RHINO NITRO FN15 User manual

©2010 Alamo Group Inc.
FN10/FN15
NITRO
Published 02/10 Part NO. 00779794C
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
RHINO®
1020 S. Sangamon Ave.
Gibson City, IL 60936
800-446-5158
Email: [email protected]
HEAVY-DUTY FLEX-WING
ROTARY CUTTER
This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation of this machine and must
be maintained with the unit at all times. READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the Safety
and Operation Instructions contained in this manual before operating the equipment. C01-
Cover
$0.00

To the Owner/Operator/Dealer
All implements with moving parts are potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded
operator who recognizes the potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices. The manufacturer has
designed this implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of
accidents.
BEFORE YOU START!! Read the safety messages on the implement and shown in your manual. Observe the
rules of safety and common sense!
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Read and understand the complete Warranty Statement found in this Manual. Fill out the Warranty Registration
Form in full and return it to within 30 Days. Make certain the Serial Number of the Machine is recorded on the
Warranty Card and on the Warranty Form that you retain.

In order to reduce accidents and enhance the safe operation of mowers, Alamo Group Ag Division, in
cooperation with other industry manufacturers has developed the AEM/FEMA Industrial and
Agricultural Mower Safety Practices video and guide book.
The video will familiarize and instruct mower-tractor operators in safe practices when using industrial
and agricultural mowing equipment. It is important that Every Mower Operator be educated in the
operation of their mowing equipment and be able to recognize the potential hazards that can occur while
operating a mower. This video, along with the mower operator’s manual and the warning messages on
the mower, will significantly assist in this important education.
Your Authorized Rhino Dealer may have shown this video and presented you a DVD Video when you
purchased your mower. If you or any mower operator have not seen this video, Watch the Video, Read
this Operator’s Manual, and Complete the Video Guidebook before operating your new mower. If you
do not understand any of the instructions included in the video or operator’s manual or if you have any
questions concerning safety of operation, contact your supervisor, dealer or Alamo Group Ag.
If you would like a VHS video tape of the video, please email AEMV[email protected] or Fax
AEM VHS Video at [phone] or mail in a completed copy of the form on the back of this page to
AEM VHS Video 1502 E Walnut Street, Seguin, TX 78155. and request the VHS video version. Please
include your name, mailing address, mower model and serial number.
Every operator should be trained for each piece of equipment (Tractor and Mower), understand the
intended use, and the potential hazards before operating the equipment.

Alamo Group Ag. Division is willing to provide
one (1) AEM Mower Safety Practices Video
Please Send Me: VHS Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video
DVD Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video
Mower Operator’s Manual
AEM Mower Operator’s Safety Manual
Requester Name Phone:
Requester Address:
City
State
Zip Code
Mower Model: Serial Number:
Date Purchased: Dealer Salesperson:
Dealership Name: Dealership Location:
Mail to:
AEM Video Services
1502 E. Walnut Street
Seguin, TX 78155
Or Fax to:
[phone]
Or Email to:
AEMV[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY SECTION .............................................................................................................. 1-1
General Safety Instructions and Practices .........................................................................................................1-2
Operator Safety Instructions and Practices .......................................................................................................1-3
Equipment Operation Safety Instructions and Practices ....................................................................................1-5
Connecting or Disconnecting Implement Safety Instructions and Practices .................................................... 1-11
Transporting Safety Instructions and Practices ...............................................................................................1-12
Maintenance and Service Safety Instructions and Practices ...........................................................................1-14
Storage and Parking Safety Instructions and Practices ................................................................................... 1-16
Concluding Safety Instructions and Practices ..................................................................................................1-16
Decal Location .................................................................................................................................................1-17
Decal Description .............................................................................................................................................1-19
Federal Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................................ 1-29
INTRODUCTION SECTION ................................................................................................. 2-1
Attention Owner/Operator ..................................................................................................................................2-4
ASSEMBLY SECTION ........................................................................................................ 3-1
DEALER SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................................3-2
ASSEMBLY ........................................................................................................................................................3-2
CONNECTING DRIVELINE ...............................................................................................................................3-5
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT ..............................................................................................................................3-6
TIRES AND WHEELS ........................................................................................................................................3-7
OPERATION SECTION ....................................................................................................... 4-1
Standard Equipment and Specifications ............................................................................................................4-3
OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 4-4
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................4-5
ROPS and Seat Belt ..........................................................................................................................................4-5
Tractor Safety Devices .......................................................................................................................................4-5
Tractor Horsepower ...........................................................................................................................................4-6
Drawbar .............................................................................................................................................................4-6
Tractor Hydraulics ..............................................................................................................................................4-6
Front End Weight ...............................................................................................................................................4-7
Power Take Off (PTO) .......................................................................................................................................4-7
Tire Spacing ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-8
GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRACTOR .........................................................................................................4-8
Boarding the Tractor .......................................................................................................................................... 4-8
Dismounting the Tractor .....................................................................................................................................4-9
STARTING THE TRACTOR ..............................................................................................................................4-9
CONNECTING THE MOWER TO THE TRACTOR ......................................................................................... 4-10
Connecting the Mower Tongue to the Tractor .................................................................................................4-10
Connecting Mower Hydraulic Lines to the Tractor ...........................................................................................4-11
SETTING THE MOWER ..................................................................................................................................4-12
Setting Deck Height .........................................................................................................................................4-13
Setting Deck Pitch ............................................................................................................................................ 4-14
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT ............................................................................................................................ 4-14
Driveline Length Check ....................................................................................................................................4-15
Constant Velocity (CV) Driveline ...................................................................................................................... 4-17
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND SERVICE ...........................................................................................4-18
Tractor Pre-Operation Inspection/Service ........................................................................................................4-19
Mower Pre-Operation Inspection/Service ........................................................................................................ 4-19
Cutting Component Inspection ......................................................................................................................... 4-23
Blade Bolt Inspection ....................................................................................................................................... 4-25
DRIVING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT .................................................................................................4-28

