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Figure 2.
Figure 3.
NOTE: The use of a PTO over-running clutch or exten-
sion could require that the PTO driveline be shortened a
considerable amount. If this is done, the driveline halves
may separate when the cutter is lowered to the ground or
when operated on rough ground.
An optional special driveline that is equipped with an over-
running clutch is recommended (see optional equipment).
1. Raise and lower the cutter to determine position with
greatest distance between the PTO shaft and gearbox
input shaft. Shut tractor off, leaving cutter in position
of greatest distance between shafts. SECURELY
BLOCK CUTTER IN POSITION.
2. Hold driveline sections parallel to each other and
check for minimum 6” (15cm) overlap. If driveline
has been marked for cutting, overlap will be the
distance between the two marks. If driveline has less
than minimum overlap, do not use. Contact
authorized dealer.
3. If driveline must be cut to a shorter length, clamp
driveline in a well padded vise to prevent damage to
the shield. Cut off shield where marked. Using cut-off
section of shield as a guide, cut shaft the same
amount. (Figure 4.)
4. Repeat the procedure to the other driveline half.
Remove all burrs and cuttings.
5. Apply multi-purpose grease to inside of outer (female)
driveline section. Assemble driveline and install on
tractor and cutter. Pull on each driveline section to be
sure yokes lock into place. Make certain driveline
shielding is in place and in good condition.
Figure 4.
W A R N I N G !
When attaching PTO yoke to tractor PTO shaft, it is
important that spring-activated locking pin or balls
operate freely and are seated in groove on PTO shaft.
A loose shaft could slip off and result in personal
injury or damage to equipment.
6. Carefully raise and lower the cutter and check to be
sure the PTO assembly does not jam. If it does, cut
equal amounts from each half of the PTO assembly.
I N S T R U C T I O N S
(continued)
In some cases it will be necessary to shorten the PTO
assembly to match your particular tractor. The following
procedure should be used:
1. Raise the tractor 3-pt. hitch so the input shaft of the
cutter gearbox is in line with the PTO shaft on the trac-
tor. Shut down tractor, leaving cutter in position of
shortest distance between shafts. SECURELY
BLOCK CUTTER IN POSITION.
2. Pull driveline apart. Attach outer (female) section to
tractor PTO shaft. Pull on driveline section to be sure
that yoke locks into place.
3. Hold driveline sections parallel to each other to
determine if too long. Each section should end
approximately 3” (76mm) short of reaching universal
joint shield on opposite section. If too long, measure
3” (76mm) back from universal joint shield and mark
on opposite section (Figure 3). Do this for both sec-
tions. DO NOT CUT UNTIL STEPS 4 AND 5 ARE
CHECKED.
O P E R AT I N G T E C H N I Q U E
Power for operating cutter is supplied by tractor PTO.
Operate PTO only at 540 rpm gear range. Know how to
stop tractor and cutter quickly in case of an emergency.
Engage PTO at a low engine rpm to minimize stress on
the drive system and gearbox. Place tractor in gear and
proceed forward. Advance tractor throttle to 540 PTO
RPM. Tractor forward speed should be controlled by
gear selection, not engine speed. For maximum cutting
efficiency, forward speed should allow cutter to maintain
a constant, maximum blade speed. If cutter stalls or
tractor engine bogs, disengage PTO. Before re-engag-
ing PTO, position cutter in a cut area and reduce tractor
throttle to idle. If cutter continuously stalls, select lower
tractor gear and/or increase cutting height.
Blade rotation is counterclockwise causing cut material
to discharge to the left side of cutter forming a windrow.
To shred and dissipate this windrow, tractor should be
driven in a counterclockwise direction throwing material
to the uncut area. The windrowed material will be recut
on each new pass. Tractor tire tracks are cut more effi-
ciently when tractor is traveling in a clockwise direction
especially when cutting height is high. Larger brush
should be cut in the center of cutter. Always cut up and
down the face of slopes, never across.
Gearbox protection is provided by a shearbolt. The
shearbolt will shear when excessive torsional loads are
encountered.
Proper ground speed will depend upon the terrain, the
height, type and density of material to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from two to five mph.
Tall dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin
medium-height material can be cut at a faster ground
speed.
When engaging the PTO, the engine speed should
always be low. Once the PTO is engaged and ready to
start cutting, raise the PTO speed to 540 RPM and main-
tain throughout mowing operation. ALWAYS operate the
PTO at 540 RPM. This is necessary to maintain proper
blade speed to obtain a clean cut.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some
grass down and prevent it from being cut at the same
height as the surrounding area. When this occurs,
reduce your ground speed, but maintain PTO at 540
rpm. The lower ground speed will permit grass to at least
partially rebound.
Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp
drops to prevent “hanging up” tractor and cutter.
Practice will improve your skills in maneuvering rough
terrain.
O P E R ATING TIPS
SHREDDING
For shredding, it is better to set the cutter lower at the
rear. How much lower depend on the material to be
shredded. Determine the best setting for your situation
by experimenting.
Extremely tall material should be cut twice. Set cutter at
a higher cutting height for the first pass. Then cut at
desired height at 90˚ to the first pass.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and
require less power.
Analyze area to be cut to determine the best procedure.
Consider height and type of grass and terrain type; hilly,
level or rough.
Plan your mowing pattern to travel straight forward
whenever possible. Mow clockwise around fields when
necessary to minimize streaking on corners.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
Under some conditions, grass will not rebound enough
to be cut evenly. In general, lower cutting heights give a
more even cut with less tendency to leave tire tracks.
However, it is better to cut grass frequently rather that
too short. Short grass deteriorates rapidly in hot weather
and invites weed growth during growing seasons. Follow
local recommendations for the suitable cutting height in
your area.
IMPORTANT
Vibration tends to loosen bolts during operation. All
hardware should be checked regularly to maintain
proper torque. It is a good practice to check cutter
before each operation to ensure all hardware is
secure.
O P E R ATION INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
W A R N I N G !
Do not operate on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on
slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
Watch or hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
W A R N I N G !
Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches, or other hard objects that might be
thrown, causing injury or damage.
