HighLine RCH Hydro Operator's Manual

Rotary Mower

™

RCH Hydro

™

Radial Contouring Hitch

O P E R A T O R ' S M A N U A L

E14362V1

Rotary Mower

RCH Hydro

™

Radial Contouring Hitch ™

Operator’s

Manual

Printed in Canada Copyright © 2016 by Highline Manufacturing Ltd. All rights reserved.
The content of this manual was based on the most current information available as of the date of copyright. It is the policy of

Highline Manufacturing Limited to improve and develop our products continually. We reserve the right to make changes or add
improvements, at any time, without incurring any obligation to make changes or improvements on machines previously sold.
Changes may not be reflected in this manual.

Highline Manufacturing Limited

HWY #27, P.O. Box 307

Vonda, SK S0K 4N0

Canada

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Toll Free: 1.800.665.2010

E14362V1

Highline Manufacturing Ltd. Rotary Mower - RCH Hydro

Highline Team Message

Congratulations on your purchase of the Rotary Mower RCH Hydro manufactured by
Highline Manufacturing Ltd. We are excited about your endeavor into cutting with the most
technically advanced rotary cutter known to date. You will find flexibility and maneuverability
of operation with this product that has never been experienced before. Welcome to the elite
group of Highline Rotary Mower owners.

This Operator's Manual has been prepared to provide information necessary for the safe and
efficient operation of your Rotary Mower. In the manual you will find safety procedures,
maintenance routines and detailed operational instructions.

If you find that you require information not covered in this manual, please feel free to consult
your local dealer. Your dealer is always able to contact Highline for this technical information.

Highline Manufacturing Ltd. thanks and congratulates you for selecting a Rotary Mower as your
machine of choice.

Highline Manufacturing Ltd.

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Safety

Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Safety Sign-off Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Decal Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

Tractor requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Ensure correct PTO speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Adjust tractor drawbar length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Lift the hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Connect the hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Connect the safety chain to the tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tractor wheel tread width settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Route the hydraulic hoses and wiring harness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Attach the driveline to the PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Attach the hydraulics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connect the lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Place the hitch jack in the storage location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Check on the condition of all the tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Raise the wings until they rest in place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the wing transport lock pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Lower the mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Height cylinder transport lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install the hitch transport locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

taillights and flashing warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Transport speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Section 3 - Mower Preparation

Park the tractor and mower on level ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Ensure the lighting is working properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Optional joystick control, confirm that the hydraulic control block is configured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Check the condition of the blade pans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Check the condition of the blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Lift the height control transport lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Remove the wing transport lock pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Remove the hitch transport locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Level the mower center section deck front to back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Verify the blade direction rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Determine the wing height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wing height adjustment procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Set the preferred cutting height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Inspect all the hydraulic cylinders, pump, motors and hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Clear debris from the oil cooling tank, radiator and cooling fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Check the oil level in the oil tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ensure the shutoff valves at the bottom of the tank are in the open position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Check the oil filter operating pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Check the oil level in the pump gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Check the condition of the chain guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Inspect the wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Inspect the wing skid plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Inspect the center section skid plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

wing skid plate wheel is installed, check the condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

10 Foot Models, inspect the center deck skid and counterweights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ensure the driveline is securely attached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Ensure the driveline shields are lowered into place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Lubricate all grease fittings and check the fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Section 4 - Operating the Mower

Hydraulic Oil Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Move both wing transport lock pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Remove the hitch cylinder transport locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Lower the wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Controlling the Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Control Box - 3 Remote Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Control Box - Joystick Control (1 Remote) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Joystick Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Swing the mower deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Lower to the cutting height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Adjust ground speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Move the wing blade pans switches on the control box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Operate the PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Allow the wings to float . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Avoid cutting into the ditch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Swing the mower deck away from obstructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Check that the hydraulic oil cooling fan is operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Responding to a High Oil Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Do not drive or swing the mower into following or on-coming traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cross ditches and steep inclines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Making Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Recommended Practices for a Quality Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Section 5 - Maintaining the Mower

Check the oil level in the pump gearbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Check the oil level in the oil tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Check the oil filter operating pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Replacing the Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Clear debris from the oil cooling tank, radiator and cooling fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Oil Tank Oil Changing Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Gearbox Oil Changing Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Blade Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Removing and Replacing the Blade Pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Front Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Rear Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Section 6 - Storing the Mower