Starting the Tractor ..........................................................................................................................................4-29
Brake and Differential Lock Setting .................................................................................................................. 4-29
Operating the Mower Wings ............................................................................................................................ 4-29
Transport Position ............................................................................................................................................4-30
Operating Position ........................................................................................................................................... 4-30
Driving the Tractor and Cutter .......................................................................................................................... 4-31
Crossing Ditches and Steep Inclines ............................................................................................................... 4-32
OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ...........................................................................................4-33
Foreign Debris Hazards ................................................................................................................................... 4-34
Bystanders/Passersby Precautions .................................................................................................................4-34
Engaging the Power Take Off (PTO) ...............................................................................................................4-35
PTO RPM and Ground Speed ......................................................................................................................... 4-36
Operating the Mower ....................................................................................................................................... 4-36
Shutting Down the Implement .......................................................................................................................... 4-40
DISCONNECTING THE MOWER FROM THE TRACTOR .............................................................................4-40
MOWER STORAGE ........................................................................................................................................4-42
TRANSPORTING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT ...................................................................................4-42
Tire and Wheels ...............................................................................................................................................4-44
Transporting on Public Roadways ................................................................................................................... 4-45
Hauling the Tractor and Implement .................................................................................................................. 4-47
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................ 4-48
MAINTENANCE SECTION .................................................................................................. 5-1
Lubrication .........................................................................................................................................................5-2
CENTER & WING GEARBOXES ......................................................................................................................5-4
DIVIDER GEARBOX .......................................................................................................................................... 5-4
GEARBOX ARRANGEMENTS (Secondary Gearboxes) ................................................................................... 5-5
DRIVELINES ......................................................................................................................................................5-6
MAIN CV DRIVELINE SHIELD SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................. 5-7
BLADE SERVICING ..........................................................................................................................................5-8
BLADE SHARPENING ......................................................................................................................................5-9
BLADE REMOVAL .............................................................................................................................................5-9
Blade Bolt Inspection .......................................................................................................................................5-10
BLADE CARRIER REMOVAL .........................................................................................................................5-11
BLADE CARRIER INSPECTION .....................................................................................................................5-11
BLADE CARRIER INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................. 5-12
TORQUE LIMITER ..........................................................................................................................................5-12
SEASONAL CLUTCH MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................... 5-13
SLIP CLUTCH REPAIR PROCEDURE ...........................................................................................................5-13
WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................................................... 5-14
......................................................................................................................................................................... 5-14
......................................................................................................................................................................... 5-14
......................................................................................................................................................................... 5-14
TIRES AND WHEELS ...................................................................................................................................... 5-14
Tongue .............................................................................................................................................................5-15
HIGH PRESSURE OIL LEAK HAZARD ...........................................................................................................5-16
HYDRAULIC HOSES ....................................................................................................................................... 5-16
Flex Wing Hydraulic Cylinder Replacement Instructions .................................................................................5-17
STORAGE .......................................................................................................................................................5-18
PROPER TORQUE FOR FASTENERS ..........................................................................................................5-18

Safety Section 1-1
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY SECTION

