Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC(M)3715 & RCG(M)3715 Rotary Cutters 334-114M
1/26/21
38
General Operating Instructions
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, complete the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attach the cutter to your tractor, make leveling
adjustments, and preset your cutting height before
beginning a running operational safety check on your
Land Pride RC(M)3715 or RCG(M)3715 Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. It
is important that at any time during this safety check you
detect a malfunction in either the cutter or tractor that you
immediately shut the tractor off, remove the key, and
make necessary repairs and/or adjustments before
continuing on.
Before starting the tractor, make sure the park brake is
engaged and power take-off is disengaged. If wings are
folded up, follow instructions in this manual to unfold
wings. Start the tractor and set engine throttle speed at a
low idle. Raise cutter with tractor’s rear hydraulic lift
control lever to transport position making sure that the
power take-off shaft does not bind and does not contact
the cutter frame. Lower cutter to the ground and at a low
engine speed engage power take-off. If everything is
running smoothly at a low idle, slowly raise the cutter to
transport height checking for bind or chatter in the
driveline. Lower cutter to the ground and increase
tractor’s engine rpm until it reaches the cutter’s full power
take-off operating speed which will be either 540 or 1000
rpm. If everything is still running smoothly, once more
raise the cutter to transport height to check for driveline
bind or chatter. Lower cutter to the ground, return engine
to a low idle, and disengage the power take-off. Make a
tight turn to ensure that the rear tractor tires are not
coming in contact with the hitch or deck. Also, be sure
tractor 3-point arms are raised and will not contact main
driveline.
You should now be ready to transport to your cutting site
at a safe ground speed. On roadways, transport in such a
manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you
and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling
over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the mower
doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as trees,
buildings, or fences. Use accessory lights and
appropriate reflective devices to provide adequate
warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when
traveling on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply
with all local, state and federal laws.
It is important that you inspect the area where you will be
cutting and clear it of hazards and foreign objects before
you start mowing. Never assume the area is clear. Cut
only in areas you are familiar with and are free of foreign
objects. Extremely tall grass should be cut twice to detect
potential hazards. In the event you do strike an object,
stop the cutter and tractor immediately to inspect and
make any necessary repairs to the cutter before
resuming operation. Remove or clearly mark the struck
object to prevent hitting it again.It really pays to inspect a
new area and to develop a safe plan before cutting.
You will need to maintain either 540 or 1000 rpm power
take-off speed and 2 to 5 mph ground speed to produce a
clean cut. Make a tractor gear and range selection that
will enable you to maintain these speed combinations.
Generally the quality of cut is better at lower ground
speeds. Dense ground cover will create the need to slow
down even more. In certain conditions tractor tires will roll
grass down resulting in an uneven cut when the grass
fails to rebound. Should this happen you may try
reversing the direction of cut and/or double cut to achieve
the desired finish. 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.
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 the
hydraulic control lever is in float position.
•
Engage power take-off, raise engine rpm to the
appropriate power take-off speed, and begin mowing.
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' Folding
Rotary Cutter can do.
When you are done mowing, 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, place gear selector in park or set
park brake, turn off engine, remove switch key, and
stay on the tractor until cutter blades have come to a
complete stop.
