Section 4: Operating Procedures
11/27/18
RB3772, RB3784, & RB3796 Rear Blades 301-457M
15
1.
Do not operate tractor with weak brakes or worn tires.
2. Transport on roadways with blade centered behind
the tractor to minimize blade overhang.
3. Select a safe ground speed when transporting from
one area to another and be sure to reduce speed
when turning.
4. When turning, leave enough clearance so the blade
does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees,
or fences.
5. When traveling on roadways, transport in such a way
that faster moving vehicles may pass safely. A slow
moving vehicle sign should be properly displayed
when traveling on public roads or right-of-ways.
6. Slow down if traveling on a wet slick road.
7.
Shift to a lower gear when traveling over rough or hilly
terrain and when going downhill.
Rear Blade Functions
Grading
Pivot moldboard to the desired angle, lower blade to the
ground and set tractor’s draft-link height control to the
desired position. Proceed forward at a speed of no more
than 2 to 4 mph. The blade should immediately begin
shaving the surface.
A blade full of material can be raised slightly so that
material can flow out evenly under the blade to effectively
shave off high spots and fill in potholes or depressions.
Loose soil can be smoothed out by pushing the soil with
the back of the moldboard while backing-up.
Edge work
If blade is wide enough, material close to fences,
buildings, and other obstructions can be graded by
offsetting the moldboard to the right or left beyond the
tractor tire. Make certain end of blade is visible to the
operator. Always keep a safe distance away from
obstructions, drive slowly when passing by them, and
stay clear of them when turning. Always be aware that the
blade will make a wide swinging pattern in a turn and
always be ready to stop immediately to keep from hitting
an obstruction. Never hit an obstruction as this can
damage the blade and/or obstruction.
IMPORTANT:
The warranty shall not apply to
damage caused by misuse, abuse, or contact with
obstructions.
NOTE:
Place grade stakes if you intend to develop
a specific grade or soil level.
Ditch Work
The Rear Blade is good for making V-type ditches. Tilt
one end of the moldboard down to the desired ditching
angle. Offset that end to be in line with the tractor’s rear
tire and pivot the other end of the moldboard back away
from the tractor’s other rear tire. The combined offset
angle and pivot angle should be between 45
o
and 60
o
.
Operate the tractor at slow speeds when cleaning a ditch
or removing snow. Be careful not to hit hidden solid
objects that can damage the Rear Blade. Always be
ready to stop immediately. Remember, the lighter the
blade load, the easier it is for the tractor to damage the
blade when hitting solid objects.
Fill ditches by offsetting the blade beyond the tractor
wheel to keep the tractor out of the ditch. Angle blade to
move dirt towards and into the ditch while traveling
forward. Set blade depth as needed (see
instructions on this page when setting blade depth).
Backfilling
Backfilling is a process where the operator turns the
blade around 180
o
and pushes the product while
backing-up. Be careful not to overstress the Rear Blade
while backfilling as load forces on the blade and frame
increase when backing up. To help protect the Rear
Blade from damage, lengthen tractor’s center top link
until the blade will move across the top of the ground
without forcing itself into the soil, adjust offset to be
straight behind the tractor and set blade angle at 90
o
(perpendicular to the mainframe). Keep load in the center
of the blade and not on the end of the blade. Don’t ram a
load with the blade and always operate at slow speeds
when backing-up. Be ready to stop immediately if a solid
object is hit. Removing snow while backing-up is
especially dangerous as snow can hide solid objects and
there is a tendency to drive too fast to get the snow
removal job done. High speeds multiply forces exerted on
the Rear Blade.
Basic Operating Instructions
1.
Thoroughly inspect the work area for buried utility
cables, pipelines, sprinkler heads, and any
unforeseen objects. Mark any potential hazards.
2. Place grade stakes if you intend to develop a specific
grade or soil level.
3. Adjust blade to the desired angle, tilt, and offset
positions before lowering blade to the ground.
4. Lower blade to ground and proceed forward at a
speed of no more than 2 to 4 mph. The blade should
immediately begin shaving the soil surface.
5. Set tractor’s draft-link height control lever to the
desired grade position. If blade is set at a 90 degree
angle to the direction of travel, it may be necessary to
raise the blade slightly so that dirt and gravel can flow
out evenly under the blade as it shaves off high spots
and fills in potholes or depressions.
