Section 3: Operating Instructions
7/30/20
RC4614 & RCM4614 Rotary Cutters 331-937M
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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 14'
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 the wing 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 tractor’s engine reaches full power take-off operating
speed which will be either 540 or 1000 rpm. 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 cylinder 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.
Never assume an area is clear. Cut only in areas you are
familiar with, have inspected, and know to be free of
debris and unseen objects. 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 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.
•
Make sure cutter wing is on the ground and in cutting
position.
•
Engage power take-off, raise engine rpm to the
appropriate speed, and begin mowing.
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
Land Pride 14' 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, disengage power take-
off, and stop on level ground.
•
Set park brake, turn off engine, and remove switch key.
•
Stay on the tractor until cutter blades have come to a
complete stop.
