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Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M
9/19/16
8.
Frequently inspect cutter for loose bolts and nuts.
Tighten all loose hardware as indicated in the
“Torque Values Chart”
Disengage Blades
1.
Slowly decrease throttle speed until engine idle
speed is reached.
2.
Disengage PTO.
3.
Place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor
engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to
come to a complete stop before dismounting from
tractor.
Road Side Cutting
When cutting road sides, Great Plains recommends the
Rotary Cutter be equipped with chain guards to stop
flying objects and Great Plains’ LED Light Kit to make
your self more visible. For additional information, refer to
General Operating Instructions
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, complete the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attach the cutter to your tractor, make leveling
adjustments, and preset your cutting height before
beginning a running operational safety check on your
Great Plains RC4015 or RCM4015 Series 2 Rotary
Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. It
is important that at any time during this safety check you
detect a malfunction in either the cutter or tractor that you
immediately shut the tractor off, remove the key, and
make necessary repairs and/or adjustments before
continuing on.
Before starting the tractor, make sure the park brake is
engaged, PTO is disengaged, and cutter is resting on the
ground with both wings down. Start the tractor and set
engine throttle speed at a low idle. Raise cutter with
tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever to transport
position making sure that the PTO shaft does not bind
and does not contact the cutter frame. Lower cutter to the
ground and at a low engine speed engage PTO. If
everything is running smoothly at a low idle, slowly raise
the cutter to transport height checking for bind or chatter
in the driveline. Lower cutter to the ground and increase
tractor’s engine rpm until it reaches the cutter’s full PTO
operating speed which will be either 540 or 1000 rpm. If
everything is still running smoothly, once more raise the
cutter to transport height to check for driveline bind or
chatter. Lower cutter to the ground, return engine to a low
idle, and disengage the PTO. Make a tight turn to ensure
that the rear tractor tires are not coming in contact with
the hitch or deck. Also, be sure tractor 3-point arms are
raised and will not contact main driveline.
You should now be ready to transport to your cutting site
at a safe ground speed. On roadways, transport in such a
manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you
and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling
over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the mower
doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as trees,
buildings, or fences. Use optional light kit and appropriate
reflective devices to provide adequate warning to
pedestrians and other vehicle operators when traveling
on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply with all
local, state and federal laws.
It is important that you inspect the area where you will be
cutting and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects
either before or after you arrive at the cutting site. Never
assume the area is clear. Cut only in areas which you are
familiar with and are free of debris and unseen objects.
Extremely tall grass should be cut twice to detect
potential hazards. In the event you do strike an object,
stop the cutter and tractor immediately to inspect and
make necessary repairs to the cutter before resuming
operation. It really pays to inspect a new area and to
develop a safe plan before cutting.
You will need to maintain either 540 or 1000 rpm PTO
speed and 2 to 5 mph ground speed to produce a clean
cut. Make a tractor gear and range selection that will
enable you to maintain these speed combinations.
Generally the quality of cut is better at lower ground
speeds. Dense ground cover will create the need to slow
down even more. In certain conditions tractor tires will roll
grass down resulting in an uneven cut when the grass
fails to rebound. Should this happen you may try
reversing the direction of cut and/or double cut to achieve
the desired finish. Avoid very low cutting heights
especially on extremely uneven terrain. Always cut
downward on slopes and avoid crossing the face of steep
slopes. Avoid sharp drops and cross diagonally through
dips to prevent hanging up the tractor and cutter. Slow
down in turns and avoid sharp turns if at all possible.
Remember to look back often.
Now that you’re prepared and well briefed you may begin
cutting. Begin cutting by doing the following:
•
Reduce tractor engine rpm and lower cutter wings until
on the ground in cutting position.
•
Engage PTO, raise engine rpm to the appropriate PTO
speed, and begin cutting.
Operators of models with a conventional main driveline
must plan ahead and choose a cutting pattern that allows
for wider turns. Try increasing or decreasing ground
speed to determine the effect on quality of cut. With a
little practice you will be pleased with what you and your
Great Plains 15' Smooth Top Cutter can do.
When you are done mowing, need to take a break, or just
need to make a few adjustments to the cutter, remember
to always do the following:
•
Reduce tractor’s engine rpm and disengage PTO.
•
Stop on level ground, place gear selector in park or set
park brake, turn off engine, remove switch key, and
stay on the tractor until cutter blades have come to a
complete stop.
