Ventrac HM600 User manual

MOWER
MODEL HM600/HM720/HP720
REVISED 02/05/20
09.10013
OWNER/OPERATOR’S
MANUAL & PARTS LIST
Venture Products Inc. Orrville, OH

ii
TO THE OWNER
Congratulations on the purchase of a new VENTRAC Mower! The purpose of this
manual is to assist you in its safe and effective operation and maintenance.
With proper usage and care, the Mower will provide many years of service. Please read
and understand this manual entirely before using the Mower. Keep this manual on file
for future reference.
Always give Model and Serial # when ordering service parts.
Please fill in the following information for future reference:
Date of Purchase: Month _________________ Day __________ Year _______________
Model Number: ___________________________________________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________________________________________
Dealer: _________________________________________________________________
Dealer Address: __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Dealer Phone Number: _____________________________________________________
Dealer FAX Number: ______________________________________________________
Venture Products Inc. reserves the right to make changes in design or
specifications without incurring obligation to make like changes on
previously manufactured products.
Orrville, OH
www.ventrac.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Section A
Description .....................................A-1
Specifications ...................................A-2
SAFETY Section B
Safety Symbols ..................................B-1
Decals .......................................B-2
General Safety Procedures ............................B-3
Safety Operation & Techniques ..........................B-4
OPERATION Section C
Attaching......................................C-1
Detaching .....................................C-1
Operating Techniques & Tips .........................C-1 & 2
Mulching Kit ....................................C-3
MAINTENANCE Section D
Lubrication .....................................D-1
Removal & Reinstallation of Blades ......................D-1 & 2
Deck Belt Replacement ............................D-2 & 3
(HM600 Ser# AA1001-AA1357) (HM720 Ser# AA1001-AA1188) (HP720 Ser# AA1001-AA1066)
Deck Belt Replacement (HM600 Ser# AA1358--) (HM720 Ser# AA1189--) (HP720 Ser# AA1067--)......D-3 & 4
Drive Belt Replacement ..............................D-4
Mower Tire Pressure................................D-4
Deck Leveling Procedure ...........................D-4 & 5
Storage ......................................D-5
Sharpening Blades ................................D-5
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARTS & ILLUSTRATED DRAWINGS Section E
Figure 1 - Deck ..................................E-12
(HM600 Ser# AA1001-AA1262) ( HM720 Ser# AA1001-AA1134) (HP720 Ser# AA1001-AA1025)
Figure 2 - Deck .................................................E-3 & 4
(HM600 Ser# AA1263-AA1945) (HM720 Ser# AA1135-AA1612) (HP720 Ser# AA1026-AA1180)
Figure 3 - Deck ................................E-5 & 6
(HM600 Ser# AB1946--) (HM720 Ser# AB1613--) (HP720 Ser# AB1181--)
Figure 4 - Spindle Assembly..........................E-7 & 8
(HM600 Ser# AB1946--) (HM720 Ser# AB1613--) (HP720 Ser# AB1181--)
Figure 5 - Carrier Frame ...........................E-9 & 10
(HM600 Ser# AA1001-AA1262) (HM720 Ser# AA1001-AA1134) (HP720 Ser# AA1001-AA1025)
Figure 6 - Carrier Frame ....................................E-11 & 12
(HM600 Ser# AA1263--) (HM720 Ser# AA1135--) (HP720 Ser# AA1026--)
Figure 7 - Caster & Rear Roller .......................E-13 & 14
Figure 8 - Hitch Assembly .........................E-15 & 16
(HM600 Ser# AA1001-AA1357) (HM720 Ser# AA1001-AA1188) (HP720 Ser# AA1001-AA1066)
Figure 9 - Hitch Assembly ...................................E-17 & 18
(HM600 Ser# AA1358--) (HM720 Ser# AA1189) (HP720 Ser# AA1067)
WARRANTY
iiii

