GREAT PLAINS RC4015, RCM4015 Operator's Manual

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Page 1

Table of Contents

39815

Operator Manual

RC4015 & RCM4015

Rotary Cutters

Manufacturing, Inc.

www.greatplainsmfg.com

Read the operation manual entirely. When you see this symbol, the subsequent instructions and warnings are serious - follow without exception. Your life and the lives of others depend on it!

Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit.

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS

9/19/16

334-300M

Page 2

Table of Contents

Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Safety at All Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Tractor Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Drawbar Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PTO Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Hydraulic Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Torque Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Hitch Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Standard Clevis Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Performance Hitch (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bar-Tite Hitch (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Ball Hitch (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Pintle Hitch (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Hitch Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Park Jack Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Spring Hose Loop Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Tractor Shutdown Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Standard Clevis Hitch Hook-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Performance Hitch Hook-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bar-Tite Hitch Hook-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Hydraulic Hook-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Right & Left Wing Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Lower Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Driveline Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Driveline Hook-up to Tractor PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Adjust Driveline Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Driveline Clearance Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Purge Hydraulic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Remove Shipping Lugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Unhook Rotary Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Section 2: Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Park Jack Angle Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Leveling Center Deck & Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Center Deck Leveling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Wing Deck Leveling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Cutting Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Performance Hitch Hole Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Section 3: Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . 27

Startup Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Tractor & Cutter Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Avoid Extreme Turning Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Blade Operation Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Transport Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Field Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Inspect Field and Cutter Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Lower Wing Down & Set Cutting Height . . . . . . . 31

Set Wing Lift Lever In Float Position . . . . . . . . . . 31

Select Gear Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Engage Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Disengage Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Road Side Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

General Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Section 4: Options & Accessories . . . . . . . . 33

Safety Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Tire & Axle Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Hitch Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Mechanical Wing Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Hydraulic Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Hydraulic Wing Control Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Selector Control Valve Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Light Kit Option (LED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication . . . . . 38

General Maintenance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tractor Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tire Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Spring Shock Absorbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Skid Shoe Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Wing Skid Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Center Skid Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Spindle Gearbox Shaft Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Cutter Blade Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Drivelines With Slip Clutches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Type A Clutches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Type B Clutches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Long-Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Lubrication Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Section 6: Specifications & Capacities . . . . . 52

Section 7: Features & Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Section 8: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Section 9: Torque & Tire Inflation Chart . . . . 56

Section 10: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. reserves the right to revise and improve its products as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product at the time of its publication, and may not reflect the product in the future.

Registered Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: Air-Pro, Clear-Shot, Discovator, Great Plains, Land Pride, MeterCone,

Nutri-Pro, Seed-Lok, Solid Stand, Terra-Guard, Turbo-Chisel, Turbo-Chopper, Turbo-Max, Turbo-Till, Ultra-Till, Whirlfilter, and Yield-Pro.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: AccuShot, Max-Chisel, Row-Pro,

Singulator Plus, Short Disk, Swath Command, Terra-Tine, Ultra-Chisel, and X-Press.

Brand and Product Names that appear and are owned by others are trademarks of their respective owners.

Printed in the United States of America

9/19/16

Page 3

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Table of Contents

Important Safety Information

These are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products described in this manual.

Safety at All Times

Thoroughly read and understand the instructions given in this manual before operation. Refer to the “Safety Label” section, read all instructions noted on them.

Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and comprehended this manual and who has not been properly trained in the safe operation of the equipment.

 The operator must not use drugs

or alcohol as they can change the alertness or coordination of that person while operating equipment. The operator should, if taking overthe-counter drugs, seek medical advice on whether he/she can safely operate the equipment.

 Operator should be familiar with all

functions of the tractor and attachments, and be able to handle emergencies quickly.

 Make sure all guards and shields

are in place and secured before operating implement.

 Keep all bystanders away from

equipment and work area.

 Operator must start tractor and

operate controls from the driver’s seat only. Never from the ground.

 Do not leave tractor or implement

unattended with engine running.

 Dismounting from a moving tractor

can cause serious injury or death.

 Do not allow anyone to stand

between tractor and implement while backing up to implement.

 Keep hands, feet, and clothing

away from power-driven parts.

 Watch out for fences, trees, rocks,

wires, etc., while operating and transporting implement.

 Turning tractor too tight may cause

hitched machinery to ride up on wheels. This could result in injury or equipment damage.

Look For The Safety Alert Symbol

The SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL indicates there is a potential hazard to personal safety involved and extra safety precaution must be taken. When you see this symbol, be alert and carefully read the message that follows it. In addition to design and configuration of equipment, hazard control, and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of equipment.

Be Aware of Signal Words

A Signal word designates a degree or level of hazard seriousness. The signal words are:

DANGER

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word is limited to the most extreme situations, typically for machine components that, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.

For Your Protection

 Thoroughly read and understand

the “Safety Label” section, read all instructions noted on them.

WARNING

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

Tractor Shutdown & Storage

 If engaged, disengage PTO.  Lower attached implement to

ground, put tractor in park or set park brake, turn off engine, and remove switch key to prevent unauthorized starting.

 Wait for all components to come to

a complete stop before leaving the operator’s seat.

 Detach and store implement in an

area where children normally do not play. Secure implement using blocks and supports.

OFF

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Table of Contents

Important Safety Information

These are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products described in this manual.

Use Safety Lights and Devices

 Slow moving tractors,

self-propelled equipment, and towed implements can create a hazard when driven on public roads. They are difficult to see, especially at night.

 Flashing warning lights and turn

signals are recommended whenever driving on public roads.

Transport Machinery Safely

 Comply with state and local laws.  Use towing vehicle and trailer of

adequate size and capacity.

 Secure equipment towed on a

trailer with tie downs and chains.

 Sudden braking can cause a trailer

to swerve and upset. Reduce speed if trailer is not equipped with brakes.

 Avoid contact with any over head

utility lines or electrically charged conductors.

 Engage park brake when stopped

on an incline.

 Maximum transport speed for an

attached implement is 20 mph. DO NOT EXCEED. Never travel at a speed which does not allow adequate control of steering and stopping. Some rough terrains require a slower speed.

 As a guideline, use the following

maximum speed weight ratios for an attached implement:

20 mph when weight of attached implement is less than or equal to the weight of machine towing the implement.

10 mph when weight of attached implement exceeds weight of machine towing implement but not more than double the weight.

 IMPORTANT: Do not tow a load

that is more than double the weight of the machine towing the load.

Use A Safety Chain

 A safety chain will help control

drawn machinery should it separate from the tractor drawbar.

 Use a chain with the strength

rating equal to or greater than the gross weight of the towed machinery.

 Attach the chain to the tractor

drawbar support or other specified anchor location. Allow only enough slack in the chain to permit turning.

 Do not use safety chain for towing.

Practice Safe Maintenance

 Understand procedure before doing

work. Use proper tools and equipment, refer to Operator’s Manual for additional information.

 Work in a clean dry area.  Lower attached implement to the

ground, put tractor in park, turn off engine, and remove key before performing maintenance.

 Allow implement to cool before

working on it.

 Disconnect battery ground cable (-)

before servicing or adjusting electrical systems or before welding on implement.

 Do not grease or oil implement

while it is in operation.

 Inspect all parts. Make certain

parts are in good condition & installed properly.

 Replace parts on this machine with

genuine Great Plains parts only. Do not alter this machine in a way which will adversely affect its performance.

 Remove buildup of grease, oil, or

debris.

 Remove all tools and unused parts

from implement before operation.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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Table of Contents

Important Safety Information

These are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products described in this manual.

Prepare for Emergencies

 Be prepared if a fire starts.  Keep a first aid kit and fire

extinguisher handy.

 Keep emergency numbers for

doctor, ambulance, hospital, and fire department near phone.

911

Wear Protective Equipment

 Wear protective clothing and

equipment appropriate for the job such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hat, and ear plugs.

 Clothing should fit snug without

fringes and pull strings to avoid entanglement with moving parts.

 Prolonged exposure to loud noise

can cause hearing impairment or hearing loss. Wear suitable hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs.

 Operating equipment safely

requires the operator’s full attention. Avoid wearing radio headphones while operating machinery.

Avoid High Pressure Fluids Hazard

 Escaping fluid under pressure can

penetrate the skin causing serious injury.

 Avoid the hazard by relieving

pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines or performing work on the system.

 Make sure all hydraulic fluid

connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before applying pressure to the system.

 Use a piece of paper or

cardboard, NOT BODY PARTS, to check for suspected leaks.

 Wear protective gloves and safety

glasses or goggles when working with hydraulic systems.

 DO NOT DELAY. If an accident

occurs, see a doctor familiar with this type of injury immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin or eyes must be treated within a few hours or gangrene may result.

Tire Safety

 Tire changing can be dangerous

and should be preformed by trained personnel using the correct tools and equipment.

 When inflating tires, use a clip-on

chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in front of or over the tire assembly. Use a safety cage if available.

 When removing and installing

wheels, use wheel handling equipment adequate for the weight involved.

Use Seat Belt and ROPS

 Operate only tractors equipped

with a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and seat belt.

 Keep folding ROPS in the “locked

up” position at all times.

 Fasten seat belt snugly and

securely to help protect against serious injury or death from falling and machine overturn.

 Wear protective equipment such

as a hard hat, safety shoes, safety glasses, and ear plugs.

Keep Riders Off Machinery

 Never carry riders or use

machinery as a person lift.

 Riders obstruct operator’s view.  Riders could be struck by foreign

objects or thrown from the machine.

 Never allow children to operate

equipment.

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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Important Safety Information

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Safety Labels

Your Rotary Cutter comes equipped with all safety labels in place. They were designed to help you safely operate your implement. Read and follow their directions.

1. Keep all safety labels clean and legible.

2. Refer to this section for proper label placement. Replace all damaged or missing labels. Order new labels from your nearest Great Plains dealer. To find your nearest dealer, visit our dealer locator at www.greatplainsmfg.com.

3. Some new equipment installed during repair requires safety labels to be affixed to the replaced component as

specified by Great Plains. When ordering new components make sure the correct safety labels are included in the request.

4. Refer to this section for proper label placement. To install new labels:

a. Clean surface area where label is to be placed. b. Spray soapy water onto the cleaned area. c. Peel backing from label and press label firmly onto the

surface.

d. Squeeze out air bubbles with edge of a credit card or

with a similar type of straight edge.

818-045C

Warning! Pinch Point Warning (1-Place)

Located on the back center axle

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

818-130C

Caution! Use 540 rpm PTO only (RC Series Cutters)

818-240C

Caution! Use 1000 rpm PTO only (RCM Series Cutters)

818-714C

Danger! Crushing Hazard

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Important Safety Information

ROTATING DRIVELINE

KEEP AWAY!

37901

37586

37901

37586

Table of Contents

818-552C

Danger! Rotating Driveline - Keep Away

1-Place (Top of splitter shield)

3-Places (Main driveline and 2-wing drivelines)

818-142C

Danger! Rotating Driveline - Keep Away (3-Places) Located on right wing, left wing, and center deck gearbox shields

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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Important Safety Information

22296 37609

37586

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818-540C

Danger! Shield Missing - DO NOT Operate (3-Places) Located on main and two wing drivelines

818-543C

Danger! Guard Missing - DO NOT Operate (3-Places) Located on center deck and both wing decks

818-276C

Warning! Rotating Blade Hazard (1-Place) Located on left side of center deck

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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Important Safety Information

37901

37586

Table of Contents

818-840C

Danger! Rollover Hazard (1-Place) Located on left side of center deck

818-561C

Danger! Raised Wing Hazard (2-Places) Located on the right and left wing decks

9/19/16

818-830C

Safety Combo (2-Places) Located on the right and left wing decks

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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Important Safety Information

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818-556C

Danger! Thrown Object Hazard (2-Places) Located on the right and left wing decks

818-564C

Danger! Rotating Blade (2-Places)

Located on the right and left wing decks

838-094C

Warning! High Pressure

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

838-588C

Warning! Folding Cutter Speed Warning

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Important Safety Information

37588

37572

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818-229C

1 3/4" x 2 3/4" Amber Reflector Located on front side of left & right wing lock bars

838-614C

2" x 9" Red Reflector Located on back side of left & right wing lock bars

838-614C

2" x 9" Red Reflector Located on back side of left & right wing rear axles

9/19/16

838-615C

2" x 9" Amber Reflector Located on front side of left wing only.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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37902

IMPORTANT: A special point of information related to the following topic. Great Plains’ intention is this information must be read & noted before continuing.

NOTE: A special point of information that the operator should be aware of before continuing.

Introduction

Great Plains welcomes you to the growing family of new

product owners.

This Rotary Cutter has been designed with care and built by skilled workers using quality materials. Proper assembly, maintenance, and safe operating practices will help you get years of satisfactory use from this machine.

Application

The RC4015 and RCM4015 Series 2 Rotary Cutters are designed and built by Great Plains to provide excellent cutting performance on gently sloping or slightly contoured right-of-ways, pastures, set-aside acres, or row crop fields. The 15' cutting width and ability to cut weeds and brush up to 3 1/2" in diameter make them an ideal cutter for a variety of applications.

All listed models offer a pull-type, narrow A-frame hitch, and Cat. 5 conventional or Cat. 6 constant velocity main driveline for attachment to 50-200 HP tractor. The RC4015 attaches to 540 RPM tractors and RCM4015 attaches to 1000 RPM tractors with 1 3/8" PTO shafts.

They are also offered with various optional hitch types, axle configurations, tires, safety guards, and deck rings making them an excellent choice for agricultural, state, and municipal mowing applications.

See “Specifications & Capacities” on page 52 and “Features & Benefits” on page 54 for additional information and performance enhancing options.

Owner Assistance

The Online Warranty Registration should be completed by the dealer at the time of purchase. This information is necessary to provide you with quality customer service.

The parts on your Rotary Cutter have been specially designed by Great Plains and should only be replaced with genuine Great Plains parts. Contact a Great Plains dealer if customer service or repair parts are required. Your Great Plains dealer has trained personnel, repair parts, and equipment needed to service the implement.

Serial Number

Model No. _____________Serial No. ______________

For quick reference and prompt service, record model number and serial number in the spaces provided above and again on warranty page 57. Always provide model number and serial number when ordering parts and in all correspondences with your Great Plains dealer. Refer to Figure 1 for location of your serial number plate.

Using This Manual

This Operator’s Manual is designed to help familiarize

•

the operator with safety, assembly, operation, adjustments, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Read this manual and follow the recommendations to help ensure safe and efficient operation.

• The information contained within this manual was

current at the time of printing. Some parts may change slightly to assure you of the best performance.

• To order a new Operator’s or Parts Manual, contact

your authorized dealer. Manuals can also be downloaded, free-of-charge, from our website at www.greatplainsmfg.com

Terminology

“Right” or “Left” as used in this manual is determined by facing forward in the direction the machine will operate while in use unless otherwise stated.

Definitions

Serial Number Plate Location

Figure 1

Further Assistance

Your dealer wants you to be satisfied with your new Rotary Cutter. If for any reason you do not understand any part of this manual or are not satisfied with the service received, the following actions are suggested:

1. Discuss the matter with your dealership service

manager making sure that person is aware of any problems you may have and has had the opportunity to assist you.

2. If you are still not satisfied, seek out the owner or

general manager of the dealership, explain the problem, and request assistance.

3. For further assistance write to:

Great Plains Service Department

1525 East North Street

P.O. Box 5060

Salina, Ks. 67402-5060

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

WARNING

IMPORTANT: PTO damage may occur if distances

“A” and “B” are not properly maintained.

IMPORTANT: A PTO adaptor should not be used. Using a PTO adaptor can damage the PTO.

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Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Tractor Requirements

Horsepower

Do not use too small a tractor. Tractors that are too small can be pushed around and/or flipped over by the weight of the cutter. Tractors that are too large can damage the cutter.

Tractor horsepower should be within the range noted below. Tractors outside the range must not be used.