Clean all the debris off the mower decks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Lubricate all mower grease points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Park the mower on level ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Lower the mower until the hydraulic height control cylinder is resting on the transport lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Place the wing transport lock pins in place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

jack from the storage position and place it onto the hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Remove the driveline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Disconnect the safety chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Disconnect the hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

hydraulic hoses and disconnect them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Disconnect the electrical connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Secure the hydraulic hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Place the PTO driveline in the support bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Change the oil in the gear box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Section 7 - Troubleshooting

Operation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Center Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mower Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Cooling Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fan Control Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Hydraulic Manifold - Joystick Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Tractor Hydraulic Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Pump Gear Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Driveline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Section 8 - Specifications

Radial Contouring Hitch Hydro
RCH Hydro 15 Foot - has a center deck and

two wing decks. The cutting width is 15 feet
(4.6 m). This model can be configured for
Right Hand Slope (With Traffic) cutting and
Level Ground cutting.

Operating in Ditch

214064

RCH Hydro 10 Foot - has a center deck and
a right wing deck. The cutting width is 10 feet
(3.0 m). This model can be configured for
Right Hand Slope (With Traffic) cutting and
Level Ground cutting.

Winged Up

214106

Operating In Ditch

215069

Winged Up

215070

Section 1 - Safety

SERIAL NUMBER

Your serial number is found on the serial number plate (1) attached to a bracket on the oil
tank.

Serial Plate Location

It is important to record the serial number for proof of ownership and for any service or
maintenance assistance.

215071C

Serial Number
Owner
Model
Date of Purchase

Be Trained Before Operating Mowers!

Safety Training Makes a Difference.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers offers the 22 minute video,
“Industrial and Agricultural Mower Safety Practices: A Safety Training
Program for Operators of Rotary-Type Mowing Equipment”.

This video reinforces the proper procedures to follow while operating rotary
mowing equipment.

To view the video on the Internet or to order a copy, please visit the Association of Equipment
Manufacturers website at www.aem.org and go the Safety & Training section.

The video does not replace the information contained in this Operator’s Manual. Please read
and understand this manual before operating the mower.

Page 1-1

Section 1 - Safety

SAFETY SIGN-OFF FORM

Highline Manufacturing Ltd. follows the general Safety Standards specified by the American
Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA). Anyone who will be operating and/or maintaining the Highline
Rotary Mower should read and clearly understand all Safety, Operating and Maintenance
information presented in this manual.

Do not operate or allow someone to operate this equipment until this information has been
reviewed. This information should be reviewed by all operator’s before the season start-up.

This sign-off sheet is provided for record keeping to indicate that the person working with the
equipment has read and understood the information in the Operator’s Manual and has been
instructed in the safe operation of the equipment.

Date Employee’s Signature Employer’s Signature

Page 1-2

Section 1 - Safety

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

The Safety Alert Symbol means:

ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word alert to the presence of a hazard and the
degree of possible injury.

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, WILL result in DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
The color is Red with White lettering.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, COULD result in DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY, and includes hazards that are exposed when
guards are removed or unsafe practices. The color is
Orange with Black lettering.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, MAY result in MINOR INJURY. The color is
Yellow with Black lettering.

Page 1-3

Section 1 - Safety

GENERAL SAFETY

1. Ensure that anyone who is going to operate, maintain or work near the Rotary Mower is
familiar with the recommended operating, maintenance procedures and safety information
contained in this manual and follows all the safety precautions.

2. “In addition to the design and configuration of the equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependant upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training of
personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of the mower.”

3. The mower shall not be operated without all the guards in place.

SAFETY DECALS

1. Keep decals and signs clean and legible at all times.

2. Replace decals and signs that are damaged, missing or have become illegible.

3. Replaced parts that displayed a decal should also display the current decal.

4. Decals are available from the Highline Parts Department.

5. Be familiar with the decals, the type of warning and the area or function(s) related to the
area(s) that requires your awareness.

Page 1-4

Section 1 - Safety

DO NOT CONTACT ROTATING DRIVELINE

Contact with rotating driveline will cause serious injury or death.
Keep all driveline guards in place.
Securely attach drivelines at both ends.
Check that the driveline guards turn freely on driveline.

DO NOT OPERATE WITH SHIELDS MISSING

DO NOT CONTACT ROTATING BLADES

Rotating blades can cause serious injury or death.
Always disengage power take off, shut off tractor, remove key, set
park brake and wait for all parts to stop turning before servicing.
Keep guards in place and in good condition.

