Ransomes MT503 User manual

®
GB
United
Kingdom
RJL AJCB
10026126-A-GB
QUICK START GUIDE
Ransomes MT503 Ride on Cylinder & Flail Mower
STARTING THE ENGINE
SEAT ADJUSTMENT
CONTROLS
DRIVING
MOWING
VISUAL DISPLAY
Refer To The Safety, Operation And Maintenance Manual For Full Operating Instructions.

QUICK START GUIDE
en-2
© 2021 Ransomes Jacobsen Limited. All Rights Reserved
Ransomes Jacobsen Limited reserves the right to make design changes without obligation to
make these changes on units previously sold and the information contained in this manual is
subject to change without notice.

QUICK START GUIDE
en-3
BEFORE YOU OPERATE
FOR THE FIRST TIME
• Check and adjust tyre pressure is at the
correct level.
• Check fuel and if If necessary, add
diesel fuel to tank.
* Use diesel fuel EN590 or ASTM D975
Ultra Low Sulphur.
• Check engine oil and oil level.
• Check the radiator coolant and fill if
necessary (Water with 50% antifreeze).
• See Safety, Operation and
Maintenance manual.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
The following procedure is for cold engines.
1. Make sure the operator is seated, the
Park Brake (C) is on, the Forward /
Reverse Pedal (E) is in the neutral
position, the Cutter Switch (D) is off,
and the Throttle Control (B) is in the
centre.
2. Turn the Ignition Switch (A) to the right
and hold until the engine starts
(approximately 5-10 seconds.)
3. The glow plugs operate automatically,
so the time taken for the engine to start,
depends on the temperature of the
engine coolant.
4. When the engine starts, release the key
immediately. The key returns to the
RUN position.
5. If the engine does not start, return the
key to the OFF position and try again.
NOTES
• If the engine does not start after two
tries, wait 20 seconds and try again.
• The starter motor must not be run
continuously for longer than 30 seconds
or the starter motor can fail.
• If the red LEDs on the display flash
when you attempt to start, one of the
safety interlock switches was not set
correctly.
HOW TO STOP THE ENGINE
1. Disengage drive to the cutting units with
the Cutter Switch (D).
2. Return the Forward / Reverse Pedal (E)
to the neutral position.
3. Set the Park Brake by sliding back the
orange button on the rocker and
depressing the Park Brake Switch (C).
4. Move the Throttle Control to the left to
leave engine speed to low idle.
5. Turn the Ignition Key (A) to the OFF
position.
STARTING THE ENGINE
E
C
B
D
A

QUICK START GUIDE
en-4
SEAT (Grammer MSG85)
Adjustments to the seat can be made for leg
reach, backrest angle and operator weight to
give a good position to operate the machine.
A. FORWARD AND BACKWARD
ADJUSTMENT
To adjust
The position of the adjusting lever (A) is on
the left-hand side of the seat below the seat
cushion. When moved up, the seat may be
moved backward and forward. When, in the
correct position release the lever into one of
the preset positions.
B. BACKREST ADJUSTMENT
To adjust
The position of the release lever (B) is on the
left hand side of the seat. While, sitting on
the seat pull the release lever up to release
the backrest. (The backrest is spring loaded
to fold forward to the seat cushion.) Move
back to get the correct position.
Release the lever to engage in one of the
preset positions.
C. WEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
To adjust
The position of the operator weight adjust
lever (C) is on the front of the seat. To
change the operator weight setting pull the
lever out. When sitting on the seat rotate the
lever until your weight (kg) is shown in
the window.
D. HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
To adjust
The height of the seat is adjusted by holding
the edge of the seat cushion, pushing your
weight down and lifting. There are three
preset positions. When the highest has been
achieved the seat returns to its lowest
position.
NOTES
The seat is fitted with a microswitch to sense
the operator in the seat.
Wear the seat belt when a ROPS Frame
is installed.
WARNING
Operator weight adjustment
must be set to ensure the
OPC operates correctly.
!
A
C
B
D
SEAT ADJUSTMENT

QUICK START GUIDE
en-5
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
A
STEERING TILT CONTROL
When the operators seat is in the correct
position to operate the Traction Pedal
comfortably, push the small Foot Pedal (A) at
the base of the steering column, and tilt the
column backward or forward to the correct
position. Release the small Foot Pedal to
lock the steering column in position.