Horsepower Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-200 HP

Drawbar Set-up

Refer to Figure 1-1:

Maintain proper distance, dimension A, between center of drawbar hitch pin hole and end of tractor PTO shaft.

Hitch Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Draw Bar

540 RPM & 1 3/8", 1000 RPM Rear PTO Speed:

A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14"- 16"

B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8" - 10"

C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18" - 22"

PTO to Drawbar Distance

Figure 1-1

PTO Speed

Rear PTO Speed:

Model RC4015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540 RPM

Model RCM4015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1000 RPM

Hydraulic Outlets

The number of tractor hydraulic duplex outlets is dependent upon how the Rotary Cutter is set-up.

• Two duplex outlets are required if the wings are folded

up and down simultaneously. (Factory standard)

• Three duplex outlets are required if the wings are

folded up and down independently.

• Float position is highly recommended for the wings.

If the tractor does not have the necessary number of duplex outlets, there are control valve kits available to add outlets. See “Hydraulic Accessories” on page 35 for a complete description of this kit.

Before You Start

Read and understand the Operator’s Manual for your cutter. An understanding of how it works will aid in the assembly and setup of your cutter.

It is best to go through the Pre-Assembly Checklist before assembling the cutter. Speed up your assembly task and make the job safer by having all needed parts and equipment readily at hand.

Torque Requirements

See “Torque Values Chart for Common Bolt Sizes” on page 56 to determine correct torque values when tightening hardware. See “Additional Torque Values” at bottom of chart for exceptions to common torque values.

Assembly Checklist

Check Reference

Have a fork lift or loader with properly sized chains and safety stands capable of lifting and supporting the equipment on hand.

Have a minimum of two people available during assembly.

Make sure all major components and loose parts are shipped with the machine.

Double check to make sure all parts, fasteners, and pins are installed in the correct location. Refer to the Parts Manual if unsure. By double checking, you will lessen the chance of using a bolt incorrectly that may be needed later.

NOTE: All assembled hardware from the factory has been installed in the correct location. Remember location of a part or fastener if removed during assembly. Keep parts separated.

Make sure working parts move freely, bolts are tight & cotter pins are spread.

Make sure all grease fittings are in place and lubricated.

Make sure all safety labels are correctly located and legible. Replace if damaged.

Make sure all red and amber reflectors are correctly located and visible when machine is in transport position.

Make sure all pneumatic tires are properly inflated and all wheel bolts and axle nuts are tightened to the specified torque.

Operator’s

Manual

Operator’s

Manual

334-300M

Parts Manual

334-300P

Page 56

Page 46

Page 4

Page 9

Page 56

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RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 14

Table of Contents

NOTE: The 5/8" bolt (#1) and spacer (#2) may be

removed for more flexibility of hitch. If bolt and spacer are removed, an equal number of washers should be added above the drawbar and below the drawbar to remove gap between drawbar and clevis hitch. Adding washers when bolt and spacer are removed will reduce drawbar and hitch wear.

27928

37590

26599

26600

27928

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Hitch Types

The cutter is factory supplied with the standard clevis hitch. Other optional hitches are available. They include Great Plains Performance hitch, bar-tite hitch, ball hitch, and pintle hitch. See your nearest Great Plains dealer should you want to change your hitch set-up.

Standard Clevis Hitch

Refer to Figure 1-2:

Cutter rotation about the tractor drawbar is limited to slot in the upper clevis plate, hole size in the lower clevis plate, and drawbar hole size. Customer to supply hitch pin and hitch pin keeper.

Standard Clevis Hitch

Figure 1-2

Performance Hitch (Optional)

Refer to Figure 1-3:

The Performance Hitch is a drawbar friendly, self-leveling hitch that pivots up and down, and side-toside. It is held upright with customer supplied hitch pin to allow single-person hook-up.

Bar-Tite Hitch (Optional)

Refer to Figure 1-4:

The bar-tite hitch functions similar to the Performance hitch except it clamps directly to the drawbar. The bar-tite hitch is sandwiched between hardened steel plates to eliminate drawbar wear. It has a bushing in the tongue to extend hitch life. Bushing and hitch swivel are greasable.

Ball Hitch (Optional)

Refer to Figure 1-5:

Cutter rotation about the tractor drawbar is limited to swivel movement over the 2 5/16" tractor mounted ball.

Performance Hitch

Figure 1-3

Bar-Tite Hitch

Figure 1-4

Ball Hitch Figure 1-5

Pintle Hitch (Optional)

Refer to Figure 1-6:

Cutter rotation about the tractor drawbar is limited to movement about the pintle connection. The pintle hitch is ideal for a drawbar hammer strap.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Pintle Hitch

Figure 1-6

9/19/16

Page 15

Table of Contents

NOTE: The center deck lift cylinder hose will need

to be attached to a tractor before the hitch on the cutter can be rotated down for assembly.

37591

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Hitch Assembly

Refer to Figure 1-7:

1. Attach center deck lift cylinder hose to a tractor. See Hydraulic Hook-up on page 17 for instructions.

2. Raise cutter up with tractor control lever and remove shipping bracket from center deck cylinder rod.

3. After removal of shipping bracket, lower center deck completely down until it is resting on its skid shoes.

4. Hitch (#1) is shipped hinged up and bolted in place. Remove and discard 1/2" hex whiz nuts (#4) and 1/2" bolts (#3).

5. Rotate hitch down into pulling position as shown and install left and right leveling rods (#1) to hitch frame (#2) with 3/4" x 1 1/2" clevis pins (#6), 3/4" flat washers (#5), and 1/8" x 1 1/4" cotter pins (#7).

6. Bend legs of cotter pins to keep pins from falling out.

7. Leveling rod adjustment will be made after cutter is attached to the tractor.

Park Jack Assembly

Refer to Figure 1-7:

1. Attach park jack (#9) to jack mount and secure with attached pin (#8).

2. If park jack is not vertical, adjust jack angle according to “Park Jack Angle Alignment” on page 24.

3. Adjust jack up or down until clevis hitch (#1) is at drawbar height.

Spring Hose Loop Assembly

Refer to Figure 1-7:

1. Attach spring hose loop (#10) to A-frame hitch (#2) with 3/8"-16 x 1" GR5 bolt (#11), flat washer (#12), and hex flange lock nut (#13).

2. Rotate spring hose loop (#10) to face forward as shown and tighten hex flange lock nut (#13) to the correct torque.

Hitch and Jack Assembly

Figure 1-7

Tractor Shutdown Procedure

The following is proper shutdown procedures. Always follows these procedures before dismounting tractor.

1. If engaged, disengage PTO.

2. Lower attached implement to ground, put tractor in park or set park brake, turn off engine, and remove switch key to prevent unauthorized starting.

3. Wait for all components to come to a complete stop before leaving the operator’s seat.

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RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 16

Table of Contents

DANGER

IMPORTANT: Ball detent pin (#8) must be fully

inserted in park jack (#3) before working on or around a cutter not hooked to a tractor drawbar.

The 5/8" bolt (#10) and spacer (#11) may be removed for more flexibility of hitch. If they are removed, an equal number of flat washers (#12) should be added above drawbar and below drawbar to remove gap between drawbar and clevis hitch. Adding washers with bolt and spacer removed will reduce drawbar and hitch ware. (Flat washers are customer supplied.)

NOTE: Hitch pin (#1) and hairpin cotter (#2) are

supplied by customer.

27973

IMPORTANT: Protect park jack by storing it on the

left wing deck before moving the cutter. Make sure

jack is stored with its base level or lower than the

head to prevent water and freeze damage.

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Standard Clevis Hitch Hook-up

A Crushing Hazard exists when hooking-up equipment to a tractor. Do not allow anyone to sta nd between tractor and implement while backing-up to implement. Do not operate hydraulic 3-Point lift controls while someone is directly behind the tractor or near the implement.

Refer to Refer to Figure 1-11:

1. Make certain park jack (#3) is properly attached to the cutter hitch and secured with detent pin (#8). If park jack is not vertical, refer to “Park Jack Angle Alignment” on page 24.

2. Store center 3-point link in its storage hook.

3. Start tractor, raise 3-point arms fully up, and carefully back tractor within close proximity of clevis (#9).

4. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on this page.

5. Verify tractor drawbar is adjusted correctly. Refer to “Drawbar Set-up” dimensions on page 11.

6. Raise or lower park jack (#3) to align clevis (#9) with tractor drawbar. Drawbar should fit between lower and upper plates of clevis.

7. Restart tractor and continue to back tractor up to cutter hitch until hole in tractor drawbar and holes in hitch clevis (#9) are aligned.

8. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting.

Tractor Hookup to Standard Clevis Hitch

Figure 1-11

11. Remove park jack (#3) from hitch and attach it to the left-hand wing storage base with detent pin (#8). Make sure base is level with or lower than the head especially after the wings are folded up. See cover picture for correct positioning.

12. Attach hitch safety chain (#4) to tractor. Adjust chain length to remove all slack except what is necessary to permit turning. Lock chain hook securely to the safety chain.

13. Continue with “Hydraulic Hook-up” on page 17 and “Driveline Installation” on page 18.

9. Customer to supply hitch pin and hairpin cotter. Insert hitch pin (#1) through top hole in clevis (#9), tractor drawbar, and out through bottom hole in clevis. Secure hitch pin with hairpin cotter (#2).

10. Lower park jack (#3) until hitch weight is supported by drawbar.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

9/19/16

Page 17

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

DANGER

IMPORTANT: Jack detent pin (#8) must be fully

inserted and secured before working on or around a cutter that is not hooked to the tractor drawbar.

NOTE: Hitch pin (#1) and hairpin cotter (#2) are customer-supplied.

IMPORTANT: Protect park jack by storing it on the left wing deck before moving the cutter. Make sure jack is stored with its base level or lower than the head to prevent water and freeze damage.

39194

37298

Performance Hitch Hook-up

A Crushing Hazard exists when hooking-up equipment to a tractor. Do not allow anyone to st and between tractor and implement while backing-up to implement. Do not operate hydraulic 3-Point lift controls while someone is directly behind the tractor or near the implement.

Refer to Figure 1-12:

1. Make certain park jack (#3) is properly attached to

the cutter hitch and secured with ball detent pin (#8).

2. Adjust park jack angle if it is not vertical. Refer to

“Park Jack Angle Alignment” on page 24.

3. If clevis hitch is not already supported horizontal,

rotate clevis (#9) horizontal and flip hitch holder (#11) up so that its holes are on top as shown.

4. Insert customer-supplied hitch pin (#1) through holes

in hitch holder (#11) as shown in detail A. Secure with hairpin cotter (#2).

5. Store center 3-point link in its storage hook.

6. Start tractor, raise 3-point arms fully up, and carefully

back tractor within close proximity of clevis (#9).

7. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer

to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

9/19/16

Table of Contents

Tractor Hookup to Performance Hitch

Figure 1-12

8. Verify tractor drawbar is adjusted correctly. Refer to “Drawbar Set-up” dimensions on page 11.

9. Raise or lower park jack (#3) to align clevis (#9) with tractor drawbar. Drawbar should fit between lower and upper plates of clevis.

10. Restart tractor and continue to back tractor up to cutter hitch until hole in tractor drawbar and holes in hitch clevis (#9) are aligned.

11. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting.

12. Remove bushings in clevis if customer supplied hitch pin diameter is larger than 1". See “Performance Hitch Hole Size” on page 26 for instructions.

13. Remove hairpin cotter (2) and hitch pin (#1) from hitch holder (#11) and rotate hitch holder down.

14. Attach cutter to tractor drawbar with hitch pin (#1) and hairpin cotter (#2) as shown in detail B.

15. Lower park jack (#3) until hitch weight is supported by tractor drawbar.

16. Remove park jack (#3) from hitch and attach it to the left-hand wing storage base with detent pin (#8). Make sure base is level with or lower than the head especially after the wings are folded up. See cover picture for correct positioning.

17. Attach hitch safety chain (#4) to the tractor. Adjust chain length to remove all slack except what is necessary to permit turning. Lock chain hook securely to the safety chain.

18. Continue with “Hydraulic Hook-up” on page 17 and “Driveline Installation” on page 18.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 18

Table of Contents

DANGER

22265

IMPORTANT: Ball detent pin (#8) must be fully inserted in park jack (#3) before working on or around a cutter not hooked to a tractor drawbar.

26604

IMPORTANT: Protect park jack by storing it on the left wing deck before moving the cutter. Make sure jack is stored with its base level or lower than the head to prevent water and freeze damage.

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Bar-Tite Hitch Assembly to Tractor Tongue

Figure 1-13

Bar-Tite Hitch Hook-up

Attach Bar-Tite Hitch to Tractor Drawbar

Refer to Figure 1-13:

1. Insert 1" x 5 1/2" hex bolt (#1) through hitch top plate (#2), hitch bushing (#3), hitch wear plate (#4), tractor drawbar (#5), and washer (#6) as shown. Secure with 1" locknut (#7). Tighten 1" locknut snugly to remove all play and then back nut one-quarter turn. Do Not torque 1" locknut.

2. Insert two 3/4" x 6" GR5 hex bolts (#8) through, 3/4" flat washers (#9), hitch top plate (#2), hitch wear plate (#4), and formed hitch support (#10) as shown. Secure with 3/4" locknuts (#11).

3. Tighten 3/4" locknuts to correct torque.

4. Remove 1" x 6 1/2" GR5 hex bolt (#12) and 1" lock nut (#13) from hitch bushing (#3). Keep bolt and locknut for reuse.

Attach Bar-Tite Hitch to Rotary Cutter

Refer to Figure 1-14:

Tractor Hookup to Bar-Tite Hitch

Figure 1-14

1. Make certain park jack (#3) is properly attached to cutter and secured with detent pin (#8). If park jack is not vertical, refer to “Park Jack Angle Alignment” on page 24.

2. Store center 3-point link in its storage hook.

3. Start tractor, raise 3-point arms fully up, and carefully back tractor within close proximity of clevis (#9).

4. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

5. Verify tractor drawbar is adjusted correctly. Refer to “Drawbar Set-up” dimensions on page 11.

6. Raise or lower park jack (#3) to align hitch (#10) with bolt hole in swivel clevis (#9).

7. Restart tractor and back tractor up to swivel clevis (#9) until hole in hitch bushing (#10) aligns with holes in swivel clevis (#9).

8. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting.

9. Insert 1" x 6 1/2" GR5 hex bolt (#1) through swivel clevis (#9) and hitch bushing (#10). Secure hex bolt with locknut (#2). Tighten locknut snugly to remove all play. Do Not torque 1" locknut.

10. Lower park jack (#3) until hitch weight is supported by the drawbar.

A Crushing Hazard exists when hooking-up equipment to a tractor. Do not allow anyone to stand between tractor and implement while backing-up to implement. Do not operate hydraulic 3-Point lift controls while someone is directly behind the tractor or near the implement.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

11. Remove park jack (#3) from hitch frame and attach it to the left-hand wing storage base with detent pin (#8). Make sure base is level with or lower than the head especially after the wings are folded up. See cover picture for correct positioning.

12. Attach hitch safety chain (#4) to tractor. Adjust chain length to remove all slack except what is necessary to permit turning. Securely lock chain hook to the safety chain.

13. Continue with “Hydraulic Hook-up” on page 17 and “Driveline Installation” on page 18.

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Page 19

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

DANGER

39194

WARNING

27929

NOTE: Wing axle locknuts (#2) are tightened for shipping purposes. They must be loosened slightly to allow the axle to pivot. Do not torque them tight.

Table of Contents

Hydraulic Hook-up

The required number of duplex outlets at the tractor is dependent upon how the cutter is set-up. The standard cutter is equipped with three hydraulic cylinders with one in the center for lifting the cutter and one on each wing for folding the wings simultaneously. All three cylinders are set-up for single action (one-way) operation.

