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Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Table of Contents

4/28/21

RC2515 Rotary Cutter 334-281M

Purge Hydraulic System

DANGER

To avoid serious injury or death:
Never remove or install a folding wing cylinder with cylinder

rod retracted and wing folded-up. The wing is unstable

without its folding cylinder and can suddenly fall. Also, air

trapped in a new or repaired cylinder will drop the wing

suddenly when lowering the wing. Either situation can render

the cutter inoperable and cause serious bodily injury or death.

WARNING

To avoid serious injury or death:
Be sure center and wing decks are lowered to the ground and

all hydraulic pressure is relieved before disconnecting any

hydraulic lines or fittings to purge the hydraulic system.

Purge center deck cylinder first, right-hand wing folding

cylinder next, and left-hand wing folding cylinder last:
1. With center deck skid shoes resting firmly on the

ground and wings lowered to the ground, shut tractor

off and move hydraulic control levers back and forth

several times to relieve hydraulic pressure on all

three cylinders.

2. Loosen hydraulic hose fitting at the center deck

cylinder slightly to allow air and fluid to escape.

3. Restart tractor and slowly activate tractor control

lever to extend and retract center deck cylinder to

purge trapped air from the hydraulic system.

4. Tighten hose fitting at the center deck cylinder after

all air is purged from the cylinder.

5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to purge the right-hand wing

cylinder only this time loosen and re-tighten the

hydraulic hose fitting at the right wing cylinder.

6. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to purge the left-hand wing

cylinder and this time loosen and re-tighten hydraulic

hose fitting at the left wing cylinder.

Lift Cylinder Mounting Position

Refer to Figure 1-12:

1. Verify rod end of hydraulic lift cylinder (#4) is pinned

to the correct hole:

•

Pin rod end to upper hole “A” when cutter is
supplied with 29" aircraft tires.

•

Pin rod end to lower hole “B” when cutter is
supplied with 21" laminated tires.

2. If hydraulic lift cylinder is pinned in the wrong

hole, fold wings up with tractor control lever and

set transport locks. See

“Set Transport Locks”

page 27.

NOTE:

The rod end of lift cylinder (#4) must be

attached to the correct lug hole (“A” or “B”) before

the cutter can raise and lower properly through-out

all its cutting height ranges.

3. Using tractor control lever, fully extend hydraulic

cylinder (#4) and remove all stroke spacers (#3) from

hydraulic lift cylinder.

4. Place minimum 5" (13 cm) high support blocks under

the four corners of the center deck and with tractor

control lever, lower cutter down onto the support

blocks.

5. Place gear selector in park, shut tractor engine off,

set park brake, and remove switch key.

6. With cutter tires resting on the ground, move tractor

control lever for the hydraulic lift cylinder (#4) back

and forth to release all hydraulic pressure in hydraulic

cylinder (#4).

Pull hairpin cotter (#2) and remove clevis pin (#1).

8. Reconnect cylinder rod clevis as follows:

Cutters With 29" Aircraft Tires

Jack center axle up or extend hydraulic cylinder (#4)

until clevis holes aligns with upper hole “A”.

Cutters With 21" Laminated Tires

Retract hydraulic cylinder (#4) until clevis holes align

with lower hole “B”.

9. Reinsert clevis pin (#1) and secure with hairpin cotter

(#2).

10. Raise cutter back up and remove all support blocks.
11. Do not reinstall stroke spacers (#3) at this time.

Lift Cylinder Mounting Position

Figure 1-12

For Cutters with
29" Aircraft Tires

For Cutters with 21"
Laminated Tires

35245

Summary of Contents for RC2515

Page 1: ...irely When you see this symbol the subsequent instructions and warnings are serious follow without exception Your life and the lives of others depend on it Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit 39846 334 281M Operator s Manual RC2515 Rotary Cutter Copyright 2021 Printed 4 28 21 ...

Page 2: ...er accurate for your machine Update the record by adding the machine weight and measurements provided in the Specifications Capacities Section of this manual with the Option s weight and measurements Dealer Contact Information Model Number Serial Number Machine Height Machine Length Machine Width Machine Weight Delivery Date First Operation Accessories Name Street City State Telephone Email 4 28 2...

