.
Cylinders
Screw
Jack
Rear deck:1-2.5” x 12” double acting
Wing deck: 2-2.5” x 12” double acting
Side wind jack for easy hookup.
Blade
Support
3/4”x 2-1/2” x 8” long bar welded to
spindle and machined. ½” bolts hold
blade rigid to provide clean level cut.
Main
Gear Box
4 shaft gear box with 1 3/8-6 spline shafts,
delivering power to decks.
Blades
Speeds
High lift, heat treated, alloy steel
blades 5/16” x 2 ½” x 23” per deck.
Tractor PTO –540 RPM
Blades –3040 RPM
Blade Tip Speed 18,287 FPM
PTO
Shafts
Deck Drive telescoping agricultural PTO
Drive shafts, with proper safety shields.
1-3/8-6 spline quick-disconnect yokes on
both ends.
Rollers
6” diameter with 1.88 wall thickness.
Supported by (2) 1.25” two bolt
ductile bearings
Input PTO…Category # 6.
Deck PTO…Category # 4

6
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.
CAUTION! –Hazards or unsafe practices that COULD result in minor personal injury or
product or property damage.

7
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.
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.

8
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.
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.

9
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 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.

10
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.

11
SAFETY CHAIN:
It is recommended that the safety chain provided with this mower be attached to the
towing vehicle at all times.
Install a safety chain as shown. After attaching the safety chain, make a test run to the
left and right for a short distance to check for proper adjustment. Readjust to eliminate
a loose or tight chain.
TRANSPORTING MOWERS:
When traveling on public roadways, use flashing amber lights and
S.M.V. emblem on rear of mower to provide greater visibility to
other traffic.
Once mower is in the raised position, activate tractor hydraulic control valve slightly
so that the cylinders will extend and allow the locks to be totally engaged*. This way
there will be no sudden surges on the hydraulic system when traveling over tough
terrain.
When towing this mower the following information concerning
road speed should be strictly adhered to.
WEIGHT OF TOWING
VEHICLE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
ROAD SPEED
4500 LBS OR MORE
UP TO 20 MPH (32 KM/H)
2300 LBS –4500 LBS
UP TO 10 MPH (16 KM/H)
2300 LBS OR LESS
DO NOT TOW
Always have safety chain attached to towing vehicle.
*For continuous heavy / rough road transport applications, a wing stabilizer kit is
available. Contact your dealer for more information.

12
TIRES:
Upon receiving your mower, check air pressure in the tires and adjust according to
specifications.
Never inflate tires beyond 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) to seat beads. Inflation
beyond 35 PSI pressure before seating the bead may break the bead or even the rim
with an explosive force. If beads have not seated by the time the pressure has reached
35 PSI, deflate the assembly, move tire to another position on the rim and re-lubricate.
Inflate tire and inspect both sides of the tires to be sure beads are seated properly. If
not, deflate tire, unseat beads and repeat the above mounting procedure. After
properly seating beads adjust to pressure recommended.
POWER TAKE-OFF:
Keep all safety shields in place.
When operating the power take-off, be sure the tractor shield is
always in place, covering the exposed power take-off shaft.
Before dismounting from the tractor, stop the power take-off, put
tractor in neutral, set brakes in lock position and shut off engine.
When ready to engage PTO shaft, be sure engine RPM is at idle
speed. Engaging PTO at full throttle will cause high shock loads to
driveline, with the potential for future failure.
Do not exceed the recommended PTO speed of 540 RPM.
TIRE TYPE
RECOMMENDED TIRE
PRESSURE (PSI)
MAIN FRAME TIRES
32 PSI

