Textron RANSOMES JACOBSEN SF300-RD60 User manual

Safety and Operation / Maintenance and Parts Manual
SF300 -RD60 Rotary Deck
RJ 100 / 012003
WARNING:Ifincorrectlyusedthismachinecancausesevere
injury. Those who use and maintain this machine should be
trained in its proper use, warned of its dangers and should
read the entire manual before attempting to set up, operate,
adjust or service the machine.
24303G (rev.1)
Series:YZ / WD
Product codes: LMAB887

©2003, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited. All Rights Reserved

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RANSOMES SF300-RD60 ROTARY DECK Series: YZ
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
1 CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 IMPORTANT ............................................................................................................. 2
2.2 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION................................................................................... 2
3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................. 3
3.2 SAFETY SIGNS........................................................................................................ 3
3.3 STARTING THE ENGINE......................................................................................... 3
3.4 DRIVING THE MACHINE ......................................................................................... 3
3.5 TRANSPORTING ..................................................................................................... 3
3.6 LEAVING THE DRIVING POSITION........................................................................4
3.7 SLOPES ................................................................................................................... 4
3.8 BLOCKED OR OBSTRUCTED DECK .................................................................... 4
3.9 ADJUSTMENTS, LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE ........................................ 4
4 SPECIFICATIONS
4.1 MACHINE SPECIFICATION..................................................................................... 6
4.2 DIMENSIONS ........................................................................................................... 6
4.3 VIBRATION LEVEL .................................................................................................. 6
4.4 SLOPES ................................................................................................................... 6
4.5 RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS............................................................................. 6
4.6 CONFORMITY CERTIFICATES............................................................................... 7
5 DECALS
5.1 SAFETY DECALS .................................................................................................... 8
5.2 INSTRUCTION DECALS.......................................................................................... 8
5.3 DECAL MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................... 9
5.4 DECAL LOCATION .................................................................................................. 9
6 INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................... 10
7 OPERATION
7.1 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT -- FRONT CASTOR WHEELS .....................12
7.2 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT -- REAR LIFT RODS.................................... 12
7.3 STARTING MOWING OPERATION ........................................................................13
7.4 EMERGENCY STOP ............................................................................................... 14
7.5 EFFICIENT MOWING .............................................................................................. 15
7.6 MOWING PLAN AND METHOD ............................................................................. 15
7.7 TO PREVENT DAMAGE OF TURF ........................................................................ 15
8 MAINTENANCE
8.1 ADJUSTING DRIVE BELT TENSION ..................................................................... 17
8.2 FITTING NEW DRIVE BELT ................................................................................... 18
8.3 BLADE SHARPENING & REMOVAL ..................................................................... 19
8.4 CHECKING GEARBOX OIL LEVEL .......................................................................20
8.5 REPLACEMENT OF GEARBOX OIL ..................................................................... 21
8.6 GREASING POINTS -- PTO SHAFT .................................................................... 22
8.7 GREASING POINTS -- FRONT CASTOR WHEELS ............................................ 22
8.8 GREASING POINTS -- BELT IDLER PIVOT ........................................................ 22
8.9 GREASING POINTS -- DRIVE SPINDLE HOUSINGS......................................... 22
9 STORAGE ............................................................................................................... 23
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................ 24
11 GUARANTEE / SALES & SERVICE .......................................................................26
PARTS BOOK CONTENTS .................................................................................... 27
NUMERICAL INDEX ............................................................................................... 48

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RANSOMES SF300-RD60 ROTARY DECK Series: YZ
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
2 INTRODUCTION
2.2 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
2.1 IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT: This is a precision machine and the service obtained from it depends on the way it is
operated and maintained.
This SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL should be regarded as part of the machine. Suppliers of both
new and second-hand machines are advised to retain documentary evidence that this manual was
provided with the machine.
This machine is designed solely for use in customary grass cutting operations. Use in any other way is
considered as contrary to the intended use. Compliance with and strict adherence to the conditions of
operation, service and repair as specified by the manufacturer, also constitute essential elements of the
intended use.
Before attempting to operate this machine, ALL operators MUST read through this manual and make
themselves thoroughly conversant with Safety Instructions, controls, lubrication and maintenance.
Accident prevention regulations, all other generally recognized regulations on safety and occupational
medicine, and all road traffic regulations shall be observed at all times.
Any arbitrary modifications carried out on this machine may relieve the manufacturer of liability for any
resulting damage or injury.
MACHINE NAME SERIAL NUMBER
WEIGHT POWER
YEAR

