Operation
13
32394 (Rev. 9/3/2004)
___Check and keep all bystanders away from equip-
ment work area.
___Check all lubrication points and grease as
instructed in "Service, lubrication information".
___Check to be sure each gearbox is half-full of a high
quality gear lubricant with a viscosity index of 80W or
90W and an API service rating of GL-4 or 5 in gear-
box(es).
___Set tractor PTO at correct rpm for your equipment.
___Check that all hydraulic hoses and fittings are in
good condition and not leaking before starting tractor.
Check that hoses are not twisted, bent sharply, kinked,
frayed or pulled tight. Replace any damaged hoses
immediately.
___Make sure tractor ROPS or ROPS CAB and seat
belt are in good condition. Keep seat belt securely fas-
tened during operation.
___Check cutting height and attitude adjustment.
___Before starting engine, operator must be in tractor
seat with seat belt fastened. Place transmission in neu-
tral or park, engage brake, and disengage tractor PTO.
TRACTOR & CUTTER OPERATION
The cutter is operated with tractor controls. Engage the
PTO control with engine at idle rpm to prevent undue
stress to the drive system and gearboxes.
Change ground speed by using higher or lower gears.
Be sure operator is familiar with all tractor controls and
can stop it and the cutter quickly in an emergency. The
operator should give complete, undivided attention to
operating tractor and cutter when mowing.
Protection for center gearbox is provided with an
adjustable slip clutch. It has replaceable fiber facings
that will slip when excessive torsional loads are
encountered. The outer gearboxes have torsion bar
shock protection between the gearboxes. The torsion
bars are designed to yield and twist when shock loads
are encountered. When you notice twisted torsion bars,
do not replace them. However, you should check the
crossbar timing. Refer to the maintenance section for
timing instructions.
Start-Up
When beginning operation of the cutter, slowly move
into the material with the cutter operating at 540 rpm.
Adjust tractor ground speed to provide a clean cut with-
out lugging the tractor engine.
In heavy material, brush, etc., use a slow ground speed
for better shredding. Use caution when operating on
uneven terrain and be aware of the maneuverability of
the cutter. The operator should understand how to, and
be prepared to, stop tractor and cutter quickly in an
emergency.
Take all possible precautions when leaving tractor and
cutter unattended: disengage PTO, lower cutter to
ground, shift into neutral, set parking brake, stop
engine, and remove key from ignition.
Normal Mowing
For grass and weed mowing, adjust cutter to run level
or with the front slightly lower. Cutter attitude may be
set by adjusting the attitude rod on pull-type cutters or
tractor top link on mounted cutter, see page 13 or 14.
Shredding
The cutter may be used to shred various crops includ-
ing green manure, straw, stubble, asparagus residue,
corn stalks, and similar crops preparatory to tillage. It
may also be used to shred pruning in orchards, groves,
and vineyards.
To obtain maximum results when shredding, use suc-
tion blades. Normally you would adjust the cutter atti-
tude to run with the front end high. However, each job
may require a different practice and you will determine
the best setting from experience. Using rear chain
shielding will provide more uniform material distribution
and will minimize center windrowing in heavy material.
MOWING TIPS
Maximum recommended ground speed for cutting or
shredding is six miles per hour.
Sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and use less
power.
Analyze the area to determine the best mowing proce-
dure. Consider the height and type of material to be cut
and the terrain type (hilly, level, rough, etc.).
SIDE SKID ADJUSTMENT
Adjustable side skids are optional. When installed, they
should be adjusted 1/2" to 1" above ground level with
cutting height set. They are designed to carry cutter
over depressions and minimize scalping. Do not oper-
ate cutter with skids in constant contact with ground.
BLADES
Two blade options are available for this cutter: standard
and flat reversible double-edge. Standard blades are
general use blade for most applications. Flat reversible
blades are designed for use in areas where blade wear
is a problem. Sandy soils are extremely hard on
blades. The flat reversible blade has two cutting edges.
They may be swapped from right to left spindle to use
