Farm Star SRTC-406A - Manual (Page 23)

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OPERATING TECHNIQUE
Power for operating cutter is supplied by tractor PTO.
Operate PTO only at 540 rpm gear range. Know how to
stop tractor and cutter quickly in case of an emergency.
Engage PTO at a low engine rpm to minimize stress on
the drive system and gearbox. Place tractor in gear and
proceed forward. Advance tractor throttle to 540 PTO
RPM. Tractor forward speed should be controlled by gear
selection, not engine speed. For maximum cutting effi-
ciency, forward speed should allow cutter to maintain a
constant, maximum blade speed. If cutter stalls or tractor
engine speed pulls down, disengage PTO. Before re-
engaging PTO, position cutter in a cut area and reduce
tractor throttle to idle. If cutter continuously stalls or
vibrates, select lower tractor gear and/or increase cutting
height.
Blade rotation is counterclockwise causing cut material
to discharge to the left side of cutter forming a windrow.
To shred and dissipate this windrow, tractor should be
driven in a counterclockwise direction throwing material
to the uncut area. The windrowed material will be recut
on each new pass. Tractor tire tracks are cut more effi-
ciently when tractor is traveling in a clockwise direction
especially when cutting height is high. Larger brush
should be cut in the center of cutter. Always cut up and
down the face of slopes, never across.
Gearbox protection is provided by a shearbolt. The
shearbolt will shear when excessive torsional loads are
encountered.
Proper ground speed will depend upon the terrain, the
height, type and density of material to be cut.
Normally, ground speed will range from two to five mph.
Tall dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin
medium-height material can be cut at a faster ground
speed.
When engaging the PTO, the engine speed should
always be low. Once the PTO is engaged and ready to
start cutting, raise the PTO speed to 540 RPM and main-
tain throughout mowing operation. ALWAYS operate the
PTO at 540 RPM. This is necessary to maintain proper
blade speed to obtain a clean cut.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some
grass down and prevent it from being cut 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 at least partially
rebound.
Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp
drops to prevent “hanging up” tractor and cutter.
Practice will improve your skills in maneuvering rough
terrain.
OPERATING TIPS
Extremely tall material should be cut twice. Set cutter at
a higher cutting height for the first pass. Then cut at
desired height at 90° to the first pass.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and
require less power.
Analyze area to be cut to determine the best procedure.
Consider height and type of grass and terrain type; hilly,
level or rough.
Plan your mowing pattern to travel straight forward
whenever possible. Mow clockwise around fields when
necessary to minimize streaking on corners.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
Under some conditions, grass will not rebound enough
to be cut evenly. In general, lower cutting heights give a
more even cut with less tendency to leave tire tracks.
However, it is better to cut grass frequently rather than
too short. Short grass deteriorates rapidly in hot weather
and invites weed growth during growing seasons. Follow
local recommendations for the suitable cutting height in
your area.
IMPORTANT
Vibration tends to loosen bolts during operation. All
hardware should be checked regularly to maintain
proper torque. It is a good practice to check cutter
before each operation to ensure all hardware is
secure.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
WARNING!
Do not operate on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on
slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
Watch or hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
WARNING!
Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches, or other hard objects that might be
thrown, causing injury or damage.
SHREDDING
For shredding, it is better to set the cutter lower at the
rear. How much lower depend on the material to be
shredded. NOTE: A cutter set lower at the rear will
require more power as material is being cut twice.
Determine the best setting for your situation by experi-
menting.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
always tilt the cutter slightly lower in the front. This tilt
decreases horsepower requirements. When fine shred-
ding is desired, adjust cutter deck level or slightly lower.
This will keep the foliage under cutter until thoroughly
shredded. More power is required for shredding.
The cutting height is adjustable from 1 - 5 inches. To
adjust, proceed as follows:
A. Raise cutter off ground using tractor 3-point lift. Turn
off tractor engine, disengage PTO, set parking brake,
and remove key from ignition.
B. SECURELY BLOCK CUTTER.
C. Remove bolts securing tailwheel to adjusting brackets.
D. Adjust tailwheel to desired position. Secure with bolt,
lockwasher and nut.
E. Lower cutter to work position.
F. Adjust tractor 3-point hitch top link so top lift “U” link
has a small amount of slack to allow cutter deck to
float during operation.
GEARBOX OIL FILL
NOTE: The gearbox is shipped WITHOUT lubricant, so it
will be necessary to fill it before use. With the gearbox in
a level position, fill to the side inspection hole with a good
90 wt. gear lubricant. Check often and add lubricant if
necessary.
ADJUSTING FOR WORK
The cutter should be operated at the highest position
which will give desired cutting results. This will help pre-
vent the blades from striking the ground, reducing blade
wear and undue strain on the machine. For best results
GENERAL SAFETY
Only qualified people familiar with this manual should
operate this machine. Operator should wear hard hat,
safety glasses, and safety shoes. It is recommended that
tractor be equipped with Roll-Over Protective System
(ROPS) and a seat belt be used. Before beginning oper-
ation, clear work area of objects that may be picked up
and thrown. Check for ditches, stumps, holes, or other
obstacles that could upset tractor or damage cutter.
Always turn off tractor engine, set parking brake, lower
cutter to ground and allow cutter blades to come to a
complete stop before dismounting tractor.
The designed and tested safety of this machine
depends on it being operated within the limitations as
explained in this manual. Be familiar with and follow all
safety rules in the manual, on the cutter and on the
tractor.
The safe operation of this machine is the responsibility of
the owner/operator. The operator should be familiar with
the cutter and tractor and all safety practices before start-
ing operation. Read the safety rules on pages 5 thru 17.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
(OWNER RESPONSIBILITY)
____ Review and follow safety rules and safety signs on
pages 5 through 17.
____ Check that cutter is properly and securely attached
to tractor.
____ Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin or
locking balls operate freely and are seated firmly in
tractor PTO spline groove.
____ 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.
____ Check to ensure blades are sharp and secure and
cutting edge is positioned to lead in a counterclock-
wise rotation.
____ Check that all shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition.
____ Check cutting height, front to rear attitude and top
link adjustment.
____ Place tractor PTO and transmission in neutral
before starting engine.
____ Set tractor PTO gear select lever for 540 rpm
operation.
____ Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches or other hard objects that might be
thrown, causing injury or damage.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the PTO at other than the rated 540
RPM. Excessive speeds can cause breakage, thrown
objects, and potential injury.
Check the swinging drawbar of the tractor and make
sure the PTO driveline assembly will not contact. The
swinging drawbar can be moved forward on some trac-
tors or it can be removed.
If the PTO driveline assembly contacts the swinging
drawbar, damage will occur to the driveshaft shield and
possibly the driveshaft itself. (NOT covered under
warranty.)