Today, we’re going to show you how to set up a flex-wing grooming mower for a smooth, even cut.
If you have a large property with a lawn or any other large area of grass you want to look sharp, then a flex-wing grooming mower is the choice for you. For this project, we’ll be using a John Deere 4066R Compact Utility Tractor (US CA) and a Frontier FM4012 Flex-Wing Grooming Mower (US CA). It has a working width of 12 feet (3.7 m), which is the kind of working width you want for maintaining a large lawn like the one we’ll be working on.
Any very large grassy area like that is bound to have some undulations in it. That’s why this Flex-Wing Grooming Mower is perfect for the job. Each wing deck will flex up and down individually, almost eliminating the risk of scalping any higher spots, or missing the cut for any lower spots.
Okay. Here’s how to set up a flex-wind grooming mower for that smooth, even cut.
First, make sure the tire pressure is equal in both transport tires. This model is outfitted with heavy duty trailer tires that call for 70 psi (482.63 kPa) in each. Then inspect all cutting blades making sure they’re all sharp.
Step 2 is to set the mower’s hitch height to match your tractor’s drawbar.
To adjust the hitch height, remove the hitch assembly from the trailer frame and raise it to the correct height using the hitch jack. Then reattach the hitch assembly, as well as the safety chain, to the frame. Make any final adjustment needed using the hitch jack, and you’re ready to proceed.
We specked our 4066R Compact Utility Tractor with the Hitch Assist feature. The control located on the left rear fender allows the operator to back up the tractor very slowly while outside the cab so you can match the pin hole on the mower’s hitch with the drawbar pin hole. Then you can easily insert the hitch pin and secure it with the locking pin. Doesn’t get any easier than that.
To finish hook up, attache the mower’s PTO shaft. Secure the safety chain. Lower the trailer frame using the hitch jack. Removes the jack, return it to its storage position, and secure it in place with its locking pin.
Next up, lubricate all the grease points on the mower so each component will flex correctly. Those points look like little metal nipples and are called grease zerks. You see them on tractors, too. Just attach a grease gun to the zerk and squeeze the handle.
Now, time to adjust the cutting height on the caster wheels. Each caster wheel has 3, 1-inch (2.54 cm) spacers and 1, ½-inch (1.27 cm) spacer, allowing you to set the cutting height from 1 to 4 ½ inches (2.54 – 11.43 cm).
First, remove the locking pin and the spacers above the caster arm and remove the caster wheel. Then place 1, 1-inch (2.54 cm) spacer and 1, ½-inch (1.27 cm) spacer below the caster arm. Return the wheel to its position, replace the 2, 1-inch (2.54 cm) spacers above the caster arm, and secure it all with the locking pin. Then he repeat the process on the remaining 11 caster wheels.
To check your work, use a John Deere blade leveling tool to make sure the height on each cutting unit is set at your preferred height.
Finally, connect the hydraulic hose to a hydraulic port on the tractor, attach the electric cable, and you’re ready to go.
Follow each of these steps to set up this Frontier Flex-Wing Grooming Mower before mowing your large lawn and you’ll have the smooth, even cut you’re looking for every time.
Don’t forget, always read the Operator’s Manual before storing or operating any piece of equipment and follow all operating and safety instructions.
And remember, if you’re looking for equipment that’s built to get the job done season after season, year after year, you’ll find it – and all kinds of advice on how to use it – every day at your John Deere dealer.
Helpful Links:
Frontier Grooming Mowers (US CA)
John Deere Utility Tractors (US CA)
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