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RANSOMES SF300-RD60 ROTARY DECK Series: YZ
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This safety symbol indicates important safety
messages in this manual. When you see this
symbol, be alert to the possibility of injury, carefully
read the message that follows, and inform other
operators.
3.1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• Ensure that the instructions in this book
are read and fully understood.
• No person should be allowed to operate
this machine unless they are fully
acquainted with all the controls and the
safety procedures.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar
with these instructions to use this
machine. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator.
3.2 SAFETY SIGNS
• It is essential all safety labels are kept
legible, if they are missing or illegible they
must be replaced. If any part of the
machine is replaced and it originally
carried a safety label, a new label must be
affixed to the replacement part. New
safety labels are obtainable from
Ransomes dealers.
3.3 STARTING THE ENGINE
• Before starting the engine check that the
brakes are applied, drives are in neutral,
guards are in position and intact, and
bystanders are clear of the machine.
• Do not run the engine in a building without
adequateventilation.
3.4 DRIVING THE MACHINE
• Before moving the machine, check to
ensure that all parts are in good working
order, paying particular attention to
brakes, tyres, steering and the security of
cutting blades.
• Replace faulty silencers, mow only in
daylight or good artificial light
• Always observe the Highway Code both
on and off the roads. Keep alert and
aware at all times. Watch out for traffic
when crossing or near roadways.
• Stop the blades rotating before crossing
surfaces other than grass.
• Remember that some people are deaf
or blind and that children and animals
can be unpredictable.
• Keep travelling speeds low enough for
an emergency stop to be effective and
safe at all times, in any conditions.
• Remove or avoid obstructions in the
area to be cut, thus reducing the
possibility of injury to yourself and/or
bystanders.
• When reversing, take special care to
ensure that the area behind is clear of
obstructions and/or bystanders. DO
NOT carry passengers.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people or their
property.
• When the machine is to be parked,
stored or left unattended, lower the
cutting means.
• While mowing, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. Do not
operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
• After striking a foreign object inspect
the lawnmower for damage and make
repairs before restarting and operating
the equipment.
• If the machine starts to vibrate
abnormally, check immediately.
3.5 TRANSPORTING
• Ensure that the rotary deck is securely
fastened in the transport position. Do
not transport with cutting mechanism
rotating.
• Drive the machine with due
consideration of road and surface
conditions, inclines and local
undulations.
• Sudden decelerating or braking can
cause the rear wheels to lift.
• Remember that the stability of the rear
of the machine is reduced as the fuel is
used.

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3.6 LEAVING THE DRIVING POSITION
• Park the machine on level ground.
• Before leaving the driving position, stop
the engine and make sure all moving
parts are stationary. Apply brakes and
disengage all drives. Remove the starter
key.
3.7 SLOPES
TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN WORKING ON
SLOPES
• Local undulations and sinkage will change
the general slope. Avoid ground
conditions which can cause the machine
to slide.
• Keep machine speeds low on slopes and
during tight turns.
• Sudden decelerating or braking can
cause the rear wheels to lift. Remember
there is no such thing as a “safe” slope.
• Travel on grass slopes requires particular
care.
DO NOT USE ON SLOPES GREATER THAN 10°
IMPORTANT: When working on any slope set the
weight transfer, if fitted to its maximum (+) setting.
3.8 PLUGGED OR OBSTRUCTED DECK
• Stop the engine, disengage the PTO’s
and set the parking brake. Wait for the
blades to stop rotating before attempting
to remove the material plugging the cutter
deck.
• Remove obstructions with care. Keep all
parts of the body away from the cutting
edges of the blades. Keep other persons
away from the cutter deck.
• Rotation of one blade will cause the
others to rotate.
• Do not dismantle the machine without
releasing or restraining forces which can
cause parts to move suddenly.
• Stop engine before unclogging discharge
chute.
3.9 ADJUSTMENTS, LUBRICATION AND
MAINTENANCE
• Stop the engine and make sure all moving
parts are stationary.
• Apply brakes and disengage all drives.
• Read all the appropriate servicing
instructions.
• Use only the replacement parts supplied by
the original manufacturer.
• When adjusting the rotary deck take care not
to get hands and feet trapped when rotating
cutter blades.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer and battery compartments free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• When working underneath lifted parts or
machines, make sure adequate support Is
provided.
• Do not dismantle the machine without
releasing or restraining forces which can
cause parts to move suddenly.
• Do not alter engine speed above maximum
quoted in Engine Specification. Do not
change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed may increase the hazard
of personal injury.
• When refuelling, STOP THE ENGINE, DO
NOT SMOKE. Add fuel before starting the
engine, never add fuel while the engine is
running.
• Use a funnel when pouring fuel from a can
into the tank.
• Do not fill the fuel tank beyond the bottom of
the filler neck.
• Replace all fuel tank and container caps
securely.
• Store fuel in containers specifically designed
for this purpose.
• Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapours have
dissipated.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Never store the equipment with fuel in the
tank inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should
be done outdoors.
• Do not spill fuel onto hot components.
• When servicing batteries, DO NOT SMOKE,
and keep naked lights away.
• Do not place any metal objects across the
terminals.