QUICK START GUIDE
en-6
ROPS Workstation
Joystick
B
U
G
T
X
®
H
A
F
E
12V
10A
D
2.5 Hours
C
Y
V
R
M
N
P
Q
J
K
L
CONTROLS

QUICK START GUIDE
en-7
CONTROLS
A:Starter Key Switch
B:Throttle Control
C:Park Brake Switch
D:Hazard Warning Switch (Optional)
E:Cutter Switch (PTO)
F:4WD Reverse Assist
G:Light Switch (Optional)
H: Beacon Switch (Optional)
J: Right Hand Cutting Unit Lift / Lower Control
K: Centre Cutting Unit Lift / Lower Control
L:Left Hand Cutting Unit Lift / Lower Control
M: Right Hand Cutting Unit Position Lamp
N:Centre Cutting Unit Position Lamp
P: Left Hand Cutting Unit Position Lamp
Q:Cutter (PTO) Indication Lamp
R: Weight Transfer/ Traction Boost Switch
T: Visual Display
U: Auxiliary Socket 12V
V: Horn
X: Transport Lock Switch
Y: Cruise Control Switch
ROPS Workstation
E
C
T
V
12V
10A
F
A
2.5 Hours
®
Y
U
D
B
X
G

QUICK START GUIDE
en-8
STARTER KEY SWITCH
Turn the starter key to the right to start the
engine. Release the key to return
automatically to the 'on' position for normal
operation.
NOTE: Before the engine starts, the glow
plugs automatically preheat.
THROTTLE CONTROL ROTARY
Rotate the control to the right to increase the
engine speed and towards the left to
decrease the engine speed.
NOTE: Operate the machine with the engine
at full speed.
PARK BRAKE SWITCH
When the engine is in operation, the Park
Brake is applied by sliding back the orange
button on the rocker and depressing the
Park Brake switch.
When the engine is not in operation, the Park
Brake is automatically applied regardless of
the switch position.
To release the Park Brake use the
rocker switch.
When the Park Brake is applied, the parking
symbol is shown on the visual display.
When the machine is in motion, DO NOT
apply the brake.
HAZARD WARNING SWITCH
Switches the Hazard Warning Indicators
on and off. The red lens flashes when
switched on.
CONTROLS

QUICK START GUIDE
en-9
CUTTER SWITCH (PTO)
To start to cut make sure the Mow/Transport
speed selector is in Mow position and the
implement is lowered.
Push the top of the cutter rocker switch and
move the joystick toward the lower position.
To stop the cutter rotation push the bottom of
the rocker switch.
The cutters stop rotating automatically when
raised or the operator leaves the seat.
CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH
Used to engage the cruise function when the
cutters are engaged.
Automatic mode should be selected to
enable cruise control.
To engage cruise control:
Push the rocker switch to engage the cruise
function.
To disengage cruise control
Push the rocker switch to disengage the
cruise function.
4WD REVERSE ASSIST SWITCH
Engages the Four Wheel Drive while the
vehicle is in reverse. The switch must be
held to remain engaged.
TRANSPORT LOCK SWITCH
Engages the wing unit locks for transport
The wing unit lock icon is displayed on the
visual display screen when engaged.
ROTATING BEACON (OPTIONAL)
Operates the vehicles rotating beacon when
a cab is not fitted.
LIGHT SWITCH (OPTIONAL)
Turns the road lights on and off.
Position 1. OFF
Position 2. Side / Marker Lights
Position 3. Main Beam.
NOTE:
Position 3 requires the ignition to be in
the ON position.
Also there are daylight running lamps
installed that automatically come on when
the ignition is switched on.
123
CONTROLS