DO NOT OPERATE MOWER WITH WINGS RAISED

Contact with exposed rotating blades may cause injury or death.
Rotating blades may throw objects, causing injury or death

STAND CLEAR OF WINGS

Falling wings can cause serious injury or death.
Wing cylinders must be fully retracted and wing lock pins in place
before servicing.
Never stand under wings when lowering or raising.

Page 1-5

Section 1 - Safety

STAY BACK FROM MOWER IN OPERATION WHICH CAN
DISCHARGE OBJECTS SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF FEET

Thrown objects can cause serious injury or death.
Stand clear of mower when PTO is engaged.
Do not operate within 300 ft (100m) of any person.
Keep all shields and guards in place.
Clear mowing area of debris.

INSPECT BLADES FOR DAMAGE

Worn or damaged blades can cause serious injury or death.
Blades must be inspected daily for gouges, wear or cracks.

Replace blade pairs at maximum of 50 hours.
Replace the blade pair if the tip or leading edge is worn so that only
2" (51 mm) of the blade remains.
Replace blades if gouged or cracked.
Blades must be changed in sets.
Use only Highline replacement parts.

Do not repair blades.

STAND CLEAR OF ROTATING DECK

Contact with rotating deck can cause serious injury or death.
Stand clear of mower deck. Mower deck can rotate rapidly.

DO NOT SWING DECK AND HITCH ARM NEAR BYSTANDERS
OR INTO TRAFFIC

The deck and hitch arm can swing rapidly from left to right causing
serious injury or death.
Do not swing the mower near bystanders.
Do not swing the mower into following or oncoming traffic.

Page 1-6

Section 1 - Safety

ENSURE SLOW MOVING VEHICLE SIGN IS IN PLACE

Ensure the Slow Moving Vehicle sign is in place, clean and easily
visible.

Ensure the reflectors are in place, clean and easily visible.

READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THIS DECAL

Page 1-7

Section 1 - Safety

STAND CLEAR WHEN MOWER IS BEING RAISED OR
LOWERED

Crushing can cause serious injury or death.
Always install height control lock and blocks under each section of
the implement before servicing.

DO NOT OPERATE ON SIDE HILL WITH WINGS RAISED

Tractor or mower roll over can cause serious injury or death.
Tractor must be equipped with Roll Over Protection System.
(ROPS)
Always wear seat belts when operating tractor.

USE PAPER OR CARDBOARD TO CHECK FOR HYDRAULIC
LEAKS

To prevent serious injury or death:
Relieve pressure on hydraulic system before repairing, adjusting or
disconnecting.
Wear proper hand and eye protection when searching for leaks.
Use wood or cardboard instead of hands.
Keep all components in good repair.

KEEP MOWER DECK CLEAR OF DEBRIS

Fires can occur if dry material builds up on the mower deck.
Always ensure deck is kept clean.
A clean deck ensures optimum performance of wing lift and height
control.

DO NOT RIDE ON MACHINE

Falling from the moving machine can cause serious injury or
death.
Falling from the operating machine can cause being entangled
under the machine or being injured by the machine.

DO NOT EXCEED PTO SPEED

Do not operate at excess speeds or damage to the mower may
result.

Page 1-8

Section 1 - Safety

DO NOT TOUCH HOT SURFACES

Heat from the hydraulic oil causes surfaces to be hot.
Do not touch pump, motors, oil tank, oil cooler or hydraulic hoses
while using mower.

Allow a cool down time before touching or servicing these items.

Page 1-9

SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS

Section 1 - Safety

Page 1-10

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

2.0 TRANSPORTING THE MOWER

Only tow the mower behind a
properly sized and equipped
tractor which exceeds the weight
of the mower by 50%. Do not tow
the mower behind a truck or other
type of vehicle

Do not allow children or other
people to ride on the tractor or
mower. Falling off can result in
serious injury or death.

1. Tractor requirements.

- Roll Over Protection System (ROPS)

- Working seatbelts

- 1 3/8" 21 spline PTO

- Recommend 115 PTO HP

2. Ensure correct PTO speed.

- Ensure that the tractor PTO speed
matches the mower’s gearbox speed
of 1000 rpm.

- Do not attempt to operate the mower
at a different PTO speed.