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RANSOMES SF300-RD60 ROTARY DECK Series: YZ
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
Batteries produce explosive gases and
contain corrosive acid and supply levels
of electrical current high enough to cause
burns.
WARNING
DO NOT USE ON SLOPES GREATER THAN 10°
WARNING
3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER - Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death
or serious injury.
WARNING - Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION - Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor
or moderate injury and property damage. It may
also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
When the machine is to be used on
slopes, the CUSTOMER must carry out a
RISK ASSESSMENT of the area. If a risk
of overturning is identified it is
recommended that ROPS FRAME (Part
No. SFSSF) is fitted.
WARNING
THESF300-RD60COMBINATIONMUSTONLYBE
USEDIFTHETRACTORHASBALLASTWEIGHT
KITLMAB868FITTED
WARNING

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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4 SPECIFICATIONS
4.1 MACHINESPECIFICATION
Frame construction: Heavy-duty welded sheet steel
Rotary deck drive: PTO drive through bevel
gearbox to single L-L poly
section belt
PTO Speed: 2100 rpm
Cutter blade speed: 2700 rpm
Cutter blade tip speed: 4500 m/min
Spindles: 32mm (1.25") diameter, double
sealed bearings
Blades: Three, 53cm (21"), 6mm (0.25")
thick, heat treated blades.
Castor Wheels: Two, 11x4.00 pneumatic, foam-
filled,4-ply
Anti-scalp rollers: Four front, three rear
Cutting height adjustment:
Adjustable by front castor wheels / rear lift rods
Cutting heights: 30 - 120mm (1.2"-4.7") variable
4.2 DIMENSIONS
Width of cut: 152.5 cm (60")
Overalllength: 102.5cm (40.35")
Overallwidth: 160cm (63")
Overallheight: 49cm (19.3")
Overallweight: 222kg (489 lbs)
4.3 VIBRATION LEVEL
The machine was tested for whole body and hand/
arm vibration levels. The operator was seated in
the normal operating postion with both hands on the
steering mechanism. The engine was running and
the cutting device was rotating with the machine
stationary.
Hand / Arm acceleration level : 6.09 m/s2
Whole body acceleration level (m/s2):
4.4 SLOPES
DO NOT USE ON SLOPES GREATER THAN 10°
The slope 10° was calculated using static stability
measurements according to the requirements of
EN 836.
4.5 RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS
Bevel gearbox: SAE 90 EP gear oil
Grease: Shell Darina R2, or equivilant.
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761.04490.0165.0711.0101.0111.0

