Modern AG 20' Predator - Manual (Page 24)

24 - 20’ Predatorrr
oPERation
tractor Hydraulics
the cutter center section and each wing are positioned with hydraulic cylinders that are operated by
the tractor hydraulic pump. The tractor must have a minimum of 2 hydraulic control valves devoted
to the cutter unless the tractor is fitted with a 3-spool control valve (extra equipment).
a 3-spool control valve is required if the tractor is equipped with a single valve and is recommended
for those with two valves so that the center section and each wing can be controlled independent of
one another. Refer to the assembly Section of this manual for properly equipping the tractor with a
3-spool control valve. tractors equipped with three hydraulic ports can position the center section
and each wing independently with no extra equipment. If the tractor is equipped with only two
hydraulic ports and a 3-spool control valve is not used, the wings cannot be operated independently
and will raise and lower at different speeds.
front End weight
a minimum of 20% total tractor weight must be maintained on the tractor front end at all times.
Front end weight is critical to maintain steering control and to prevent the tractor from rearing up
while driving. If the front end is too light, add weight until a minimum of 20% total weight is reached
on the front tires. Front weights and weight carriers can be purchased through an authorized tractor
dealership.
Power take off (Pto)
Depending on the unit, the cutter is designed to operate at a PtO speed of 540 or 1000 RPm. most
tractors operate at either 540, or a combination of 540 and 1000 RPm PtO speeds. the operating
speed of the cutter and tractor can be determined by the number of splines on the driveline yoke
and PtO output shaft. those operating at 540 RPm will have a 6-spline shaft and those operating at
1000 RPM will have a 21-spline shaft.
Note: The cutter will not operate on tractors equipped with a 1000 RPM 20-spline, 1-3/4” shaft. Refer to the
tractor owner’s manual for instructions to change PTO speeds on models that operate at more than one speed.
If operating an older model tractor where the tractor’s transmission and PTO utilize one master
clutch, an over-running clutch must be used between the PtO output shaft and the driveline of
the cutter. An authorized tractor dealer can provide the over-running clutch and its installation if
needed.