Ventrac MJ840 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Contour Mower
VENTRAC.COM
Revised 07/29/22
09.10055 Rev. 19
Original Operator’s Manual
MJ840

2
To the Owner

If you need to contact an authorized Ventrac dealer for information on servicing your product, al-
ways provide the product model and serial numbers.
Please ll in the following information for future reference. See the picture(s) below to nd the loca-
tion of the identication numbers. Record them in the spaces provided.
Date of Purchase:
Dealer:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone Number:
Dealer Fax Number:
Model # (A): __________________________________
Serial # (B):____________________________________

Venture Products Inc. reserves the right to make chang-
es in design or specications without obligation to make
like changes on previously manufactured products.
500 Venture Drive
Orrville Oh 44667

View all manuals
Visit ventrac.com/manuals for the
latest version of this operator’s
manual.
A downloadable parts manual is also
available.
A
B

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
 
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Why Do I Need an Operator’s Manual? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using Your Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Manual Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
 
General Safety Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Training Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Operation Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keep Riders O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operating On Slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Roadway Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Truck Or Trailer Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fuel Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Hydraulic Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cutting Unit Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
 
Deck Pivot Latch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Primary SDLA Control Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Secondary SDLA Control Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
 
Daily Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Attaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Detaching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Operating Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transport of the Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cutting Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Outer Carrier Wheel Path Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Anti-Scalp Roller Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mulching Kit (Optional Accessory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
 
Cleaning and General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Deck Flip Up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mower Blade Inspection/Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mower Blade Sharpening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Belt Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Attachment Drive Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Gearbox Drive Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Center Deck Belt Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Left Deck Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Right Deck Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Drive Belt Tension Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lubrication Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Checking the Gearbox Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Changing the Gearbox Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Deck Leveling Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Maintenance Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
 
Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
 

Introduction - 5
INTRODUCTION
Accessories Item Description Part Number
MJ840 Mulching Kit 70.8087
Product Description
The MJ840 is designed for the sole purpose of nish mowing. The MJ840 features a 211 cm (83 inch) cutting
width with full rear rollers for even cutting and striping, rear discharge, and a ip-up deck design. The MJ840
features three independently oating decks that follow the contour of the terrain with up to 40 degrees of mo-
tion for each side deck.
Why Do I Need an Operator’s Manual?
This manual has been created to help you gain the important knowledge of what is needed to safely operate,
maintain, and service your machine. It is divided into sections for convenient reference of the appropriate sec-
tion.
You must read and understand the operator’s manual for each piece of Ventrac equipment you own. Reading
the operator’s manual will help you become familiar with each specic piece of equipment. Understanding
the operator’s manual will help you, as well as others, avoid personal injury and/or damage to the equipment.
Keep this manual with the machine at all times. The manual should remain with the machine even if it is sold.
If this manual becomes damaged or unreadable, it should be replaced immediately. Contact your local Ventrac
dealer for a replacement.
When using a Ventrac attachment, be sure to read and follow the safety and operating instructions of both the
power unit and the attachment being used to ensure the safest operation possible.
The information in this manual provides the operator with the safest procedures to operate the machine while
getting the maximum use out of the unit. Failure to follow the safety precautions listed in this manual may
result in personal injury and/or damage to the equipment.
Venture Products Inc. is pleased to provide you with your new
Ventrac contour mower! We hope that Ventrac equipment will
provide you with a ONE Tractor Solution.
Please visit our website, or contact your authorized Ventrac
dealer for a complete list of items available for your new contour
mower.

INTRODUCTION
Introduction - 6
Using Your Manual
Throughout this manual, you will encounter special
messages and symbols that identify potential safety
concerns to help you as well as others avoid personal
injury or damage to the equipment.
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
ATTENTION
This symbol identies potential health and
safety hazards. It marks safety precautions.
Your safety and the safety of others is involved.
There are three signal words that describe the level of
safety concern: Danger, Warning, and Caution. Safety
should always be the rst priority when working on
or operating equipment. Accidents are more likely to
occur when proper operating procedures are not fol-
lowed or inexperienced operators are involved.
Note: Right-Hand and Left-Hand orientations may be
referred to at dierent places throughout this manual.
Right-Hand and Left-Hand is determined as if facing
forward from the operator station.
SIGNAL WORD DEFINITIONS
DANGER
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.
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/or property damage. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
Manual Glossary
Power Unit A Ventrac tractor or other Ventrac engine powered device that may be operated by itself or with
an attachment or accessory.
Attachment A piece of Ventrac equipment that requires a Power Unit for operation.
Accessory A device that attaches to a Power Unit or Attachment to extend its capabilities.
Machine Describes any “Attachment” or “Accessory” that is used in conjunction with a power unit.

