14 Operation
29977 (Rev. 1/23/2009)
ATTACHING CUTTER TO TRACTOR
The cutter is shipped with Category 2 hitch pins.
Optional Category 1 pins may be substituted.
Attach check chain keyhole plates - one on each side
of tractor top link attaching lug.
Attach cutter center section to tractor 3-point hitch. Be
sure to use adjustable rigid top link. If tractor top link
pin is too short, use a 3/4 x 6" bolt.
PTO Drive Shaft
The standard drive shaft for this cutter is intended for
use with tractors having from 15" - 24" between the end
of PTO shaft and hitch pin holes of lower 3-point lift
arms when they are horizontal.
When PTO/hitch pin distance is less than 15", slip
tubes of PTO shaft can bottom out when operating over
uneven terrain.
When PTO/hitch pin distance is longer than 24", there
may not be sufficient engagement when operating over
uneven terrain. Longer drive halves are available (refer
to parts list on page 40).
Make sure spring-activated locking pin or collar
slides freely and is seated firmly in tractor PTO
spline groove.
CUTTING HEIGHT &
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Place tractor and cutter on a level area. Lower cutting
head (parallel to ground but suspended in air). Adjust
tractor 3-point lower arms to position cutter center sec-
tion level from side to side and level with the cutting
head. On some tractors, the left lift arm can telescope
up or be locked down. When using this cutter, it must
be locked down.
With center section height adjusted, adjust tractor top
link to position front of cutter head approximately 1/2"
to 1" lower than the rear for normal cutting.
Gauge wheels may be adjusted to four different set-
tings. Set the inside and outside wheels in the same
hole at the desired cutting height.
Check chains are optional but are recommended.
Adjust check chains to carry the cutter level and at
desired height when 3-point lift is released and allowed
to return to its lowest position.
SIDE SKID ADJUSTMENT
Side skids are designed to carry cutter head over
uneven ground and minimize scalping. With the cutting
height set and cutter level, set outer skid 1/2" above
ground level and inner skid 1" above ground.
Do not operate cutter with skids in constant contact
with the ground.
OPTIONAL TAILWHEEL ADJUSTMENT
The tailwheel is optional and is designed to be used on
the center section. The tailwheel will share the torsional
loads when mowing steep ditch banks. Set the tail-
wheel to ride on the ground after all other adjustments
are made.
PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST
Owner’s Responsibility
___ Check to ensure blades are sharp, secure, and
cutting edges are positioned in the direction of
crossbar rotation.
___ Check to be sure each gearbox is half full of 90W
gear lube and has vent plug installed.
___ Check to ensure PTO shaft and cutter head uni-
versal joints and all other lubrication points are
properly serviced.
___ Check to ensure all safety shielding is properly
installed and in good condition.
___ Check to ensure PTO shielding rotates freely.
___ Clear mowing area of debris that could be picked
up and thrown by cutter.
___ Check cutting height and cutter attitude.
___ Place tractor PTO and transmission in neutral
before attempting to start engine.
___ Review and follow all safety practices presented
on page 7 through page 12.
NOTICE
■ Make sure all hydraulic connections are tight
and all hydraulic lines and hoses are in good con-
dition before engaging tractor PTO.
Keep hands and body away from pressurized
lines. Use paper or cardboard, not hands or other
body parts to check for leaks. Wear safety goggles.
Hydraulic fluid under pressure can easily penetrate
skin and will cause serious injury or death.
Make sure that all operating and service person-
nel know that if hydraulic fluid penetrates skin, it
must be surgically removed as soon as possible by
a doctor familiar with this form of injury or gan-
grene, serious injury, or death will result. CON-
TACT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF FLUID
ENTERS SKIN OR EYES. DO NOT DELAY.