Each duplex outlet on your tractor can perform only one operation. One outlet is needed for lifting the cutter and one for lifting the wings simultaneously. A third outlet is required if wings are lifted independently. This will also require replumbing wing cylinders. Float position is highly recommended for wing outlet(s).

Your Great Plains dealer can help you determine the best configuration that will match your needs and your tractor capabilities. An optional control valve kit is available if the tractor does not have the required number of duplex outlets. For additional information, see “Selector Control Valve Kit” on page 35.

Hydraulic fluid under high pressur e can penetrate skin. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles when working with hydraulic systems. Use a piece of cardboard or wood rather than hands when searching for hydraulic leaks. If hydraulic fluid is injected into the skin or eyes, it must be treated by a doctor familiar with this type of injury within a few hours or gangrene may result. DO NOT DELAY.

2. Secure hydraulic hoses together with zip ties (#12)

as needed to keep them from pinch areas caused by raising and lowering the deck, folding the wing, and while making turns with the tractor.

Wing Axle - Turnbuckle Assembly

Figure 1-16

Right & Left Wing Set-up

Refer to Figure 1-16:

Hydraulic Hook-up (Performance Hitch Shown)

Figure 1-15

Refer to Figure 1-15:

1. Route hydraulic hoses (#7) through hose support loop (#10) and attach couplers to the tractor remote outlets. If tractor has a float option on one of the outlets, connect wing lift hose to that outlet and set tractor control lever for that outlet in float position before cutting.

Connect turnbuckles (#5) to wing axles (#1) before lowering wings. Otherwise, personal injury and/or damage to the turnbuckle can occur.

1. Park tractor and cutter on a level surface.

2. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

3. Cut metal band between the two wing axles.

4. On the right wing axle, loosen lock nuts (#2) slightly to allow rotation of the axle.

5. Remove locknut (#3) and 1 1/4" hex head bolt (#4).

6. Loosen jam nut (#6) on turnbuckle (#5) and adjust until center of ball swivels are approximately 10 1/2" apart. Do not retighten jam nut. Final adjustment will be made later when leveling wing decks.

7. Rotate right axle (#1) until turnbuckle (#5) can be attached to the axle with existing bolt (#4) and lock nut (#3). Tighten locknut (#3) to the correct torque.

8. Tighten locknuts (#2) until snug. Do not over tighten. Wing axle must be able to pivot in the field.

9. Repeat steps 4 thru 6 for the left wing axle.

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RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 20

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

DANGER

27921

DANGER

WARNING

27923

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to operate a 540 rpm driveline at 1,000 rpm or a 1,000 rpm driveline at 540 rpm. Many tractors provide both 540 and 1,000 rpm PTO modes. Check your tractor’s manual to determine its capabilities.

Transport Bar, Locked Position

Figure 1-17

Table of Contents

Lower Wings

Keep everyone out of the area where the wing decks will unfold into. A wing that falls suddenly on a person will cause serious bodily injury or death.

Refer to Figure 1-17:

1. Park tractor and cutter on a level surface.

2. Raise both wings up to release any tension on transport lock bars (#3).

3. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

4. Remove hairpin clip (#1) from both the left and right cylinder pins (#4).

Refer to Figure 1-18:

5. Rotate end of transport lock bars (#3) to storage pins (#2) on both left and right wings.

6. Secure with hairpin clips (#1).

7. Restart tractor and lower both left and right wings with tractor hydraulic control lever until both wings are on the ground.

Transport Bar, Storage Position

Figure 1-18

Driveline Installation

Do not engage tractor PTO while hooking-up and unhooking driveline or while someone is standing near the driveline. A person’s body and/or clothing can become entangled in the driveline resulting in serious injury or death.

Always disengage PTO, place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to stop before dismounting from tractor.

Do not operate cutter above its rated PTO speed or machine breakage may result.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Make certain all driveline yokes are securely fastened at both ends. A loose yoke can work free allowing the driveline to rotate uncontrollably causing machine damage and bodily injury or death to anyone nearby.

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Page 21

Table of Contents

37520

37904

IMPORTANT: The driveline must be lubricated before putting it into service. Refer to “Lubrication

Points” on page 46.

NOTE: Wings must be lowered before removing the driveline from its shipping location. See “Lower Wings” on page 18.

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Refer to Figure 1-19:

The main driveline can be constant velocity type or conventional type. Pull-collar and bolted couplers are used to secure the driveline to the tractor and implement gearbox, respectively.

1. Remove hex whiz nuts (#4A), carriage bolts (#3), and

shipping bracket (#2). Discard shipping bracket.

2. Slide driveline (#5) off end of shipping bracket (#1).

Set driveline aside for attaching to splitter box later.

3. Reinsert carriage bolts (#3) and secure with hex whiz

nuts (#4A). Tighten whiz nuts to the correct torque.

4. Remove hex whiz nuts (#4B), carriage bolts (#3), and

shipping bracket (#1). Discard shipping bracket.

5. Reinsert carriage bolts (#3) and secure with hex whiz

nuts (#4B). Tighten whiz nuts to the correct torque.

Refer to Figure 1-20:

6. Unsnap latches (#5) on both sides of gearbox

shield (#10) and remove gearbox shield.

7. Remove and discard rubber shaft protector (#7) from

splitter gearbox shaft (#8).

Remove Main Driveline from Cutter

Figure 1-19

8. Remove locknuts (#1) and bolts (#2) from bolted coupler end of driveline (#9).

9. Insert bolted coupler end of driveline (#9) through gearbox shield (#10) and attach to gearbox input shaft (#8) with removed bolts (#2) and locknuts (#1). Tighten locknuts to the correct torque.

10. Return gearbox shield (#10) to mounting plate (#4) and secure with latches (#5).

11. Check safety chain (#3). Make sure it is latched to mounting plate (#4) and gearbox shield (#10).

12. Rotate driveline hanger (#11) up and support driveline (#9) on hanger. Final adjustments to hanger will be made after tractor hook-up.

Driveline Hook-up to Gearbox Input Shaft

9/19/16

Figure 1-20

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 22

Table of Contents

WARNING

IMPORTANT: Always rotate driveline hanger down

after hook-up to prevent driveline damage.

37905 37907

IMPORTANT: Always rotate driveline hanger down before moving cutter to prevent damage to driveline.

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Driveline Hook-up to Tractor PTO

Do not use a PTO adapter. A PTO adapter will increase strain on the tractor’s PTO shaft resulting in possible damage to shaft and driveline. It will also defeat the purpose of the tractor’s PTO shield and could cause bodily injury or death.

Refer to Figure 1-21:

1. If needed, collapse driveline (#5) by pushing tractor end of driveline against splitter gearbox.

2. Pull back on yoke locking collar (#6) and slide yoke over tractor PTO shaft.

3. Release locking collar (#6) and continue to push outer yoke onto tractor PTO shaft until locking collar snaps in place.

4. Both yoke ends of driveline (#5) should be moved back and forth to ensure they are secured. Reattach yoke end if it is loose.

5. Rotate driveline hanger (#1) down.

6. If park jack (#3) is attached to the hitch, it should be removed and stored on the left-hand wing. For detailed instructions, see steps 15 & 16 on page 15.

Adjust Driveline Hanger

Refer to Figure 1-22:

1. Move tractor control lever to extend hydraulic lift cylinder (#1) until pressure against stroke control spacers (#2) is removed.

2. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

3. Remove all stroke control spacers (#2) from center hydraulic lift cylinder (#1) by spreading them apart at the break line.

4. Start tractor and lower cutter until front skids are resting on the ground or on support blocks.

5. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting.

6. Replace stroke control spacers (#2) as needed to support wheels at this position.

Refer to Figure 1-21:

7. With driveline attached to tractor, rotate driveline hanger (#1) up as shown.

8. Loosen nuts securing carriage bolts (#3) and adjust driveline hanger (#1) to be close to under side of driveline (#5).

9. If driveline hanger (#1) is adjusted fully up and needs to adjust higher, remove carriage bolts (#3) and reattach hanger to the upper two square holes (#2) with existing flat washers, lock washers, hex nuts, and carriage bolts (#3). Continue to adjust hanger to underside of driveline.

Adjust Driveline Hanger

Figure 1-21

Hydraulic Lift Cylinder With Stroke Control Spacers

Figure 1-22

10. Draw nuts securing carriage bolts (#3) up snug and rotate driveline hanger (#1) down. If hanger makes contact with driveline (#5), readjust hanger down until it misses the driveline.

11. Tighten 3/8"-16 GR5 bolts (#3) to the correct torque.

12. Rotate driveline hanger (#1) down.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

9/19/16

Page 23

Table of Contents

DANGER

WARNING

37899

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Purge Wing cylinders & Deck Lift Cylinder

Figure 1-23

Driveline Clearance Check

Check driveline for adequate clearance under all ranges of cutter height.

1. With driveline shaft attached to the tractor and all stroke control spacers (#4 in Figure 1-22) removed from hydraulic cylinder (#1), slowly raise and lower cutter to its upper and lower limits while observing clearances between hitch and driveline. Adjust tractor drawbar height and/or length if driveline interferes. See Figure 1-1 on page 11 for correct drawbar dimensions.

2. It may be necessary to purge lift cylinder, wing cylinder, and hydraulic hoses of trapped air if operation is sluggish. Cycle cylinders back and forth several times to purge air from them. For additional details, see “Purge Hydraulic System” below.

Purge Hydraulic System

Never remove or install a folding wing cylinder with cylinder rod r etracted and wing folded up. The wing is unstable without its folding cylinder and can suddenly fall. Also, air trapped in a new or repaired cylinder will drop the wing suddenly when lowering the wing. Either situation can render the cutter inoperable and cause serious bodily injury or death.

Be sure center and wing decks are lowered to the ground and all hydraulic pressure is relieved before disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings between the Rotary Cutter and tractor hydraulic system.

Refer to Figure 1-23:

Wing Fold Cylinder

1. Lower center deck until it is supported by stroke control spacers (#6) on hydraulic cylinder (#4).

2. Lower wing decks until they are resting on the ground.

3. See “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13. Shut tractor down properly and move wing control levers back and forth to relieve all hydraulic pressure.

4. Slightly loosen hydraulic hose fitting (#2) at righthand wing cylinder (#1) to allow air to escape.

5. Restart tractor and slowly activate tractor control lever to retract wing cylinder (#1), and to purge trapped air from the hydraulic system.

6. Repeat steps 1 thru 3 above once air is purged from the right-hand wing cylinder.

7. Tighten hose fitting at the right-hand wing cylinder.

8. Repeat steps 4 thru 7 above to purge the left-hand wing cylinder (#3).

Deck Lift Cylinder

Refer to Figure 1-23:

1. Lower center deck until it is supported by stroke control spacers (#6) on hydraulic cylinder (#5).

2. See “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13. Shut tractor down properly and move deck lift control lever back and forth to relieve all hydraulic pressure.

3. Slightly loosen hydraulic hose fitting (#5) at deck lift cylinder (#4) to allow air to escape.

4. Restart tractor and slowly activate tractor control lift lever to extend lift cylinder (#4) and to purge trapped air from the hydraulic system.

5. Repeat steps 1 & 2 above once air is purged from the deck lift hydraulic system.

6. Tighten hose fitting (#5) at lift cylinder (#4).

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 24

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

39038

27923

27921

37907

Table of Contents

Remove Shipping Lugs

Figure 1-22

Remove Shipping Lugs

Refer to Figure 1-22:

Tie down lugs are installed on all four corners of the center deck for shipping purposes only. They should be removed and discarded before cutter is put into use.

1. Remove and discard all four shipping lugs (#1) and attaching hardware (#2 & #3).

Unhook Rotary Cutter

1. See “Long-Term Storage” on page 45 when parking the cutter for long periods and at end of season.

2. If PTO is engaged, reduce tractor engine speed to an idle and then disengage PTO.

3. Park cutter on a level, hard surface. Place tractor gear selector in park or set park brake.

Refer to Figure 1-24 on page 22:

4. Wait for blades to come to a complete stop and then fold wings up to transport position.

5. Shut tractor engine off and remove switch key before dismounting from tractor.

6. Remove hairpin clips (#1) from storage pins (#2).

Refer to Figure 1-25 on page 22:

7. Swing transport lock bars (#3) down and place over lock pins (#4). Secure with hairpin clips (#1).

Refer to Figure 1-26 on page 22:

8. Spread stroke control spacers (#2) apart at the break line and remove them from hydraulic cylinder (#1).

9. Start tractor and lower cutter until front skids are resting on the ground or on support blocks.

10. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Transport Bar, Storage Position

Figure 1-24

Transport Bar, Locked Position

Figure 1-25

Hydraulic Lift Cylinder With Stroke Control Spacers

Figure 1-26

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37906

39194

33870

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

11. Replace stroke control spacers as needed to support

wheels at this position.

12. With no one around or near the cutter, move cylinder

deck and wing cylinder lift levers back and forth to release all hydraulic pressure at the couplers.

Refer to Figure 1-27:

13. Remove park jack (#3) from left-hand wing deck and

attach to jack mount (#12) as shown. Fully insert detent pin (#8) in jack mount to secure park jack.

14. If needed, realign park jack to be vertical. Refer to

“Park Jack Angle Alignment” on page 24.

15. Unhook hitch safety chain (#4) from tractor.

16. Unhook hydraulic hoses (#7) from tractor duplex

outlet. Insert couplers through spring hose loop (#10) to keep couplers out of the dirt.

17. Pull back on locking collar (#6) and pull driveline (#5)

from tractor PTO shaft.

18. Collapse driveline (#5) by pushing tractor end of

driveline toward the splitter gearbox.

19. Rotate driveline hanger (#11) up to position shown

and store driveline on hanger.

20. Adjust park jack (#3) as needed to remove cutter

hitch weight off the tractor drawbar.

21. Remove connecting hitch pin or bolt as follows:

a. For Standard Clevis Hitch, See Figure 1-25:

Remove hairpin cotter (#2) and hitch pin (#1).

a. For Performance Hitch, See Figure 1-28:

Refer to Detail B: Remove hairpin cotter (#2) and hitch pin (#1).

b. For Bar-Tite Hitch, See Figure 1-29:

Remove locknut (#2) and bolt (#1).

22. Restart tractor and drive tractor slowly forward

several feet.

23. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting.

24. Lower park jack until cutter is resting on its front skid

shoes.

25. Replace connecting pin/bolt (#1) as follows:

a. For Standard Clevis Hitch, See Figure 1-27:

If unhooking standard clevis, replace connecting pin (#1) in clevis (#9).

b. For Performance Hitch, See Detail A in Figure

1-28:

Rotate clevis (#9) horizontal and flip hitch holder (#11) up so that its holes are on top as shown. Insert customer-supplied hitch pin (#1) through holes in hitch holder (#11). Secure with hairpin cotter (#2).

c. For Bar-Tite Hitch, See Figure 1-29:

If unhooking bar-tite hitch, remove hitch (#11) from tractor drawbar and reattach it to the hitch (#9) with removed bolt (#1) and locknut (#2) Screw locknut on 4 or 5 full turns. Do not torque nut tight.

Unhook Rotary Cutter

Figure 1-27

Unhook Tractor From Performance Hitch

Figure 1-28

Unhook Tractor From Bar-Tite Hitch

Figure 1-29

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RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 26

Table of Contents

39461

NOTE: If cutter is not hitched securely to a tractor, support blocks should be placed under the front skid shoes to support cutter while aligning the park jack vertically.

NOTE: Refer to decal (#6) and instructions below for jack alignment and torque value instructions.

27858

NOTE: Loosening coupler nuts (#4) will lengthen leveling rods and lower front of cutter. Tightening coupler nuts (#4) will shorten leveling rods and raise front of cutter.

Section 2: Adjustments

Park Jack Angle Alignment

Figure 2-1

Park Jack Angle Alignment

Refer to Figure 2-1:

The jack mount angle should be adjusted to position the park jack vertical while supporting the cutter hitch. This angle will vary depending on the number and size of stroke control spacers placed on the lift cylinder rod.

