34
Section 4: Operating Instructions
RCF3684 Rotary Cutters 326-412M
11/13/18
Blade Engagement & Disengagement
Cutter blades can lock-up against each other during
start-up and shut-down especially if the tractor’s power
take-off engagement is
“INSTANT ON”
and
“INSTANT
OFF”
. Following Blade Engagement and Blade
Disengagement instructions on page 34 will help
eliminate blade lock up.
Blade Engagement
1.
Increase throttle to a speed just enough to get the
cutter started without stalling tractor while slowly
engaging power take-off drivelines. Use tractor’s
power take-off soft start option if available.
2. 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.
3. Check blades for a lock-up situation. Block cutter
deck up before working under the unit. Unlock
blades, remove support blocks, and repeat
instructions.
Blade Disengagement
1.
Slowly decrease throttle speed until engine idle
speed is reached and then disengage power take-off.
2. Engage tractor park brake, shut tractor engine off
and remove switch key. Stay on tractor until blades
have come to a complete stop.
Field Operation
DANGER
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•
Always secure equipment with solid, non-concrete supports
before working under it. Never go under equipment
supported by concrete blocks or hydraulics. Concrete can
break, hydraulic lines can burst, and/or hydraulic controls
can be actuated even when power to hydraulics is off.
•
Clear area to be cut of debris and other unforeseen
removable objects before cutting. Mark non-removable
hazards such as tree stumps, post stubs, protruding objects,
rocks, drop-offs, holes, etc. with a visible flag.
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
Do not back pull-type cutter into solid objects. The joint where
the tongue is pinned to the deck will pivot upward causing
damage to the deck and driveline.
1.
Thoroughly inspect area to be cut for debris and
unforeseen objects. Mark any potential hazards.
2. Follow
instructions above to
start cutter blades turning.
3. Optimum ground speed depends on density of
material being cut, horsepower rating of tractor, and
terrain. Always operate tractor at cutter’s full rated
power take-off speed in a gear range that allows the
cutter to make a smooth cut without lugging tractor
down, usually between 2 to 5 mph.
4. Stop traveling and disengage power take-off after the
first 50 feet of cutting. Check cutter levelness and
cutting height to make certain it is adjusted properly.
5. Do not engage power take-off with 3-point cutter fully
raised.
6. Periodically disengage power take-off, shut down
tractor, remove key, and check for foreign objects
wrapped around the blade spindle. Block cutter deck
up before going under the deck to check and remove
objects.
7.
Frequently inspect cutter for loose bolts and nuts.
Tighten all loose bolts and nuts as indicated in the
“Torque Values Chart”
8. See
“General Operating Instructions”
IMPORTANT:
Your cutter is equipped with free
IMPORTANT:
Maintain correct power take-off speed.
Loss of power take-off speed will allow blades to
swing back resulting in ragged, uneven cutting.
NOTE:
Do not cut in wet conditions. Wet material
will build up on the deck underside creating poor
discharge, high wear, and additional horsepower.
Frequently inspect cutter for loose bolts and nuts.
Tighten all loose hardware as indicated in the
“Torque Values Chart”
