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Section 3: Operating Instructions
RCR3596, RCRM3596, RCR3510 & RCRM3510 Rotary Cutters 312-517M
8/15/12
Table of Contents
5.
Disconnect hydraulic hose (#9) from tractor. Store
hose ends on cutter deck.
6.
Disconnect any safety chains that may be connected
to the tractor. (i.e. driveline safety chain and hitch
safety chain #7)
7.
Disconnect driveline (#8) from tractor PTO shaft.
8.
Use parking jack (#1) to raise and lower cutter
tongue to the height needed to disconnect clevis
hitch from tractor drawbar.
9.
Remove 1"-8 x 4 1/2" hex bolt (#3), flat washers (#5)
and locknut (#4) from the clevis hitch (#6).
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed Operators Checklist,
properly attached your Cutter to your tractor, made
leveling adjustments, and preset cutting height, you’re
almost ready to use your Land Pride Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check.
Shut the tractor off immediately and remove the key if at
any time during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor. Make
necessary repairs or adjustments before continuing on.
If you have a three-point hitch model, make sure the
tractor’s park brake is engaged, the tractor’s PTO is
disengaged, and the cutter is resting on the ground. Start
the tractor and then back the tractor throttle off till the
engine is at low idle. With the tractor’s rear hydraulic lift
control lever, raise the cutter to transport position making
sure that the PTO shaft is not in a bind and does not
come in contact with the cutter frame. Lower the cutter to
the ground and, with the tractor still at low idle, engage
the PTO. If everything is running smoothly at this point
increase the engine rpm until the tractors engine reaches
full PTO operating speed. The RCR3596 and RCR3510
will be 540 rpm only while the RCRM3596 and
RCRM3510 is designed to operate at 1000 rpm PTO
speed. Slowly raise the cutter to transport height to make
sure the driveline does not bind or chatter. Then return
the engine to low idle, disengage the PTO, and position
the adjustable stops on the tractor’s hydraulic lift lever so
the cutter can be consistently returned to the same
cutting and transport height.
If you have a pull-type or semi-mount cutter make sure
the park brake is on and the cutter is on the ground in
mowing position. Start the tractor and reduce engine
speed to low idle. Engage the PTO and increase engine
rpm until you reach full PTO speed. If everything is
running smoothly your running safety check is complete
and you may shut the tractor and cutter off.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin mowing. You should have inspected and only be
cutting in an area you are familiar with which is free of
debris and unseen objects. Never assume an area is
clear and cut extremely tall grass twice to detect potential
hazards. In the event you do strike an object, stop the
tractor and cutter immediately to inspect the cutter. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operation. It pays to
inspect a new area and to develop a plan before you cut.
Normal mowing speed will be between 2-5 mph and you
will need to maintain 540rpm PTO speed to produce a
clean cut so make a tractor gear and range selection that
will maintain this combination. Generally the quality of
cut will be better at lower ground speeds and cutting
denser ground cover will create the need to slow down. In
certain conditions tractor tires will roll grasses down
resulting in an uneven cutting height when the grass fails
to rebound before being cut. When this happens you may
need to reverse the cutting direction and double cut to
achieve the desired finish. You will want to 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:
•
Reducing the tractor’s engine rpm
•
Make sure the cutter is on the ground in cutting position
•
Engage the PTO
•
Raise the engine rpm to the appropriate PTO speed
•
Begin cutting.
When it is difficult to make a wide turn and you need to
reverse direction, the three point hitch models can be
lifted into transport position to make a tight turn.
Operators of pull-type or semi-mount models 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 Land Pride
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 the tractor’s engine rpm
•
Disengage the PTO
•
Stop on level ground
•
Set the park brake
•
Turn off the engine and remove the key
•
Stay on the tractor until the cutter blades have come to
a complete dead stop.
See “Features and Benefits” section or “Features &
Benefits” for additional information and performance
enhancing options.