SAFETY
FN10/FN15 NITRO 02/10 Safety Section 1-2
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
General Safety Instructions and Practices
A careful operator is the best operator. Safety is of primary importance to the manufacturer and should be to
the owner/operator. Most accidents can be avoided by being aware of your equipment, your surroundings, and
observing certain precautions. The first section of this manual includes a list of Safety Messages that, if
followed, will help protect the operator and bystanders from injury or death. Read and understand these Safety
Messages before assembling, operating or servicing this Implement. This equipment should only be operated
by those persons who have read the manual, who are responsible and trained, and who know how to do so
responsibly.
The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word, as seen below, is used throughout this
manual and on decals which are attached to the equipment. The Safety Alert Symbol means:
“ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!” The Symbol and Signal Word
are intended to warn the owner/operator of impending hazards and the degree of possible injury
faced when operating this equipment.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, WILL result in DEATH OR
VERY SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, COULD result in DEATH
OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, MAY result in MINOR
INJURY.
Identifies special instructions or procedures that, if not strictly observed, could result in
damage to, or destruction of the machine, attachments or the environment.
NOTE: Identifies points of particular interest for more efficient and convenient operation or repair.(SG-1)
Practice all usual and customary safe working precautions and above all---remember safety is
up to YOU. Only YOU can prevent serious injury or death from unsafe practices.
READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the following Safety Messages. Serious injury or
death may occur unless care is taken to follow the warnings and instructions stated in the
Safety Messages. Always use good common sense to avoid hazards. (SG-2)
Si no lee ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea para que le traduzca las
medidas de seguridad. (SG-3)

SAFETY
FN10/FN15 NITRO 02/10 Safety Section 1-3
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
Operator Safety Instructions and Practices
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. (SG-30)
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. (SG-31)
The rotating parts of this machine continue to rotate even after the PTO has been turned off.
The operator should remain in his seat for 60 seconds after the brake has been set, the
PTO disengaged, the tractor turned off, and all evidence of rotation has ceased. (S3PT-10)
“Wait a minute...Save a life!”
Never crawl under a raised Implement supported solely by the Tractor 3-Point hitch.
Release of the control lever or mechanical failure will result in the Implement falling and
possible injury or death. Always securely block up the Implement before crawling
underneath to perform repairs and service. (S3PT-19)
Never operate the Tractor or Implement until you have read and
completely understand this Manual, the Tractor Operator’s Manual, and
each of the Safety Messages found in the Manual or on the Tractor and
Implement. Learn how to stop the tractor engine suddenly in an
emergency. Never allow inexperienced or untrained personnel to
operate the Tractor or Implement without supervision. Make sure the
operator has fully read and understood the manuals prior to operation.
(SG-4)
The operator and all support personnel should wear hard hats, safety
shoes, safety glasses, and proper hearing protection at all times for
protection from injury including injury from items that may be thrown by
the equipment. (SG-16)
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE
PERMANENT HEARING LOSS! Tractors with or without an Implement
attached can often be noisy enough to cause permanent hearing loss.
We recommend that you always wear hearing protection if the noise in
the Operator’s position exceeds 80db. Noise over 85db over an
extended period of time will cause severe hearing loss. Noise over 90db
adjacent to the Operator over an extended period of time will cause
permanent or total hearing loss. NOTE: Hearing loss from loud noise
[from tractors, chain saws, radios, and other such sources close to the
ear] is cumulative over a lifetime without hope of natural recovery. (SG-I7)

SAFETY
FN10/FN15 NITRO 02/10 Safety Section 1-4
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturer’s
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other
chemical agent. (SG-22)
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING ELEMENTS to prevent entanglement
and possible serious injury or death. (SG-24)
Never allow children to play on or around Tractor or Implement. Children can slip or fall off
the Equipment and be injured or killed. Children can cause the Implement to shift or fall
crushing themselves or others. (SG-25)
NEVER use drugs or alcohol immediately before or while operating the
Tractor and Implement. Drugs and alcohol will affect an operator’s
alertness and coordination and therefore affect the operator’s ability to
operate the equipment safely. Before operating the Tractor or Implement,
an operator on prescription or over-the-counter medication must consult
a medical professional regarding any side effects of the medication that
would hinder their ability to operate the Equipment safely. NEVER
knowingly allow anyone to operate this equipment when their alertness or
coordination is impaired. Serious injury or death to the operator or others
could result if the operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (SG-27)
Prolonged operation may cause operator boredom and fatigue affecting safe operation.
Take scheduled work breaks to help prevent these potentially impaired operating
conditions. Never operate the Implement and Tractor in a fatigued or bored mental state
which impairs proper and safe operation. (SG-32)
Use extreme caution when getting onto the Implement to perform repairs, maintenance and
when removing accumulated material. Only stand on solid flat surfaces to ensure good
footing. Use a ladder or raised stand to access high spots which cannot be reached from
ground level. Slipping and falling can cause serious injury or death. (SG-33)
Avoid contact with hot surfaces including hydraulic oil tanks, pumps, motors, valves and
hose connections. Relieve hydraulic pressure before performing maintenance or repairs.
Use gloves and eye protection when servicing hot components. Contact with a hot surface
or fluid can cause serious injury from burns or scalding. (SG-34)
DO NOT operate this Implement on a Tractor that is not properly maintained. Should a
mechanical or Tractor control failure occur while operating, immediately shut down the
Tractor and perform repairs before resuming operation. Serious injury and possible death
could occur from not maintaining this Implement and Tractor in good operating condition.
(SG-36)