Page 3: ...3 Remove Shipping Lugs 13 Tractor Shutdown Procedure 14 Hitch Jack Assembly 14 Unfold Wings 15 Unhook Dealer Tractor 16 Driveline Assembly 17 Hook up Tractor 18 Hook up Driveline 19 Hook up Hydraulics 19 Hook up LED Lights 20 Driveline Clearance Check 20 Purge Hydraulic System 21 Lift Cylinder Mounting Position 21 Section 2 Adjustments 22 Level Center Wing Decks 22 Level Center Deck 22 Level Wing ...

Page 4: ...Table of Contents Continued 4 28 21 RC2515 Rotary Cutter 334 281M Table of Contents iv See previous page for Table of Contents ...

Page 5: ... starts to move look down and behind to make sure the area is clear Safety at All Times Careful operation is your best assurance against an accident All operators no matter how much experience they may have should carefully read this manual and other related manuals or have the manuals read to them before operating the power machine and this implement Thoroughly read and understand the Safety Labe...

Page 6: ...tact with any over head utility lines or electrically charged conductors Always drive with load on end of loader arms low to the ground Always drive straight up and down steep inclines with heavy end of a tractor with loader attachment on the uphill side Engage park brake when stopped on an incline Maximum transport speed for an attached equipment is 20 mph DO NOT EXCEED Never travel at a speed wh...

Page 7: ...are difficult to see especially at night Use the Slow Moving Vehicle SMV sign when on public roads Flashing warning lights and turn signals are recommended whenever driving on public roads Avoid High Pressure Fluids Escaping fluid under pressure will penetrate the skin or eyes causing serious injury Relieve all residual pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines or performing work on the hydrau...

Page 8: ...g programs offered by the employer Be aware of and use optional equipment controls such as water sprays local exhaust ventilation and enclosed cabs with positive pressure air conditioning if the machine has such equipment Otherwise respirators shall be worn Where respirators are required wear a respirator approved for protection against crystalline silica containing dust Do not alter respirator in...

Page 9: ...Important Safety Information 4 28 21 5 This page left blank intentionally ...

Page 10: ...ler locator at www greatplainsag com 3 Some new equipment installed during repair requires safety labels to be affixed to the replaced component as specified by Great Plains When ordering new components make sure the correct safety labels are included in the request 4 Refer to this section for proper label placement To install new labels a Clean surface area where label is to be placed b Spray soa...

Page 11: ...otary Cutter 334 281M 7 818 555C Danger Rotating Blade Hazard 2 Places Back side of right and left wings 35122 35122 35122 818 556C Danger Thrown Object Hazard 2 Places Back side of right and left wings 818 045C Warning Pinch Point 1 Place Back side of center axle ...

Page 12: ...2515 Rotary Cutter 334 281M 8 818 543C Danger Guard Missing DO NOT Operate 3 Places Beneath gearbox shaft shields on center right wing and left wing decks 35121 35122 35121 818 142C Danger Rotating Driveline Keep Away 2 Places Top side of wing gearbox shields ...

Page 13: ... Contents 4 28 21 RC2515 Rotary Cutter 334 281M 9 838 588C Warning Speed Warning 1 Place Hitch 838 094C Warning High Pressure 1 Place Hitch 35123 35123 35123 818 130C Warning Use 540 rpm power take off only RC Series Cutters 1 Place Hitch ...

Page 14: ...334 281M 10 35120 35120 35122 838 615C 2 x 9 Amber Reflector 1 place Front face of left wing 838 614C 2 x 9 Red Reflector 2 places Back side of left right wing locking bars 818 229C 1 3 4 x 2 3 4 4 4 cm x 7 cm Amber Reflector 2 places Front side of left right wing locking bars ...

Page 15: ...1 35122 13313 35123 818 540C Danger Shield Missing DO NOT Operate 3 Places On wing and main driveline profiles 838 614C 2 x 9 5 cm x 23 cm Red Reflector 2 places Back side of left right wing axles 818 552C Danger Rotating Driveline Keep Away 3 Places Main driveline and 2 wing drivelines ...

