Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC5615, RC6615, RCM5615, & RCM6615 Series 2 S/N Rotary Cutters 330-323M
5/6/20
37
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
RC(M)5615 or RC(M)6615 Series 2 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.
Before starting the tractor, make sure the gear selector is
in park or park brake is engaged, power take-off is
disengaged, and the cutter is resting on the ground with
both wings 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 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 transport to your cutting site
at a safe ground speed. On roadways, transport in such
a manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you
and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling
over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the mower
doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as trees,
buildings, or fences. Use optional light kit and appropriate
reflective devices to provide adequate warning to
pedestrians and other vehicle operators when traveling
on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply with all
local, state and federal laws.
It is important that you inspect the area where you will be
cutting and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects
either before or after you arrive at the cutting site. Never
assume the area is clear. Cut only in areas which you are
familiar with and are free of debris and unseen objects.
Extremely tall grass should be cut twice to detect
potential hazards. In the event you do strike an object
stop the cutter and tractor immediately to inspect and
make necessary repairs to the cutter before resuming
operation. It really pays to inspect a new area and to
develop a safe plan before cutting.
To produce a clean cut, normal mowing speed will be
between 2-5 mph at full tractor 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 wings are on the ground and in
cutting position.
•
Engage power take-off, raise engine rpm to the
appropriate power take-off 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 15' 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 and disengage power
take-off.
•
Stop on level ground, place gear selector in park or set
park brake, turn off engine, remove switch key, and
stay on the tractor until cutter blades have come to a
complete stop.