Leveling Center Deck & Wings

These adjustments should be made with your cutter hooked to the tractor operating the unit or to a tractor having the same drawbar height.

Center Deck Leveling

Refer to Figure 2-2 & Figure 2-3 on page 25:

1. With cutter attached to a tractor, disengage PTO, and park on a level, hard surface. Place tractor gear selector in park or set park brake.

2. Wait for blades to come to a complete stop and then fold wings up to transport position.

3. Shut tractor engine off and remove switch key before dismounting from tractor.

4. Set transport locks to keep wing decks from falling. See “Transport Locks” on page 30 for instructions.

1. With cutter hitched to a tractor, lower cutter to storage height.

2. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

3. Install park jack (#7). See “Park Jack Assembly” on page 13. Check jack angle. If jack is not vertical, proceed with step 3 below.

4. Remove hex nut (#3), lock washer (#5) and carriage bolt (#2).

5. Loosen 1" hex nut (#4). Do not remove.

6. Rotate jack mount (#1) to align jack as near vertical as possible.

7. Replace 1/2"-13 x 1 1/2" GR5 carriage bolt (#2) and secure with lock washer (#5) and hex nut (#3). Tighten hex nut to the correct torque.

8. Tighten 1" hex nut (#4) to 645 ft-lbs.

9. If moving cutter, skip to step 10. If unhooking cutter, see “Unhook Rotary Cutter” on page 22 for detailed instructions.

10. If cutter is to be moved, remove park jack (#7) from hitch frame and attach it to the left-hand wing storage base. Make sure base of park jack is level with or lower than the head, especially after the wings are folded up. See cover picture for correct positioning.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Front Skid Position (Chain Guards Removed for Clarity)

Figure 2-2

5. Using hydraulic lift, adjust center deck height so that the front skids (#2) are 2 to 3 inches above ground.

6. On both sides of the center deck are continuous hinges (#1). Measure distance from bottom of hinges to ground at the front and back. They should be equal distance off the ground at the back and 1" closer to the ground at the front than they are at the back.

If continuous hinges are too high at the front:

a. Loosen jam nuts (#3).

b. Loosen adjusting nuts (#4) an equal amount to

lengthen both leveling rods until hinges (#1) are inclined from front to back by 1" with the front being closer to the ground than the back.

If continuous hinges are too low at the front:

a. Loosen jam nuts (#3) several turns.

b. Tighten adjusting nuts (#4) an equal amount to

shorten both leveling rods until hinges (#1) are inclined from front to back by 1" with the front being closer to the ground than the back.

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Section 2: Adjustments

27926

Clockwise Rotation Shown

27857

Right-hand Leveling Rod

Left-hand Leveling Rod

Stroke Control

Spacers

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Center Deck Leveling

7. Be sure both sides are equal distance from ground to continuous hinges and that left and right leveling rods have equal tension. Re-tighten jam nut (#3).

Wing Deck Leveling

Refer to Figure 2-4:

Each wing section will need adjusting if wing top is not level with center deck top when wings are unfolded.

1. With tractor hydraulics, lower wings down. Refer to “Field Set-up” on page 31 for instructions on how to lower wings.

2. Pull cutter straight forward six to ten feet to allow outer wing wheels to properly align themselves.

3. Check wing tops to see if they are level with the top of the center deck. If the outer edge of either wing top is higher or lower than the center deck, then that wing should be leveled as follows:

a. If outer wing edge is higher than the center

deck, loosen jam nut (#1) & rotate turnbuckle (#2) clockwise to lower outer wing edge until wing is level. Tighten jam nut (#1) to the correct torque when level.

b. If outer wing edge is lower than the center deck,

loosen jam nut (#1) and rotate turnbuckle (#2) counterclockwise to raise outer wing edge until wing is level. Tighten jam nut (#1) to the correct torque when level.

Figure 2-3

Leveling Wing Decks

Figure 2-4

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RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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37907

NOTE: Make all cutting height adjustments in the field using height of cut grass/material as a guide. Do not measure blade height above ground as the non-operating blade height will be different than the operating blade height.

NOTE: Removing spacers lowers cutting height and adding spacers raises cutting height.

39093

Section 2: Adjustments

Cutting Height Adjustment

Figure 2-5

Cutting Height Adjustment

Refer to Figure 2-5:

1. At the cutting site, unfold wings and raise center deck fully up with lift cylinder.

2. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

3. Remove all stroke control spacers (#2) from center hydraulic cylinder (#1) by spreading them apart at the break line. Store spacers in a location they can be retrieved.

4. Start tractor and engage blades. See “Engage Blades” on page 31 for detailed instructions.

5. Using tractor control lever, adjust cutter to the desired cutting height and then travel forward for approximately 20 to 50 feet.

6. Stop tractor, disengage PTO, place tractor gear selector in park or set park brake, shut off tractor, remove key, and wait for blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting from tractor.

7. Measure height of cut grass/material. This distance is the cutting height. If this height is acceptable, continue with step 8. If this height is unacceptable, repeat steps 4 thru 7 until desired cutting height is achieved.

8. Select required size and number of stroke control spacers (#2) that will fit on the center hydraulic cylinder rod. The following spacers are available.

• Two 1" spacers

• One 1 1/4" spacer

• One 1 1/2" spacer

• One 1 3/4" spacer

9. Return to tractor and raise Rotary Cutter up again.

10. Without lowering the cutter, shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

11. Install selected stroke control spacers on the center cylinder rod.

12. Return to the tractor and lower cutter against stroke control spacers.

13. Recheck cutting height using steps 4 thru 7 above. If needed, adjust size and quantity of stroke control spacers until desired cutting height is achieved.

14. Keep remaining spacers with tractor for field adjustments.

Performance Hitch Hole Size

Refer to Figure 2-6:

The Performance hitch is designed to receive 1" diameter hitch pins. To convert the hitch to receive 1 1/4" diameter hitch pins, knock out upper and lower bushings (#1) in clevis (#2).

Performance Hitch Hoe Size

Figure 2-6

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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DANGER

Section 3: Operating Instructions

Startup Checklist

Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training involved in the operation, transport, storage, and maintenance of the Rotary Cutter. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that no one operates cutter without first having read, fully understood, and become totally familiar with the Operator’s Manual. Make sure the operator has paid particular attention to:

• Important Safety Information, pages 1 to 9

• Section 1: Assembly & Set-up, page 11

• Section 2: Adjustments, page 24

• Section 3: Operating Instructions, page 27

• Section 4: Options & Accessories, page 33

• Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication, page 38

Also make sure the operator has completed the Operating Checklist below before using the cutter.

Operating Checklist

Always disconnect main driveline from tractor PTO before servicing underside of cutter . PT O can be engaged if tractor is started causing cutter damage, bodily injury or death.

Keep others away from the cutter while it is operating. Rotary Cutters have the ability to discharge objects at high speeds causing serious injury or death. The use of front & rear safety guards is strongly recommended and should always be used when cutting along highways and in areas where bystanders are present. Stop blade rotation if bystanders are nearby.

Do not raise one or both wings up with PTO engaged or drivelines rotating. Objects can be thr own by rotating blades. Always keep people away from a cutter that is operating.



Make sure all guards, and shields are in place and in good working condition. Refer to "Important Safety Information".

Follow hook-up and driveline installation instructions. Refer to "Section 1: Assembly & Set-up".

Make all required adjustments. Refer to "Section 2: Adjustments".

Preform all required maintenance. Refer to "Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication".

Lubricate cutter and driveline as needed. Refer to "Lubrication Points".

Lubricate all gearboxes and replace oil plugs properly. Refer to Gearbox Lubrication.

Check cutter initially and periodically for loose bolts and pins. Refer to “Torque Values Chart”.

Check Page

Page 1

Page 14

Page 24

Page 38

Page 46

Page 48

Page 56

Safety Information

Operate only tractors equipped with Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and seat belt. Fasten seat belt snugly and securely to help pr otect operator from being thrown, crushed, or severely injur ed in a rollover or from falling off the tractor and being ran over by the tractor and/or cutter.

Do not operate cutter without both wings attached. Removing one wing will expose blades and increase risk of rollover. Removing both wings will expose blades on both sides. Exposed blades can result in serious injury and/or death.

Never place hands or feet under the deck or attempt to make adjustments to the cutter with PTO engaged. Cutter blades rotating at high speeds cannot be seen and are located close to the deck housing. Body extremities can be cut off instantly.

Do not operate on or travel across steep inclines where a tractor or cutter could roll-over r esulting in serious injury or death. Consult your tractor’s manual for acceptable inclines the tractor is capable of traveling across.

Never allow riders including children on the tractor or cutter. They can fall and be ran over, become entangled in rotating components, and/or pinched by moving components causing serious injury or death.

Do not operate cutter with a bent or broken driveline. Such a driveline can break apart while rotating at high speeds causing serious injury or death. Always remove Rotary Cutter from service until damaged driveline is repaired or replaced.

9/19/16

Clear area to be cut of debris and other unfor eseen r emovable objects before cutting. Mark any potential hazards that cannot be removed such as tr ee stumps, posts, large rocks, holes, and drop-offs with a visible flag.

Tractor PT O shield and gearbox shaft shields must be secure d in place when operating cutter to avoid injury or death from entanglement in driveline.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 30

Section 3: Operating Instructions

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT: Avoid catching hydraulic hoses on

brush, posts, stumps, and other protrusions that could damage and/or break them.

IMPORTANT: Maintain correct PTO speed. Loss of PTO speed will allow blades to swing back and result in ragged, uneven cutting. Excessive speed will cause damage to the power train components.

IMPORTANT: If wing driveline profile is bent or twisted, disconnect that driveline from the wing gearbox before folding the wing up. This will protect both the wing and divider gearbox. Repair driveline before putting cutter back into service.

IMPORTANT: This Rotary Cutter is equipped with free swinging cutting blades to reduce shock loads. However, it is best to avoid striking obstacles for your safety and to protect the cutter from damage.

IMPORTANT: Watch while making tight turns to ensure that the rear tractor tires and lower 3-point arms do not make contact with cutter hitch, driveline or deck. Keep lower 3-point arms raised at all times when hitched to a pull-type cutter.

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Do not use cutting blades as a fan. Cutting blades are not properly designed or guarded for this use. Using cutter as a fan can result in injury and/or death.

Always disengage PTO, place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to stop before dismounting from tractor.

Wait for blades to come to a complete stop before accessing blade bolts through blade bolt access hole.

Do not use cutter to tow other equipment. Doing so can damage the cutter, cause serious bodily injury or death.

Do not over speed PTO or machine damage may result. Many tractors provide both 540 and 1,000 rpm PTO speeds. Check your tractor’s manual to determine its capabilities.

• RC series cutters are designed for 540 rpm rear PTO.

• RCM series cutters are designed for 1000 rpm rear PT O.

Do not operate cutter with loose pins, bolts, or nuts. Loose hardware can result in a serious breakdown causing bodily injury or death.

Do not operate cutter with a hitch or hitch pin that is excessively worn, has structural cracks, is bent, or is broken. The hitch and/or hitch pin can break apart separating cutter from tractor causing serious injury or death.

Buildup of debris around moving parts and gearboxes is a fire hazard. Keep r otating parts and gearboxes free fr om debris to avoid serious injury and property damage.

Improper oil level can cause bearing failure and be a fire hazard. Maintain proper gearbox oil level to avoid serious injury and property damage.

Do not exceed the rated cutting capacity. See Specifications & Capacities for specified cutting capacity. Using this cutter for any other type of work can damage drive components, cutter blades and deck components.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Tractor & Cutter Inspection

Make the following inspections with cutter attached to a tractor and cutter parked on a level surface, PTO disengaged, and cutter blades stopped.

1. Inspect tractor safety equipment to make sure it is in good working condition.

2. Inspect cutter safety equipment to make sure it is installed and in good working condition.

3. Check driveline to make certain it is securely connected to the tractor PTO shaft and cutter gearbox shaft. Also, make certain guards are in good working condition and in place.

4. Check driveline hanger. Make sure it is rotated down away from the driveline.

5. Remove 3-point lower arms or secure them in the raised position so they do not interfere with driveline, hoses, or hitch.

6. Check all hoses and wires to be sure that they will not pinch or come in contact with the folding wings and rotating drivelines.

7. Start tractor and carefully raise and lower implement to ensure tractor drawbar, tires, and other equipment on the tractor do not contact cutter or PTO driveline. See also “Driveline Clearance Check” on page 21

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Page 31

Section 3: Operating Instructions

11934 20795

DANGER

WARNING

IMPORTANT: Read all “Safety Information”

starting on page 27 before operating the cutter.

IMPORTANT: Stop PTO immediately if vibration continues after a few revolutions during start-up and anytime vibration occurs thereafter.

IMPORTANT: Do not exceed cutter’s rated PTO speed (540 or 1000 rpm). Excessive PTO speed will cause damage to the power train components.

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8. Raise center deck fully up.

9. Shut tractor down properly without lowering implement. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

10. Place sturdy support blocks or jack stands under the four center deck corners.

11. Start tractor and lower center deck down onto the supports.

12. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting.

13. With cutter resting on solid supports, PTO disengaged, and blade rotation completely stopped:

• Check for and remove foreign objects wrapped

around blade spindles.

• Check for nicked, bent, broken, and worn cutting

blades. Replace or sharpen blades as required. Refer to “Cutter Blade Maintenance” on page 40.

14. Inspect hydraulic hoses for wear, damage, and hydraulic leaks. Before checking for leaks, read “Avoid High Pressure Fluids Hazard” on page 3. Replace damaged and worn hoses with genuine Great Plains parts.

15. Make repairs to cutter and tractor before continuing with “Blade Operation Inspection” on this page.

Avoid Extreme Turning Angles

Refer to Figure 3-1 & Figure 3-2:

Plan your field cutting to minimize number of turns, especially extreme turning angles. Avoid tractor-to-cutter turning angles that exceeds driveline maximum turning angle. If the turn cannot be avoided, disengage tractor PTO and wait for the driveline to stop rotating before making the turn.

• Standard Conventional Driveline:

Maximum turning angle = 35

• Constant Velocity Driveline:

Maximum turning angle = 80

Standard Conventional U-Joint Driveline

Figure 3-1

Blade Operation Inspection

Tractor PT O shield and gearbox shaft shields must be secur ed in place when operating cutter to avoid injury or death from entanglement in driveline.

Always disengage PTO, place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key , and wait for blades to stop before dismounting from tractor.

1. Make sure cutter blades are not locked against each other. See “Field Set-up” on page 31.

2. Remove support blocks or jack stands and set transport locks for field operations. See “Transport Locks” on page 30

3. Lower cutter decks down until blades are about 2" off the ground.

4. Start tractor and set throttle speed just above idle. Use tractor’s PTO soft start option if available. Slowly engage PTO to get blades rotating. (Also see “Engage Blades” instructions on page 31.)

5. Initial start-up vibration is normal and should stop after a few revolutions. Stop PTO rotation immediately if vibration continues.

6. Once cutter is running smoothly, increase throttle to full PTO speed. If cutter vibrates excessively for 3 seconds at full speed, immediately disengage PTO, shut tractor down, and remove switch key.

7. Block center deck up before working under cutter.

8. Check blades for a locked-up situation. Unlock blades if locked-up.

9. Check for other probable causes such as broken or bent blades, loose blades, loose gearbox mounting bolts, and bent driveline.

10. Taking proper precautions, make necessary repairs and adjustments.

11. Repeat steps 1 thru 10 above to make certain vibration problems are corrected before putting cutter back into service.

Constant Velocity (CV) Driveline

Figure 3-2

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RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 32

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IMPORTANT: Always disengage tractor’s PTO &

wait for blades to come to a complete stop before raising cutter wings to transport position. Wing drivelines, wing gearboxes, and splitter gearbox can be damaged if driveline is turning.