Page 16: ...s machine Application The RC2515 Series Rotary Cutters are designed and built by Great Plains to provide excellent cutting performance on gently sloping or slightly contoured pastures and set aside acres The 15 4 57 m cutting width 2 to 13 5 to 33 cm cutting height and ability to cut weeds and brush up to 1 1 2 3 8 cm in diameter make it well suited for these applications This model features a pul...

Page 17: ...train 22273a Power Take Off Shaft Ground Level 36 cm B 8 20 cm C 13 to 20 33 to 51 cm Drawbar A 14 make the job safer by having all needed parts and equipment readily at hand Torque Requirements See Torque Values Chart page 50 to determine correct torque values when tightening hardware See Additional Torque Values at bottom of chart for exceptions to common torque values Remove Shipping Lugs Refer...

Page 18: ...ng rods 1 IMPORTANT Clevis pins 7 must be inserted from outside of hitch frame as shown for leveling rods to operate without interference If necessary lengthen leveling rods to install clevis pins See Level Center Deck on page 22 or instructions on how to lengthen leveling rods Tractor Shutdown Procedure The following are basic tractor shutdown procedures Follow these procedures and any additional...

Page 19: ...d secured with attachment pin 6 2 Back tractor within close proximity of clevis 4 3 Shut tractor down properly before dismounting Refer to Tractor Shutdown Procedure on page 14 4 Raise or lower park jack 5 to align clevis 4 with tractor drawbar Drawbar should fit between lower and upper plates of clevis 5 Verify tractor drawbar is adjusted correctly Refer to Drawbar Set up dimensions on page 13 6 ...

Page 20: ... lower to be sure they don t catch causing hoses to stretch and pull loose from the hydraulic cylinders 25 Start tractor and lower cutter wings down until resting on the ground Cycle wing folding cylinders back and forth several times to purge air from both cylinders Also see Purge Hydraulic System on page 21 Unhook Dealer Tractor Refer to Figure 1 4 on page 15 1 Remove park jack 5 from the left h...

Page 21: ...x later 3 Reattach hex whiz nuts 4A to carriage bolts 3 and tighten them to the correct torque 4 Remove hex whiz nuts 4B and shipping bracket 1 Discard shipping bracket 5 Reattach hex whiz nuts 4B to carriage bolts 3 and tighten them to the correct torque IMPORTANT The driveline must be lubricated before putting it into service Refer to Lubrication Points on page 40 NOTE Wings must be lowered befo...

Page 22: ...pper plates of clevis 5 Verify tractor drawbar is adjusted correctly Refer to Drawbar Set up dimensions on page 13 6 Start tractor and continue to back tractor up to cutter hitch until hitch holes in tractor drawbar and hitch clevis 9 are aligned 7 Shut tractor down properly before dismounting Tractor Hookup Figure 1 8 35244 Deck Lift Cylinder Wing Cylinders 37298 8 Attach cutter to tractor drawba...

Page 23: ...wn object hazard Refer to Figure 1 8 on page 18 1 If needed collapse driveline 5 by pushing tractor end of driveline toward the splitter gearbox 2 Pull back on outer yoke locking collar 6 and slide outer yoke onto the tractor power take off shaft 3 Release locking collar and continue to push outer yoke onto the power take off shaft until locking collar snaps in place 4 Driveline 5 should now be mo...

Page 24: ...the end of the 15 lead wire harness 12 is properly seated in the tractor s 7 pin electrical outlet shown in Figure 1 9 5 Check routing of wire harness 8 to make sure they will not be pinched as the wing deck is folded and unfolded and while raising and lowering the cutter height Refer to Figure 1 8 on page 18 6 Check routing of lead wire harness 12 to make sure it pass through spring hose loop 7 7...

