tractor types & trimax mowers
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All Trimax machines must be used in conjunction with a tractor of some kind. Standard agricultural-type tractors make ideal power units for mowers. They are generally cheap to run, robust, durable and outstandingly versatile. Because most have standardised mounting and power-take-off systems, a tractor normally used for mowing can quickly be disconnected and used for towing a trailer, or be fitted with a grader blade, for instance. If it is ever out of service, the same implements can be connected to any other tractor of approximately similar size. Most modern tractors can travel quickly on the road, thus eliminating the need for extra transport vehicles. This versatility is a powerful reason for choosing a tractor-mounted mower over a self-propelled type.
The following notes list the features required for tractors used with different Trimax machines. If some of the following terms are unfamiliar to you, your tractor dealer will be able to explain them in more detail.
linkage-mounted models
Stealth, ProCut, Striker, Warlord and Ezeemow
- A standard tractor with a Category 1 or 2 three-point linkage and a power take-off (PTO) with a 1-3/8” 6-spline shaft that rotates at 540rpm in a clockwise direction when viewed from behind the tractor is required. The Stealth also requires at least one double-acting auxiliary hydraulic outlet.
trailed models
- Requires a tractor with a standard tow hitch and a power take-off (PTO) with a 1 3/8” 6-spline shaft that rotates at 540rpm in a clockwise direction when viewed from behind the tractor. At least one single-acting hydraulic outlet is required for the PegasusS3
front mount models
- FlailDekFX models require specialist out-front tractors from proprietary manufacturers. Unlike standard agricultural-type tractors, all out-front tractors differ from each other. Consequently the mower decks are tractor-specific and must be configured to fit and operate correctly. Suitable tractor models include:
- Iseki (SF300, SF330, SF333)
- John Deere (1435, 1445, 1565)
- Kubota (F2560, F3060, F3560, F2680E, F3080, F3680)
- New Holland (MC28, MC35)
- Shibaura (CM284, CM364)
- Hustler (3500, 3700)
- The Stealth Front-Mount requires a tractor with a front three-point linkage and power take-off (PTO). Various “standard” tractors have front linkage and PTO setups available as options, while several third parties supply after-market kits. Although they may have suitable front linkages, standard tractors have the steering wheels at the front which means a front-mounted mower spends a lot of time going sideways every time the tractor turns. This is not ideal as the mower prefers to run straight ahead, making the tractor wheels slide instead and causing considerable damage to the turf. This is particularly evident with tight turns on soft ground. The smaller, narrower front wheels and the fact that the weight of the mower is at the same end of the tractor as the heavy engine exacerbates this.
The most suitable tractors are the purpose-built slope-mowing tractors where the driver sits beside the engine (eg Aebi or Metrac Reform, etc), or fully reversible tractors which usually have four equally-sized wheels and often steer by hinging in the centre (known as “pivot-steer”). Fully reversible tractors typically have the driver’s seat and all controls fitted to a turntable that can be rotated 180 degrees to allow operation in either direction. This means a front-mounted mower is attached in the “normal” rear-mounted position with a standard three-point linkage and PTO set-up. Reversible tractors are manufactured by Antonio Carraro, Ferrari, Valpadana, Landini and others.
Particularly with front linkages on standard tractors the PTO may rotate at different speeds or directions from standard. The Stealth Front-Mount can be supplied to suit 540 or 1,000rpm in either direction, while the driveshaft supplied will suit only 1-3/8” x 6-spline PTO shafts. PTO speed and direction must be confirmed at the time of ordering.
