Section 4: Operating Instructions
RCFM4014 Rotary Cutter 326-730M
8/11/14
32
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.
If at any time during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor, shut the tractor
off immediately and remove the key. Make necessary
repairs or adjustments before continuing on.
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 at this point everything is running smoothly,
increase engine
rpm
until the tractor’s engine reaches full
power take-off operating speed. The RCFM4014
operates 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.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin cutting. 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. 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 when turning 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:
•
Reducing tractor’s engine rpm and lower cutter to the
preferred cutting height.
•
Engage power take-off and then raise engine rpm to
the appropriate power take-off speed. 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. 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 reduce tractor’s engine
rpm
, disengage power
take-off, stop on level ground, place tractor in park or set
park brake, turn off engine, remove switch key, and stay
on the tractor until the cutter blades have come to a
complete dead stop.
See
“Specifications & Capacities”
“Features & Benefits”
on page 47 for additional
information and performance enhancing options.