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
4 SPECIFICATIONS
4.6 CONFORMITY CERTIFICATES
EC Declaration of Conformity
Wetheundersigned
RansomesJacobsenLimited
CentralAvenue,RansomesEuropark,
Ipswich,England,IP39QG
Declarethatthe machine Described Below:
Make & Type: ................................ RansomesRD60RotaryDeck
Category: ....................................... Mounted Rotary Deck
Series: ........................................... YZ / DW
Cutting Width:................................ 153 cm
Approvedforusewith:
IsekiSF300Tractor
Whenfittedby a RansomesJacobsenAuthorisedDealer
ComplieswiththeprovisionsofthefollowingEuropeandirectivesandamendmentsandtheregulationstransposing
it into national law:
MachinerySafetyDirective:............ 98/37/EC
Complieswiththefollowingharmonisedstandardortechnicalprovisions:
MachinerySafety ........................... EN836
Keeperof Technical File,Place & Dateof Declaration:
Managing Director
RansomesJacobsenLimited
Central Avenue, Ransomes Europark,
Ipswich, England, IP3 9QG
01.04.2003
S. Chicken
ManagingDirector
Certificate Number: 4126605-GB (rev.1)

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
5 DECALS
5.1 SAFETY DECALS
A903489 Keep a Safe Distance from the
Machine.
A903490 Do Not Remove Safety Shields While
Engine is Running.
A903491 Read Operator's Manual.
A903488 Do Not Open or Remove Safety
Shields While the Engine is Running.
A903496 Caution Rotating Blades.
A911411 Caution Power Take-Off Shaft.
5.2 INSTRUCTION DECALS
A903491
A903489 A903490 A903496
A911411
3 PTO Speed (A923938)
2 Drive Belt Adjustment
(A923936)
1 Cutting Height (A923935)

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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5 DECALS
5.3 DECALMAINTENANCE
The SAFETY and INSTRUCTION decals should always be clearly visible, that is, nothing should obscure them.
When they have become dirty, wash them with soap water using a soft cloth. SAFETY decals that have
become damaged or lost must be replaced as soon as possible. New decals should be placed in the same
location as the old one. When fitting a new decal ensure the position is clean and dry before fitting, making sure
all the air bubbles are squeezed out from under the decal.
5.4 DECAL LOCATION
1 A903474 Decal-Noise90(Before2001) 8 A911411 Decal-PTO
2 A903477 Decal-Noise 105 9 A923935 Decal-Cutting Height
3 A903489 Decal-Bystander Warning 10 A923936 Decal-Drive Belt Adjustment
4 A903490 Decal-Belt 11 A923938 Decal-RPM 2000-2100
5 A903491 Decal-Instruction 12 A911533 Decal-Ctr, SF300-RD60
6 A903496 Decal-RotatingBlades 13 A911534 Decal-LH, SF300-RD60
7 A903929 Decal-CE(NowonSerialPlate)14 A911535 Decal-RH,SF300-RD60

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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6 INSTALLATION
•Placethetractor onlevel,hardground.
•Apply the parking brake securely.
•Shift the transmission range shift lever to the
neutralposition.
•Shift the PTO lever to the neutral position
•Stop engine and remove key
INSTALLATION OF THE SF300-RD60 ROTARY
DECK ON THE TRACTOR
6.1 Remove all packaging from the rotary
deck and check the contents with the
supplied packing list. Fit the two sliding
links to the tractor mounting plate (fig 2 &
3) ensuring they slide freely after
tightening the fixing bolts. Fit the two rear
lift rod assemblies on to the tractor hanger
pins (fig 5) and secure with the R clips
supplied. (Drill the holes in the tractor
hanger pins to 4.2 mm diameter if
necessary). Remove the lift arms A (fig 1)
from the cutter deck and fit into the right-
hand and left-hand lift arm sockets (fig 5)
of the tractor unit. Align the fixing holes
and secure with the fixing pins supplied.
6.2 Apply grease to the male half of the
supplied PTO shaft tube and assemble
the two halves. Remove the PTO guard
cover from the cutter deck. Fit key (6 x 6 x
30) to the gearbox input shaft. Assemble
the PTO shaft to the gearbox securing
with M8 x 10 setscrew.
6.3 Position the rotary deck in front of the
tractor allowing sufficient distance to
enable fitting of the PTO drive shaft to the
tractor. Fit the PTO shaft to the tractor (fig
4) making sure the spring loaded retaining
button has located correctly.
6.4 Align the lift arms with the fixing plates on
the rotary deck. Place the lift control lever
in the down position.
6.5 Align the lift arm ball ends with the fixing
hole B (fig 1) and secure with the two
fixing pins.
6.6 Fit the two slide links to the anchor points
at the rear of the rotary deck with the pins
supplied.
fig 1 LIFT ARMS
fig 2 ROTARY DECK MOUNTING PLATES
fig 3 SLIDING LINK ASSEMBLY