Page 25: ...osen and re tighten hydraulic hose fitting at the left wing cylinder Lift Cylinder Mounting Position Refer to Figure 1 12 1 Verify rod end of hydraulic lift cylinder 4 is pinned to the correct hole Pin rod end to upper hole A when cutter is supplied with 29 aircraft tires Pin rod end to lower hole B when cutter is supplied with 21 laminated tires 2 If hydraulic lift cylinder is pinned in the wrong...

Page 26: ... up to the same tractor that will be used for field operations or one having the same drawbar height Adjust leveling rods as described below Level Center Deck Refer to Figure 2 1 Figure 2 2 1 Attach cutter to the tractor that will be pulling the cutter and position tractor and cutter on level ground 2 Raise both wings up and lock into position with transport locks to keep wings from falling See Se...

Page 27: ...ade height 3 Verify rod end of hydraulic lift cylinder 1 is pinned in the upper hole when 29 aircraft tires are used and lower hole when 21 laminated tires are used See Lift Cylinder Mounting Position on page 21 for instructions to change cylinder mounting position Cutting Height Adjustment Figure 2 4 4 Remove all stroke control spacers 2 from center hydraulic cylinder 1 by spreading them apart at...

Page 28: ... a power take off adapter The adapter will increase strain on the tractor s power take off shaft causing possible damage to shaft and driveline It will also defeat the purpose of the tractor s power take off shield Clear area to be cut of debris and other unforeseen removable objects before cutting Mark non removable hazards such as tree stumps post stubs protruding objects rocks drop offs holes e...

Page 29: ...tructural cracks The hitch and or hitch pin can break apart separating cutter from tractor Perform scheduled maintenance Check for loose hardware missing parts broken parts structural cracks and excessive wear Make repairs before putting the implement back into service Wait for blades to come to a complete stop before accessing blade bolts through blade bolt access hole Do not use implement to tow...

Page 30: ...or death Tractor power take off shaft shield driveline shields and gearbox shaft shields must be installed and in good working condition to avoid driveline entanglement and projectiles flying off of the driveline WARNING To avoid serious injury or death Always follow Tractor Shutdown Procedure provided in this manual before dismounting the tractor Stop power take off immediately if vibration conti...

Page 31: ...eck Keep lower 3 point arms raised at all times when hitched to a pull type cutter When traveling on public roads use LED lights slow moving vehicle sign clean reflectors and other adequate devices to warn operators in other vehicles of your presence If implement blocks visibility of slow moving vehicle sign relocate sign so it is visible from the back at all times Always comply with all federal s...

Page 32: ... that cannot be removed with a flag Unfold Wings Refer to Figure 3 4 DANGER To avoid serious injury or death Keep everyone away from the cutter when folding or unfolding the wings or when raising or lowering the cutter The cutter can pinch or crush a person when performing these operations 1 Inspect blade carriers for locked blades prior to lowering the wings Separate locked blades Refer to Figure...

Page 33: ...ade Disengagement instructions to help eliminate blade lock up Remove Blade Carrier Blockage DANGER To avoid serious injury or death Do not walk stand or allow anyone else in the area where a raised wing will fall unless the wing is securely locked in the raised position with its transport lock Never place hands or feet under the deck or attempt to make adjustments to the cutter with power take of...

Page 34: ...gear selector in park and park brake set shut tractor engine off and remove switch key Move cylinder lift levers back and forth to release hydraulic line pressure Refer to Figure 3 6 7 Remove park jack 3 from left hand wing deck and attach it to the cutter hitch Secure park jack with ball detent pin 8 Make sure detent pin is fully inserted 8 Disconnect hydraulic hoses 10 11 driveline 5 and hitch s...

Page 35: ...ft cylinder so the cutter can be consistently returned to the same cutting and transport height You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to begin cutting It is important that you inspect the area where you will be cutting and clear it of hazards and foreign objects before you start mowing Never assume the area is clear Cut only in areas you are familiar with and are free of foreign obje...

Page 36: ...best to operate the cutter when no one is nearby Stop blade rotation if someone is in or around the area Great Plains offers two types of safety guards to best suit your application rubber skirt and single row chain Rubber skirt guards are for light duty applications 331 090A Front Rubber Guards 331 091A Rear Rubber Guards Single row chainguards are constructed with a single row of hanging chain l...

