Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC3615 and RCM3615 Series 2 S/N Rotary Cutters 330-502M
12/12/18
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6. Periodically, disengage power take-off, stop tractor,
place gear selector in park or set park brake, turn off
tractor, remove switch key and wait for blades to stop
rotating before dismounting tractor.
7.
Dismount tractor and check for objects wrapped
around blade spindles. Block deck up before
removing objects.
8. Frequently inspect cutter for loose bolts and nuts.
Tighten all loose hardware as indicated in the
“Torque Values Chart”
Disengage Blades
1.
Slowly decrease throttle speed until engine idle
speed is reached.
2. Disengage power take-off.
3. Place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor
engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to
come to a complete stop before dismounting from
tractor.
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 RC3615 or RCM3615 Series 2 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, power take-off is disengaged, and cutter is
resting on the ground with both wings down. 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 safety hazards and foreign objects
either before or after you arrive at the cutting site. Never
assume the area is clear. Cut only in areas which you are
familiar with and are free of debris and unseen 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 necessary repairs to the cutter before resuming
operation. 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 reduce tractor’s engine rpm.
Make sure 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.
Operators of models with a conventional main driveline
must plan ahead and choose a cutting pattern that allows
for wider turns. 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' Smooth Top 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 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.
