JOHN DEERE 56 (01) PDF Document

Improper use of the tractor and blade can result in injury. To reduce this possibility, give complete and undivided attention to the job at hand, and follow these safety precautions:

1. Know your controls. Read this operator’s manual and the manual provided with your tractor. Learn how to stop the tractor, engine, and equipment quickly in an emergency.
2. Do not allow children to operate machine; nor adults to operate it without proper instructions.
3. Keep children and pets a safe distance away.
4. Never refuel your tractor when the engine is running. Never smoke while filling the fuel tank. Use a safe gasoline container. Fill tank out of doors and wipe up spilled gasoline. Replace gas cap securely.
5. Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing when operating tractor. Loose jackets, shirts, sleeves or other loose clothing should not be worn because of the danger of catching them in moving parts or controls.
6. Start the engine carefully. Keep feet and hands well away from the blade.
7. Do not over-speed the engine or alter governor settings. Excessive speed is dangerous. It shortens tractor life too.
8. Never permit any person other than the operator to ride or board the tractor at any time.
9. Never allow anyone near machine while it is in operation.
10. Be careful on hillsides and turns. The rate of tractor travel on hillsides and turns should be such that there is no danger of tipping. Be careful to prevent your tractor from tipping sideways if it strikes a hole, ditch, or other irregularity, especially when operating on hillsides. Don’t start or stop suddenly when going uphill or downhill.
11. Always drive slowly over rough ground. Drive at speeds slow enough to insure your safety. Know what is behind you before backing up.
12. Never use the blade for a battering ram.
13. Avoid operating at high speeds especially while digging, when the blade “float” position and spring trip features are locked out. Striking a solid object at high speeds can damage blade and injure the operator.
14. Stop the tractor after striking a solid object: Inspect the tractor and blade for damage and make necessary repairs prior to restarting and operating.
15. Before dismounting from tractor, slowly move the hydrostatic control lever to neutral to stop ground travel, lower the blade, stop engine, and set parking brake. Always shut off engine and remove ignition key before leaving tractor.
16. Prevent accidental operation of the starter or engine. Always remove ignition key whenever working on the electrical system. Also do this when making adjustments to the engine or other moving parts.
17. After operating the tractor or engine, never touch engine parts until they have had sufficient time to cool.
18. Always keep positive battery post covered with rubber boot on end of cable.
19. Never operate the tractor engine in a closed building where carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
20. Always maintain the tractor and equipment properly. Check all fasteners, guards, and parts frequently. Built-in safety features are effective only if maintained.

Right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) references are determined by standing at the rear of the tractor or blade and facing the forward direction of travel.

This safety alert symbol identifies important safety messages in this manual. When you see this symbol, be alert to the possibility of personal injury, and carefully read the message that follows.

The serial number is shown on the blade name plate.

The tools illustrated below are recommended to assemble and adjust your JOHN DEERE 56 Front Blade:

The FRONT BLADE COMPONENTS are:

1. Position blade frame support between blade attaching brackets. Align holes in support and brackets and insert the 3/4 x 5-1/2-inch cap screw from bag of parts through holes.

2. Tip blade on end and install two 3/4-inch hex. nuts from bag of parts on 3/4 x 5-1/2-inch cap screw. IMPORTANT: Tighten first hex. nut on cap screw snug. Then tighten both hex. nuts together to 150 ft-lbs (203.4 Nm) torque. If a torque wrench is not available, use two 1-1/8-inch box-end wrenches and tighten nuts together as tight as you can.

1. Remove one cotter pin from pivot pin in mounting bracket. Drive pivot pin out of mounting bracket.

2. Attach mounting bracket to blade frame support with pivot pin and cotter pin removed in Step 1 above.

1. Position blade in front of tractor. Pull out on spring-loaded pins and lock them in the extracted position.

2. Lift up on blade mounting bracket. Place lugs on mounting bracket into slots in tractor mounting frame brackets.

3. Pivot mounting bracket back and release spring-loaded pins to lock mounting bracket to tractor. IMPORTANT: Check to be sure spring-loaded pins protrude through holes in tractor mounting brackets so blade mounting bracket is securely locked to tractor.

NOTE: Move hydraulic control levers on tractor back and forth several times after tractor engine is stopped to relieve pressure in hydraulic system. This will make it easier to attach front blade hydraulic hoses to tractor hydraulic couplers.