QUICK START GUIDE
en-10
DRIVING
1. Release Brake - Make sure the Park
Brake is released before you try to go
forward or reverse.
2. Forward - Carefully push the top (A) of
the Forward / Reverse Foot Pedal to
reach correct ground speed.
3. Reverse - Carefully push the bottom (B)
of the Forward / Reverse Foot Pedal to
reach correct ground speed.
4. To Stop - Carefully return the Forward/
Reverse Foot Pedal to the neutral
position.
5. To hold the vehicle stopped on a slope
it can be necessary to apply an amount
of forward or reverse traction.
NOTE:
• Use complete foot to operate both
forward and reverse.
• Unless in an emergency, do not move
the pedal suddenly, always operate
slowly and carefully.
Do not move the pedal with force from
forward to reverse or reverse to
forward.
• The angle of the Foot Pedal can be
altered to obtain the most comfortable
angle for long periods of operation. This
can be achieved by repositioning
screws (D) as required.
• The foot should always be kept firmly on
the pedal to maintain full control of the
drive pedal.
MOW/TRANSPORT DRIVE MODES
Modes set by screen covered on (Page 16)
CAUTION
The foot should always be kept firmly on
the pedal to maintain full control of the
drive pedal.
!
C
A
B

QUICK START GUIDE
en-11
MOWING
1.Ensure speed limiter (C) is pushed forward
in Mow position.
2.Lower the implement with the Unit Lift/
Lower Control.
NOTE:
The cutters cannot be started if, the speed
limiter (C) is set to Transport position.
3.Engage the cutter by pushing on the upper
half of the Cutter Switch (PTO).
4.Release the Park Brake and begin driving
forward.
NOTE:
Always set the throttle to full engine speed for
mowing, even when the grass is heavy.
When the engine is labouring, reduce
forward speed by easing back on the
Forward / Reverse Foot Pedal. A
performance indicator lamp on the control
pod will illuminate red as the cutting
implements starts to labour.
C
A
B

QUICK START GUIDE
en-12
START UP SCREEN
When the Ignition Key is turned to the on
position, this screen is shown.
The Hour Meter will show total hours of
engine operation.
WARNING/SERVICE SCREEN
After the start up screen, the warning screen
is shown.
If the machine is within 5 hours of the next
service interval, a warning is shown. An
operator input is needed to continue to the
main screen for operation. Otherwise the
main Home Screen appears. If a fault
condition has occurred during the previous
start, a pop up screen over the top of the
warning screen shows the fault. The
operator must confirm the fault to continue to
the main screen.
HOME SCREEN
This screen shows the Cutter Switch in the
OFF position, the TST™ is in operation and
the Park Brake is applied.
NOTE: The TST™ (Tilt Sensor Technology)
is an optional active safety device to warn
you when the machine is being used in
unsuitable conditions.
If TST™ is installed, it is disabled while the
machine is in Transport mode and the TST™
icon will be crossed through.
If TST™ is not installed the TST™ icon will
be crossed through.
Ransomes Jacobsen recommends that the
owner/user of the machine completes a site
specific risk assessment of the area to be
mown prior to operation of the machine.
2.5 Hours
®
WARNING
If incorrectly used this machine can cause
severe injury. Those who use and maintain
this machine should be trained in its proper
use, warned of its dangers and should
read the entire operators manual before
attempting to set up, operate,
adjust or service
the machine.
1234 123.4 Hours
P
TM
®
VISUAL DISPLAY