13
SAFETY & MAINTENANCE DECAL LOCATIONS
ITEM
NO.
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
DANGER –READ MANUAL
1
2
CAUTION - TURNING
1
3
CAUTION –REPLACE
SHIELDS
8
4
COMPANY NAME
1
5
DANGER - BLADE HAZARD
7
6
WARNING –OEM PARTS
1
7
CAUTION –DISENGAGE PTO
1
8
GREASING SCHEDULE
1
9
PTO GREASING
1
10
NOTICE –HITCH SETUP
1
ITEM
NO.
DESCRIPTION
QTY
11
MOWER MODEL
4
12
FRONT DECK HEIGHT
6
13
REAR DECK HEIGHT
6
14
SAFETY SIGN –INNER TUBE
2/4
15
SAFETY SIGN - OUTER
GUARD
2/4
16
CE WARNING DECAL
2/4
17
SAFETY SIGN –INNER
GUARD
2/0
18
DECAL –DANGER –OUTER
SHIELD
2/0
19
WARNING-BLADE
HARDWARE
1
5
14
15
16
5
5
3
5
3
5
3
11
(BOTH SIDES)
SN 1415143 & UP
14, 15, 16
UP TO SN 1415142
17, 18
7
1
2
6
8
19
10
3
4
5
9
11
12
(2/deck)
13
(2/deck)
14
15
16 (2 SHAFTS)
3
5
3
3

14
DECAL LISTING
If decals become faded, damaged, or lost, replace immediately. Order decal according
to corresponding part # below. Complete decal kits are also available.
TDR-12 DECAL KIT –524002
TDR-15 DECAL KIT –524004
ITEM 2 –A & C
MODELS
(521819)
ITEM 11
(209127)
ITEM 9
(526003)
ITEM 10
(521784)
ITEM 5
(209173)
ITEM 3
(209113)
ITEM 4
(521817)
ITEM 2 –B & D
MODELS
(209171)
ITEM 1
(209175)
PROGRESSIVE
TDR-15
ROLLER MOWER
ITEM 8
(521119)
UP TO SN1415142
PROGRESSIVE
TDR-12
ROLLER MOWER
ITEM 11
(209126)
ITEM 8
(526001)
SN1415143 & UP
ITEM 7
(521820)
ITEM 6
(209115)

15
ITEM 14
(521451)
ITEM 14
(209139)
ITEM 16
(210238)
ITEM 15
(210237)
ITEM 13
(If Equipped)
(209123)
ITEM 12
(If Equipped)
(209139)
ITEM 17
(210239)
GREASE POINT DECAL
(521014)
ITEM 18
(521455)
ITEM 19
(209182)

16
OPERATING THE MOWER:
A careful and knowledgeable operator is the best insurance against an accident.
Allow no riders on any equipment.
If tractor is equipped with R.O.P.S., use the seat belt for maximum protection.
Make sure that everyone is clear of the tractor and mower before starting the engine or
operating.
DAILY CHECK LIST:
1. Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid entanglement in
moving parts. Wear sturdy, rough soled work shoes. Never operate tractor or
implements in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
2. Check that mower is properly and securely attached to tractor with a safety
chain.
3. Ensure all safety shielding is properly installed and check that all nuts and bolts
are secure and pins are properly cotterpinned.
4. Check condition of blades and security of attachment.
5. Ensure mower is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
6. Clear area of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown causing
injury or damage.
7. Never permit any person other than the operator to ride or board the tractor at
any time.
8. Check that all lubrication points with grease fittings have been lubricated as per
schedule.
9. Check all gearboxes for proper amount of gear oil. Mower must be on level
surface when this is done.
Be sure actuator pull rope is properly secured and will not become entangled in PTO
shaft.

17
HITCHING MOWER TO TRACTOR:
Attach mower to drawbar only.
Drawbar should be adjusted so it is 14” to 15” from the center line of the draw
pin hole to end of PTO shaft. This is critical for proper PTO shaft operation.
Adjust hitch or drawbar so mower frame (Item #1, Page 33) is at the most level
position in relation with the ground. This will ensure proper flotation of the
wing decks.
Safety chain must always be attached to towing vehicle.
When towing mower on any roadways, lock brakes together. Use
proper lighting and marking devices according to the local
regulations.
NOTE: If the three-point hitch is attached to tractor, be sure it will not contact any
part of the mower when making sharp turns. Mount the hose support bracket so the
large access hole is directly over the grease fitting on the hanger bearing. The hose
support rod may have to be bent back slightly to clear the three point hitch arms.