Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC3614 & RCM3614 Rotary Cutters 330-918M
1/20/21
38
Engage Blades
1. Select a gear range that will allow the cutter to make
a smooth cut without lugging the tractor down.
instructions.
2. With wing lowered, increase throttle to a speed just
enough to get the cutter started without stalling
tractor while slowly engaging power take-off. Use
tractor’s power take-off soft start option if available.
3. Visually ensure that all power shafts are rotating and
that the cutter is not vibrating excessively after
ramping up to power take-off speed for at least
3 seconds. If excessive vibration continues after
3 seconds at full power take-off speed, disengage
power take-off immediately, shut down tractor and
remove switch key. Wait for blades to come to a
complete stop before dismounting tractor.
4. Investigate cause if cutter was shut down due to
excessive vibration. See
on page 35 for detailed instructions.
5. If cutter was not shut down, commence forward
cutting operation at full power take-off operating
speed. Make a new gear selection if tractor is lugging
down or if cutter is making a rough cut.
6. Periodically, shut tractor down properly and dismount
to do an inspection. Refer to
on page 19 for proper shut down
procedure.
7.
Dismount tractor and check for objects wrapped
around blade spindles. Block deck up before
removing objects.
8. Frequently inspect cutter for loose bolts and nuts.
Tighten all loose hardware as indicated in the
“Torque Values Chart”
on page 59.
IMPORTANT:
Cutter blades can lock-up against
each other during start-up and shut-down,
especially if tractor’s power take-off engagement is
“INSTANT ON” and/or “INSTANT OFF”. Follow Blade
Engagement and Blade Disengagement instructions
to help eliminate blade lock up.
Disengage Blades
1. Slowly decrease throttle speed until engine idle
speed is reached.
2. Disengage power take-off.
3. Place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor
engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to
stop before dismounting from tractor.