NOTE: The wings are controlled with two hydraulic lift cylinders. Be certain that the wing hydraulics are attached to the tractor and the hydraulic hoses are full of oil before proceeding.

27923

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

27921

IMPORTANT: Make slow tight turns to the right and left to determine if and at what angle the rear tractor tires may come in contact with the deck and/or hitch.

Section 3: Operating Instructions

Transport Locks

Cutter wings will need to be raised before transporting on a roadway, through narrow gate openings and when servicing the deck underside.

1. Disengage tractor PTO and wait for cutter blades to come to a complete stop before raising wings.

2. Rotate cutter wings fully up with hydraulics.

3. Place tractor gear selector in park, shut tractor engine off or set park brake, remove switch key, and dismount from tractor.

Transport Bar, Locked Position

Figure 3-4

Transporting

Always raise wings and set transport locks before transporting from one work site to another and before traveling on public roadways. The wings can fall if not secured with transport locks causing a serious injury or death.

Transport Bar, Storage Position

Figure 3-3

4. See Figure 3-3: Remove hairpin clip (#1) from storage lug (#2).

5. See Figure 3-4: Rotate end of transport lock bar (#3) to cylinder pin (#4). Secure with hairpin clip (#1).

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other wing. Your cutter is now ready for transporting.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

When traveling on public roads, use accessory lights, SMV sign, clean reflectors, and other adequate devices to warn operators in other vehicles of your presence. If cutter blocks visibility of SMV sign, relocate SMV sign so it is visible from the back at all times. Always comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Do not exceed maximum transport speed of 20 MPH with cutter attached. Travel below 20 MPH on rough terrain. The cutter can lose a tire or tires can break apart causing the operator to lose control of tractor and/or implement.

1. Select a safe ground speed when transporting from one area to another. Maximum transport speed for the Rotary Cutter is 20 mph. DO NOT EXCEED.

2. Be sure to reduce tractor ground speed when turning and leave enough clearance so the cutter does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees, or fences.

3. Always raise wings and set transport locks before traveling on public roadways.

4. When traveling on roadways, transport in such a way that faster moving vehicles may pass you safely.

5. Shift tractor to a lower gear when traveling over rough or hilly terrain.

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Page 33

Section 3: Operating Instructions

WARNING

IMPORTANT: Cutting should not be done in wet

conditions. Wet material will build up on the deck underside creating need for additional horsepower, high wear, and poor discharge.

IMPORTANT: Cutting blades may become locked together (overlapped) when wings are raised for transport. Operating cutter in this condition will result in severe deck vibration. Inspect wings for locked blades prior to power-on operation. Use a pry bar or other tool to separate blades.

27858

Blade Carrier

Wing Deck Cutting Blades

IMPORTANT: The wing folding lever should be in

float position to avoid damage to the wing hydraulic cylinder and axle while cutting on uneven terrain.

IMPORTANT: Cutter blades can lock-up against each other during start-up and shut-down especially if tractor’s PTO engagement is “INSTANT ON” and “INSTANT OFF”. Follow Blade Engagement and Blade Disengagement instructions to help eliminate blade lock up.

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Field Set-up

The following operational procedures should be carried out by the tractor operator. Other persons should not be in the area. All cutter operations including field set-up should be stopped when other persons are in the vicinity.

Inspect Field and Cutter Blades

1. Thoroughly inspect area to be cut for debris and unforeseen objects. Remove all potential hazards and mark any that cannot be removed.

Refer to Figure 3-5:

2. Inspect wing blade carriers and cutting blades for locked blades prior to lowering the wings. Use a pry bar or other tool to separate locked blades.

Wing Deck Blade Positioning

Figure 3-5

Lower Wing Down & Set Cutting Height

Refer to Figure 3-4 on page 30:

1. Raise both wings up to release any tension on transport lock bar as shown.

2. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

3. Remove hairpin cotters (#1) from both left and right wing cylinder pins (#4).

Refer to Figure 3-3 on page 30:

4. Rotate end of transport lock bar (#3) up to storage lug (#2) as shown. Secure with hairpin cotters (#1).

5. Start tractor and lower both wings down.

6. Adjust cutter to field cutting height. See “Cutting Height Adjustment” on page 26 for detailed instructions.

9/19/16

Set Wing Lift Lever In Float Position

Use float position of your tractor’s hydraulic system to provide automatic floating of wings for varying terrain conditions. This will ensure wing gauge wheels are in continuous contact with the ground at all times.

Select Gear Range

Optimum ground speed depends on density of material being cut, horsepower rating of tractor, and (in some cases) terrain. Always operate tractor at cutter’s full-rated PTO speed in a gear range that allows the cutter to make a smooth cut without lugging the tractor down, usually between 2 to 5 mph. Loss of PTO speed will allow blades to hinge back and result in ragged, uneven cutting.

Engage Blades

1. Select a gear range that will allow cutter to make a smooth cut without lugging tractor down. See “Select Gear Range” above for detailed instructions.

2. With wings lowered, increase throttle to a speed just enough to get the cutter started without stalling tractor while slowly engaging PTO. Use tractor’s PTO soft start option if available.

3. Ensure all power shafts are rotating and cutter is not vibrating excessively after ramping up to full PTO speed for at least 3 seconds. If excessive vibration continues after 3 seconds at full PTO speed, disengage PTO immediately, shut down tractor, and remove switch key. Wait for blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor.

4. Investigate cause if cutter was shut down due to excessive vibration. See “Blade Operation Inspection” on page 29 for detailed instructions.

5. If cutter was not shut down, commence forward cutting operation at full PTO operating speed. Make a new gear selection if tractor is lugging down or if cutter is making a rough cut.

6. Periodically, disengage PTO, stop tractor, place gear selector in park or set park brake, turn off tractor, remove switch key and wait for blades to stop rotating before dismounting tractor.

7. Dismount tractor and check for objects wrapped around blade spindles. Block deck up before removing objects.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 34

Section 3: Operating Instructions

Table of Contents

8. Frequently inspect cutter for loose bolts and nuts. Tighten all loose hardware as indicated in the

“Torque Values Chart” on page 56.

Disengage Blades

1. Slowly decrease throttle speed until engine idle speed is reached.

2. Disengage PTO.

3. Place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting from tractor.

Road Side Cutting

When cutting road sides, Great Plains recommends the Rotary Cutter be equipped with chain guards to stop flying objects and Great Plains’ LED Light Kit to make your self more visible. For additional information, refer to

“Safety Guard” on page 33 and “Light Kit Option (LED)” on page 36.

General Operating Instructions

It is important that you familiarize yourself with the Operator’s Manual, complete the Operator’s Checklist, properly attach the cutter to your tractor, make leveling adjustments, and preset your cutting height before beginning a running operational safety check on your Great Plains RC4015 or RCM4015 Series 2 Rotary Cutter.

It’s now time to do a running operational safety check. It is important that at any time during this safety check you detect a malfunction in either the cutter or tractor that you immediately shut the tractor off, remove the key, and make necessary repairs and/or adjustments before continuing on.

Before starting the tractor, make sure the park brake is engaged, PTO is disengaged, and cutter is resting on the ground with both wings down. Start the tractor and set engine throttle speed at a low idle. Raise cutter with tractor’s rear hydraulic lift control lever to transport position making sure that the PTO shaft does not bind and does not contact the cutter frame. Lower cutter to the ground and at a low engine speed engage PTO. If everything is running smoothly at a low idle, slowly raise the cutter to transport height checking for bind or chatter in the driveline. Lower cutter to the ground and increase tractor’s engine rpm until it reaches the cutter’s full PTO operating speed which will be either 540 or 1000 rpm. If everything is still running smoothly, once more raise the cutter to transport height to check for driveline bind or chatter. Lower cutter to the ground, return engine to a low idle, and disengage the PTO. Make a tight turn to ensure that the rear tractor tires are not coming in contact with the hitch or deck. Also, be sure tractor 3-point arms are raised and will not contact main driveline.

You should now be ready to transport to your cutting site at a safe ground speed. On roadways, transport in such a manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you

and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the mower doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as trees, buildings, or fences. Use optional light kit and appropriate reflective devices to provide adequate warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when traveling on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply with all local, state and federal laws.

It is important that you inspect the area where you will be cutting and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects either before or after you arrive at the cutting site. Never assume the area is clear. Cut only in areas which you are familiar with and are free of debris and unseen objects. Extremely tall grass should be cut twice to detect potential hazards. In the event you do strike an object, stop the cutter and tractor immediately to inspect and make necessary repairs to the cutter before resuming operation. It really pays to inspect a new area and to develop a safe plan before cutting.

You will need to maintain either 540 or 1000 rpm PTO speed and 2 to 5 mph ground speed to produce a clean cut. Make a tractor gear and range selection that will enable you to maintain these speed combinations. Generally the quality of cut is better at lower ground speeds. Dense ground cover will create the need to slow down even more. In certain conditions tractor tires will roll grass down resulting in an uneven cut when the grass fails to rebound. Should this happen you may try reversing the direction of cut and/or double cut to achieve the desired finish. 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 up the tractor and cutter. 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. Begin cutting by doing the following:

• Reduce tractor engine rpm and lower cutter wings until

on the ground in cutting position.

• Engage PTO, raise engine rpm to the appropriate PTO

speed, and begin cutting.

Operators of models with a conventional main driveline 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 Great Plains 15' Smooth Top 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 tractor’s engine rpm and disengage PTO.

• Stop on level ground, place gear selector in park or set

park brake, turn off engine, remove switch key, and stay on the tractor until cutter blades have come to a complete stop.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

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DANGER

Section 4: Options & Accessories

Safety Guard

Rotary Cutters have the ability to discharge objects at high speeds; therefore, the use of front and rear safety guards is strongly r ecommended when cutting. Specifically, double row chain guards should be used along highways and in areas where people may be present.

Safety shields will not stop all objects. Use extreme caution when cutting in public areas. Stop blade r otation if bystanders come within several hundred feet.

Great Plains offers three types of safety guards to best suit your application: rubber skirt guards, single row chain guards, and double row chain guards.

• Rubber skirt guards are designed for light duty

applications.

• Single row chain guards are constructed with a single

row of hanging chain links. They can withstand harsher applications than rubber skirts.

• Double row chain guards are constructed with two

staggered rows of hanging chain links. The second row provides an additional barrier for stopping thrown objects.

Rubber Guards

330-482A Front Rubber Guards 330-494A Rear Rubber Guards

Tire & Axle Options

Great Plains offers three different tires and three axle arrangements to best suit your application:

• Laminated tires: They are constructed of laminated

layers of solid rubber that will never go flat.

• New foam filled tires: They are built tough to withstand

the rugged use a cutter receives, provides a smoother ride when transporting and won’t go flat.

• Used aircraft tires: They are built tough to withstand

the rugged use a cutter receives and to provide a smoother ride when transporting.

• 4 - Wheel axle arrangement: Two tires on transport

axle and one on each wing axle.

• 6 - Wheel axle arrangement: Four tires on transport

axle and one on each wing axle.

• 8 - Wheel axle arrangement: Four tires on transport

axle and two on each wing axle.

Hitch Options

The cutter is factory supplied with the standard clevis hitch. Other optional hitches are available. See “Hitch Types” on page 12 for complete description of optional hitches.

330-498A Standard Clevis Hitch 330-333A Bar-Tite Hitch (Optional) 330-335A Ball Hitch (Optional) 330-501A Pintle Hitch (Optional) 334-045A Performance Hitch (Optional)

Single Chain Guards

330-481A Front Single Row Chain Guards 330-493A Rear Single Row Chain Guards

Double Chain Guards

330-483A Front Dual Chain Guards 330-495A Rear Dual Chain Guards

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 36

Section 4: Options & Accessories

Cylinder Pin

27951

DANGER

IMPORTANT: If wing driveline profile is bent or

twisted, disconnect that driveline from the wing gearbox before folding the wing up. This will protect both the wing and divider gearbox. Repair driveline before putting cutter back into service.

Table of Contents

Mechanical Wing Lift

330-295A Mechanical Winch

Refer to Figure 4-1:

An optional manual wing lift kit is available for raising the wing to transport position when the hydraulic system is not working or when the towing vehicle is not equipped with the proper hydraulic connections.

Pull hook (#5) with cable out. Attach cable to wing deck by routing the cable around the cylinder pin between the clevis brackets and clipping the hook back to the cable. The cylinder rod end will need to be disconnected from the wing if the rod will not retract.

Installation Instructions

Attach mechanical winch mounting frame (#1) to the center deck in the location shown with 5/8"-11 x 2" GR5 cap screws (#2), flat washers (#4), and hex flange lock nuts (#3). Tighten nuts to the correct torque.

Mechanical Winch

Figure 4-1

Operating Instructions

Make sure no one is in the area wher e the deck will be raised. The cable could come loose or break and drop the wing suddenly causing serious bodily injury or death.

If a cylinder fitting was loosened to mechanically raise the wing deck up, be sure to also lower the wing deck with the mechanical winch. Do not use the cylinder to lower the deck. It will have an excess amount of air and will drop the deck suddently.and can cause serious bodily injury or death.

1. Pull cable hook with cable out past the gearbox.

2. Attach cable to wing deck by routing cable around the wing gearbox base and clipping the hook back to the cable or by hooking the cable to the wing deck side panel. Make certain the cable is secured and will not slip or come loose before raising the deck up.

3. Turn mechanical winch handle to raise deck. If cylinder rod will not retract while raising the wing up, loosen hydraulic fitting on the rod side of the cylinder to allow intake of air while raising the wing.

4. Secure wing deck in the raised position with cylinder transport lock. See “Transport Locks” instructions on page 30.

5. Retighten hydraulic fitting if loosened.

6. Lower wing deck as follows:

If hydraulic fitting was not loosened:

a. Unhook cable and reel cable up.

b. Connect hydraulic hose to a tractor and lower

wing deck with tractor control lever.

If hydraulic fitting was loosened:

a. Loosen hydraulic fitting at the cylinder to allow

intake air to escape while lowering the wing deck.

b. Remove transport lock and lower wing deck with

mechanical winch.

c. Retighten hydraulic fitting and connect all

hydraulic hoses to a tractor.

d. Purge hydraulic system of air. See “Purge

Hydraulic System” on page 21.

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Table of Contents

27602

27599

Section 4: Options & Accessories

Hydraulic Accessories

Great Plains offers two different kits for raising the deck wings independently to clear small obstacles in the field without maneuvering around them.

Hydraulic Wing Control Kit

318-316A HYDRAULIC WING CONTROL KIT

Refer to Figure 4-2:

This kit is for tractors with three duplex outlets. It consist of two adapter fittings, one hose, and one quick disconnect coupling. If your tractor is equipped with only two duplex outlets, an optional control kit is available from your local Great Plains dealer. See “Selector

Control Valve Kit” below.

Selector Control Valve Kit

312-316A SELECTOR CONTROL VALVE KIT

Refer to Figure 4-3:

This kit is for tractors needing only one additional duplex outlet. It converts one of the tractor’s duplex outlets into two duplex outlets with a control valve. A selector lever on the control valve selects which wing cylinder is operational with the tractor hydraulic control lever. It attaches to the existing elbow fittings at the wing cylinders and uses the existing quick disconnect couplings supplied with the cutter to connect to one of the tractor’s duplex outlets.

Hydraulic Wing Control Kit

Figure 4-2

9/19/16

Selector Control Valve Kit

Figure 4-3

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 38

Section 4: Options & Accessories

NOTE: Hydraulic hoses (#15 & #16) must be located above mounting clamps (#2) as shown.

NOTE: Amber lights are located to the outside and red lights are located to the inside as shown.

NOTE: Right-hand wire harness (#17) has a red wire showing at both ends. Left-hand harness (#18) has a yellow wire showing at both ends.

