Section 3: Operating Instructions
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Select Gear Range
Optimum ground speed depends on density of material
being cut, horsepower rating of tractor, and (in some
cases) terrain. Always operate tractor at cutter’s
full-rated power take-off speed in a gear range that allows
the cutter to make a smooth cut without lugging the
tractor down, usually between 2 to 5 mph. Loss of power
take-off speed will allow the blades to hinge back and
result in ragged, uneven cutting.
Engage Blades
1. With wings lowered, increase throttle to a speed just
enough to get the cutter started without stalling
tractor while slowly engaging drivelines. Use tractor’s
power take-off soft start option if available.
2. Ensure that all drivelines are rotating and that the
cutter is not vibrating excessively.
3. Ramp up to 540 power take-off speed for at least 3
seconds. If excessive vibration continues longer than
3 seconds at full 540 power take-off speed,
immediately disengage power take-off, shut down
tractor, remove switch key, and wait for blades to stop
turning before dismounting tractor.
4. Investigate the cause if cutter was shut down due to
on page 26 for detailed instructions.
5. Select a gear range that will allow the cutter to make
a smooth cut without lugging the tractor down.
on page 29 for detailed
instructions.
6. If cutter has not been shut down due to excessive
vibration, commence cutting at full power take-off
operating speed.
7. Make a lower 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. Stay on the tractor until the blades have come to a
complete stop. Always place tractor in park or set
park brake, shut tractor engine off, and remove
switch key before dismounting.
Cutter blades can lock-up against
each other during start-up and shut-down,
especially if tractor’s power take-off engagement is
“INSTANT ON” and/or “INSTANT OFF”. Follow Blade
Engagement and Blade Disengagement instructions
to help eliminate blade lock up.
Remove Blade Carrier Blockage
DANGER
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•
Do not walk, stand, or allow anyone else in the area where
a raised wing will fall unless the wing is securely locked in
the raised position with its transport lock.
•
Never place hands or feet under the deck or attempt to make
adjustments to the cutter with power take-off engaged.
Cutter blades rotating at high speeds cannot be seen and are
located close to the deck sides. Body extremities will be cut
•
Keep everyone away from the cutter when folding or
unfolding the wings or when raising or lowering the cutter.
The cutter can pinch or crush a person when performing
WARNING
!
To avoid serious injury or death:
•
Cutter blades can continue to rotate while decelerating
after power take-off is disengaged. Remain on the tractor
seat until rotating parts come to a complete stop.
•
Always follow “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” provided in
this manual before dismounting the tractor.
•
Do not attempt to remove blockages from blade carriers
while the wings are in the folded-up position. Blades can
become locked by blockages, creating the potential for
blades to swing freely in a harmful manner while removing
the blockages, bringing about the potential for serious
A blade carriers can become blocked with wire and/or
trash wrapped around it. Trash compacted around a
blade carrier interferes with the blades free swinging
motion and their ability to cut grass, weeds, and/or brush
efficiently.
1. Park tractor and cutter on a solid, level surface.
2. Disengage power take-off and wait for cutter blades
to come to a complete stop.
3. Raise cutter fully up with hydraulics. Do not fold the
wings up.
4. Without relieving hydraulics, shut tractor down
according to
5. Install all stroke control spacers on the center
hydraulic lift cylinder rod.
6. Start tractor and retract lift cylinder until it is resting
against the stroke control spacers.
7. Properly shut tractor down before dismounting. Make
sure to relieve all hydraulic pressure on the lift and
wing cylinders.
8. While exercising caution, carefully proceed to cut
and remove any blockages.
9. Discard removed blockages appropriately so they do
not pose a hazard to the cutter once cutting resumes.