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Section 3: Operating Instructions
2/02/08
RC5014 (540 RPM) and RCM5014 (1000 RPM) Rotary Cutters 330-117M
Land Pride
Be sure to read entire manual before proceeding with
these 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" Flex-Wing 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 on.
Make sure the tractor’s park brake is engaged, the
tractor’s PTO is disengaged, the wing is down and the
cutter is resting on the ground. Start the tractor and then
back the tractor throttle off till the engine is at low idle.
With the tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever, raise the
cutter to transport position making sure that the PTO
shaft is not in a bind and does not come in contact with
the cutter frame. With the tractor still at low idle, engage
the PTO. If everything is running smoothly at this point
increase the engine rpm until the tractors engine reaches
full PTO operating speed which will be either 540 or 1000
rpm. Slowly lower the cutter to make sure the driveline
does not bind or chatter. Then return the engine to low
idle and disengage the PTO.
Raise the cutter up until it is at the preferred cutting
height. This height is the distance from the blade’s
cutting edge to the ground. Add stroke control spacers to
the hydraulic cylinder rod starting with the thicker
spacers first and working down to the thinner ones last.
When adding the last spacer, select one that will fill the
remaining space on the cylinder rod, raise the cutter up
to open this space up and then install the spacer. The
cutter can now be raised and lowered consistently to the
same cutting and transport height.
Make slow tight turns to the right and to then the left to
ensure that the rear tractor tires do not contact the deck
or hitch.
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
relatively free of debris and unseen objects. Never
assume an area is clear and extremely tall grass should
be cut twice to detect potential hazards. In the event you
do strike an object, stop the tractor and cutter
immediately to inspect the cutter and make any
necessary repairs before resuming operation. It pays to
inspect a new area and to develop a plan before you cut.
Normal mowing speed will be between 2-5 mph and you
will need to maintain full tractor engine PTO speed to
IMPORTANT: It is important to maintain correct PTO
speed. Loss of PTO speed will allow blades to hinge
back and result in ragged, uneven cutting.
produce a clean cut so 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 you’re prepared and well briefed so lets begin
cutting.
•
Reduce the tractor’s engine rpm.
•
Make sure the wings of the cutter are on the ground and
in cutting position.
•
Engage the PTO, raise the engine rpm to the
appropriate PTO speed.
•
Begin mowing.
Operators of models with 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" Flex-Wing 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 the tractor’s engine rpm.
•
Disengage the PTO.
•
Stop on level ground.
•
Set park brake.
•
Turn off the engine, and remove the key.