Section 3: Operating Instructions
11/2/18
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General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached your cutter to your tractor, made the
right leveling adjustments, and preset your cutting height,
you’re almost ready to begin using your Land Pride
RC2515 Smooth Top Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. If
at any time during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor, shut the tractor
off immediately, remove the key, and make necessary
repairs or adjustments before continuing.
Make sure the tractor’s park brake is engaged, tractor’s
power take-off is disengaged, and the cutter is resting on
the ground with both wings down. Start tractor and back
throttle off until the engine is at a low idle. With tractor’s
rear hydraulic lift control lever, raise the 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 unit to cutting position and with the tractor still at a
low idle, engage power take-off. If everything is running
smoothly at this point, increase engine rpm until the
tractor’s engine reaches full 540 power take-off operating
speed. Slowly raise the cutter to transport height to make
sure the driveline does not bind or chatter. Then return
the engine to low idle, disengage power take-off, and
position the adjustable stops on the cutter’s hydraulic lift
cylinder so the cutter can be consistently returned to the
same cutting and transport height.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin cutting. 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. Cut extremely tall grass twice to detect potential
hazards. In the event you do strike an object, stop the
tractor and cutter immediately to inspect cutter and make
any necessary repairs before resuming operation. It pays
to inspect a new area and to develop a plan before you
cut.
To produce a clean cut, normal cutting speed will be
between 2-5 mph at full power take-off speed. Therefore,
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 may create the need to slow down. 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. Watch while making a
tight turn to ensure that the rear tractor tires do not
contact the deck or hitch. Remember to look back often.
Now that you’re prepared and well briefed you may begin
cutting. Begin cutting by doing the following:
•
Reduce tractor’s engine rpm.
•
Make sure cutter wings are on the ground and in
cutting position.
•
Engage power take-off, raise engine rpm to the
appropriate power take-off speed, and begin cutting.
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 15' Rotary
Cutter can do.
When you are done cutting, need to take a break, or just
need to make a few adjustments to the cutter, remember
to always do the following:
•
Reduce tractor’s engine rpm and disengage power
take-off.
•
Stop on level ground, set the park brake, turn off
engine, remove switch key, and stay on the tractor until
cutter blades have come to a complete stop.
