Land Pride RC5020 - Manual (Page 30)

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Section 3: Operating Instructions
RC5020 (540 RPM) and RCM5020 (1000 RPM) Rotary Cutters 318-474M 5/29/13
Table of Contents
General Operating Instructions
Be sure to read entire manual before proceeding with
these operating instructions.
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached your cutter to your tractor, made the
right leveling adjustments, and preset your cutting
height, you’re almost ready to begin using your Land
Pride 20 ft. Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. If
at anytime during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor, shut the tractor
off immediately, remove the key, and make necessary
repairs or adjustments before continuing on. Make sure
the tractor’s park brake is engaged, the tractor’s PTO is
disengaged, and the cutter is resting on the ground with
both wings down. Start the tractor and then back the
tractor throttle off till the engine is at 200 PTO rpm. With
the tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever, raise the
cutter to transport position making sure that the PTO
shaft is not in a bind and does not come in contact with
the cutter frame. Lower the unit to cutting position and,
with the tractor still at 200 PTO rpm, engage the PTO.
If everything is running smoothly at this point increase
the engine rpm until the tractor’s engine reaches full PTO
operating speed which will be either 540 or 1000 rpm.
Slowly raise the cutter to transport height to make sure
the driveline does not bind or chatter. Then return the
engine to 200 PTO rpm, disengage the PTO, and
position the adjustable stops on the cutter’s hydraulic lift
cylinder so the cutter can be consistently returned to the
same cutting and transport height.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin mowing. You should have inspected and should
only be cutting in an area you are familiar with which is
free of debris and unseen objects. Never assume an area
is clear and extremely tall grass should be cut twice to
detect potential hazards. In the event you do strike an
object, stop the tractor and cutter immediately to inspect
the cutter and make any necessary repairs before
resuming operation. It pays to inspect a new area and to
develop a plan before you cut.
IMPORTANT: Make slow tight turns to the right and
left to determine if and at what angle the rear tractor
tires may come in contact with the deck and/or hitch.
Normal mowing speed will be between 2-5 mph and you
will need to maintain full tractor engine PTO speed to
produce a clean cut so choose a tractor gear and range
selection that will maintain this combination. Generally,
the quality of cut will be better at lower ground speeds
and cutting denser ground cover may create the need to
slow down. You will want to 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 and avoid sharp turns if at all possible.
Remember to look back often.
Now that you’re prepared and well briefed you may begin
cutting. Begin cutting by doing the following:
•
Reduce tractor’s engine rpm.
•
Make sure cutter wings are on the ground and in
cutting position.
•
Engage PTO, raise engine rpm to the appropriate PTO
speed, and begin cutting.
Operators of models with a conventional main driveline
must plan ahead and choose a cutting pattern that allows
for wider turns. Try increasing or decreasing ground
speed to determine the effect on quality of cut. With a
little practice you will be pleased with what you and your
Land Pride 20' cutter can do.
When 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 tractor’s engine rpm and disengage PTO.
•
Stop on level ground, set the park brake, turn off
engine, remove switch key, and stay on the tractor until
cutter blades have come to a complete stop.