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8. STARTING UP
Make sure the work area is clear of people, vehicles and any other obstacles. Perform the following
operations with the utmost care.
8.1 Preliminary operations when using the machine for the first time
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Unload the machine from the lorry.
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Position the machine in the work area on a firm flat surface.
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Fill the ballast box with material of a suitable specific weight, such as sand or gravel.
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Mount the frame on the carriage, inserting the locking pins and connecting the hydraulic cylinder.
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Check that the working conditions are right.
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Hitch the carriage up to the tractor.
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Check that the power takeoffs are disengaged, then connect the cardan shaft to the power takeoffs of the
Windrow Turner and the tractor.
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Activate the tractor power takeoff and check that the rotor turns freely.
8.2 General rules to follow each day before use
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Position the machine in the work area on a firm flat surface.
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Check that the working conditions are right.
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Hitch the eye of the carriage up to the tractor.
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Check that the power takeoffs are disengaged, then connect the cardan shaft to the power takeoffs of the
Windrow Turner and the tractor.
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Activate the tractor power takeoff and check that the rotor turns freely.
8.3 Version with 3-point tractor coupling
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Before hooking the machine up to the 3-point couplings, position the tractor safety device so that the rear
jack cannot be raised or lowered accidentally.
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The 3-point couplings of the tractor and the machine must coincide or be adapted.
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Beware of the risk of getting crushed or cut in the rear jack boom tie rod area of the tractor.
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Do not use the tractor’s external control to raise the machine.
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Drive the tractor towards the machine until the jack bars coincide with the 3-point coupling of the machine
and connect them via the pivots provided.
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Insert the safety pins in the holes in the pivots, lock them and double check.
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Connect the third point to the upper coupling and adjust the length to position the machine parallel to the
ground.
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Insert and lock the safety pin. Lock the third-point no-unscrew device.
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Raise the machine a few centimetres off the ground and operate the side tie rods of the jack bars to
prevent lateral movement.
8.3.1 Installing the cardan shaft
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After connecting the machine to the tractor, insert the cardan shaft in the tractor power takeoff. This must
be done with the engine off and the key removed from the ignition.
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Before using the cardan shaft, read the accompanying user handbook. If you do not intend to use the
cardan shaft provided with the machine, make sure the machine and tractor casings overlap the cardan
shaft guard by at least the legal requirement of 5 cm.
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Clean and lubricate the power takeoff.
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Lubricate the cardan shaft periodically, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Refer to the user
maintenance handbook.
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Mount the cardan shaft in the direction specified by the manufacturer, as marked on the outside of the
guard (tractor icon on the outer tube of the shaft towards the tractor power takeoff).
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Hook up the anti-rotation chains.
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Make sure the extension-preventing safety device (button or ring nut) is correctly inserted and locked in
position.
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Check the direction of rotation and make sure the power takeoff is set to 540 rpm, the speed for which the
machine is designed.
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The cardan shaft must always be connected to the power takeoff last and disconnected first at the end of
the job.
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Only use cardan shafts with integral guards.
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When the cardan shaft is disconnected from the power takeoff, it must always be placed on its support.
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Caravaggi declines all liability for damage or injury caused by incorrect installation and use of the cardan
shaft.
