Operation
17
MAN1289 (10/18/2019)
OPERATING TECHNIQUE
1.
Power for operating the cutter is supplied by the
tractor PTO. Operate PTO at 540 RPM. Know how
to stop the tractor and cutter quickly in an
emergency.
2.
Engage PTO at a low engine RPM to minimize
stress on the drive system and gearbox. With PTO
engaged, raise PTO speed to 540 RPM and
maintain throughout cutting operation.
Gearbox protection is provided by a slip clutch with
replacement fiber disc. The slip clutch is designed
to slip when excessive torsion loads occur.
3.
Move slowly into material. Adjust tractor ground
speed to provide a clean cut without lugging the
tractor engine. Use a slow ground speed for better
shredding.
Proper ground speed will depend on the terrain
and the material’s height, type, and density.
Normally, ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph.
Tall, dense material should be cut at a low speed;
thin, medium-height material can be cut at a faster
ground speed.
4.
Always operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM to
maintain proper blade speed and to produce a
clean cut.
5.
Under certain conditions tractor tires may roll down
some grass and prevent cutting at the same height
as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce
your ground speed but maintain PTO at 540 RPM.
The lower ground speed will permit grass to
rebound partially.
TRANSPORTATION
■
Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving
parts to come to a complete stop. Raise the tractor
3-point arms to bring the cutter into transport posi-
tion.
■
With cutter adjusted to transport position, set
upper stop on tractor lift quadrant to prevent cutter
from contacting the driveline while being raised.
STORAGE
Keep children and bystanders away from stor-
age area.
1.
Disconnect cutter driveshaft and secure up off
ground. Raise cutter with 3-point hitch.
2.
Place blocks under cutter side skids.
3.
Lower cutter onto blocks.
4.
Disconnect cutter from tractor 3-point hitch and
carefully drive tractor away from cutter.
5.
Perform pre-operation checklist,
page 16
, when
returning to use.
WARNING