NOTE: See Detail B: Pins in the connectors are labeled A, B, C, & D. Match yellow and red wires with same pin letters when attaching wire harness to light assemblies (#3 & #4) & enhance module (#19).

NOTE: Route wire harnesses (#17, #18, & #20) alongside hydraulic hoses. Make sure harnesses will not become pinched as the deck is raised and lowered and wings are folded up and down.

Detail B

Detail C

Detail A

37539

Table of Contents

Light Kit (Shown on RC3615 Deck)

Light Kit Option (LED)

331-498A Folding Cutter Light Kit 2.5"

Refer to Figure 4-4:

The lead wiring harness (#20) is equipped with a 7-way round pin connector. Make sure your tractor is equipped with the 7-pin electrical outlet shown in Detail C before purchasing this product.

1. Lower cutter center deck and wing decks down until unit is resting on the lift cylinder stops and both wings are on the ground.

2. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13.

3. Move hydraulic control lever back and forth several times to release all hydraulic pressure in hydraulic lines to the cutter.

4. On the right-hand wing, remove cotter pin (#10), flat washers (#8), transport bar (#1), and clevis pin (#11).

5. If not done, thread connector (#1A) through hole (#21) as shown in Detail A.

Figure 4-4

7. Nuts (#7) must be on top. Secure unit to cylinder with 3/8"-16 x 4" GR5 bolts (#6) and lock nuts (#7). Draw lock nuts up snug, do not tighten at this time.

8. Slide light assembly (#3) and mounting clamp (#2) as far as possible toward the rod end of hydraulic cylinder (#13).

9. Tighten each lock nut (#7) one-half turn in a crisscross pattern until all nuts are torqued tight.

10. Replace clevis pin (#11), flat washers (#8), transport bar (#1), and cotter pin (#10), Bend one or more legs of cotter pin to keep pin (#11) from falling out.

11. Repeat steps 4 thru 10 for the left-hand light assembly (#4).

6. Attach right-hand light assembly (#3) under hydraulic cylinder (#13) with mounting clamp (#2) on top.

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Section 4: Options & Accessories

12. Red wires in connectors (#1A & #1B) are attached to

pin “D” shown in Detail B. Plug connectors (#1A & #1B) together.

13. Yellow wires in connectors (#2A & #2B) are attached

to pin “B” Shown in Detail B. Plug connectors (#2A & #2B) together.

14. Route wire harnesses (#17 & #18) to enhance

module (#19). Plug connectors at the enhance module to harness (#17 & #18) as follows:

a. Red wires in connectors (#1C & #1D) are

attached to pin “B” as shown in Detail B. Plug connectors (#1C & #1D) together.

b. Yellow wires in connectors (#2C & #2D) are

attached to pin “C” shown in Detail B. Plug connectors (#2C & #2D) together.

15. Attach connector (#3A) to connector (#3B) on lead

wire harness (#20).

16. Route lead wire harness through spring hose

loop and connect to the tractor’s 7-way round pin receiver.

17. Start tractor and operate lights to verify hook-up is

operating properly:

a. Turn on head lights to verify red lights illuminate.

b. Operate turn signal to turn right. Amber light on

the right side should blink on and off.

c. Operate turn signal to turn left. Amber light on the

left should blink on and off.

18. If the lights did not operate properly, recheck hook-up

of wire harnesses (#17 & #18). Make necessary changes to the harnesses and repeat step 17 above.

19. Recheck wire harness routing to make sure wires will

not be pinched as wing decks are folded and unfolded and while raising and lowering cutter height.

20. Add cable ties (#5) to wire harnesses (#17, #18, &

#20) as needed to secure them in place.

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Table of Contents

WARNING

33925

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

General Maintenance Information

Proper servicing and adjustments are key to the long life of any implement. With careful inspection and routine maintenance, you can avoid costly downtime and repair.

The parts on your Rotary Cutter have been specially designed and should only be replaced with genuine Great Plains parts. Do not alter the cutter in a way which will adversely affect its performance.

Check all bolts and pins after using the cutter for several hours and on a regular basis thereafter to ensure they are tight and secured. Replace worn, damaged, or illegible safety labels by obtaining new labels from your Great Plains dealer.

Perform maintenance only on a cutter that is not running. Disengage PTO, place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor to perform maintenance.

Frequently check all hardware to make certain it is tight and not broken or missing. Such har dware can cause the cutter to not perform properly and may lead to br eakage that can cause bodily injury or death.

Use a clean cloth to wipe hose ends before attaching them to your tractor. Replace your tractor’s hydraulic filter element at the prescribed intervals. These simple maintenances will go a long way to prevent occurrence of control valve and hydraulic cylinder problems.

Tire Maintenance

Tire changing can be dangerous and should be performed by trained personnel using correct tools and equipment. When removing and installing wheels, use wheel handling equipment adequate for the weight involved.

Always release all air pressure in air-filled airplane tires before removing hardware bolting their split rims together. Not doing so can cause the split rims to blow apart instantly and could result in serious injury or death.

When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in fr ont of or over the tire assembly. Use a safety cage if available. Do not overinflate tires.

Do not operate cutter with loose pins, bolts, or nuts. Loose hardware can result in a serious breakdown causing bodily injury or death.

Do not alter Great Plains equipment or replace parts with other brands. Doing so can cause equipment to perform improperly and may lead to br eakage causing bodily injury or death. Replace parts only with genuineGreat Plains parts.

Buildup of debris around moving parts and gearboxes is a fire hazard. Keep r otating parts and gearboxes fr ee from debris to avoid serious injury and property damage.

Improper oil level can cause bearing failure and be a fire hazard. Maintain proper gearbox oil level to avoid serious injury and property damage.

Tractor Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do to prevent hydraulic system problems is to ensure your tractor's hydraulic reservoir remains free of dirt and other contaminations.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Do not weld on or heat a rim. If a tire is mounted to the rim, air pressure inside the tire can increase enough to cause an explosion. High heat can also weaken and/or warp the rim, damage the tire, and destroy foam filling inside a tire.

Air Filled Airplane Tires with Split Rims

Figure 5-12

1. Check tires for low air pressure, missing nuts, missing lug bolts, wear, separated rubber, and bent, broken, or cracked wheel rims.

2. Inflate air filled tires to the proper pressure. Refer to “Tire Inflation Chart” on page 56.

Refer to Figure 5-12:

3. Replace wheel rims and tires as needed with genuine Great Plains parts. Do not loosen split rim hardware (#1) until all air pressure in the tire has been removed.

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Table of Contents

CAUTION

IMPORTANT: Do not tighten lock nuts (#1). They are

preset at the factory to allow spring movement. Tightening lock nuts can damage cutter.

IMPORTANT: Excessive wear on skid shoes can weaken cutter side panels and cause damage that will require extensive repairs. Always replace skid shoes at the first sign of wearing thin.

39747

27859

Item Part No. Description

1 331-792H BEVELED SKID SHOE RH 1 331-793H BEVELED SKID SHOE LH 2 802-466C PLOW BOLT, 3/8" - 16 x 1 1/4" GR5

27920

Item Part No. Description

1 318-211H CENTER SKID SHOE (RIGHT HAND) 1 318-212H CENTER SKID SHOE (LEFT HAND)

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Spring Shock Absorbers

Refer to Figure 5-2:

Skid Shoe Maintenance

Excessive wear on skid shoes may cause inadequate operation of cutter and create a safety hazard.

Two skid shoes are mounted on the center section and one skid shoe mounted on each wing section. Check all skid shoes for wear and replace if necessary. Order only genuine Great Plains parts from your local Great Plains dealer.

Wing Skid Shoes

Refer to Figure 5-3:

Spring Shock Absorbers

Figure 5-2

Replace wing skid shoes as follows:

1. Remove 3/8" hex whiz nuts (#3), 3/8" plow bolts (#2), and left-hand skid shoe (#1) as shown.

2. Plow bolts (#2) should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.

3. Attach new left-hand skid shoe (#1) to cutter with existing 3/8" plow bolts (#3) and secure with 3/8" hex whiz nuts. Tighten bolts to the correct torque.

4. Repeat for the right-hand wing.

Center Skid Shoes

Refer to Figure 5-4:

Replace center skid shoes as follows:

1. Remove 1/2"-13 hex whiz nuts (#4), 1/2" -13 x 1 1/4" GR5 carriage bolts (#3), and right-hand center skid shoe (#1) from the center deck frame (#2) as shown.

2. Attach new skid shoe (#1) to cutter with existing 1/2" hex bolts (#3), and secure with existing 1/2" hex whiz nuts (#4). Tighten bolts to the correct torque.

3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 for left-hand center skid shoe.

Wing Skid shoe

Figure 5-3

9/19/16

Center Skid Shoe

Figure 5-4

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37618

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT: Cutting blades must be replaced in

mating pairs. Not replacing both blades will result in an out-of-balance condition that will contribute to premature bearing breakdown on the spindle hub and create structural cracks in the cutter housing.

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Spindle Gearbox Shaft Guard

Refer to Figure 1-11:

1. To remove shaft guard (#1) at the spindle gearbox, unsnap latches (#2) on both sides of guard (#1) and slide shaft guard over driveline to expose driveline yoke. Do not unhook safety chain (#3).

2. When servicing of driveline yoke is completed, return shaft guard to its original position and secure with latches (#2).

3. Check safety chain (#3). Make sure it is latched to shaft guard mounting plate (#4) and shaft guard (#1).

Gearbox Shaft Guard

Figure 5-5

Cutter Blade Maintenance

Always disconnect main driveline from tractor PTO before servicing underside of cutter . PT O can be engaged if tractor is started causing cutter damage, bodily injury or death.

Always secure cutter deck in the up position with solid supports before servicing underside of cutter. Never work under equipment supported by hydraulics. Hydraulics can drop equipment if controls are actuated or if hydraulic lines burst. Either situation can drop the cutter instantly even when power to the hydraulics is shut off.

Do not operate cutter with blades that are bent, out-ofbalance, excessively worn, excessively nicked, or with blade bolts that are excessively worn. Such blades can break loose from the cutter at high speeds causing serious injury or death.

Do not attempt to straighten a bent blade or weld on a blade. Do not attempt to modify a blade such as hard surfacing, heat treating, cold treating, or by any other method. Always replace blades with new Great Plains blades to assure safety.

Wait for blades to come to a complete stop before accessing blade bolts through blade bolt access hole.

ALWAYS wear gloves and eye protection while inspecting, removing, sharpening, and replacing cutter blades.

Always inspect cutting blades before each use. Make certain they are properly installed and in good working condition. Replace any blade that is damaged, worn, bent, or excessively nicked. Never try to straighten a bent blade! Small nicks can be ground out when sharpening. Refer to Figure 5-6 on page 41 when ordering Great Plains replacement blade components.

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Table of Contents

IMPORTANT: Examine blade bolts and their flat

washers for excessive wear and replace if worn.

IMPORTANT: Locknuts can lose their ability to lock properly once removed. Always use a new locknut when installing blades.

37943

Use 1-11/16"

Socket Wrench

On Blade Nut (#3)

Great Plains Cutter Blade Parts

Item Part No. Part Description

318-586A BLADE BOLT KIT

(Includes items 1, 2, & 3 below) 1 802-277C BLADE BOLT 1 1/8-12 x 3 7/16 WITH KEY 2 804-147C WASHER FLAT 1 HARD ASTMF436 3 803-170C NUT HEX TOP LOCK 1 1/8-12 PLATE 4 326-430H DISHPAN, 15" CTR WITH HEAVY HUB 5 840-273C

PLUG LP 3" ID RUBBER

6 820-112C CUTTER BLADE 1/2 x 4 x 25 CW (LH WING) 6 820-137C CUTTER BLADE 1/2 x 4 x 25 CCW (RH WING) 6 820-138C CUTTER BLADE 1/2 x 4 x 31 CCW (CTR)

CCW

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Remove cutting blades and sharpen or replace as follows:

1. Place tractor gear selector in park and/or set brakes, shut engine off and remove ignition key.

2. Disconnect main driveline from tractor PTO and secure cutter deck in the up position with solid supports before servicing underside of cutter.

Refer to Figure 5-6:

3. Remove rubber plug (#5). Rotate blade carrier (#4) until blade bolt (#1) aligns with access hole (A).

4. Unscrew locknut (#3) to remove cutter blade (#6). Blade bolt (#1) is keyed and will not turn freely.

5. Both blades should be sharpened at the same angle as the original cutting edge and must be replaced or re-ground at the same time to maintain proper balance in the cutting unit. The following precautions should be taken when sharpening blades:

a. Do not remove more material than necessary.

b. Do not heat and pound out a cutting edge.

c. Do not grind blades to a razor edge. Leave a blunt

cutting edge approximately 1/16" thick.

d. Always grind cutting edge so end of blade remains

square to cutting edge and not rounded.

e. Do not sharpen back side of blade.

f. Both blades should weigh the same with not more

than 1 1/2 oz. difference. Unbalanced blades will cause excessive vibration which can damage gearbox bearings and create structural cracks.

Refer to Figure 5-7:

6. Carefully check cutting edges of blades in relation to blade carrier rotation to ensure correct blade placement. Cutter blades must be installed with cutting edge leading in rotation.

Refer to Figure 5-6:

Cutter Blade Assembly

Figure 5-6

7. Insert blade bolt (#1) through blade (#6), dishpan (#4), and flat washer (#2). Secure blade with a new locknut (#3) and torque to 450 ft-lbs.

8. If replacing dishpan (#4), nut (#7) on gearbox output shaft should be torqued to 550 ft-lbs. minimum and secured with cotter pin (#8) with both legs bent opposite directions around the nut.

9. Replace rubber plug (#5).

10. Reconnect main driveline to tractor PTO shaft.

9/19/16

Blade Rotation

Figure 5-7

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WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT: Prior to initial operation and after long

periods of inactivity, slip friction disks to remove oxidation and moisture. Moisture allows disks to slip easily. Oxidation can prevent disk from slipping causing driveline damage. This damage is NOT covered under the warranty!

Type A Clutch Type B Clutch

26619

13693

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Drivelines With Slip Clutches

Always disengage PTO, place tractor in park or set park brake, shut tractor engine off, remove switch key, and wait for blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting from tractor to work on or around revolving components.

Slip clutches that have been in use or have been slipped for only two or three seconds during run-in may be too hot to touch. Allow a hot clutch to cool before working on it.

Friction clutches must be capable of slippage during operation to protect gearboxes, drivelines, and other drive train parts. Friction clutches should be “run-in” prior to initial operation and after periods of inactivity to remove any oxidation from the friction surfaces. Repeat “run-in” at the beginning of each season and when moisture seizes the inner friction plates.

Clutch Types

Figure 5-8

Refer to Figure 5-8 to determine which friction clutch your cutter has. Follow “run-in” instructions for your specific clutch type. Refer to this page for “Type A Clutches” and page 44 for “Type B Clutches”.

Type A Clutches

Clutch Run-In

Refer to Figure 5-9:

1. Using a pencil or other marker, scribe a line across the exposed edges of the clutch plates and friction disks.

2. Carefully loosen each of the 8 spring retainer nuts by exactly 2 revolutions. It will be necessary to hold hex end of retainer bolt in order to count the exact number of revolutions.

3. Make sure the area is clear of all bystanders and machine is safe to operate.

Type A Clutch Run-In

Figure 5-9

4. Start tractor and engage PTO drive for 2-3 seconds to permit slippage of the clutch surfaces. Disengage PTO, then re-engage a second time for 2-3 seconds. Disengage PTO, shut off tractor, and remove key. Wait for all components to stop before dismounting from tractor.

5. Inspect clutch and ensure that the scribed markings made on the clutch plates have changed position. Slippage has not occurred if any two marks on the friction disk and plate are still aligned. A clutch that has not slipped must be disassembled to separate the friction disk plates. See “Clutch Disassembly, Inspection & Assembly” on page 43 below.

