
Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC(M)3712 & RCG(M)3712 Rotary Cutters 334-203M
11/6/18
30
•
Never carry riders on the implement or tractor. Riders can
obstruct the operator’s view, interfere with control of the
equipment, be pinched by moving components, become
entangled in rotating components, be struck by objects, be
thrown or fall from the equipment, etc.
•
Always shut tractor down using “Tractor Shutdown
Procedure” provided in this manual before dismounting
•
Do not operate and/or travel across inclines where tractor
and/or implement can rollover. Consult your tractor’s
manual for acceptable inclines the tractor is capable of
traveling across. When traveling across steep inclines, it is
best to have the wings folded down.
•
Perform scheduled maintenance. Check for loose
hardware, missing parts, broken parts, structural cracks,
and excessive wear. Make repairs before putting implement
back into service. Serious breakdowns can result in injury
•
Do not weld or torch on galvanized metal as it will release
toxic fumes.
•
Do not raise the wing off the ground when mowing across
an incline. The weight of the wing will increase the risk of a
•
Operate only power machines equipped with a certified
Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and seat belt. Keep
folding ROPS in the “locked up” position when
appropriate. If ROPS is in the locked up position, fasten seat
belt snugly and securely to help protect against serious
injury or death from falling and machine overturn.
•
Watch while making tight turns to ensure that the rear
tractor tires and lower 3-point arms do not make contact
with cutter hitch, driveline or deck. Keep lower 3-point
arms raised at all times when hitched to a pull-type cutter.
•
Wait for blades to come to a complete stop before accessing
blade bolts through blade bolt access hole.
•
Do not use implement to lift objects; to pull objects such as
fence posts, stumps, etc; or to push objects. The unit is not
designed or guarded for these uses.
•
Do not use implement to tow other equipment unless it is
designed with a tow hitch. Doing so can result in loss of
control and damage the equipment.
•
Do not operate a cutter with a hitch or hitch pin that is
excessively worn, bent, broken, or has structural cracks.
The hitch and/or hitch pin can break apart separating cutter
•
Some tractors are able to over speed their rated power
take-off speed of 540 rpm or 1000 rpm. Only operate at the
cutter’s designed speed of 540 rpm or 1000 rpm. Excessive
speed can damage drive components and cutter blades.
•
Avoid catching hydraulic hoses on brush, posts, tree limbs,
and other protrusions that could damage and/or break them.
•
Buildup of debris around moving components and
gearboxes is a fire hazard. Keep rotating parts and
gearboxes free from debris to avoid serious injury and
•
Improper oil level can cause bearing failure and be a fire
hazard. Maintain proper gearbox oil level to avoid serious
•
Do not exceed rated cutting capacity of your cutter. See
specifications & capacities for specified cutting capacity.
Exceeding rated cutting capacity can damage drive
components, cutter blades, and deck components.
•
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.
CAUTION
!
To avoid minor or moderate injury: Some tractors are
equipped with two power take-off speeds. Be certain your
tractor’s power take-off is set at the implement’s rated power
take-off speed or equipment breakage may result. RC models
are rated for 540 rpm and RCM models are rated for 1000
Tractor & Cutter Inspection
Make the following inspections with cutter attached to a
tractor and cutter parked on a level surface, power take-
off disengaged, and cutter blades stopped.
1.
Inspect tractor safety equipment to make sure it is in
good working condition.
2. Inspect cutter safety equipment to make sure it is
installed and in good working condition.
3. Check driveline to make certain it is securely
connected to the tractor power take-off shaft and
cutter gearbox shaft. Also, make certain guards are in
good working condition and in place.
4. Check driveline hanger. Make sure it is rotated down
away from the driveline.
5. Remove 3-point lower arms or secure them so they
do not interfere with driveline, hoses, or hitch.
6. Check all hoses and wires to be sure that they will not
pinch or come in contact with the folding wings and
rotating drivelines.
7.
Start tractor and carefully raise and lower implement
to ensure tractor drawbar, tires, and other equipment
on the tractor do not contact cutter or power take-off
driveline. See also
8. Raise center deck fully up. Without lowering
implement, shut tractor down properly. Refer to
IMPORTANT:
Maintain correct power take-off speed.
Loss of power take-off speed will allow blades to
swing back and result in ragged, uneven cutting.
IMPORTANT: