Land Pride RC5515 - Manual (Page 29)

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Section 3: Operating Instructions
5/29/13 RC5515 & RC6515 (540 RPM) RCM5515 & RCM6515 (1000 RPM) Rotary Cutter 318-721M
Table of Contents
General Operating Instructions
It is important that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached the cutter to your tractor, make leveling
adjustments, and preset your cutting height before
beginning a running operational safety check on your
Land Pride RC(M)5515 and RC(M)6515 Series Rotary
Cutters.
If you detect a malfunction in either the cutter or tractor at
any time during this safety check, immediately shut the
tractor off, remove the key, and make necessary repairs
and/or adjustments before continuing on.
Make sure before starting the tractor that the park brake
is engaged, the PTO is disengaged, and the cutter is
resting on the ground with both wings down. Start the
tractor and set the engine throttle speed at a low idle.
Raise the cutter with the 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’s full PTO operating speed
which will be either 540 or 1000rpm. 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
cutter’s hydraulic lift cylinder so the cutter can be
consistently returned to the same cutting and transport
height. Make a tight turn to ensure that the rear tractor
tires do not contact the deck or hitch.
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 traveling
over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure 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
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 either 540 or 1000 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
does not rebound. Should this happen 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 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 mowing.
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 15' Smooth Top 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.