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Section 4: Operating Procedures
RCR2596, RCR2510, and RCRM2510 Rotary Cutters 312-753M
7/29/20
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operators Checklist,
properly attached your cutter to your tractor, made the
leveling adjustments, and preset your cutting height,
you’re almost ready to begin using your 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 three-point hitch model make sure the
tractor 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 the cutter frame. Lower cutter to the 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 RCR2596 and RCR2510
will be 540 rpm only while the RCRM2510 is designed to
operate at 1000 rpm power take-off speed. Slowly raise
cutter to transport height to make sure the driveline does
not bind or chatter. Then return engine to low idle,
disengage power take-off, and position adjustable stops
on tractor hydraulic lift lever so that the cutter can be
consistently returned to the same cutting and transport
height.
If you have a pull-type 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 your running safety check is complete
and you may shut the tractor and cutter off.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin mowing. You should have inspected and should
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 extremely tall grass should be cut twice to
detect potential hazards. In the event you do strike an
object stop the tractor and cutter immediately to inspect
the cutter and make any 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 540 rpm 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 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:
•
Reducing the tractor’s engine rpm
•
Make sure the cutter is on the ground in cutting position
•
Engage the power take-off
•
Raise the 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 three point hitch models can be
lifted into transport position to make a tight turn.
Operators of pull-type models must plan ahead and
choose a cutting pattern that allows him to make 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 the tractor’s engine rpm
•
Disengage the power take-off
•
Stop on level ground
•
Set the park brake
•
Turn off the engine and remove the key
•
Stay on the tractor until the cutter blades have come to
a complete dead stop.
See
“Specifications & Capacities” and “Features &
Benefits”
for additional information and performance
enhancing options.