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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6 INSTALLATION
6.7 Fit the two rear lift rods to the anchor points
at the rear of the rotary deck (fig 5) and
secure with the supplied fixing pins.
6.8 Fit the PTO guard cover into place.
NOTE:
Having completed assembly to the tractor make a
thorough inspection of all the rotary deck fixings
before continuing.
BEFORE OPERATION
• Become familiar with how to operate the
SF300-RD60 rotary deck and understand
safety instructions by reading the manual
carefully.
• Make sure that all safety covers and
guards are installed in position.
• Make sure that all blade retaining nuts are
tightenedsecurely.
• Make sure that the poly-vee belt is
tensioned as specified.
• Make sure that the rotary deck cutting
height has been adjusted to give adequate
clearance of cutting height when using the
rotary deck for the first time.
• Before moving the SF300-RD60 mower
into the work site check the entire area and
remove all obstacles such as stones,
wood, empty tins, bottles, wires etc to
ensure safe operation.
• Make sure that the mowing operation will
not cause any injury to children, animals,
bystanders etc.
fig 4 PTO DRIVE SHAFT
fig 5 REAR HEIGHT ADJUSTER RODS

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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7 OPERATION
NOTE:
Familiarise yourself with the method of adjusting
the cutting height by studying the cutting height
adjustment decal below and on the SF300-RD60
mower deck before adjusting the height of cut.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
7.1 FRONT CASTOR WHEELS
7.1.1 Raise the mower deck from the ground
with the tractor lift so that the mower front
castor wheels are clear of the ground.
7.1.2 Remove the quick pin from the top of the
castor wheel pivot spindle.
7.1.3 Remove the castor wheel from the castor
support.
7.1.4 Select either Position 1 or Position 2 for
wheel mounting bracket. To change,
remove (4) mounting bolts, move to the
alternative location and bolt in place.
7.1.5 Place the selected number of spacers
below the caster support. Place the
remaining spacers above the castor
support.
7.1.6 Replace the quick pin.
7.2 REAR LIFT RODS
7.2.1 Remove the retaining pin from one of the
lift rod collars.
7.2.2 Select the position that matches the
selected setting of the front castor wheels,
i.e. with the wheel mounting bracket in
Position 1 and front castor wheel A4, set
lift rod collar at H2 to give 64 mm (2-1/2”)
cutting height.
7.2.3 Replace the retaining pin.
7.2.4 Repeat the operation to the other lift rod.
Please note for ‘H’ position fit the lift rod
collar in reverse by turning over.
fig 6 ROTARY DECK HEIGHT OF CUT
ADJUSTMENT DECAL
fig 7 ROTARY DECK HEIGHT OF CUT
ADJUSTMENT

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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7 OPERATION
7.2.5 Lower the mower deck to the ground and
check the selected setting is correct and
that the mower is parallel with the ground.
(see fig 7).
NOTE:
Avoid operating the mower deck in the lowest
setting over rough ground or poor mowing
conditions as this will give reduced blade life and
cause excessive wear to the mower deck pan and
component parts.
7.3 STARTING MOWING OPERATION
IMPORTANT
Before starting the tractor, sit down in the operator’s
seat properly, depress the clutch pedal fully, and
shift the PTO lever to the neutral position, or the
engine cannot be started. Always ensure the
SF300-RD60 mower is clear from grass etc. before
starting. Failure to do so may result in premature
belt failure or serious damage to the mower and
tractor.
7.3.1 Start the tractor.
7.3.2 Position the SF300-RD60 mower 100 mm
– 120 mm (4 in – 5 in) from the ground
and clear of grass and obstacles, using
the lift lever 1 (fig 8).
7.3.3 Turn the throttle lever to the intermediate
speed, position between the high speed
mark and low speed mark (fig 9).
7.3.4 Push down the clutch pedal fully, shift the
transmission range lever to the low speed
position (fig 10).
7.3.5 With the clutch pedal depressed, shift the
PTO lever to high speed position (2100
rpm fig 11). Release the clutch pedal
slowly to allow the blades to build up
speed.
IMPORTANT:
As soon as the clutch is released, the blades start
rotating and grass and other debris may start being
ejected from the SF300-RD60 mower. So before
starting the mower, be sure of the safety conditions
around the mower.
fig 11 PTO LEVER
fig 9 THROTTLE LEVER
fig 10 TRANSMISSION RANGE SHIFT LEVER
fig 8 LIFT LEVER