INTRODUCTION
Product Description
The VENTRAC HM600, HM720 and HP720 mowers have a cutting width of approx. 60”
and 72” respectively. The “uni-body” design creates a lightweight, heavy-duty, and high
performance deck plus a streamlined carrier frame. With the removal of two pins
beneath the cross frame, the deck can be tilted to a near vertical position for cleaning
and servicing. The top side of the deck is designed to eliminate trapped grass, dirt and
water.
Four carrier points, two adjustable connecting links and one cross shaft comprise the
complete mechanism for controlling the cutting height. A single handle with a slight
outward pull allows an easy quick change in cutting height selection. A slide release
allows the handle to be returned to the deck level to prevent it from catching on low
branches and shrubs.
These mowers, with near full width rear rollers and large, pneumatic, front swivel caster
tires, are designed to float over the terrain independent of the tractor. The traction
transfer system on the VENTRAC 4000 series tractor reduces mower weight on the
ground, decreases the steering effort, and increases the traction of the tractor.
These attractive two-tone, smooth styled mowers with a high performance discharge
tunnel, offer an unusual combination of efficiency, effectiveness and end results.
Careful, proper, and safe operation of tractor and mower will result in a great mowing
job.
The model HP720 provides a 6-1/2” offset of the mower to the left side. The mower still
has a centered appearance because of the right side discharge chute. The offset
creates a better “reach” on the left side of the deck for mowing under low tree branches,
fences, or over the edge of ditches and water.
A-1

INTRODUCTION
Ventrac HM600 Specifications
Cutting Width ......................Approx. 60 inches
Overall Width ...........................70 inches
Length ...............................52 inches
Height ...............................16 inches
Approx. cutting height ................1-3/4 to 4-3/4 inches
Weight ..............................366 pounds
Ventrac HM720 Specifications
Cutting Width ......................Approx. 72 inches
Overall Width ...........................82 inches
Length ...............................58 inches
Height ...............................16 inches
Approx. cutting height ................1-3/4 to 4-3/4 inches
Weight ..............................435 pounds
Ventrac HP720 Specifications
Cutting Width ......................Approx. 72 inches
Overall Width ...........................82 inches
Length ...............................58 inches
Height ...............................16 inches
Approx. cutting height ................1-3/4 to 4-3/4 inches
Weight ..............................435 pounds
Offset to the left ........................6-1/2 inches
A-2

SAFETY
B-1
ATTENTION:
This symbol identifies potential health and
safety hazards. It marks safety
precautions. Your safety and the safety of
others is involved.
SIGNAL WORD DEFINITIONS
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury and/or property
damage. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is
limited to the most extreme cases.

SAFETY
B-2
The following decals must be maintained on your Ventrac mower. If any decals are
faded or missing, contact your dealer promptly for replacements.
Decals
ABC
D
E
F
Decal Page &
Location Description Part Number
AE-2,#37 Danger Shield Missing 00.0062
BE-8,#15 Warning Moving Part Hazard 00.0101
CE-8, #3 Danger Pinching Hazard 00.0102
DE-2, #14 Thrown Object Hazard 00.0122
EE-2, #13 Keep Hands and Feet Away 00.0123
FE-2, #39 Ventrac Serial No. Plate N/A

SAFETY
B-3
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Tractors, Attachments, & Accessories
Read and understand the operator’s manual before operating this equipment.
Observe and follow all safety decals.
DO NOT let children or any untrained person operate the tractor or attachment.
Make sure that all operators of this equipment are thoroughly trained in using it
safely.
Never allow additional riders on the tractor or attachments.
DO NOT operate tractor or attachments if you are under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, medication that may impair judgment or cause drowsiness, or if you are not
feeling well.
Operate all controls from the operators seat only.
Before operating equipment, make sure all shields are in place and fastened.
Ensure the attachment or accessory is locked or fastened securely to the tractor
(power unit) before operating. See tractor manual for locking procedure.
Ensure that all bystanders are clear of the tractor and attachment before operating.
Be especially careful and observant if other people are present. Never assume that
bystanders will remain where you last saw them.
Always look in the direction the tractor is moving.
Never direct the discharge of any attachment in the direction of people, animals,
buildings, vehicles, or objects of value.
Immediately stop at any sign of equipment failure and correct the problem before
continuing to operate. An unusual noise can be a warning of equipment failure.
Before adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, or changing parts on the tractor or attachment,
engage the parking brake, lower the attachment to the ground, stop the engine, and
remove the ignition key.
To prevent the risk of uncontrolled equipment movement on tractors equipped with 2
speed axles, always shift the transaxle range with the power unit stationary on level
ground and with the parking brake engaged.
If equipment is to be left unattended, engage the parking brake, lower the attachment
to the ground, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.

