Operation
14
MAN1248 (2/26/2018)
OPERATION
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the
cutter
.
The operator must be properly trained. Opera
-
tors should be familiar with the cutter, the tractor, and all
safety practices before starting operation. Read the
safety rules and safety decals on page 7 through
page 13.
This machine is a heavy-duty cutter designed for ditch-
bank and side bank mowing. Five foot and six foot cut-
ting heads are available in 540 rpm and 1000 rpm mod-
els.
The 1000 rpm unit is designated with the marking
“1000 rpm” on the front and rear center frame, and the
input gearbox has a “1000 rpm” tag attached to it.
Full chain shielding must be installed at all
times. Thrown objects could injure people or dam
-
age property.
• If the machine is not equipped with full chain
shielding, operation must be stopped.
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk
of thrown objects. The mower deck and protec
-
tive devices cannot prevent all objects from
escaping the blade enclosure in every mowing
condition. It is possible for objects to ricochet
and escape, traveling as much as 300 feet
(92m).
Never allow children or untrained persons to
operate equipment.
Keep bystanders away from equipment.
Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
Stop power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, set
parking brake, remove key, inspect, and repair any
damage before resuming operation.
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing
to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and head;
and respirator or filter mask where appropriate.
Operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM (1000 RPM on Q
Series cutters). Do not exceed.
GENERAL TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
Mount on tractors of adequate size; 4000 lbs minimum
weight for DBH5.30, and 5000 lbs minimum weight
for DBH6.30. Tractors should have a minimum 3-point
lift capacity of 2500 lbs for the DBH5.31 and 3000 lbs
for the DBH6.31.
Stabilizer bars must be used on lower 3-point hitch
arms to minimize cutter side to side sway.
An adjustable, rigid top link must be used to achieve
the tilt adjustments.
TRACTOR FRONT END STABILITY
A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment
weight must be on the tractor front wheels when
attachments are in transport position. Without this
weight, front tractor wheels could raise up result
-
ing in loss of steering. The weight may be attained
with front wheel weights, ballast in tires, front trac
-
tor weights or front loader. Weigh the tractor and
equipment. Do not estimate.
The use of 3
-
point mounted equipment can cause loss
of tractor front end stability
.
If there is any question at all of the tractor stability or
the tractor rockshaft strength
,
use a counterweight of
approximately 400 lbs or more on left end of cutter cen-
ter frame
.
The rockshaft is required to carry all torsion
load resulting from cutter head weight
.
Adding weight
to the left side of the cutter frame reduces the torsion
load.
Figure 1
. Tractor Stability
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