QUICK START GUIDE
en-13
ENGINE START
When the Ignition Key is turned to the start
position, this screen is shown.
If the Park Brake is applied, the Cutter
Switch (PTO) is in the OFF position, the Foot
Pedal is in the Neutral position, and the
operator is in the seat, the engine will start.
This screen shows the fuel bar graph on the
left side. The colour changes from green to
red as the fuel level decreases. The engine
temperature gauge is on the right side. The
colour changes from green to red as the
temperature increases.
ENGINE WILL NOT START
When the Ignition Key is turned to the start
position this screen is shown. If any of the
icons flash:
• The Park Brake is not applied.
• The Cutter Switch (PTO) is not in the
OFF position.
• The Foot Pedal is not in the neutral
position.
• The operator is not in the seat.
• The vehicle angle is greater than 45º.
NOTE: The engine will not start until all the
items in the list are correct.
The red LEDs either side of the display will
flash and the key icon in the centre will
appear red.
REVERSING COOLING FAN
The machine is fitted with a reversible
engine cooling fan which aids in clearing
debris from the engine air intake grilles. The
fan will reverse direction automatically at
timed intervals however if the operator
wishes to carry out an additional reverse
cycle to clear debris this can be achieved by
pressing Button 3 on the display.
NOTE:
• A fan icon will flash on the display
when either an automatic or manual
fan reversal cycle is taking place.
• Following an automatic or manual
reverse cycle, the operator must wait
60 seconds before an additional
manual reverse cycle can be initiated.
• The automatic fan reversal time interval
is factory set to 30 minutes, however is
adjustable from 5 minutes to 40 minute
via the display menu (see full Safety,
Operators and Maintenance manual
for details).
1234 123.4 Hours
P
P1234 123.4 Hours
VISUAL DISPLAY

QUICK START GUIDE
en-14
MAIN MENU
The arrow is moved up and down using
Button 2 and 3, Button 4 then enters the
selected page. Button 1 returns to the Home
Screen. There will be four options within this
menu.
Clock, Service, Settings and Language.
CLOCK & DATE ADJUST
Button 3 is used to traverse the time and
date digits, and Button 2 is used to
increment. As well as adjusting the Time
and Date, this page can be used to change
the Date Time format between EU and US.
Once amended Button 4 is used to save,
and Button 1 to exit back to the Main Menu.
SERVICE MENU
The checkmark can be moved up and down
using Buttons 2 and 3. Button 4 then enters
the selected page. Button 1 returns to the
Main Menu. There are five options within
this menu:
Fault Log
Time Until Service
Display Inclines
Vehicle Diagnostics
I/O Diagnostics
Main Menu
Clock
Service Menu
Settings
Language
Clock Adjust
12 : 34 : 65
07 /07 / 2020
Date Time Format: EU (dd/mm/yyyy)
Service Menu
Fault Log
Time Until Service
Display Inclines
Vehicle Diagnostics
I/O Diagnostics
VISUAL DISPLAY

QUICK START GUIDE
en-15
VISUAL DISPLAY
LANGUAGE MENU
When you access the language selection
page, the checkmark appears next to the
selected language.
When the checkmark is moved up and down,
the language does not change until button
four is used to select and store the language.
At that point the title bar changes to the new
selected language.
The options will always be in the correct
language.
English, Deutsch, Francais, Dansk, Svensk,
Nederlands and Español.
Language
English
Deutsch
Francais
Dansk
Svensk
Nederlands
Español
SETTINGS
Within the settings Menu you will find the
three options:
• Measurement Units
• Pin
• Brightness
Settings Menu
Measurement Units
PIN
Brightness

QUICK START GUIDE
en-16
VISUAL DISPLAY
VECHILE MODES
The MT503 machine transmission operates
in one of three selectable modes. In each
mode the maximum vehicle speed and
maximum engine throttle settings are
predefined in the settings menu. Maximum
defined Transport speed is available when
Cutters are switched off. When Cutters are
switched on only the predefined Mowing
speed is achievable.
•Manual Mode (M) – In this mode the
operator remains manually in control of the
vehicles forward / reverse speeds and the
engine throttle by operating the foot pedal
and the throttle control rotary switch. The
cutters can be started whilst in this mode.
•Automatic Mode (A) – In this mode the
vehicle has additional automated control
functions which can control and maintain
vehicle speeds and throttle settings without
further input from the operator. The Maxi-
mum defined speeds cannot be exceeded in
this mode but the vehicle may reduce trans-
mission speeds for optimal grass cutting
performance. The following drive features
are available in Automatic mode:
• Cruise
• AdaptiCut
• Auto Idle
• Creep ( ) The vehicle transmission
speed is limited to Creep & the cutters can-
not be started.
The mode selection is possible via Button 1
on the display from the Home screen.
Note: it is possible to disable the ability to
select Manual mode and therefore
encourage the user to use Auto mode. This
can be achieved via the display as follows:
CRUISE CONTROL
When Cruise is active the machine will
maintain the forward transmission speed
that it was traveling at when Cruise was
engaged.
Note: that Cruise is only possible when the
machine is set to Automatic (A) transmission
mode and Mow speed (the Cutter Switch is on).
To engage Cruise:
• Select Automatic mode using Button 1
on the display.
• Turn the Cutter Switch (PTO) to on and
lower units as necessary.
Main Menu
Clock
Service Menu
Settings
Language
A
TM
1234 123.4 Hours
P

