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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Cutter operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual for PTO engagement and
disengagement instructions. Always operate PTO at 540 RPM. Know how to stop tractor and cutter quickly in
case of an emergency.
All tractors that are not equipped with a “live” takeoff (PTO) need to be equipped with an over-running PTO
clutch type driveline. These are available as optional equipment. See page 22.
NOTE: The addition of a separate over-running PTO clutch attachment will change the length of the PTO
driveline. Pay extra attention to the instructions on PTO driveline installation.
Separate over-running clutch attachments will increase the length of the driveline and may cause the front
knuckle joint to operate beyond the cover of the tractor master shield. This is NOT recommended and will
present a dangerous operating condition.
The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against by mechanical
means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read and understand this entire manual, paying
particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using. If there is something in this manual you
do not understand, ask your supervisor, or your dealer, to explain it to you.
Most accidents occur because of neglect or carelessness. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least several
hundred feet from an operating rotary cutter. Only properly trained people should operate this machine.
When this machine is operated in populated areas or in other areas where thrown objects could injure persons
or property, standard equipment safety chain shielding (which is designed to reduce the possibility of thrown
objects) must be installed. If this machine is not equipped with full chain shielding, operation must be
stopped when anyone comes within several hundred feet.
The majority of accidents involve entanglement on the driveline, injury of bystanders by objects thrown by the
rotating blades, and operators being knocked off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by
the cutter. Accidents are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not
read the owner’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary cutter.
Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and fastened
securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing. (You may have to use a
tractor salvage yard for replacement parts on older tractors.)
When engaging PTO, the engine RPM should always be low. Once engaged and ready to start cutting, raise
PTO speed to 540 RPM and maintain throughout cutting operation.
STARTING
AND STOPPING SAFETY
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY
Gearbox noisy. 1. Rough gears. Run in or change gears.
2. Worn bearings. Replace bearing.
3. Low oil in gearbox. Check level and add oil.
4. Improper gearbox lubricant. Replace with proper lubricant.
Gearbox leaking. 1. Damaged oil seal. Replace seal.
2. Bent shaft. Replace oil seal and shaft.
3. Shaft rough in oil seal area. Replace or repair shaft.
4. Oil seal installed wrong. Replace seal.
5. Oil seal not sealing in the Replace seal or use a sealant
housing. on outside diameter of seal.
6. Oil level too high. Drain oil to proper level.
7. Hole in gearbox. Replace gearbox.
8. Gasket damaged. Replace gasket.
9. Bolts loose. Tighten bolts.
Excessive wear of 1. Tire not turning properly. Check wheel assembly for proper
tailwheel tire. lubrication. Axle bolt could be too
tight.
2. Tailwheel not castering properly. Check tailwheel yoke assembly for
proper lubrication or for mechanical
binding.
Front hitch “A” frame 1. Operator turning sharply hitting Drive carefully and plan turns to
bending sideways. objects with tailwheel frame or avoid hitting buildings, posts, trees,
cutter deck. etc.
2. Tailwheel not castering properly. Check tailwheel yoke (see above
under tire wear).
3. Cutter is being operated to low A. Raise cutter (especially on
and cutter deck is contacting rough ground).
ground during turns. B. Set stop on hitch controls lever so
hitch lift arms do not drop cutter
on ground.
4. Tractor 3 pt. hitch is leaking down A.
Repair tractor hitch hydraulic system.
and cutter deck is contacting B. Use limit chains to keep lift arms
ground. from going lower than set limit.