Page 37: ...l control kit is available from your local Great Plains dealer See Selector Control Valve Kit below Selector Control Valve Kit 312 316A SELECTOR CONTROL VALVE KIT Refer to Figure 4 2 This kit is for tractors needing only one additional duplex outlet It converts one of the tractor s duplex outlets into two duplex outlets with a control valve A selector lever on the control valve selects which wing ...

Page 38: ... medical care or gangrene may result DO NOT DELAY One of the most important things you can do to prevent hydraulic system problems is to ensure your tractor s hydraulic reservoir remains free of dirt and other contaminations Use a clean cloth to wipe hose ends clean before attaching them to your tractor Replace tractor hydraulic filter element at the prescribed intervals Such maintenance will go a...

Page 39: ...ration which can damage gearbox bearings and create structural cracks Refer to Figure 5 2 6 Carefully check cutting edges of blades in relation to blade carrier rotation to ensure correct blade placement Cutter blades must be installed with cutting edge leading in rotation Refer to Figure 5 1 7 Insert keyed blade bolt 1 through blade 6 keyed hole in dishpan 4 and flat washer 2 Secure blade with a ...

Page 40: ... for reassembly Measured and record length A for each spring before disassembling the clutch Use 1 1 4 31 8mm for A dimension if measurements were not taken before disassembling the clutch 35965 IMPORTANT After clutch run in but before clutch disassembly spring retainer nuts must be returned to their original position to measure spring length A Drivelines With Slip Clutches WARNING To avoid seriou...

Page 41: ... torque 6 Pull push on the slip clutch end of driveline to make sure it is secured to the output shaft 7 Push pull on opposite end of driveline to make sure it is secured to the input shaft on the blade spindle gearbox 35966 Air filled Airplane Tires with split Rims Figure 5 6 Tire Maintenance WARNING To avoid serious injury or death Tire changing can be dangerous and should be performed by traine...

Page 42: ... nuts 3 Tighten hex whiz nuts to the correct torque 4 Repeat steps 1 through 3 on opposite wing section Great Plains Replacement Parts No Part No Part Description 1 312 602D WING SKID SHOE 2 802 603C PLOW BOLT 3 8 16 x 1 grade 5 3 803 198C HEX WHIZ NUT 3 8 16 PLT 4 330 697H SKID SHOE CENTER DECK 5 802 106C RHSNB 1 2 13 X 1 1 2 GR5 6 803 169C NUT HEX FLG LOCK 1 2 13 PLT IMPORTANT Excessive wear on ...

Page 43: ...to minimize oxidation 2 Check blades and blade bolts for wear and replace if necessary See Cutter Blade Maintenance on page 34 3 Inspect for loose damaged or worn parts and adjust or replace as needed 4 Repaint parts where paint is worn or scratched to prevent rust Ask your Great Plains dealer for aerosol touch up paint Paint is also available in touch up bottles with brush quarts and gallon sizes...

Page 44: ... from the gearbox refill gearbox to plug level or full mark on the dipstick Allow time for air to bleed up from the lower cavity and then recheck Splitter Gearbox Instructions Remove oil level plug If oil is below bottom of plug hole add recommended gear lube through oil fill vent plug hole until oil flows out of oil level plug hole Reinstall and tighten oil level plug and oil fill vent plug Type ...

Page 45: ...Zerks 2 zerks per wing axle Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease Quantity As required 35129 35139 35129 Adjustable Turnbuckle Oil threads Type of Lubrication Multi purpose oil lube Quantity As required 50 Hrs Axle Pivots Center Deck 2 Zerks Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease Quantity As required 25 Hrs 50 Hrs ...

Page 46: ...cation Multi purpose Grease Grease wheel bearings every 50 hours 1 Zerk per wheel zerk can be on either side as shown Quantity 2 pumps Repack wheel bearings annually 26537 Outside Location Inside Location 35138 Hitch Pivots 2 Zerks Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease Quantity As required 50 Hrs 50 Hours Repack Annually ...