3. Adjust tractor drawbar length.

- Set the drawbar length to 16" (406
mm) for a 1 3/8" 21 spline PTO.

- This length is measured from the tip of
the PTO shaft end to the center of the
drawbar hole. (Refer to your tractor’s
operator manual for drawbar
adjustment procedures.)

Note: To prevent damage to the tractor

drawbar, avoid traveling at high
speeds and over rough terrain.

Note: Do not use PTO adapters.

PTO adapters will cause a
driveline failure and possible
tractor damage. Your mower
warranty will also be invalid.

Tractor Drawbar Adjustment for 1000 RPM

108005

Page 2-1

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

4. Lift the hitch.

- Lift the hitch arm with the jack (1).

- The hitch arm is very heavy. Do
not attempt to lift it without using
the jack.

- Adjust the hitch to connect the
drawbar.

5. Connect the hitch.

- Connect the tractor drawbar to the
drawbar connector with:

- 1 1/4" x 5" bolt, washer, locknut

and nut (1). Torque to 600 lbf (813
Nm)

- 3/4" x 3½" bolt,washer, lockwasher

and nut (2). Torque to 260 lbf (352
Nm).

- Place a ½" thick shim plate (1) on
each side of the drawbar and fasten in
place with 3/8" x 5" bolt and locknut
(2 ).

Lift Hitch with Jack

Connecting Drawbar Connector

213044C

107082C

Page 2-2

Drawbar Shims

107083C

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

6. Connect the safety chain to the tractor.

- Ensure the safety chain rating is equal

or greater than the gross weight of the
mower.

- Route the safety chain (1) through the

large slot (2) in the drawbar
connector. Securely fasten the chain
to the tractor and lock in place with the
hook lock.

7. Tractor wheel tread width settings.

- Increase the tractor rear wheel widths

to maintain tractor stability when
working on inclines or rough ground.

Connect the Safety Chain

108167C

8. Route the hydraulic hoses and wiring
harness through the hose support arm.

Route Hoses Through Holder

214034

Page 2-3

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

9. Attach the driveline to the PTO.
Shut off the tractor engine before

attaching PTO driveline.
Entanglement in the rotating
driveline can cause serious injury
or death.

The mower shall not be operated
without the driveline shields in
place.

- Shut off the tractor engine and
remove the key.

- Check that the driveline telescopes
easily and that the shields are in good
condition and rotate freely.

- Lift the tractor PTO shield.

- Support the driveline, pull back on the
yoke collar, align the splines by
rotating the mower driveline and push
the driveline into the tractor PTO shaft
until the collar snaps into place.

- Push and pull the yoke several times
to ensure the driveline is locked. Do
not pull on the collar as this will
release the lock.

- Lower the tractor & hitch PTO shields
into place.

Attach Driveline to PTO

108167

Page 2-4

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

10. Attach the hydraulics.

The mower requires 3 remote connections.

- If the optional joystick is included, then

only 1 remote connection is required.

- For the joystick option, the
hydraulic lever will work in only
one direction. There is a check
valve on the valve manifold. If the
hydraulics are not working, move
the lever in the opposite direction.

- Clean the end of the hoses (1) and
the connection.

- Firmly push the hoses into the tractor
receptacle according to user
preference.

Attach Hydraulics and Lighting

108008C

- Route the hoses so they do not
interfere with moving parts.

11. Connect the lights.

- Connect the light plug (2) into the
appropriate tractor receptacle.

- Ensure the light cable does not
interfere with or contact moving parts.

12. If the optional joystick is on the
machine, route the joystick cable.

- Ensure the cable does not interfere
with or contact moving parts.

13. Place the hitch jack in the storage
location.

Page 2-5

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

14. Check on the condition of all the tires.

- Ensure that the lug nuts have the flat

side of the lug nut against the wheel
rim.

- Torque the lug nuts to 75 lbf (101

Nm).

Laminated Tires:
! Do not transport the mower on

roadways for long distances with
laminated tires.

15. Raise the wings until they rest in
place.

Laminated Tires

107074C

16. Install the wing transport lock pins (1)
on both wings and clip the pins into
place.

17. Lower the mower until the hydraulic
height control cylinder is resting on the
height cylinder transport lock (2).

Install the Wing Transport Lock Pins

216047C

Page 2-6

Height Cylinder Resting on Transport Lock

216048C

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

18. Install the hitch transport locks (1)
over both hitch hydraulic cylinders and
pin into place.

19. Ensure that the Slow Moving Vehicle
(SMV) sign (1) is clean and visible.

20. Ensure that the taillights (2) are clean,
visible and in good working order.

21. Transport speed.

Hitch Transport Locks

Ensure SMV is Visible & Lights are Working

214067C

214107C

- Do not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h).

Page 2-7

Transport Speed

214106

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower

This Page Left Blank

Page 2-8

Section 3 - Mower Preparation

3.0 MOWER PREPARATION

1. Park the tractor and mower on level

ground.

- Engage the tractor parking brake.

2. Ensure that all decals are clean and in

place.

3. Ensure that the Slow Moving Vehicle

(SMV) sign is clean and visible.

4. Ensure the lighting is working properly.

5. Connect the electrical power for the

mower to an outlet that is rated for 30
amps or more to ensure sufficient power
for the cooling fan.

- The power can also be taken directly
from the tractor battery.

Clean SMV and Lights

214107

6. For mowers with the optional joystick
control, confirm that the hydraulic control
block is configured for the type of circuit
that is on the tractor.

- If the tractor has a Closed-loop circuit,

then the mower control block should
have a plug (1) in the last port.

- If tractor has an Open-loop circuit,

- Remove the plug from the mower
control block.

- Install the solenoid valve (2) that
came with the joystick.

- Connect the wiring harness
connector marked “F1".

If the mower will be used with both open-loop
system and closed-loop system tractors, then
run the control block with the solenoid valve
installed.

Block with Plug - Closed Loop Tractors

Block with Solenoid - Open Loop Tractors

214118C

214119C

Page 3-1

Section 3 - Mower Preparation

7. Check the condition of the blade pans.
Securely block-up the mower

before any work is done under the
mower when lifted up. This is to
prevent the mower from dropping
due to inadvertent operation of
controls, hydraulic leaking or
failure of any components.

- Clean debris and material buildup
from the blade pan area and from the
pans.

- Check that no wire or other materials
are wrapped around the shaft or pan.

- Inspect the pan for damage caused by
contact with an object.

- Inspect blade pan mounting hardware
for damage.

- Inspect blade mounting bolts for
damage.

Inspect Blades & Hardware

201059

Page 3-2

Section 3 - Mower Preparation

8. Check the condition of the blades.

- Inspect the blades daily.

- Check that the blades swing freely.
Note: Do not sharpen the blades.

Replace them with Highline
blades.

! Replace the blade pair at a maximum

of 50 hours regardless of the wear
because of the possibility of metal
fatigue and non-visible cracks in the
blades. Replace with Highline blades.

! Replace the blade pair if the tip or

leading edge is worn so that only 2"
(51 mm) of the blade remains.
Replace with Highline blades.

! Replace the blade pair if a blade is

gouged, has visible cracks or is bent.
Replace with Highline blades.

Replace blades in pairs with only
Highline blades.

-See “Blade Replacement
Procedure” in the Maintenance
Section.

Replace Blade When Tip/Leading Edge Worn

Replace Blade When Gouged

1070802C

107080

Page 3-3

Section 3 - Mower Preparation

6. Lift the height control transport lock.

- Raise the mower center section by
extending the lift cylinder.

- Shut off the tractor and remove the
ignition key.

- Lift the height control cylinder lock (1).

7. Remove the wing transport lock pins.

- Place the pins into the pin storage
position (1).

Lift the Height Control Transport Lock

216009C

8. Remove the hitch transport locks from the
hitch cylinders.

- Store the transport locks in the

toolbox.

Remove Hitch Cylinder Locks

Page 3-4

Remove Wing Transport Lock Pins

216049C

214039

Section 3 - Mower Preparation

9. Lower the wings on level ground.

10. Level the mower center section deck

front to back.

Note: Do this procedure on level ground.

- Raise the mower to full height by
extending the height cylinders.
Hold the lever for a few seconds to
ensure the phasing cylinders are
synchronized.

- Lower the mower to the preferred
cutting height.

Height from Front Wing Pivot to Ground

201061

- Measure the left side from the
center of the front wing pivot to the
ground.

- Verify this measurement at the

left back wing pivot to the
ground.

- Compare this height to the right
front and the right back at the
center of the wing pivots to the
ground.

Height from Back Wing Pivot to Ground

201062

Page 3-5