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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7.3.6 Turn the throttle lever to the high speed
setting (fig 12). Ensure the engine speed
setting is in the green sector to give the
required 2100 rpm PTO speed (fig 13).
IMPORTANT:
Always operate the SF300-RD60 mower at the high
speed setting when mowing – a lower throttle will
cause premature belt failure and will produce a
poor finish of cut.
7.3.7 Push down the master brake pedal to
release the parking brake (fig 14).
7.3.8 Depress the HST forward travel pedal
gradually and the SF300-RD60 mower
starts travelling slowly to begin the
mowing operation.
7.3.9 Select a travelling speed for stable
operation and set the speed with the
cruise control lever.
IMPORTANT:
When adjustment of the cutting height is required
during operation, shift the PTO lever to the neutral
position, raise the mower to the highest position
with the lift lever, stop the engine and remove the
key. Shift the transmission range lever to the
neutral position. Push the master brake pedal, and
apply the parking brake.
7.4 EMERGENCY STOP
When any of the following abnormalities are
encountered, stop the tractor and rotary deck
immediately.
• Abnormal noise
• Abnormal vibration
• Abnormal smell
• Blade hitting an obstacle
• The front of the rotary deck hitting an
obstacle
7 OPERATION
fig 12 THROTTLE LEVER
fig 14 BRAKEPEDALS
(1) Master Brake Pedal
(2) Parking Brake Lever
fig 13 ENGINE REV COUNTER

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SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
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CUTTER BLADES MAY CONTINUE TO ROTATE
FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER THE
DRIVEHAS BEEN DISENGAGED.
WARNING
7 OPERATION
The cause of trouble should be located and
corrected immediately. If not, consult your dealer.
Never attempt to keep operating the rotary deck
without locating and correcting the cause of trouble.
When the operator leaves the seat, the safety
system automatically stops the engine. When
leaving the tractor to remove obstacles such as
twigs, stones, etc., shift the PTO lever to the neutral
position and apply the parking brake, and then the
engine keeps running.
7.5 EFFICIENT MOWING
•Be sure to mow at full throttle.
•Choose an adequate travelling speed
in accordance with the height of grass
to be cut.
•Low cutting height will lead to poor
mowing efficiency and rapid blade
wear.
•When the screens for the air-intake
openings are clogged, clean them at
once. Never go on operating with
clogged screens.
7.6 MOWING PLAN AND METHOD
When mowing a large area, the following method is
recommended.
7.6.1 Travel clockwise in spirals two or three
times towards the centre.
7.6.2 Then travel up and down from one side.
7.7 TO PREVENT DAMAGE OF TURF
7.7.1 Mowing is desirable when the grass is dry
and dew free: thus preventing the mower
from clogging.
7.7.2 Always keep the rotary deck clean and
well maintained.
7.7.3 Check the blades regularly for damage.
fig 15 MOWING PLAN

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7 OPERATION
7.7.4 Repeated mowing is recommended
before the grass grows too high to
maintain a good finish.
7.7.5 Cutting grass too closely may damage the
grass and let weeds grow easily. To
maintain a green lawn, never mow more
than one-third off the height in one
mowing.
7.7.6 A slower travelling speed will result in
improved mowing. Avoid selecting such a
travelling speed that causes the tractor to
bounce.
7.7.7 Short fast turns will damage the turf. Slow
down sufficiently when turning.
7.7.8 Tomaintain a goodfinishalwaysensure
the engine speed setting is in the green
sector(fig13)togivetherequired2100
rpmPTOspeedwhenmowing.Running
the mower at a lower engine rpm will result
inapoorfinishandareduceddrive belt
life.
7.7.9 Always increase the cutting height when
mowing very tall grass for the very first
time and make a second pass travelling in
the opposite direction at a lower cutting
height to maintain a good finish.
7.7.10 Always clean the rotary deck regularly
when mowing wet grass to avoid clogging.
7.7.11 When mowing in dry dusty conditions
clean the tractor air-intake screens
regularly.
7.7.12 When operating the tractor in dusty
conditions keep on paying attention to the
coolant temperature warning lamp. Never
continue operating when the screens are
clogged or engine breakdown may result.

