Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC(M)3715 & RCG(M)3715 Rotary Cutters 334-114M
1/26/21
33
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Always follow “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” provided in
this manual before dismounting the tractor.
•
Perform scheduled maintenance. Check for loose
hardware, missing parts, broken parts, structural cracks,
and excessive wear. Make repairs before putting the
•
Do not weld or torch on galvanized metal as it will release
toxic fumes.
•
Do not raise the wing off the ground when traveling 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
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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, cutter blades, and/or
increase the risk of thrown object hazard.
•
Some tractors are equipped with two power take-off speeds.
Be certain your tractor’s power take-off is set-up to operate
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 rpm.
•
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
•
Improper oil level can cause bearing failure and be a fire
hazard. Maintain proper gearbox oil level.
•
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.
•
Do not operate a broken or bent driveline. Such a driveline
will break apart while rotating at high speeds and can cause
serious injury or death. Always remove the implement from
use until the damaged driveline can be repaired or replaced.
•
The cutter must be operated with both wings attached.
Removing one wing will increase risk of rollover. Removing
one or both wings will expose the blades. Rotating blades
will cut body extremities and throw objects.
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
8. Raise center deck fully up. Without lowering
implement, shut tractor down properly. Refer to
9. Place solid (non-concrete) support blocks or jack
stands under the four center deck corners.
10. Start tractor and lower center deck down onto the
supports.
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:
If wing driveline profile is bent or
twisted, disconnect that driveline from the wing
gearbox before folding the wing up. This will protect