Section 4: Operating Instructions
RCF3096, RCF3010, & RCFM3010 Rotary Cutters 326-566M
52
11/8/18
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached your cutter to your tractor, made
leveling adjustments, and preset cutting height, you’re
almost ready to use your Land Pride Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check.
Shut the tractor off immediately and remove the key if at
any time during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor. Make
necessary repairs or adjustments before continuing on.
If you have a 3-point hitch model, make sure the tractor’s
park brake is engaged, power take-off is disengaged, and
cutter is resting on the ground. Start tractor and then back
tractor throttle off until engine is at low idle. With tractor’s
rear hydraulic lift control lever, raise cutter to transport
position making sure that the power take-off shaft is not in
a bind and does not come in contact with cutter frame.
Lower cutter to ground and, with tractor still at low idle,
engage power take-off. If everything is running smoothly
at this point increase engine rpm until the tractor’s engine
reaches full power take-off operating speed. The
RCF3096 and RCF3010 will be 540 rpm. RCFM3096 and
RCFM3010 is designed to operate at 1000 rpm power
take-off speed. Slowly raise cutter to transport height to
make sure driveline does not bind or chatter. Then return
engine to low idle, disengage power take-off, and position
adjustable stops on the tractor’s hydraulic lift lever so the
cutter can be consistently returned to the same cutting
and transport height. If you have a pull-type or semi-
mount cutter make sure the park brake is on and the
cutter is on the ground in mowing position. Start the
tractor and reduce engine speed to low idle. Engage the
power take-off and increase engine rpm until you reach
full power take-off speed.
If everything is running smoothly and your running safety
check has been completed, you may disengage power
take-off and shut tractor engine off.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin mowing. You should have inspected and only be
cutting in an area you are familiar with which is free of
debris and unseen objects. Never assume an area is
clear and 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 the cutter. Make
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 power take-off speed to 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 will create the need to slow down. In
certain conditions tractor tires will roll grasses down
resulting in an uneven cutting height when the grass fails
to rebound before being cut. When this happens you may
need to reverse the cutting direction and double cut to
achieve the desired finish. 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 tractor and
cutter up. 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 by:
•
Reduce tractor’s engine rpm and lower deck to ground
cutting position.
•
Engage power take-off, raise engine rpm to the
appropriate power take-off speed, and begin cutting.
When it is difficult to make a wide turn and you need to
reverse direction, the 3-point hitch models can be lifted
into transport position to make a tight turn. Operators of
pull-type or semi-mount models 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 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, stop on level ground, set park brake, turn off
engine, and remove switch key.
•
Stay on the tractor until the deck blades have come to
a complete stop.
See “
Features and Benefits
” section or
“Features &
Benefits”
for additional information and performance
enhancing options.
