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Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC2512 Series 2 S/N Rotary Cutters 330-725M
9/6/17
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached your cutter to your tractor, made the
right leveling adjustments, and preset your cutting height,
you’re almost ready to begin using your Land Pride
RC2512 Series 2 Smooth Top Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. If
at any time during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor, shut the tractor
off immediately, remove the key, and make necessary
repairs or adjustments before continuing.
Make sure the tractor’s park brake is engaged, tractor’s
power take-off is disengaged, and the cutter is resting on
the ground with both wings down. Start tractor and back
throttle off until the engine is at a low idle. With tractor’s
rear hydraulic lift control lever, raise the cutter to transport
position making sure that the power take-off shaft is not in
a bind and does not come in contact with the cutter frame.
Lower unit to cutting position and with the tractor still at a
low idle, engage power take-off shaft. If everything is
running smoothly at this point, increase engine rpm until
the tractors engine reaches full 540 power take-off
operating 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 power take-
off, and position the adjustable stops on the cutter’s
hydraulic lift cylinder so the cutter can be consistently
returned to the same cutting and transport height. Watch
while making a tight turn to ensure that the rear tractor
tires do not contact the deck or hitch. Also, be sure tractor
3-point arms are raised and will not contact main
driveline.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin mowing. You should have inspected and should
only be cutting in an area you are familiar with which is
free of debris and unseen objects. Never assume an area
is clear. 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 cutter and make
any necessary repairs before resuming operation. It pays
to inspect a new area and to develop a plan before you
cut.
To produce a clean cut, normal mowing speed will be
between 2-5 mph at full tractor power take-off speed.
Therefore, 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 may create the need to slow down.
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:
•
Reduce tractor’s engine rpm to idle.
•
Make sure cutter wings are on the ground and in
cutting position.
•
Engage power take-off, raise engine rpm to the
appropriate power take-off speed, and begin mowing.
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 12 ft. Rotary
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 then disengage
power take-off.
•
Stop on level ground, set the park brake, turn off
engine, remove switch key, and stay on the tractor until
cutter blades have come to a complete stop.