QUICK START GUIDE
en-17
VISUAL DISPLAY
• Use the Forward/Reverse pedal to
select the desired forward speed.
• Press and release the Cruise Control
switch
When the Cruise Control icon appears on
the screen, remove foot from the Forward/
Reverse pedal.
Once cruise is engaged the forward speed
can be increased or decreased using the +
or – buttons on the display.
DISABLING CRUISE CONTROL
Cruise can be disabled via the display as
follows:
1. Press Button 4 twice to enter the Main
Menu.
2. Use Button 3 to scroll to Settings
followed by Button 4 to enter the Settings
Menu
3. Use Button 3 to scroll to PIN followed by
Button 4 to enter the Enter PIN page
4. Enter the Owner PIN (default 1001) to
enter the PIN Menu page.
5. Use Button 3 to scroll to Cruise Control
followed by to enter the Cruise Control
settings screen.
6. Use Button 2 & 3 to select either
Enabled or Disabled as necessary, followed
by Button 4 to set.
7. Button 1 is then used to exit to the Main
Menu or Home Screen.
ADAPTICUT™
AdaptiCut™ is a load sensing system that
maintains optimum cutting performance by
adjusting ground speed depending on the
machine cutting system loading. It will
automatically activate when the vehicle
transmission is set to Automatic (A), the
speed is set to Mow (Cutter Switch is on),
Cruise is active, and the cutting system
detects increased load. When active the
AdaptiCut™ icon will be displayed on the
screen and the green Cutting Unit Position
Lamps on the Armrest Pod will turn red.
The rate at which the vehicle speed is
reduced or increased in relation to cutter
system loading can be adjusted via the
display as follows:
1. Press Button 4 twice to enter the Main
Menu.
2. Use Button 3 to scroll to Settings
followed by Button 4 to enter the Settings
Menu.
Cruise Control
Disabled
Enabled
TM
1234 123.4 Hours
P
MODE
A

QUICK START GUIDE
en-18
VISUAL DISPLAY
VEHICLE SPEED
The vehicle forward and reverse
transmission speeds are factory set to the
defaults stated in this manual however can
be adjusted via the display as follows:
1. Press Button 4 twice to enter the
Main Menu
2. Use Button 3 to scroll to Settings
followed by Button 4 to enter the
Settings Menu
3. Use Button 3 to scroll to PIN
followed by Button 4 to enter the
Enter PIN page
4. Enter the Owner PIN (default 1001)
to enter the PIN Menu page
5. Use Button 3 to scroll to Vehicle
Speed followed by Button 4 to enter
the Vehicle Speed settings screen
6. Use Button 2 & 3 to select the speed
to be adjusted followed by Button 4
to select
7. Use Button 2 & 3 to increase or
decrease as desired, followed by
Button 4 to save
8. Adjust the other speeds as
necessary or use Button 1 to exit
Vehicle Speed
FWD 25 km/h
REV 8 Mm/h
FWD 13 km/h
REV 6 Km/h
FWD 8 Km/h
REV 5 Km/h
Transport
Mow
Creep
3.Use Button 3 to scroll to PIN followed by
Button 4 to enter the Enter PIN page.
4.Enter the Owner PIN (Default 1001) to
enter the PIN Menu page.
5.Use Button 3 to scroll to AdaptiCut™
followed by Button 4 to enter the AdaptiCut™
adjustment page.
6.Use Button 2 & 3 to select either Speed
Decrease or Speed Increase as necessary,
followed by Button 4 to select
7.Use Button 1 to 4 to adjust the parameters
as desired.
Note: that once the desired settings have
been adjusted the screen will auto-matically
save the settings and return to the previous
screen if no buttons are pressed for 3
seconds.
Speed Decrease
EDC Reduction [%]
5.0%
Decrease Time [Sec]
2.5 Sec