6. Tighten each of the 8 spring retainer nuts on the clutch housing exactly 2 revolutions to restore clutch to original setting pressure.

7. Allow clutch to cool to ambient temperature before operating again. Clutch is now ready for use.

8. The clutch should be checked during the first hour of cutting and periodically each week. An additional set of scribe marks can be added to check for slippage. See Figure 5-11 on page 43 to adjust spring length.

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23554

IMPORTANT: Not all clutches are assembled the same with the same number of components. Be sure to keep track of order and orientation of your clutch components during disassembly.

24600

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Type A Clutch Assembly

Figure 5-10

Clutch Disassembly, Inspection & Assembly

Refer to Figure 5-10:

If clutch run-in procedure above indicated that one or more friction disks did not slip, then the clutch must be disassembled to separate the friction disks.

Disassembly

Disassembly of clutch is simply a matter of first removing spring retainer nuts (#1), springs (#2), and bolts (#3) from the assembly. Each friction disk (#4) must then be separated from the metal surface adjacent to it.

Driveline

No.

826-818C Center 540/1000 5 1.32"

826-811C Wing 540/1000 4 1.32"

826-812C Wing 540/1000 5 1.32"

Driveline Location

Type A Clutch Adjustment

PTO

Speed

Figure 5-11

Cat No.

A (inches)

Spring Height

Inspection

Inspect all parts for excessive wear and condition. Clean all parts that do not require replacement.The original friction disk thickness is 1/8" (3.2mm) and should be replaced if thickness falls below 3/64" (1.1mm). If clutches have been slipped to the point of “smoking”, the friction disks may be damaged and should be replaced. Heat build-up may also affect the yoke joints.

Assembly

Reassemble each friction disk (#4) next to the metal plate it was separated from. Install bolts (#3) through end plates and intermediate plates as shown. Place springs (#2) over the bolts and secure with nuts (#1).

Refer to Figure 5-11:

Progressively tighten each spring retainer bolt until correct spring height “A” is reached.

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26618

IMPORTANT: Do not remove nuts (#8) from bolts (#7) until after Belleville spring (#6) is relaxed and not pressing against any of the six nuts (#8).

26638

IMPORTANT: Measurement “B” is an approximate distance. Variations in spring force and friction materials may cause some differences in torque values. Tightening nuts (#8) one revolution will compress 4-plate clutch 1.75mm (.069”).

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Type B Clutches

Clutch Run-In

Refer to Figure 5-12:

1. Using a pencil or other marker, scribe a line across the exposed edges of the clutch plates and friction disks.

2. Carefully loosen each of the 6 nuts by exactly 1 revolution. It will be necessary to hold hex end of retainer bolt in order to count the exact number of

revolutions.

Type B Clutch Run-In

Figure 5-12

3. Make sure the area is clear of all bystanders and machine is safe to operate.

4. Start tractor and engage PTO drive at idle for 2-3 seconds to permit slippage of friction plates. Disengage PTO, shut off tractor, and remove key. Wait for all components to come to a complete stop before dismounting from tractor.

5. Inspect clutch to ensure that the scribed markings made on the clutch plates and friction disc have changed positions. If any two marks are still aligned, then the clutch did not slip as it should. Skip to step 8 if all clutch plates slipped.

6. If the friction clutch did not slip, loosen the nuts one more revolution. Make sure the nuts have full thread engagement on the bolt and then repeat steps 4 - 5.

7. A clutch that does not slip must be disassembled to separate the friction disk plates. See “Clutch Disassembly, Inspection & Assembly” below.

8. Tighten each of the nuts on the clutch back to their original location to restore clutch pressure.

9. Allow clutch to cool to ambient temperature before operating again. Clutch is now ready for use.

10. The clutch should be checked during the first hour of cutting and periodically each week. An additional set of scribe marks can be added to check for slippage.

Clutch Disassembly, Inspection & Assembly

Refer to Figure 5-13:

The clutch must be disassembled into its separate friction disks if clutch run-in procedure indicated that one or more friction disks did not slip. See disassembly instructions.

Disassembly

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Type B 4-Plate Clutch Assembly

Figure 5-13

1. Unscrew nuts (#8) equal amounts until all belleville spring tension is removed. Do not remove nuts until tension against all nuts has been removed.

2. Remove nuts (#8) and bolts (#7).

3. Separate all friction disks (#2) from plates (#4 & #5), hub (#3) and yoke flange (#1).

Inspection

Assembly

1. Reassemble each friction disk (#2) next to the metal plate it was separated from.

2. Install bolts (#7) through end plates and intermediate plates as shown and secure with nuts (#8).

3. Tighten belleville spring (#6) until spring is tight against drive plate (#4) & then back nuts (#8) up 3 and 1/6 revolutions, “B” = 5.5 mm (0.217”). If a higher torque is needed, then tighten nuts another 1/6 of a revolution, Do not set gap “B” smaller than 5 mm (0.197").

9/19/16

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Table of Contents

DANGER

Great Plains Aerosol Touch-up Paint

Part No. Part Description

821-032C PAINT BLACK AEROSOL SPRAY CAN 821-058C PAINT GREEN AEROSOL SPRAY CAN

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Long-Term Storage

Clean, inspect, service, and make necessary repairs to the cutter when parking it for long periods and when parking it at the end of a working season. This will help ensure the cuter is ready for field use the next time you hook-up to it.

Always disconnect main driveline from tractor PTO before servicing underside of cutter . PT O can be engaged if tractor is started causing cutter damage, bodily injury or death.

1. Clean off any dirt and grease that may have accumulated on the cutter and moving parts. Scrape off compacted dirt from the bottom of deck and then wash surface thoroughly with a garden hose. A coating of oil may also be applied to the lower deck area to minimize oxidation.

2. Check blades and blade bolts for wear and replace if necessary. See “Cutter Blade Maintenance” on page 40.

3. Inspect for loose, damaged, or worn parts and adjust or replace as needed.

4. Repaint parts where paint is worn or scratched to prevent rust. Ask your Great Plains dealer for aerosol touch-up paint. Paint is also available in touch-up bottles with brush, quarts, and gallon sizes by adding TU, QT, or GL to the end of the aerosol part number.

Ordering Replacement Parts

Great Plains offers equipment in factory standard green with black highlights. Special attention must be given to the green part number. The suffix number 81 must be included at the end of Great Plains’ Rotary Cutter part numbers. For example, if ordering a replacement part that is green, the part number should read 555-555C81. Black parts do not get a suffix number.

5. Replace all damaged or missing guarding & decals.

6. Lubricate as noted in “Lubrication Points” starting on page 46.

7. Store cutter on a level surface in a clean, dry place. Inside storage will reduce maintenance and make for a longer cutter life.

8. Follow “Unhook Rotary Cutter” instructions on page 22 when disconnecting tractor from cutter.

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 48

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

27926

37908

Lubrication Points

Table of Contents

Lubrication Legend

Multi-purpose spray lube

Multi-purpose grease lube

Multi-purpose oil lube

50 hrs

Hours

Axle Hub Bearing

1-zerk per wheel (zerk can be on either side)

Type of Lubrication: Multi-Purpose Grease

Grease wheel bearings every 50 hours. Quantity = 2 pumps

Repack wheel bearings annually

Intervals in hours at which lubrication is required

Repack

Annually

Hours

Adjustable Turnbuckle

4 - zerks (2 per turnbuckle)

Type of Lubrication: Multi-Purpose Grease

Quantity = As required

Hitch Frame

2-zerks

Type of Lubrication: Multi-Purpose Grease

Quantity = As required

Hours

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

9/19/16

Page 49

Table of Contents

27926

30726

37581a

Grease Zerk Location

Grease Zerk Locations

26599

37725

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Hours

Center Deck Axle Pivot

3-zerks

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Hours

Wing Deck Axle Pivot

4-zerks (2-zerks per wing axle)

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Hours

Performance Hitch (Optional)

2 - zerks

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Quantity = As required

Hours

Bar-Tite Hitch (Optional)

3-zerks

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Quantity = As required

Needed

Park Jack

1 - zerk

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Quantity = As required

Frequency = As needed and when unhooking for

longterm storage.

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 50

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill gearbox with oil! Oil will

expand when hot! Make sure cutter is level and oil is cool before checking oil level.

23603

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill gearbox with oil! Oil will expand when hot! Make sure cutter is level and oil is cool before checking oil level.

If oil has been removed from the gearbox, refill gearbox to level plug or full mark on vented dipstick. Allow time for air to bleed up from the lower cavity, and then recheck.

30215

Do Not Overfill

NOTE: Use a suction or siphon pump to drain

gearbox of oil when there is not an oil drain plug.

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Hours

Gearbox

Method 1: Unscrew top vented dipstick (#1). Wipe oil

from dipstick and screw dipstick in without tightening. Unscrew dipstick and check oil on dipstick. If below bottom level mark, add recommended gear lube through dipstick hole until oil reaches top mark on dipstick. Reinstall vented dipstick and tighten.

Method 2: Remove side oil plug (#2). If oil is below bottom of plug hole, add recommended gear lube through top dipstick hole until oil flows out of side plug hole. Reinstall and tighten side oil plug (#2) and vented dipstick (#1).

Type of Lubrication: 80-90W EP Gear Lube

Quantity = Fill until oil reaches top mark on dipstick or begins to flow out side plug hole in gearbox

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Hours

Divider Box

Method 1: Unscrew top vented dipstick. Wipe oil from

dipstick and screw dipstick in without tightening. Unscrew dipstick and check oil on dipstick. If below bottom level mark, add recommended gear lube through dipstick hole until oil reaches top mark on dipstick. Reinstall vented dipstick and tighten.

Method 2: Remove side oil level plug. If oil is below bottom of plug hole, add recommended gear lube through top oil fill/vended dipstick hole until oil flows out of side oil level plug hole. Reinstall and tighten side oil level plug and oil fill/vented dipstick.

Type of Lubrication: 80-90W EP

Quantity = Fill until oil begins to flow out oil level plug hole in gearbox.

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Table of Contents

37514

37519

37514

37519

37518

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Hours

Wing Driveline Profile Tubes

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Quantity = Coat Generously

Drivelines with external profile tube grease point

Hours

Wing Driveline Joints

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Hours

9/19/16

Intermediate Driveline Joints

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 52

Table of Contents

23567

Zerk located through slot in plastic outer tubes

23567

23556

8-10 pumps

Zerk Located through slot in tube

23556

4-5 pumps

2-3 pumps 2-3 pumps

4-6 pumps

IMPORTANT: To extend the life of the constant

velocity joint, the grease zerk for the profile tubes must be lubricated every 8 hours.

IMPORTANT: To extend the life of the constant velocity joint, extensive lubrication must be performed every 8 hours of operation.

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Hours

Conventional Main Driveline Profile Tubes

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Quantity = Coat Generously

Hours

Conventional Main Driveline Joints & Shields

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

Figure 5-13

Hours

CV Main Driveline Profile Tubes

With External Grease Point

CV = Constant Velocity Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease Quantity = 8-10 pumps

Hours

CV Main Driveline Joints

CV = Constant Velocity

Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease

For instructions on how to access grease zerks shown in Figure 5-13: See “Accessing CV Driveline Joints” on page 51.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

• The constant velocity joint should be greased in a

straight position forcing grease through the passages and into the cavity. After lubrication, grease should be visible around the ball joints.

• Grease fittings located on the u-joints and driveline

shields should be lubricated every 8 Hrs of operation.

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Table of Contents

Rotate Driveline Shield to Align

3-Holes in Shield With Grease Zerks

33992

33993

Rotate Driveline Shield to Align

2-Holes in Shield With Grease Zerks

Red Locking Tab

Snapped Down

Into Position

White Locking Ring

Positioned On Right Side

of Red Locking Tab

33994

Red Locking Tab

Pried Up

White Locking Ring

Rotated Counterclockwise

33995

Driveline Shield

Pulled Back

Exposed CV Grease Zerks

33996

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

Accessing CV Driveline Joints

Refer to Figure 5-13 on page 50:

There are two ways the constant velocity driveline joints shown in Figure 5-13 can be accessed for lubrication. One is through holes in the driveline shield and the other is to slide the shields back to expose the grease zerks.

Lubrication Through Access Holes

1. Refer to Figure 5-14: Rotate driveline shield until holes in shield align with grease zerks in CV joint.

2. Apply proper amount and type of lubrication. Refer to “CV Main Driveline Joints” on page 50 for quantities and type of lubrication.

Locked Driveline Shield

Figure 5-16

3. Refer to Figure 5-15: Rotate driveline shield 180o

4. Repeat step 2 above on any grease zerks that were

5. Steps 1 thru 2 can be repeated to lubricate universal

Lubrication By Sliding Driveline Shields Back

1. Refer to Figure 5-16: With a flat bladed screwdriver

2. Refer to Figure 5-17: Rotate white locking ring fully

3. Refer to Figure 5-18: Pull back on driveline shielding

Lubrication Through Three Holes In Driveline Shield

Figure 5-14

until holes on opposite side of shield aligns with remaining grease zerks in CV joint.

not greased in step 2.

joint on opposite end of driveline. (Opposite end of driveline has only one grease zerk.)

Lubrication Through Two Holes In Driveline Shield

Figure 5-15

or similar tool, pry top of red locking tab up.

counterclockwise to the position shown.

until CV joint is exposed.

Unlocked Driveline Shield

Figure 5-17

Slide Driveline Shield Back To Expose Grease Zerks

Figure 5-18

4. Apply proper amount and type of lubrication. Refer to “CV Main Driveline Joints” on page 50 for quantities and type of lubrication.

5. Slide driveline shield back to its operating position.

6. Refer to Figure 5-16: Rotate white locking ring clockwise and press locking tab down until it snaps in place as shown.

7. Steps 1 thru 6 can be repeated to lubricate universal joint on opposite end of driveline.

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 54

Table of Contents

Section 6: Specifications & Capacities

RC4015 & RCM4015 Series 2

Specifications & Capacities

Horsepower Range 50 - 200

540 RPM or 1000 RPM

Gearbox Horsepower

Gear Box Lubrication Gear Lube 80-90W EP

Gearbox Oil Capacity Splitter: 3.5 pints; Center deck & Wings: 6 pints

Cutting Capacity 3 1/2"

Machine Weight Total Weight

Tongue Weight

Blade Tip Speed At 540 RPM

At 1000 RPM

Hitch Types Standard Clevis, Performance Hitch, Bar-Tite Hitch, Ball Hitch, or Pintle Hitch

Hitch Jack Standard (7,000 lbs.)

Cutting Width Overall Width Minimum Transport Width

Overall Length 15'-6" (With center deck raised fully up)

Deck Height 12"

Cutting Height 2" - 14"

Lift Hydraulics 3" x 8" hydraulic cylinder, hoses, fittings & stroke control spacers

Wing Hydraulics 2 1/2" x 12" hydraulic cylinders, hoses & fittings

Wing Transport Protection Wing Transport Locks

Deck Material Thickness 10 Gauge

Side Skirt Thickness 1/4" Steel

Skid Shoes

Blades - 6 (2 per Carrier)

Blade Overlap 6"

Blade Bolt Keyed with hardened flat washer & lock nut

Stump Jumper / Blade Holder 3/16" Thick round dish shaped pan, reinforced with 1" x 4" blade bar

Front & Rear Guards Optional rubber, single row chain, or dual row chain

Input Driveline 540 & 1000 PTO Cat. 6 with constant velocity u-joint or Cat. 5 with conventional (non-cv) u-joint

Intermediate Driveline Standard - Category 4 with Slip-Clutch

Wing Drivelines Standard - Category 4 with Slip-Clutch

Wheel Options

Number of Wheels

Transport Axle Spring-cushioned on center transport axle

Hubs Cast iron five-bolt hubs with tapered roller bearings and 1 3/4" shafts.

