Land Pride | Table of Contents |
Section 4: Operating Instructions
tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever to transport position making sure that the PTO shaft does not bind and does not contact the cutter frame. Lower the cutter to the ground and at a low engine speed engage the PTO. 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 the cutter to the ground and increase the tractor’s engine rpm until it reaches the cutter full PTO operating speed of 540 rpm. If everything is still running smoothly, once more raise the cutter to transport height to check for driveline bind or chatter. Lower the cutter to the ground, return the engine to a low idle, and disengage the PTO. Position the adjustable stops on the tractor’s hydraulic lift lever so the cutter can be consistently returned to the same cutting and transport height.
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 travelling over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering corrections. Take extra care to insure 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 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 540 rpm PTO 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 happens 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. Remember to look back often.
Now that you’re prepared and well briefed you may begin cutting. Begin mowing by doing the following:
•Reducing the tractor’s engine rpm
•Make sure the cutter is on the ground in cutting position
•Engage the PTO
•Raise the engine rpm to the appropriate PTO speed
•Begin mowing.
Make wide turns when possible.
Whether 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 the tractor’s engine rpm
•Disengage the PTO
•Stop on level ground
•Set the park brake
•Turn off the engine and remove the key
•Stay on the tractor until the cutter blades have come to a complete dead stop.
12/17/07 | RCR1860 and RCR1872 Series Rotary Cutters | 18 |