QUICK START GUIDE
en-19
FLAIL \ CYLINDER MODE
The MT503 cutting system is capable of
providing power to both Magna 250 Cutting
cylinders and MT Series flail units. To ensure
that these run at their intended speed it is
important to ensure the machine’s cutting
system is configured correctly.
The cutting system mode can be selected
via the display as follows:
1. Press Button 4 twice to enter the
Main Menu
2. Use Button 3 to scroll to Settings
followed by Button 4 to enter the
Settings Menu
3. Use Button 3 to scroll to PIN fol-
lowed by Button 4 to enter the Enter
PIN page
4. Enter the Owner PIN (default 1001)
to enter the PIN Menu page
5. Use Button 3 to scroll to Flail \
Cylinder Mode followed by Button
4 to enter the Flail \ Cylinder Mode
settings screen
6. Use Button 2 & 3 to select the
required mode as appropriate
followed by Button 4 to set
7. Button 1 is then used to exit to the
Main Menu or Home Screen
Flail \ Cylinder Mode
Flail
Cylinder
LIFT ON REVERSE
The cutting units will automatically lift to the
Cross Cut position while mowing and the
vehicle is moved in reverse. Lift On Reverse
can be disabled via the display as follows:
1. Press Button 4 twice to enter the
Main Menu
2. Use Button 3 to scroll to Settings
followed by Button 4 to enter the
Settings Menu
3. Use Button 3 to scroll to PIN
followed by Button 4 to enter the
Enter PIN page
4. Enter the Owner PIN (default 1001)
to enter the PIN Menu page
5. Use Button 3 to scroll to Lift On
Reverse followed by Button 4 to
enter the Lift On Reverse settings
screen
6. Use Button 2 & 3 to select either
Enabled or Disabled as necessary,
followed by Button 4 to set Button 1
is then used to exit to the Main Menu
or Home Screen
Lift On Reverse
Disabled
Enabled
VISUAL DISPLAY

QUICK START GUIDE
en-20
AUTO IDLE
The throttle drops to idle when the Forward/
Reverse pedal returns to neutral and the
vehicle speed is set to Transport (Cutter
Switch is off).
When this is active the Auto Idle icon will be
displayed on the screen.
CROSS CUT
Cross Cut function raises the cutting unit to a
partially raised position, allowing the
operator to avoid obstructions without having
to fully lift the Cutter Deck. The Cutter PTO
will disengage within 3 seconds of reaching
TM
1234 123.4 Hours
P
MODE
A
Cross Cut
Disabled
Enabled
VISUAL DISPLAY
Cross Cut position. If lowered again within 2
minutes the Cutter PTO will re-engage
automatically. After 2 minutes of continued
use in Cross Cut the PTO will have to be
manually reactivated using the PTO switch.
To activate Cross Cut, with the cutting unit in
lowered position move the Lift /Lower switch
momentarily to the rear in a quick motion. To
deactivate, move the switch lever fully
forward.
Using the PIN Menu Buttons 2 and 3 to
arrow up and down, Button 4 to select
Cross Cut, this gives you the option to
Enable or Disable
• Disabled - The unit will only lift while the
lift joystick is held
• Enabled - The unit will lift to a
predetermined height with a short single
activation of the lift joystick
WEIGHT TRANSFER / TRACTION BOOST
Using the PIN Menu Buttons 2 and 3 to
arrow up and down, and Button 4 to select
Traction Boost, this gives you three options
Disabled - Traction Boost is switched off.
• Momentary - Traction Boost is only
active while the Traction Boost button on
the armrest pod is pressed.
• Maintained - Traction Boost can be
turned on permanently by pressing the
Traction Boost button on the armrest pod.
Traction Boost
Disabled
Momentary
Maintained