Page 47: ...16 Zerk located through slot in plastic outer tubes 37516 Wing Driveline Profile Tubes 1 Zerks Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease Wing Driveline Joints 2 Zerks Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease Intermediate Driveline Joints 3 Zerks Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease 8 Hrs 8 Hrs 8 Hrs ...

Page 48: ...hours of operation 8 Hrs Constant Velocity Main Driveline Joints Type of Lubrication Multi purpose Grease For instructions on how to access grease zerks shown in Figure 5 9 see Accessing CV Driveline Joints on page 45 The constant velocity joint should be greased in a straight position forcing grease through the passages and into the cavity After lubrication grease should be visible around the bal...

Page 49: ...t bladed screwdriver or similar tool pry top of red locking tab up 2 Refer to Figure 5 13 Rotate white locking ring fully counterclockwise to the position shown 3 Refer to Figure 5 14 Pull back on driveline shielding until CV joint is exposed Rotate Driveline Shield to Align 3 Holes in Shield With Grease Zerks 33992 Rotate Driveline Shield to Align 2 Holes in Shield With Grease Zerks 33993 Locked ...

Page 50: ...m Cutting height 2 to 13 5 cm to 33 cm Lift hydraulics 2 1 2 x 8 hydraulic cylinder hoses fittings stroke control spacers Wing hydraulics 2 1 2 x 10 hydraulic cylinders hoses fittings Wing flex while operating Max 20o down can float up as needed as long as the wheel s are still on the ground Wing transport protection Wing transport locks Deck material 10 Gauge 3 4 mm deck Side skirt material 1 4 6...

Page 51: ...acted and Center Deck Cutting Blade 2 5 1 cm Off The Ground Normal Transport Dimensions With Transport Locks Set Unit Fully Raised Minimum Transport Dimensions With Transport Locks Set Unit Lowered 35130 35140 15 7 4 7 m 15 5 1 2 4 71 m With Aircraft Tires 15 2 4 62 m With Laminated Tires 7 0 2 13 m 6 1 1 85 m 10 2 1 2 3 11 m 8 4 2 54 m 13 33cm 2 5 cm ...

Page 52: ...l Smooth 10 ga 3 4 mm deck top Reduces accumulation of debris and is easier and faster to clean Heavy 1 4 6mm Plate Side skirts Reduces debris piercing possibilities Low hitch weight Less drawbar wear Less ballast required Works well with lighter tractors Dual remote hydraulics Easy to operate Fits most tractors only two duplex outlets required to lift wings and change cutting height separately Hi...

Page 53: ...ngs Tractor has instant on power take off Engage power take off at low rpm and then slowly increase engine speed to full power take off speed See Engage Blades on page 29 Tractor has Instant off power take off Decrease engine speed slowly to an idle and then disengage power take off See Disengage Blades on page 29 Blades wearing excessively Cutting on sandy ground Raise cutting height Contacting g...

Page 54: ...240 M18 X 2 5 195 145 310 230 405 300 3 4 10 235 170 360 265 510 375 M18 X 1 5 220 165 350 260 485 355 3 4 16 260 190 405 295 570 420 M20 X 2 5 280 205 440 325 610 450 7 8 9 225 165 585 430 820 605 M20 X 1 5 310 230 650 480 900 665 7 8 14 250 185 640 475 905 670 M24 X 3 480 355 760 560 1050 780 1 8 340 250 875 645 1230 910 M24 X 2 525 390 830 610 1150 845 1 12 370 275 955 705 1350 995 M30 X 3 5 96...

Page 55: ...s wear items and ground engaging components including but not limited to disc blades chisel points tires bushings and scrapers repeat repair due to improper diagnosis or improper repair by the dealer temporary repairs service calls and or mileage to and from customer location overtime premium or unit hauling expenses 5he warranty may be voided if the unit is towed at speeds in excess of 20 miles p...

Page 56: ...Great Plains Mfg 1525 E North St P O Box 5060 Salina KS 67402 ...

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