1. Remove dust caps and dust plugs from hydraulic cylinder hoses and tractor hydraulic couplers. Plug dust plugs into dust caps to keep them clean.

2. Connect hydraulic hose from ram end of lift cylinder to outer right-hand coupler on tractor. NOTE: To connect hydraulic hose, slide coupler sleeve on tractor outlet rearward and insert fitting on hose into coupler. Release coupler sleeve to lock hose to coupler.

3. Connect hydraulic hose from base end of lift cylinder to inner right-hand coupler on tractor.

4. Connect hydraulic hose from ram end of angling cylinder to inner left-hand coupler on tractor.

5. Connect hydraulic hose from base end of angling cylinder to outer left-hand coupler on tractor. NOTE: The hydraulic hoses must be connected correctly to the couplers on the tractor to permit the hydraulic control levers on the tractor to operate the blade as described on page 12.

CAUTION: Keep hands and fingers away from the hydraulic cylinders or moving parts at all times. Never allow anyone to attach cylinders when tractor engine is running. Shut off tractor engine before attaching hydraulic cylinders.

1. Start tractor engine and slowly, carefully move the center hydraulic control lever forward until the hole in ram end of lift cylinder is aligned with hole in attaching bracket.

2. Move the outer hydraulic control lever forward until the hole in ram end of angling cylinder is aligned with hole in attaching bracket. Shut off engine.

3. Attach ram end of lift cylinder to attaching bracket with a 1/2 x 2-1/4-inch cap screw and 1/2-inch lock nut from bag of parts.

4. Attach ram end of angling cylinder to attaching bracket with a 1/2 x 3-inch cap screw and 1/2-inch lock nut from bag of parts.

Skid shoes (A) can be adjusted to eight positions in increments of 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) and one increment of 1/2 inch (12.70 mm).

Lower the skid shoes to raise the blade. This prevents the blade edge from riding too heavily on the surface and prevents gouging holes when clearing or leveling an area. When digging, raise the skid shoes to lower the blade. This permits the blade edge to penetrate.

To adjust skid shoes (A), remove spring locking pin from drilled pin (B) and move skid shoes up or down as desired. Insert drilled pin (B) in desired set of holes and secure it with spring locking pin.

NOTE: Be sure skid shoe on each side of the blade is set for equal height.

When blade rigidity is required for digging, remove the drilled pivot pin (A) from the upper hole (C) in the lift cylinder bracket. Place pivot pin (A) in lower hole (B) as shown above. Push latch pin (D) in and turn handle down as shown above to lock out spring-trip action.

CAUTION: When the pivot pin (A) is in the lower hole (B) and the latch pin (D) is in the latched position shown above, the entire front blade becomes a rigid mounting on the tractor. Therefore, drive cautiously at a very slow ground travel speed, especially when moving into or down hillsides. Always place the tractor center hydraulic control lever completely forward in the “float” position when operating the blade in the rigid position.

When clearing or leveling an area, adjust the blade so it can raise and lower over uneven surfaces or spring forward when striking large stones, stakes, etc.

To adjust, remove pivot pin (A) from lower hole (B) and place it in upper hole (C). Turn latch pin (D) up and pull outward to position shown above.

Additional blade floating action may be obtained by moving the center hydraulic control lever on the tractor completely forward to the “float” position. The “float” position is useful when leveling an area and backing the tractor in reverse.

Before operating blade, be sure to inflate tractor tires equally. Inflate both front tractor tires to 12 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) or 82 kilopascals (kPa). Inflate both rear tractor tires to 5 to 10 psi (34 to 69 kPa) depending on operating conditions. Use a low pressure tire gauge to check inflation.

NOTE: If tractor tires contain liquid ballast (calcium chloride solution), use a special air-water tire gauge to check inflation pressure. Tire gauges are available from your John Deere dealer.

The controls are identified as follows:

IMPORTANT: Safety switches on the tractor prevent the engine from being started when the PTO clutch lever (F) and hydrostatic control lever (E) are engaged. Place the hydrostatic control lever (E) in the “N” (neutral) position and disengage the PTO clutch lever (F) by moving it rearward before attempting to start tractor engine. All tractor information is in the 400 Tractor Operator’s Manual.

Use the throttle lever (A) to control engine speed. Always select a safe engine speed when operating the tractor with the front blade.

The center hydraulic control lever (B) is used to raise and lower the front blade. Move the lever forward to lower the blade. Move the lever rearward to raise the blade.

