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Section 4: Operating Instructions
RCF3696, RCFM3696, RCF3610, & RCFM3610 Rotary Cutters 326-600M
12/15/15
Table of Contents
General Operating Instructions
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, completed Operator’s Checklist,
properly attached your cutter to your tractor, made
leveling adjustments, and preset cutting height, you’re
almost ready to use your Land Pride Rotary Cutter.
It’s now time to do a running operational safety check.
Shut the tractor off immediately and remove the key if at
any time during this safety check you detect a
malfunction in either the cutter or tractor. Make
necessary repairs or adjustments before continuing on.
If you have a 3-point hitch model, make sure the tractor’s
park brake is engaged, PTO is disengaged, and cutter is
resting on the ground. Start tractor and then back tractor
throttle off until engine is at low idle. With tractor’s rear
hydraulic lift control lever, raise cutter to transport
position making sure that the PTO shaft is not in a bind
and does not come in contact with cutter frame. Lower
cutter to ground and, with tractor still at low idle, engage
PTO. If everything is running smoothly at this point
increase engine
RPM until the tractor’s engine reaches
full PTO operating speed. The RCF3696 and RCF3610
will be 540
RPM. RCFM3696 and RCFM3610 is designed
to operate at 1000
RPM PTO speed. Slowly raise cutter to
transport height to make sure driveline does not bind or
chatter. Then return engine to low idle, disengage PTO,
and position adjustable stops on the tractor’s hydraulic lift
lever so the cutter can be consistently returned to the
same cutting and transport height.
If you have a pull-type or semi-mount cutter make sure
the park brake is on and the cutter is on the ground in
mowing position. Start the tractor and reduce engine
speed to low idle. Engage the PTO and increase engine
RPM until you reach full PTO speed. If everything is
running smoothly and your running safety check has
been completed, you may disengage PTO and shut
tractor engine off.
You should now be ready to move to the cutting site to
begin mowing. You should have inspected and 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 cut extremely tall grass twice to detect potential
hazards. In the event you do strike an object, stop the
tractor and cutter immediately to inspect the cutter. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operation. It pays to
inspect a new area and to develop a plan before you cut.
Normal mowing speed will be between 2-5 mph and you
will need to maintain PTO speed to produce a clean cut
so make 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 will create the need to slow down. In certain
conditions tractor tires will roll grasses down resulting in
an uneven cutting height when the grass fails to rebound
before being cut. When this happens you may need to
reverse the cutting direction and double cut to achieve the
desired finish. 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 tractor and cutter up.
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 by:
• Reducing tractor’s engine RPM and lower cutter to the
preferred cutting height.
• Engage PTO and then raise engine RPM to the
appropriate PTO speed. Begin cutting.
When it is difficult to make a wide turn and you need to
reverse direction, the 3-point hitch models can be lifted
into transport position to make a tight turn. Operators of
pull-type or semi-mount models 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 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 reduce tractor’s engine
RPM, disengage PTO,
stop on level ground, set park brake, turn off engine,
remove switch key, and stay on the tractor until the cutter
blades have come to a complete dead stop.
See “Features and Benefits” section or “Features &
Benefits” for additional information and performance
enhancing options.