16
Operation
MAN1048 (4/16/2014)
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 or a shear bolt. The slip
clutch is designed to slip and the shear bolt will
shear 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.
STORAGE
Disconnect cutter driveshaft and secure up off
ground. Raise cutter with 3-point hitch. Place
blocks under cutter side skids. Lower cutter onto
blocks. Disconnect cutter from tractor 3-point hitch
and carefully drive tractor away from cutter.
Keep children and bystanders away from stor-
age area.
Pre-Operation Check List
Owner
ʼ
s Responsibility
___ Review and follow all safety rules and safety
decal instructions on page 7 through page 11.
___ Check that equipment is properly and securely
attached to tractor.
___ Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin
or collar slides freely and is seated firmly in trac-
tor PTO spline groove.
___ Set tractor PTO at 540 rpm.
___ Lubricate all grease fitting locations. Make sure
PTO shaft slip joint is lubricated.
___ Check to be sure gear lube runs out the small
check plug on side of gearbox.
___ Check that all hardware is properly installed and
secured.
___ Check that blades are sharp and secure and cut-
ting edge is positioned to lead in a counterclock-
wise rotation.
___ Check that shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition. Replace if dam-
aged.
___ Check cutting height, front-to-rear attitude, and
top link adjustment.
___ Place tractor PTO and transmission in neutral
before starting engine.
___ Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches, or other hard objects that might be
thrown and cause injury or damage.
WARNING