SAFETY
B-4
HM600, HM720, and HP720 Safety Procedures
Before mowing, clear the area of stones, sticks, and other foreign objects that can be
thrown by the mower.
Use extra care when mowing around trees, shrubs, and other objects that may block
your vision.
Never mow with the discharge chute flipped up or missing! The hinge feature is
provided only for transport and storage.
Disengage the PTO when you are not mowing.
When mowing on a steep incline, always mow uphill and downhill. Never mow across a
steep incline.
Before making any repairs or adjustments, lower
attachment to the ground, set parking brake, shut
the engine off, and remove the key.
Read and understand the operator’s manual before
operating this equipment.

OPERATION
Operating Instructions
Attaching:
1. Drive the tractor slowly forward into the hitch arms of the mower. Align the lift arms
with the mower hitch arms by raising or lowering the front hitch and complete
the engagement. Note: Mower arms may be too low to engage tractor hitch arms
when mower cutting height is set in a low position. Set cutting height to the highest
position.
2. Once completely engaged, close the front hitch locking lever.*
3. Engage the parking brake and shut off engine.
4. Place attachment belt over the outside groove of the PTO drive pulley on the tractor.
Ensure the belt is properly seated in each pulley.
5. Engage the PTO spring tension lever.*
6. Engage the weight transfer system as desired.*
Note: It is recommended for most mowing operations that the weight transfer system be
fully engaged when using the mower deck. Adjust as required.
Detaching:
1. Park the tractor on a level surface and set the parking brake.
2. Lower the mower to the ground.
3. Shut off tractor engine.
4. Disengage the PTO spring tension lever.*
5. Remove the attachment belt from the PTO drive pulley on the tractor.
6. Disengage the hitch locking lever.*
7. Restart the tractor and slowly back away from the mower.
*Refer to tractor manual for operation of controls.
Operating Techniques and Tips:
Be sure to select or confirm that the mower is set to cut the height that you prefer.
Setting is done by lifting the handle into the catch slot, pulling the handle outward and
moving the mechanism to another position on the adjustment scale. Cutting height
range is approximately 1-3/4 to 4-3/4 inches. After selection has been engaged, release
the handle from the catch slot and return it to a horizontal position. Never adjust cutting
height with PTO engaged.
Operator must be sitting on the tractor seat before the PTO can be engaged. The tractor
engine should be running between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM before engaging the PTO
switch. Near full engine RPM (3,600) is recommended for most mowing. If a good cut
can be maintained and there is sufficient power, reducing the engine speed by 200 or
300 RPM will result in improved fuel economy and reduction in the wear-and-tear on the
equipment.
C-1

OPERATION
C-2
Operating Techniques and Tips (cont.)
Travel to and from the area to be mowed should generally be done with the
mower raised in transport position by the tractor hydraulics. This saves the
wear-and-tear on the mower and needless scuffing and rolling over the various
surfaces between mowing jobs. Moderate speed should be used in transport in
order to maintain control and reduce the shock load from uneven terrain.
Disengage the PTO to prevent air turbulence over dusty surfaces and/or when
traveling over rough terrain.
When mowing, always place the front hitch S.D.L.A. lever in the FLOAT position
by moving it outward to the second position until the detent engages. The lever
will stay in this position after engagement.
Wet or lush grass has some tendency to build up under the deck. Periodic
checking, especially if mowing performance seems to be reduced, will let the
operator know if the deck should be cleaned.
Many operators prefer to mow back and forth in order to create the popular stripe
pattern in the cut grass. The full length roller very effectively rolls the cut grass
in the direction of travel.
Blades should be kept in good condition. Sharp blades will increase
efficiency and improve the quality of cut.
When mowing grass on level to gently rolling terrain, the tractor can be
operated in HIGH range in most conditions. If the grass is tall or mowing
conditions are difficult, use LOW range. When mowing slopes, always
use LOW range with the engine at full throttle.
Be very cautious when mowing slopes. It is
recommended that weight transfer be engaged and
that the front hitch is set in FLOAT position.

