CUTTER OPERATION

When beginning operation of the cutter, make sure that all persons are in a safe location.

Power for operating the cutter is supplied by the tractor PTO. Operate PTO at 540.

Know how to stop the tractor and cutter quickly in an emergency.

Engage PTO at a low engine, rpm to minimize stress on the drive system and gearbox.

With PTO engaged, raise PTO speed to 540 and main- tain throughout cutting operation.

Gearbox protection is provided by a slip clutch with replacement fiber disc. The slip clutch is designed to slip when excessive torsional loads occur.

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.

Always operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM to maintain blade speed and to produce a clean cut.

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 par- tially.

Mowing Tips

Look down and to the rear and make sure area is clear before operating in reverse.

Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.

Do not stop, start, or change directions sud- denly on slopes.

Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on slopes and rough terrain.

Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during operation.

CAUTION

Stop power unit and equipment immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, remove key, inspect, and repair any damage before resuming operation.

Maximum recommended ground speed for cutting or shredding is 6 miles per hour. Adjust tractor ground speed by using higher or lower gears to provide a clean cut without lugging tractor engine.

Tall material should be cut twice. Cut material higher the first pass. Cut at desired height at 90 degrees the second pass.

Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and use less power.

Before entering an area, analyze it to determine the best procedure. Consider the height and type of mate- rial to be cut and the terrain type (hilly, level or rough, etc.).

Shredding

The cutter may be used to shred various crops includ- ing green manure, straw, stubble, asparagus residue, corn stalks and similar crops in preparation for tilling. It may also be used to shred pruning in orchards, groves and vineyards.

Each shredding operation may require a different set- up. Start with front edge of cutter high. Adjust up or down as necessary with attitude rod. Experiment until you obtain the results you want.

When shredding attitude is set, check that the distance from the bottom rear edge of the wing to the ground matches the bottom edge of the rear center section to the ground.

16 Operation

MAN0810 (9/24/2009)

 

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Woods Equipment BW15LH manual Cutter Operation, Mowing Tips, Shredding