17
RANSOMES SF300-RD60 ROTARY DECK Series: YZ
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
8 MAINTENANCE
8.1 ADJUSTING DRIVE BELT TENSION
8.1.1 Stop the cutting operation, turn the throttle
lever to the lower speed (idle) position
and shift the PTO to the neutral position.
Position the rotary deck on the ground
using the lift lever. Stop the engine and
remove the key.
CUTTER BLADES MAY CONTINUE TO ROTATE
FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER THE
DRIVEHAS BEEN DISENGAGED.
WARNING
THE LIFT CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH A LIFT
LOCKING DEVICE.
BE SURE TO RAISE THE LIFT TO ITS
UPPERMOST POSITION AND ENGAGE THE
LIFT LOCK WHEN SERVICING THE TRACTOR-
MOUNTED ROTARY DECK (fig 16)
CAUTION
LIFT LEVER
With this lever, the lift is raised or lowered
êShift the lever to this mark, the lift is lowered
éShift the lever to this mark, the lift is raised
(1) Hydraulic cylinder (3) Lift Link
(2) Lift Lock
fig 16 LIFT CYLINDER LOCKING DEVICE
fig 17 DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER
8.1.2 Remove the belt guards.
8.1.3 Check the drive belt for wear e.g. fraying
edges and cracks and replace if
necessary.
8.1.4 Adjust the drive belt to give approximately
16 mm (0.61 in) deflection at 5 kg (11 lbs)
force at the middle of the long rear span D
for a new belt. Use a force of 4 kg (8.5
lbs) with a deflection of 16 mm (0.61 in)
for a used belt. If necessary, adjust as
follows:
8.1.5 Loosen locking nuts A and C, and screw
B (fig 17).
8.1.6 Turn adjusting bolt D until proper tension
is obtained. Note: rotate the drive belt two
full turns before checking then tension. fig 18 DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT DECAL

18
RANSOMES SF300-RD60 ROTARY DECK Series: YZ
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
GB
8 MAINTENANCE
8.1.7 Retighten locking nuts A and C, and
screw B.
8.1.8 Clean the belt pan of any debris and refit
the belt guards.
IMPORTANT:
To avoid premature belt failure always carry out the
mowing operation with the engine at full throttle,
avoiding grounding and stalling the cutter blades.
Keep the belt guards free of built-up material and
inspect the cutter blades regularly.
8.2 FITTING NEW DRIVE BELT
8.2.1 Stop the cutting operation, shift the PTO
to the neutral position, position the cutter
deck 120 mm – 150 mm (5 – 6 in) from
the ground on two suitable blocks, stop
the engine and remove the key.
8.2.2 Remove the belt guards.
8.2.3 Slacken the belt idler locking nuts A and
C, and screw B. Turn adjuster screw D
fully out.
8.2.4 Remove the old drive belt. Clean the belt
pan of any debris. Fit the new drive belt
into place.
8.2.5 Adjust the drive belt to give approximately
16 mm (0.61 in) deflection at 5 kg (11 lbs)
force at the middle of the long rear span
D.
8.2.6 Turn adjusting bolt D until proper tension
is obtained. Note: rotate the drive belt two
full turns before checking the tension.
8.2.7 Retighten locking nuts A and C, and
screw B.
8.2.8 Refit the belt guards.
8.2.9 Run the SF300-RD60 rotary deck in light
work for 20 minutes to bed in the new
belts. Stop the mowing operation and re-
check the belt tension, adjusting if
necessary.
fig 21 DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER
fig 19 BELT TENSION
fig 20 ROTARY DECK POSITIONING