Section 3: Operating Instructions
7/31/20
RC4620 & RCM4620 Rotary Cutters 331-936M
40
Lower Wing Down & Set Cutting Height
Refer to Figure 3-3 on page 38:
1. Start tractor and raise both wings up to release any
tension on the transport lock bars (#3).
2. Without lowering cutter, shut tractor down properly
3. Remove hairpin cotter (#1) and transport lock
bar (#3) from clevis pin (#4) on both wing sections.
Refer to Figure 3-2 on page 38:
4. Attach transport lock bars (#3) to tabs (#2) with hairpin
cotters (#1).
5. Start tractor and lower both wing sections down.
6. Adjust cutter to field cutting height. See instructions
for
Set Wing Folding Lever In Float Position
Use the float position of your tractor’s hydraulic system to
provide automatic floating of the wings for varying terrain
conditions. This will ensure that the wing gauge wheels
are in continuous contact with the ground at all times.
Rephasing Out Of Phase Lift Cylinders
These lift cylinders may, over time, get out of phase. The
effects of this can be seen when one deck of the cutter is
higher or lower than the others. This is because one lift
cylinder is retracted more than the other lift cylinders.
Also, tractors with pressure detents do not allow hydraulic
systems to “automatically” rephase at the top of the lift
cycle. This must be done manually or the rephasing
cylinders will not function properly.
To rephase lift cylinders, raise cutter completely up and
hold tractor hydraulic lever on a few more seconds to give
lift cylinders time to rephase. Do this each time the cutter
is raised and whenever the decks are uneven.
Momentarily reversing the hydraulic lever immediately
after rephasing allows the cylinders to retract about 1/2"
and will help maintain a level cutter during transport.
Select Gear Range
Optimum ground speed depends on density of material
being cut, horsepower rating of tractor, and (in some
cases) terrain. Always operate tractor at the cutter’s
full-rated power take-off speed in a gear range that allows
the cutter to make a smooth cut without lugging the tractor
down, usually between 2 to 5 mph. Loss of power take-off
speed will allow the blades to hinge back and result in
ragged, uneven cutting.
IMPORTANT:
The wing folding levers should be in
float position to avoid damage to the wing hydraulic
cylinders and axles while cutting on uneven terrain.
Engage Blades
1. Select a gear range that will allow the cutter to make
a smooth cut without lugging the tractor down.
See
instructions.
2. With wings 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 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 37 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
on page 36 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 64.
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.
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