Skid Steer Operating Instructions
Assuming you have met all of the above requirements and taken them seriously, it is time to take the next step and that is accomplished by dressing appropriately for the task. You will need to put on protective eye wear such as safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield. A hard hat, steel toed safety shoes, gloves, and hearing protection are also highly recommended. Never wear loose fitting clothing and you may want to put on a respirator or filter mask to avoid breathing in dust, pollen, or agriculturally used toxins that may be present.
The next step is a static or non-running pre-inspection of the Skid Steer unit. You will want to make sure that the Skid Steer is equipped with a fully functioning ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) which does include seat belts and an operator safety enclosure. The cab must also be equipped with an operator protective door, which may have been supplied with the Skid Steer unit. Land Pride does offer a protective door with the SC2660 and SC2672 if one is not already provided. If the Skid Steer is to be operated on local roadways, it must be equipped with appropriate Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) and other required lighting packages so as to make it compliant with state and local department of transportation requirements. The cutter drive motor must be matched to the output of the hydraulic capacity of the Skid Steer. Failure to do this could result in serious over-speeding of the cutting unit possibly resulting in serious injury, fatalities or property damage. The universal quick-hitch mount should be in good working order and latches should be located to the open position. There should be no evidence of hydraulic leaks in and around the auxiliary hydraulic couplers. There must be a readily accessible attaching point for the Rotary Cutter lift-limit chain on the lower front portion of the chassis frame. Finally make sure that all shields and safety features are in place and fully functional.
The next step is to perform a running check of the Skid Steer unit. As you get onto the Skid Steer and into the operator’ compartment always use factory provided hand-holds and don’t grab the steering or control levers to ease or stabilize your entry. Fasten your seat belt once you are seated and begin to mentally orient yourself with the position of all controls, switches, pedals, levers, and their related functions. Once you are sure that the park brake is on, no people or animals are in close proximity, all control levers, pedals and hydraulic systems are in neutral position, go ahead and start the engine. With the engine now running and the throttle at approximately one third, test all controls to make sure they are fully functioning. If at any time there is an equipment failure, shut the unit down and make immediate and full repairs.
Rotary Cutter Operating Instructions
Assuming all systems with the Skid Steer are “go” and fully functioning, it is time to connect to the SC2660 or SC2672 Rotary Cutter. This is done by maneuvering the Skid Steer mounting plate into position under the universal quick mount hitch saddle. Once this is
accomplished and the mower is fully supported by the Skid Steer lift arms, lower the mower to a point approximately two inches above the ground. Turn the engine off, set the parking brake, and climb out of the Skid Steer. Lock the latch handles down to engage the hitch pins. Make the appropriate hydraulic connections to the auxiliary hydraulic outlet and case drain making sure to keep connectors clean. Be sure to use proper fittings and if connection is difficult, moving levers may help relieve line pressure. (Note! Hydraulic flow direction on all skid steers is not the same. Make sure hoses are connected properly or blades will rotate at a much slower speed.) Wipe away spilled or excess hydraulic oil and secure Cordura sleeves to contain potential leaks. Connect the height limiting safety chain to the chassis attaching point and restrict cutting height to no more that eighteen inches. This completes the attachment of the cutter to the Skid Steer.
The next step is to complete a pre-operation check of the cutter. Make sure all guards, safety shields, safety chains, and deflectors are in place. All hardware must be in place and appropriately tightened. Damaged, severely worn or defective parts must be replaced prior to operation. If your unit is equipped with the optional front mounted gauge wheel, you will want to adjust it for desired cutting height at this time.
You should always inspect the area where you intend to cut for debris and hazards located on the ground. No one, including people and animals, should be allowed within 100 yards of this cutter when in operation. If someone does approach, shut the cutter down immediately. The blades on this cutter should never be allowed to come in contact with objects such as wire, cable, rope, or chains that might become entangled. These types of entangled objects can become extremely hazardous by rotating outside of the cutter deck housing resulting in serious injury or death. Always inspect the area before you mow.
The best mowing results will be achieved at speeds between 2 mph and 5 mph as grounds and mowing conditions dictate. If you are mowing in particularly tall or dense brush, you may want to make two passes with the first pass being at 18" and the second pass made as a cross-cut at the desired cut height. If you are mowing without the benefit of the front mounted gauge wheel in the float position, you will probably need to slow down significantly especially over uneven terrain or furrows. Driving too fast over uneven ground will cause the unit to undulate in a forward pitching motion. The best advice is to drive slow but keep engine speed and blade tip speed high. Once you get the feel of it you can increase speed and productivity.
When you do need to stop, make sure you set the park brake, shut the Skid Steer engine off, and allow time for the blades to stop rotating before you climb down. With a little practice we are confident you will soon achieve safe and excellent results with your new Land Pride SC2660 or SC2672 Skid Steer Rotary Cutter.
