Operation 19
MAN0390 (Rev. 6/30/2006)
Blades must be moved in pairs. Never use one new
blade and one used blade on a crossbar.
TRACTOR OPERATION
Use care when operating around tree limbs and other
low objects.
Use care and reduce ground speed on rough terrain.
Always watch for hidden hazards.
Being knocked off or falling off tractor can result in seri-
ous injury or death.
Only use a tractor with a Roll Over Protective Structure
(ROPS) and seat belt. Securely fasten seat belt before
starting tractor.
The cutter is operated with tractor controls. Engage the
PTO at a low rpm to prevent excessive loads on the
cutter drive system. Increase throttle to proper PTO
speed (540 rpm).
Be sure operator is familiar with all controls and can
stop tractor and cutter quickly in an emergency. The
operator should give complete, undivided attention to
operating tractor and cutter.
OPERATING TECHNIQUE
Power for operating the cutter is supplied by the tractor
PTO. Operate PTO at 540 rpm. Know how to stop the
tractor and cutter quickly in an emergency.
Engage PTO at a low engine rpm to minimize stress on
the drive system and gearbox. With PTO engaged,
raise PTO speed to 540 rpm and maintain throughout
cutting operation.
Gearbox protection is provided by a slip clutch with
replacement fiber disc. The slip clutch is designed to
slip when excessive torsional loads occur.
Move slowly into material. Adjust tractor ground speed
to provide a clean cut without lugging the tractor
engine. Use a slow ground speed for better shredding.
Proper ground speed will depend on the terrain and the
material’s height, type, and density.
Normally, ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph.
Tall, dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin,
medium-height material can be cut at a faster ground
speed.
Always operate tractor PTO at 540 rpm to maintain
blade speed and to produce a clean cut.
Under certain conditions tractor tires may roll down
some grass and prevent cutting 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 rebound partially.
Cutter Operation
When beginning operation of the cutter, make sure that
all persons are in a safe location. Slowly move into the
material with the tractor PTO set at 540 rpm.
Mowing Tips
Look down and to the rear and make sure area
is clear before operating in reverse.
Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start, or change directions sud-
denly on slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
Stop power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine,
remove key, inspect, and repair any damage before
resuming operation.
Maximum recommended ground speed for cutting or
shredding is 6 miles per hour. Adjust tractor ground
speed by using higher or lower gears to provide a clean
cut without lugging tractor engine.
Tall material should be cut twice. Cut material higher
the first pass. Cut at desired height at 90 degrees the
second pass.
Remember, sharp blades produce cleaner cuts and
use less power.
Before entering an area, analyze it to determine the
best procedure. Consider the height and type of mate-
rial to be cut and the terrain type (hilly, level or rough,
etc.).
TRANSPORTING
The maximum transport speed for towed and
semi-mounted machines is 20 mph (32 km/h).
Regardless of the maximum speed capability of the
towing tractor, do not exceed the implement’s max-
imum transport speed. Doing so could result in:
• Loss of control of the implement and tractor
• Reduced or no ability to stop during braking
• Implement tire failure
• Damage to the implement or its components.
CAUTION
(Rev. 2/6/2009)