Push the center hydraulic control lever (B) fully forward to permit the blade to “float” in the lowered position. The lever will remain in the float position until it is moved manually to neutral or raise positions.

The float position is useful when leveling or clearing an area as well as cleaning snow from sidewalks and driveways. When using the blade for landscape leveling, move the lever to float position and back the tractor in reverse. The float position permits the blade to follow irregular ground contours.

The outer hydraulic control lever (C) is used to angle the blade to the left or to the right. The blade can be angled from straight forward to 30 degrees right or left. Move the lever forward to angle the blade to the right. Move the lever rearward to angle the blade to the left. Release the lever when the blade reaches the desired angle.

The two-speed axle shift lever (D) must always be in the “LOW” speed range position when operating the front blade.

The hydrostatic control lever (E) is used to vary the ground travel speed.

CAUTION: Select a safe ground travel speed when operating the front blade. Be sure tractor two-speed axle is in the “LOW” speed-range position. Regulate ground travel speed with the hydrostatic control lever.

1. Shift the hydrostatic control lever into the “N” (neutral) position.

2. Place two-speed rear axle shift lever into “LOW” speed range position.

3. Raise throttle lever slightly upward in slot.

4. Turn ignition key to start tractor engine.

5. Raise front blade to transport position by moving the center hydraulic control lever rearward.

6. Depress both brake pedals. Keep pedals depressed and move parking brake knob to upper slot to release parking brake. Release brake pedals.

7. Move hydrostatic control lever partially forward, moving at a slow ground travel speed to the blading area.

8. Move the tractor throttle lever up in slot to increase engine speed.

9. When blading area is reached, move center hydraulic control lever forward to lower front blade to operating position.

10. Move outer hydraulic control lever forward to angle the front blade to the right; rearward to angle the blade to the left.

CAUTION: Do not use the front blade as a battering ram. Operate the front blade at a slow ground travel speed when clearing obstacles, digging, or traveling from one area to another. Avoid operating at high speeds, especially while digging, when the blade is locked in the rigid position. Striking a solid object at high speeds can damage the blade and injure the operator. Be sure the front blade is properly adjusted as explained on pages 10 and 11 for your particular operating condition.

CAUTION:

1. Unlock spring trip except for heavy, slow speed digging and grading.
2. On tractors with hydraulic down pressure, operate with blade in float position except for slow-speed digging.
3. Use rubber scraper blade for safer high speed operation.

CAUTION: Always lower the front blade to the surface level before stopping the tractor engine. Move the hydrostatic control lever to “N” (neutral) position. Stop tractor engine and remove ignition key to prevent unauthorized operation.

1. Move hydrostatic control lever to “N” (neutral) position.

2. Reduce engine speed by moving throttle lever to bottom of slot.

3. Move center hydraulic control lever forward to lower front blade to ground level for operator safety and to relieve weight from the hydraulic system.

4. Depress both brake pedals and move parking brake knob to left and lower into slot. Brake pedals will remain depressed.

5. Turn ignition key to “OFF” position to stop engine. Remove ignition key.

6. Move hydraulic control levers back and forth several times to relieve pressure in the hydraulic system.

CAUTION: During operation, if obstructions are hit or an emergency situation arises: STOP all movement simultaneously move hydrostatic control lever to “N” (neutral) position and apply both brake pedals. Shut off tractor engine. Remove ignition key. Repair damage prior to resuming operation.

1. Be sure to adjust the blade skid shoes for desired blade edge penetration as explained on page 10.
2. A slower ground travel speed will permit the blade to penetrate better.
3. When clearing driveways of snow or performing leveling operations, place the center hydraulic control lever on the tractor in the “float” position as explained on page 12. This will permit the blade to float over uneven surfaces and prevent possible damage to the blade as well as injury to the operator.
4. Always place blade latch pin in the unlatched position when operating in unfamiliar areas which might contain large stones or other obstructions. This will permit the blade to spring forward preventing possible operator injury or blade damage. Operate at a slow ground travel speed in unfamiliar areas.
5. When clearing large amounts of material from an area, angle the blade by moving the outer hydraulic control lever forward or rearward as explained on page 12. This will decrease the amount of power required to move the material and help to prevent tractor rear wheel slippage.
6. Always maintain proper engine speed. The tractor engine is air-cooled. Don’t lug the engine down because this can cause possible engine overheating and damage to the engine. Control ground travel speed by moving the hydrostatic control lever.