Safety - 7
SAFETY
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Power Units, Attachments, & Accessories
Training Required
• The owner of this machine is solely responsible for properly training the operators.
• The owner/operator is solely responsible for the operation of this machine and for the prevention of ac-
cidents or injuries occurring to him/herself, other people, or property.
• Do not allow operation or service by children or untrained personnel. Local regulations may restrict the
age of the operator.
• Before operating this machine, read the operator’s manual and understand its contents.
• If the operator of the machine cannot understand this manual, then it is the responsibility of this machine’s
owner to fully explain the material within this manual to the operator.
• Learn and understand the use of all the controls.
• Know how to stop the power unit and the attachments quickly in the event of an emergency.
Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• The owner is responsible for ensuring that all the operators use the proper PPE while operating the ma-
chine. Whenever you use the machine, use the following PPE:
• Certied eye protection and hearing protection.
• Closed toe, slip resistant footwear.
• Long pants or trousers.
• A dust mask for dusty conditions.
• Additional PPE may be required. Refer to the product safety procedures for any additional requirements.
Operation Safety
• Secure long hair and loose clothing. Do not wear jewelry.
• Inspect the machine before operation. Repair or replace any damaged, worn, or missing parts. Be sure the
guards and shields are in proper working condition and are secured in place. Make any necessary adjust-
ments before operating the machine.
• Some pictures in this manual may show shields or covers opened or removed in order to clearly illustrate the
instructions. Under no circumstance should the machine be operated without these devices in place.
• Alterations or modications to this machine can reduce safety and could cause damage to the machine. Do
not alter the safety devices or operate with the shields or covers removed.
• Before each use, verify that all the controls function properly and inspect all the safety devices. Do not op-
erate if the controls or safety devices are not in proper working condition.
• Check the parking brake function before operating. Repair or adjust the parking brake if necessary.
• Observe and follow all of the safety decals.
• All the controls are to be operated from the operator’s station only.

SAFETY
Safety - 8
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Power Units, Attachments, & Accessories
• Always wear a seat belt if the machine has a roll cage/bar installed and in the upright position.
• Ensure the attachment or accessory is locked or fastened securely to the power unit before operating.
• Ensure that all bystanders are clear of the power unit and the attachment before operating. Stop the ma-
chine if someone enters your work area.
• Always be alert to what is happening around you, but do not lose focus on the task you are performing.
Always look in the direction the machine is moving.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.
• If you hit an object, stop and inspect the machine. Make any necessary repairs before operating the ma-
chine again.
• Stop operation immediately at any sign of equipment failure. An unusual noise can be a warning of equipment
failure or a sign that maintenance is required. Make any necessary repairs before operating the machine again.
• If equipped with a high/low range feature, never shift between high and low range while on a slope. Always
move the machine to level ground and engage the parking brake before shifting range.
• Do not leave the machine unattended while it is running.
• Always park the machine on level ground.
• Always shut o the engine when connecting the attachment drive belt to the power unit.
• Never leave the operator’s station without lowering the attachment to the ground, engaging the parking
brake, shutting o the engine, and removing the ignition key. Make sure all moving parts have come to a
complete stop before dismounting.
• Never leave the machine unattended without lowering the attachment to the ground, engaging the park-
ing brake, shutting o the engine, and removing the ignition key.
• Only operate in well-lit conditions.
• Do not operate when there is a risk of lightning.
• Never direct the discharge of any attachment in the direction of people, buildings, animals, vehicles, or
other objects of value.
• Never discharge material against a wall or obstruction. The material may ricochet back toward the operator.
• Use extra caution when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your vi-
sion.
• Do not run the engine in a building without adequate ventilation.
• Do not touch the engine or the muer while the engine is running or immediately after stopping the en-
gine. These areas may be hot enough to cause a burn.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speeds may increase the hazard of personal injury.
• To reduce the hazard of re, keep the battery compartment, engine, and muer areas free of grass, leaves,
excessive grease, and other ammable materials.
• Clear the working area of objects that might be hit or thrown from the machine.