OPERATION
C-3
Mulching Kit
The mulching kit consists of 3 baffles, a discharge cover and 10 carriage bolts and nuts.
Kits are HM600—39.55150 and HM720—39.55151 . To install the mulching kit, simply
turn the deck upside down or if mounted on the tractor (with park bake engaged and
ignition key removed), tilt the deck to the servicing position and install the kit according
to the drawing below.
NOTE: 1-The longest baffle goes in the center.
2-The deepest baffle goes to the left (discharge) side.
3-The saw-toothed edges will be facing the ground in mowing
position when installed.
4-Check for blade clearance. The saw-tooth edges should extend
beyond the end of the blade at least 1/4 inch. Slight reshaping of
baffles may be necessary for proper fit.
If the deck has been used, make sure it is clean before installation of parts. Blades do
not have to be removed for the installation but it is important that the blades are sharp
and in good condition. Low lift or mulch blades are recommended for mulching. Install
all parts before tightening the bolts. Once all parts are in place, tighten all ten bolts
(Torque to 14-16 ft/lbs.) A 1/2” box end wrench or socket drive is recommended in
order to tighten the bolts securely.
Mulching procedures may vary greatly due to climate, type of grass and soil conditions.
Some trial and error may prove helpful in getting the best results. In general it is best to
mow frequently and in dry conditions. Leaves are usually cut up and dispersed better
when some grass is cut in the mulching process. Generally a little more power is
required for mulching. When grass is tender, heavy, and/or wet, frequent deck cleaning
may be necessary. After mowing for a few minutes, turn the engine off, raise the deck,
and make a quick check on all ten bolts to assure that they are tight!

MAINTENANCE
D-1
Lubrication
Grease zerks are located as shown below. Apply 2-3 pumps of grease per spindle
approximately every 50 hours of operation. All others bearings—one pump max! Do not
overgrease. In very dirty, sandy, or wet conditions, more frequent greasing may be
advisable.
Removal and Reinstallation of Mower Blades for Sharpening or
Replacement:
Caution: Blades may be sharp, wear heavy gloves when working with blades.
1. Park tractor on a smooth, level surface.
2. Raise deck to the highest position.
3. Set parking brake, shut the engine off, and remove the key.
4. Remove the 2 latch pins, lift the front of the mower deck to a near vertical position
and reinstall the latch pins into the same holes.

MAINTENANCE
D-2
5. To remove each blade, place a short piece of 2 x 4 wood between the end of the
blade and an appropriate structural part of the underside of the deck to prevent
rotation.
6. Loosen the blade bolt counterclockwise and remove the blade for sharpening or
replacement.
7. When reinstalling a blade, the wood block must be placed on the opposite side to
prevent rotation for tightening. Tighten so that blade is firmly held in place. (75-80
ft/lbs) Additional tightening may occur while mowing. This is due to blade rotation.
8. Always install the spindle guard between the bolt head and the bottom of the blade.
This serves as a support washer as well as reducing the potential for bearing
damage from wrapping string or wire.
Deck Belt Replacement:
(HM600 Serial# AA1001-1357) (HM720 Serial# AA1001-1188) (HP720 Serial# AA1001-1066)
If the deck belt is excessively worn or cracked, install a new belt.
This is done most easily with the deck removed from the tractor.
1. Remove the rear lid of the deck.
This is done by raising the lid and sliding it to the right to release hinge pin on the left side.
2. Remove cotter pin from cross-over support in the center of the hitch.
3. Release the belt tension by loosening the idler adjustment rod. (Refer to illustration
below.)