Deck Rings Optional

250 HP Divider 210 HP Center & Wings

3,730 lbs. 1,240 lbs.

Center Blades = 16,300 FPM & Wing Blades = 16,300 FPM Center Blades = 16,300 FPM & Wing Blades = 16,000 FPM

15'-0" 15'-9" 7'-11 3/4"

Wing Deck: AR400 1 Replaceable skid shoe per wing Center Deck: AR400 2 Replaceable skid shoes

1/2" x 4" Heat Treated Free Swinging Alloy Steel with Uplift

6" x 21" Laminated tires, 25.5" new foam filled tires, 29" x 16 ply used aircraft tires without foam filling.

4 - Wheels: Two on transport axle and one on each wing axle 6 - Wheel option: Four on transport axle and one on each wing axle. 8 - Wheel option: Four on transport axle and two on each wing axle.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

9/19/16

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Table of Contents

Section 6: Specifications & Capacities

10'- 2 3/4"

7'- 11 3/4"

Add 8" for Airplane Tires

7'- 2 1/2"

Transport Width

Without Special Adjustments

7'- 2 1/2"

27930

Transport Width With Wing Axles Disconnected

At Turnbuckles (#5) And Wheels Folded Back

(See Figure 1-16 on page 17)

9/19/16

15'- 9"

15'- 6"

Add 4" for Airplane Tires

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

27931

Page 56

Table of Contents

Section 7: Features & Benefits

RC4015 and RCM4015 Series 2

Features Benefits

Surpassed rugged industry standards

Factory assembled Arrives for quick and easy set-up. Minimal time is wasted setting or prepping the unit.

7 Year gearbox warranty Shows confidence in gearbox integrity. (6th & 7th year parts only)

Rugged heavy built gearboxes Capable of handling heavy cutting applications.

Gearbox seal protection Gearbox bottom seal protection for longer bearing life.

2 Piece shield on wing gearboxes Driveline grease zerks are easier to access.

Performance self-leveling hitch Reduces drawbar wear by keeping hitch level while going through ditches.

Low hitch weight on tractor tongue Ideal for smaller HP tractors by reducing the amount of weight on the drawbar.

Narrow A-frame hitch Allows for a tighter turning radius.

Adjustable park jack angle Park jack can be adjusted to be perpendicular to the ground.

Adjustable driveline hanger

Input driveline: Cat. 6 CV or Cat. 5 Conventional

Drivelines with slip-clutches: Cat. 5 intermediate Cat. 4 Wings

Grease zerks on end caps of driveline cross journals

High blade tip speed Allows clean cutting of material.

6" Blade overlap Eliminates skipping during turns.

Left wing rotates clockwise Better discharge of material. Picks up tractor tracks.

3/16" Round stump jumper Standard thick stump jumper material keeps damage to a minimum.

Smooth top design Reduces accumulation of debris and is easier and faster to clean.

Deck sheet tops are 100% welded Makes center decks and wing decks stronger.

1/4" Sidewall thickness Increased thickness reduces damage from objects being thrown into deck sidewalls.

Beveled skid shoes on wings Reduces gouging the ground when turning.

Hinged wing sections

1" Solid hinge rods

Wing transport locks Wing transport locks will hold wings in the folded position in the event of hydraulic loss.

Enclosed dual leveling rods C

5-Bolt hubs 5-Bolt hubs makes the wheel assembly more durable and longer lasting.

Drain holes in wheel rims

Spring cushioned center-axle Protects unit from bumps and ground shock.

Replaceable wheel spindles Wheel spindles can be replaced when damaged without replacing entire axle assembly.

Wheel options

Performance hitch option

Bar-tite hitch option Ideal for extreme conditions. Clamps tight to drawbar eliminating drawbar wear.

Roadway light kit option Allows operator to transport on public roads safer.

Deck ring option Keeps blades from damaging the deck.

All Great Plains Rotary Cutters have been designed and tested and meet rigorous voluntary testing procedures according to ISO 4254.

Serves as a support rest for the driveline when the cutter is unhooked from the tractor. Assist operator when attaching driveline to tractor PTO shaft.

Driveline is matched just right for capacity of tractor. Constant velocity (CV) U-joint allows for 80 degree turns without doing damage to the driveline.

Driveline is sized right for the intended cutting capacity. Slip-clutches will slip under load to minimize twist damage to driveline profiles.

Intermediate and wing driveline cross journals are easier to grease.

Allows

cutter to follow terrain. Ideal for rough ground where hillsides, ditches, and

hollows can cause uneven cutting.

Larger diameter hinge rod gives greater strength to the the hinge area itself.

cutter from front to rear, and in

utter pulls equally on the rear axle while traveling over rough terrain.

Allows water to drain from wheels mounted on folded-up wing. Helps prevent paint deterioration and rusting to the wheel rims.

Laminated tires: Eliminates flats. Air-filled tires: Give better cushion while transporting. Foam-filled tires: Give better cushion while transporting and can’t go flat.

Great for uneven terrain, reduces drawbar wear. Hitch pivots freely up and down and pivots about the tractor drawbar.

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

9/19/16

Page 57

Table of Contents

Section 8: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Chart

Problem Cause Solution

Gearbox overfilled Drain oil level with fill hole or to full mark on dipstick.

Oil seal leaking

Driveline yoke or cross failing

Slip Clutches slip even with a light load

Bent driveline shaft (Note: Shaft should be repaired or replaced if bent)

Driveline shaft telescoping tube failing

Driveline shaft telescoping tube wearing

Blades Lock Up

Blades wearing excessively

Blades coming loose

Blades breaking Hitting solid objects Avoid hitting solid objects.

Loose blade carrier

Blade carrier bent Hitting solid objects Avoid hitting solid objects.

Excessive side skid wear

Excessive vibration

Wing cylinder movement too slow Orifice is plugged Remove elbow fitting and unplug orifice.

Seals damaged Replace seals. Grass or wire wrapped on shaft

in seal area

Clutch is froze

Shock load Avoid hitting solid objects. Needs lubrication Lubricate every 8 hours. Scalping the ground Raise cutting height.

Clutch is not properly adjusted

Clutch plates are worn out Replace clutch plates. Foreign object caught between

clutch plates Contacting frame Reduce lift height in transport position. Contacting drawbar Reposition drawbar. Contacting 3-point arms Raise or remove 3-point arms. Bottoming out Shorten driveline shaft. Binding up Not lubricating enough.

Shock load Avoid hitting solid objects.

Needs lubrication Lubricate every 20 hours of operation.

Blades locked together (overlapped) when wings were raised to transport position

Tractor has instant on PTO

Tractor has Instant off PTO

Cutting on sandy ground Raise cutting height. Contacting ground frequently Raise cutting height. Not maintaining PTO speed Maintain PTO speed by slowing down. Blades not

tightened properly Over speeding PTO Operate cutter at proper PTO speed.

Blade carrier hardware not tight Tighten shaft nut to specified torque. Running loose in the past Replace gearbox bearings and / or shaft.

Soil abrasive Adjust cutter height. Cutting too low Raise cutting height. Hitting solid objects Inspect area before cutting. Do not hit solid objects. Driveline bent Replace driveline or distribution shaft. Blade carrier bent Replace blade carrier. Blade broken Replace blade. Blade will not swing Inspect and unlock blades. High torque start-up or hitting

solid objects. Blades have unequal weight Replace each pair of blades on affected carrier.

Clean off wrapped material and check seal areas daily.

Slip clutches per instructions under “Drivelines With Slip Clutches” on page 42.

Adjust clutch per instructions under “Drivelines With Slip Clutches” on page 42.

Remove foreign object.

Use pry bar or other tool to separate cutting blades before lowering wings.

Engage PTO at low RPMs and then slowly increase engine speed to full PTO speed. See “Engage Blades” on page 31.

Decrease engine speed slowly to an idle and then disengage PTO. See “Disengage Blades” on page 32.

Tighten blade hardware, refer to “Cutter Blade Maintenance” on page 40.

Disassemble and inspect driveline for incorrectly located needles or damaged bearing cap.

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 58

Table of Contents

5.8

8.8

10.9

Section 9: Torque & Tire Inflation Chart

Torque Values Chart for Common Bolt Sizes

Bolt Head Identification Bolt Head Identification

Bolt Size

(inches) Grade 2 Grade 5 Grade 8

in-tpi

1/4" - 20 7.45.611 81612M 5 X 0.8 436597

1/4" - 28 8.5 6 13 10 18 14 M 6 X 1 7 5 11 8 15 11

5/16" - 18 15 11 24 17 33 25 M 8 X 1.25 17 12 26 19 36 27

5/16" - 24 17 13 26 19 37 27 M 8 X 1 18 13 28 21 39 29

3/8" - 16 27 20 42 31 59 44 M10 X 1.5 33 24 52 39 72 53

3/8" - 24 31 22 47 35 67 49 M10 X 0.75 39 29 61 45 85 62

7/16" - 14 43 32 67 49 95 70 M12 X 1.75 58 42 91 67 125 93

7/16" - 20 49 36 75 55 105 78 M12 X 1.5 60 44 95 70 130 97

1/2" - 13 66 49 105 76 145 105 M12 X 1 90 66 105 77 145 105

1/2" - 20 75 55 115 85 165 120 M14 X 2 92 68 145 105 200 150

9/16" - 12 95 70 150 110 210 155 M14 X 1.5 99 73 155 115 l215 160

9/16" - 18 105 79 165 120 235 170 M16 X 2 145 105 225 165 315 230

5/8" - 11 130 97 205 150 285 210 M16 X 1.5 155 115 240 180 335 245

5/8" - 18 150 110 230 170 325 240 M18 X 2.5 195 145 310 230 405 300

3/4" - 10 235 170 360 265 510 375 M18 X 1.5 220 165 350 260 485 355

3/4" - 16 260 190 405 295 570 420 M20 X 2.5 280 205 440 325 610 450

7/8" - 9 225 165 585 430 820 605 M20 X 1.5 310 230 650 480 900 665

7/8" - 14 250 185 640 475 905 670 M24 X 3 480 355 760 560 1050 780

1" - 8 340 250 875 645 1230 910 M24 X 2 525 390 830 610 1150 845

1" - 12 370 275 955 705 1350 995 M30 X 3.5 960 705 1510 112 0 2100 1550

1-1/8" - 7 480 355 1080 795 1750 1290 M30 X 2 1060 785 1680 1240 2320 1710

1-1/8" - 12 540 395 1210 890 1960 1440 M36 X 3.5 1730 1270 2650 1950 3660 2700

1-1/4" - 7 680 500 1520 1120 2460 1820 M36 X 2 1880 1380 2960 2190 4100 3220

1-1/4" - 12 750 555 1680 1240 2730 20101 in-tpi = nominal thread diameter in inches-threads per inch

1-3/8" - 6 890 655 1990 1470 3230 23802 N· m = newton-meters

1-3/8" - 12 1010 745 2270 1670 3680 27103 ft-lb= foot pounds

1-1/2" - 6 1180 870 2640 1950 4290 31604 mm x pitch = nominal thread diameter in millimeters x thread

1-1/2" - 12 1330 980 2970 2190 4820 3560

Torque tolerance + 0%, -15% of torquing values. Unless otherwise specified use torque values listed above.

N · m 2ft-lb 3N · m ft-lb N · m ft-lb mm x pitch 4N · m ft-lb N · m ft-lb N · m ft-lb

Bolt Size

(Metric) Class 5.8 Class 8.8 Class 10.9

pitch

Additional Torque Values

Blade Bolt Lock Nut 450 ft-lbs

Blade Carrier Hub Nut 550 ft-lbs

Wheel Lug Nuts 85 ft-lbs

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Tire Inflation Chart

T i r e S i z e Inflation PSI

29" x 7.7 x 15" Aircraft tire 40

9/19/16

Page 59

Section 10: Warranty

Great Plains (a division of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.) warrants to the original purchaser that this Great Plains unit will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the first use date when used as intended and under normal service and conditions for personal use; ninety days for custom/commercial or rental use.

An extended limited warranty covers the gearbox only:

This Warranty is limited to the replacement of any defective part by Great Plains and the installation by the dealer of any such replacement part. Great Plains reserves the right to inspect any equipment or part which are claimed to have been defective in material or workmanship.

The following items and/or conditions are not warrantable abuse or misuse of the equipment, failures occurring as a result of accidental damage or acts of God, failures resulting from alterations or modifications, failures caused by lack of normal maintenance as outlined in the operator’s manual, repairs made by non-authorized personnel, items replaced or repaired due to normal wear (such as wear items and ground engaging components), repeat repair due to improper diagnosis or repair by the dealer, temporary repairs, service calls and/or mileage to and from customer location, overtime premium, or unit hauling expenses. The warranty may be voided if the unit is towed at speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour), or is used in soils with rocks, stumps, or other obstructions.

Great Plains reserves the right to make changes in materials or design of the product at any time without notice. The warranty shall not be interpreted to render Great Plains liable for damages of any kind, direct or consequential or contingent to property. Furthermore, Great Plains shall not be liable for damages resulting from any cause beyond its control. This warranty does not extend to crop loss, losses caused by planting or harvest delays or any expense or loss of labor, supplies, rental machinery, or for any other reason.

No other warranty of any kind whatsoever express or implied, is made with respect to this sale; and all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose which exceed the obligations set forth in this written warranty are hereby disclaimed and excluded from this sale.

This warranty is not valid unless the unit is registered with Great Plains within 10 days from the date of the original

Table of Contents

• 5 years parts and labor.

• 6

and 7th years parts only.

Warranty

: failures resulting from

purchase.

IMPORTANT: The Online Warranty Registration should be completed by the dealer at the time of purchase. This information is necessary to provide you with quality customer service.

Model Number ____________________ Serial Number ____________________

9/19/16

RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M

Page 60

Great Plains, Mfg.

1525 E. North St. P.O. Box 5060 Salina, KS 67402

GREAT PLAINS RC4015, RCM4015 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Important Safety Information

Safety at All Times

Safety Labels

Introduction

Application

Owner Assistance

Serial Number

Using This Manual

Section 1: Assembly & Set-up

Tractor Requirements

Horsepower

Drawbar Set-up

PTO Speed

Hydraulic Outlets

Before You Start

Torque Requirements

Hitch Types

Standard Clevis Hitch

Performance Hitch (Optional)

Bar-Tite Hitch (Optional)

Ball Hitch (Optional)

Pintle Hitch (Optional)

Hitch Assembly

Park Jack Assembly

Spring Hose Loop Assembly

Tractor Shutdown Procedure

Standard Clevis Hitch Hook-up

Performance Hitch Hook-up

Bar-Tite Hitch Hook-up

Hydraulic Hook-up

Right & Left Wing Set-up

Lower Wings

Driveline Installation

Driveline Hook-up to Tractor PTO

Adjust Driveline Hanger

Driveline Clearance Check

Purge Hydraulic System

Remove Shipping Lugs

Unhook Rotary Cutter

Section 2: Adjustments

Park Jack Angle Alignment

Leveling Center Deck & Wings

Center Deck Leveling

Wing Deck Leveling

Cutting Height Adjustment

Performance Hitch Hole Size

Section 3: Operating Instructions

Startup Checklist

Safety Information

Tractor & Cutter Inspection

Avoid Extreme Turning Angles

Blade Operation Inspection

Transport Locks

Transporting

Field Set-up

Inspect Field and Cutter Blades

Lower Wing Down & Set Cutting Height

Set Wing Lift Lever In Float Position

Select Gear Range

Engage Blades

Disengage Blades

Road Side Cutting

General Operating Instructions

Section 4: Options & Accessories

Safety Guard

Tire & Axle Options

Hitch Options

Mechanical Wing Lift

Installation Instructions

Operating Instructions

Hydraulic Accessories

Hydraulic Wing Control Kit

Selector Control Valve Kit

Light Kit Option (LED)

Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication