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Section 3: Operating Instructions
2/02/09
RC5020 (540 RPM) and RCM5020 (1000 RPM) Rotary Cutters 318-474M
Land Pride
Table of Contents
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.
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
IMPORTANT: It is important to maintain correct PTO
speed. Loss of PTO speed will allow blades to hinge
back and result in ragged, uneven cutting.
IMPORTANT: Make a tight turn to determine if and
at what angle the rear tractor tires may come in
contact with the cutter tongue.
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 you’re prepared and well briefed so lets begin
cutting. Reduce the tractor’s engine rpm to 200 PTO rpm,
make sure the wings of the cutter are on the ground and
in cutting position, engage the PTO, raise the engine rpm
to the appropriate PTO speed, and begin mowing.
Choose a cutting pattern that allows for wide 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 the tractor’s engine
rpm, disengage the PTO, stop on level ground, set the
park brake, turn off the engine, and remove the key.