Specifications

© 2002 Alamo Group Inc.
Parts Section -143
Triumph Sickle Bar (Archive Book) 10/02
OPERATIONS
KNIFE SPEED:
All current model Triumph mowers are equipped with an overspeed control governor which regulates
the flow of oil to the motor and provides a constant knife speed regardless of tractor engine RPM. The
operator may select the engine RPM and transmission gear range to suit mowing conditions without
affecting the knife speed. Tractor-loader-mower combinations and mowers powered from the
tractor's built in pump must be operated at an engine RPM sufficient for the tractor or loader pump to
produce a flow of 8 GPM minimum .
TRACTOR MOWING SPEED:
The best mowing speeds are usualy between 1-3 MPH. Conditions will vary with the material being
cut and the terrain, but select a speed producing the desired result and try to maintain that speed. If
too much material falls on the cutterbar, increase the speed slightly. If grass is being torn out, slow
down to allow the knife time to cut clean. If the cutterbar breaks back frequently when cutting heavy
dead grass, brush, or vines, slow down to allow the knife time to cut clear and clean.
CUTTER BAR BREAK-BACK: (Break-A-Way)
Never allow the tractor to roll back with the rear edge of the cutterbar against an obstruction; severe
damage to the carriage will result and lead angle will be destroyed. When the cutterbar strikes an
obstruction while traveling forward, it will break back against the return spring on 250-8500 models or
release the safety latch on 3500 models. The cutter bar will return automatically to cutting position on
2500-8500 models and will have to be re-latched on 3500 models. Refer to Page #17 and Figures #12
& #13.
IMPORTANT:
Do not slide the cutter bar past the obstruciton. If necessary, back up, adjust the bar to clear the
obstacle and proceed with mowing. If the cutter bar assembly is allowed to repeatedly "slam" back
into a work position (perpendicular to the tractor centerline) the tractor and the cutter assembly may
become damaged. If the knife jams or stalls on a cable, heavy brush or other debris, it can most often
be cleared by moving the Control #3 to the off (center) or reverse position. If you are unable to clear
unit in this manner, you may have to clear it by hand. Make certain that Control #3 is in the off (center)
position and the engine is shut down before clearing by hand. Refer to Valve Operation for more
detail. For John Deere closed center system, bleed off accumulator pressure before working on
mower! Refer to decal on tractor and tractor operating instructions.
WARNING:
DON'T LOSE YOUR FINGERS NEVER TOUCH THE KNIFE OR CUTTERBAR WITH THE VALVE
TURNED ON or THE ENGINE RUNNING ON TRACTOR: IT MAY START UP SUDDENLY WHEN
YOU LEAST EXPECT IT!
TURNING CORNERS:
Triumph mowers will cut neat, square corners. It is seldom necessary to raise the cutterbar at
corners. Turn quickly when near the end of cut using brake to pivot right-hand wheel of tractor when
making turns to the right. When turning corners to the left, run tractor in low gear. The cutterbar
swings around faster when turning in this direction and increases the possibility of striking an
unnoticed post or some other obstacle. Be very careful when working on hillsides. Move slowly over
rough terrain. Avoid sharp turns on steep slopes. Adjust speed to the conditions of the terrain. Watch
out for rocks, stumps, soft edges, deep holes, electrical lines, and low overhead clearances. When
mowing a ditch, the tip of the cutting bar is in the ditch. When you want to come out, be sure to turn out
of the ditch never into the ditch.