Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC(M)3712 & RCG(M)3712 Rotary Cutters 334-203M
11/6/18
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3. Ensure power shafts are rotating and cutter is not
vibrating excessively after ramping up to full 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 tractor down, and remove switch key. Wait for
blades to stop rotating before dismounting tractor.
4. Investigate cause if cutter was shut down due to
excessive vibration. See
on page 31 for detailed instructions.
5. If cutter was not shut down, commence forward
cutting operation at full power take-off operating
speed. Make a new gear selection if tractor is lugging
down or if cutter is making a rough cut.
Disengage Blades
1.
Slowly decrease throttle speed until engine idle
speed is reached.
2. Disengage power take-off.
3. Place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor
engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to
come to a complete stop before dismounting from
tractor.
General Operating Instructions
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, complete the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attach the cutter to your tractor, make leveling
adjustments, and preset your cutting height before
beginning a running operational safety check on your
Land Pride Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. It
is important that at any time during this safety check you
detect a malfunction in either the cutter or tractor that you
properly shut the tractor down and make necessary
repairs and/or adjustments before continuing on.
Before starting the tractor, make sure the park brake is
engaged and power take-off is disengaged. If wings are
folded up, follow instructions in this manual to unfold
wings. Start the tractor and set engine throttle speed at a
low idle. Raise cutter with tractor’s rear hydraulic lift
control lever to transport position making sure that the
power take-off shaft does not bind and does not contact
the cutter frame. Lower cutter to the ground and at a low
engine speed engage power take-off. If everything is
running smoothly at a low idle, slowly raise the cutter to
transport height checking for bind or chatter in the
driveline. Lower cutter to the ground and increase
tractor’s engine rpm until it reaches the cutter’s full power
take-off operating speed which will be either 540 or 1000
rpm. If everything is still running smoothly, once more
raise the cutter to transport height to check for driveline
IMPORTANT:
It will take longer for the blades to
come to a complete stop on cutters equipped with a
main driveline that has an overrunning clutch, as
opposed to a cutter with a main driveline that doesn't
have an overrunning clutch.
bind or chatter. Lower cutter to the ground, return engine
to a low idle, and disengage the power take-off. Make a
tight turn to ensure that the rear tractor tires are not
coming in contact with the hitch or deck. 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 accessory lights 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.
You will need to maintain either 540 or 1000 rpm power
take-off speed and 2 to 5 mph ground speed to produce a
clean cut. Make a tractor gear and range selection that
will enable you to maintain these speed combinations.
Generally the quality of cut is better at lower ground
speeds. Dense ground cover will create the need to slow
down even more. In certain conditions tractor tires will roll
grass down resulting in an uneven cut when the grass
fails to rebound. Should this happen you may try
reversing the direction of cut and/or double cut to achieve
the desired finish. 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.