SAFETY
Safety - 9
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Power Units, Attachments, & Accessories
• Keep people and pets out of the working area.
• Know the work area well before operation. Do not operate where traction or stability is questionable.
• Reduce speed when you are operating over rough ground.
• Equipment can cause serious injury and/or death when improperly used. Before operating, know and un-
derstand the operation and safety of the power unit and the attachment being used.
• Do not operate the machine if you are not in good physical and mental health, if you will be distracted by
personal devices, or if you are under the inuence of any substance which might impair your decisions,
dexterity, or judgment.
• Children are attracted to machine activity. Be aware of children and do not allow them in the work area.
Turn o the machine if a child enters the work area.

• Only allow the operator on the power unit. Keep riders o.
• Never allow riders on any attachment or accessory.
Operating On Slopes
• Slopes can cause loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Be familiar
with the emergency parking brake, along with the power unit controls and their functions.
• If the power unit is equipped with a fold down roll bar, it must be locked in the upright position when operating
on any slope.
• Use low range (if equipped) when operating on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when operating on slopes.
• Never shift between high and low range while on a slope. Always move the power unit to level ground and
engage the parking brake before shifting range or placing the power unit in neutral.
• Variables such as wet surfaces and loose ground will reduce the degree of safety. Do not drive where the
machine could lose traction or tip over.
• Keep alert for hidden hazards in the terrain.
• Stay away from drop-os, ditches, and embankments.
• Sharp turns should be avoided when operating on slopes.
• Pulling loads on hills decreases safety. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to determine loads that
can safely be controlled on slopes.
• Transport the machine with the attachment lowered or close to the ground to improve stability.
• While operating on slopes, drive in an up and down direction whenever possible. If turning is necessary
while driving across slopes, reduce your speed and turn slowly in the downhill direction.
• Ensure a sucient supply of fuel for continuous operation. A minimum of one-half tank of fuel is recommended.

SAFETY
Safety - 10
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Power Units, Attachments, & Accessories
Roadway Safety
• Operate with safety lights when operating on or near roadways.
• Obey all state and local laws concerning operation on roadways.
• Slow down and be careful of trac when operating near or crossing roadways. Stop before crossing roads
or sidewalks. Use care when approaching areas or objects that may obscure vision.
• If there is any doubt of safety conditions, discontinue the machine operation until a time when the opera-
tion can be performed safely.
• When operating near or on roadways, have a Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem clearly displayed.
Truck Or Trailer Transport
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a truck or trailer.
• Use full width ramps for loading the machine into a truck or trailer.
• The parking brake is not sucient to lock the machine during transport. Always secure the power unit and/
or attachment to the transporting vehicle securely using straps, chains, cables, or ropes. Both the front and
rear straps should be directed down and outward from the machine.
• Shut o the fuel supply to the power unit during transport on a truck or trailer.
• If equipped, turn the battery disconnect switch to the O position to shut o electrical power.
Maintenance
• Keep the safety decals legible. Remove all grease, dirt, and debris from the safety decals and instructional labels.
• If any decals are faded, illegible, or missing, contact your dealer promptly for replacements.
• When new components are installed, be sure that the current safety decals are axed to the replacement
components.
• If any component requires replacement, use only original Ventrac replacement parts.
• Always turn the battery disconnect to the O position or disconnect the battery before performing any re-
pairs. Disconnect the negative terminal rst and the positive terminal last. Reconnect the positive terminal
rst and the negative terminal last.
• Keep all bolts, nuts, screws, and other fasteners properly tightened.
• Always lower the attachment to the ground, engage the parking brake, shut o the engine, and remove the
ignition key. Make sure all moving parts have come to a complete stop before cleaning, inspecting, adjust-
ing, or repairing.
• If the power unit, attachment, or accessory requires repairs or adjustments not instructed in the operator’s
manual, the power unit, attachment, or accessory must be taken to an authorized Ventrac dealer for service.
• Never perform maintenance on the power unit and/or attachment if someone is in the operator’s station.
• Always use protective glasses when handling the battery.