MAINTENANCE
D-3
Deck Belt Replacement (cont.):
4. Remove old belt. Note that one belt loop must surround the left hitch arm. This is the
reason for removing the cotter pin in the crossover support.
5. Install the new B158 belt (Part # 81.B158 for 60”) or B180 belt, (Part #81.B180 for
72” deck) as shown in the diagram below. Begin by placing one belt loop around the
left hitch arm. Place belt into the idler pulley and then the drive pulley. Take the
belt to the right spindle pulley rotating it 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
6. Once around the pulley, follow the diagram to the other pulleys. Note: the “V” shape
of the belt should fit nicely into each pulley.
7. Tension the belt by tightening the idler adjustment rod. Spring coils should be
separated enough to slip a paper clip (approximately 1/32”) between them. Reinstall
cotter pin in crossover support.
Deck Belt Replacement:
(HM600 Serial# AA1358-) (HM720 Serial# AA1189-) (HP720 Serial# AA1067-)
1. Remove the rear lid of the deck.
This is done by raising the lid and sliding it to the right to release hinge pin on the left side.
2. Release the belt tension by loosening the idler adjustment rod. (Refer to illustration
below.)

MAINTENANCE
D-4
Deck Belt Replacement (cont.):
3. Remove the left hitch arm mounting bolt and lift the hitch arm up from the mounting
brackets on the deck.
4. Remove old belt. Note that one belt loop must surround the left hitch arm. This is the
reason for removing the left hitch arm mounting bolt.
5. Install the new B158 belt (Part # 81.B158 for 60”) or B180 belt, (Part #81.B180 for
72” deck) as shown in the diagram below. Begin by placing one belt loop around the
left hitch arm. Place belt into the idler pulley and then the drive pulley. Take the belt
to the right spindle pulley rotating it 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
6. Once around the pulley, follow the diagram to the other pulleys. Note: the “V” shape
of the belt should fit nicely into each pulley.
7. Reinstall the left hitch arm.
8. Tension the belt by tightening the idler adjustment rod. Spring coils should be
separated enough to slip a paper clip (approximately 1/32”) between them.
PTO Drive Belt Replacement:
Remove mower from tractor. Remove pulley cover and place new belt B45
(Part #81.B045) over pulley and left hitch arm. Reinstall cover.
Mower Tire Pressure:
Mower tire inflation pressure should be maintained at 8-10 psi. Pressure variables are
one cause for an uneven cut.
Deck Leveling Procedure:
(Check for bent blades before making adjustments)
1. Before making any deck leveling adjustments, check pressure in both mower tires.
Inflate or deflate to 8-10 psi.
2. Set mower on a level hard surface. Select a high cutting height position with enough
distance from floor surface to bottom side of blade for measuring.

MAINTENANCE
D-5
Deck Leveling Procedure (cont.):
3. Go to one side of the deck. Turn blade so that the tip is at the back of the deck.
Measure the distance from the floor to the blade.
4. Move to the other side. Turn that blade tip to the back of the deck. If this
measurement is different from the first, adjust the threaded rod linkage directly
above on the top side of the deck until the measurement is the same as the first
side.
5. Once the deck has been leveled side to side, rotate the same tip of the blade to the
front and measure. The distance to the floor should be the same or slightly less
than (not to exceed 1/8”) the rear measurement. Front adjustment is made by
loosening the cross bolts in the frame that extends toward each front tire. The bolts
are in slotted holes. Moving them forward lowers the deck. Moving them toward
the rear raises the deck.
Note: Slight movement of the bolt in the front carrier slots will make a significant
difference in the front deck height.
Seasonal Storage:
Before the mower is stored, thoroughly clean both the underside of the deck and any
accumulated clippings or debris on the top side.
Sharpening Blades:
It is recommended that blades be sharpened and balanced by a professional. Maintain
balance, same bevel, and length of sharpened surface.

PARTS
MANUAL
HM600/HM720/HP720

PARTS
E-1
FIGURE 1
ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
DECK PARTS
(HM600 SER# AA1001-AA1262) (HM720 SER# AA1001-AA1134) (HP720 SER# AA1001-AA1025)