If you have problems with your blade, refer to the Trouble Shooting Chart on page 15.

The cause is pressure in the hydraulic system. Relieve pressure in tractor hydraulic system by moving hydraulic control levers back and forth several times after tractor engine has stopped.

The cause is hydraulic hoses not connected to tractor couplers correctly. Connect hydraulic hoses correctly, page 7.

The cause is hydraulic hoses not connected to tractor couplers correctly. Connect hydraulic hoses correctly, page 7.

The cause is an uneven operating surface. Install extra equipment rubber squeegee, page 9.

The cause is not enough traction. Install wheel weight adapters, weights and tire chains, page 9.

The cause is skid shoes not adjusted properly. Adjust skid shoes, page 10. Move tractor center hydraulic control lever completely forward to float position, page 12.

The cause is the blade being locked in rigid position. Place blade pivot pin in upper hole of bracket and move tractor hydraulic control lever to float position. See pages 10, 11, and 12.

The cause is the blade not being rigid enough. Lock blade in rigid position and operate at a slow ground travel speed, page 10.

The cause is skid shoes not adjusted properly. Adjust skid shoes, page 10. Move tractor center hydraulic control lever out of float position, page 12.

Angle blade to the left or right as required. When blade is angled, less power is required to move material.

1. Lower blade to surface by moving center hydraulic control lever forward. Stop tractor engine.

2. Pull spring-loaded pins out and lock them in the extracted position.

3. Start tractor engine and move center hydraulic control lever rearward to pivot blade mounting bracket forward as shown below.

4. Stop tractor engine. Move hydraulic control levers back and forth several times to relieve pressure in tractor hydraulic system.

5. Disconnect hydraulic hoses from tractor couplers. Remove dust plugs from dust caps.

6. Lift blade mounting bracket out of slots on tractor mounting brackets. Move blade forward out of way.

7. Plug dust plugs into tractor couplers to keep them clean.

8. Insert dust caps over fittings on hydraulic hoses to keep them clean.

Remove all dirt from the front blade. Wash blade clean with soapy water and brush.

Store indoors in a clean, dry place on a hard surface, in a level position. If the front blade must be stored outside, place a wooden board under the front blade so it doesn’t sink into the ground.

Sand rust spots and scratches. Matching spray paint is available from your John Deere dealer.

Check the blade over and order any parts that need replacing now from your John Deere dealer before the next use season.

CAUTION: Place tractor hydrostatic control lever in “N” (neutral) position, set parking brake, shut-off engine and remove ignition key.

NOTE: After tractor engine is stopped, move the hydraulic control levers back and forth several times. This will relieve pressure in the hydraulic system and make the hydraulic cylinder hoses easier to attach.

1. Position blade in front of tractor. Pull out on spring-loaded pins and lock them in the extracted position shown above.

2. Lift up on blade mounting bracket. Place lugs on mounting bracket into slots in tractor mounting frame brackets.

3. Remove dust caps and dust plugs from hydraulic cylinder hoses and tractor hydraulic couplers. Plug dust plugs into dust caps to keep them clean.

4. Connect hydraulic hose from ram end of lift cylinder to outer right-hand coupler on tractor. NOTE: To connect hydraulic hose, slide coupler sleeve on tractor outlet rearward and insert fitting on hose into coupler. Release coupler sleeve to lock hose to coupler.

5. Connect hydraulic hose from base end of lift cylinder to inner right-hand coupler on tractor.

6. Connect hydraulic hose from ram end of angling cylinder to inner left-hand coupler on tractor.

7. Connect hydraulic hose from base end of angling cylinder to outer left-hand coupler on tractor. IMPORTANT: The hydraulic hoses must be connected to tractor couplers as explained so hydraulic control levers on tractor will operate blade as described on page 12.

8. Start tractor engine and move center hydraulic control lever forward. This will pivot blade mounting bracket back in place on tractor mounting frame brackets. Stop tractor engine.

9. Release spring-loaded pins to lock blade mounting bracket to tractor mounting frame brackets. IMPORTANT: Check to be sure spring-loaded pins protrude through holes in tractor mounting frame brackets. This locks blade to tractor.

You now have the blade reinstalled on the tractor. Now, refer to page 10 and 11 for adjusting instructions. If extra equipment such as tractor rear wheel weight adapters etc. are to be installed, refer to page 9 for instructions on installing this equipment.

(Specifications and design subject to change without notice.)