Big Bee SCL 96 User manual

Big Bee Rotary Cutter
Owner’s Manual
SCL 96
SCL 120
SCD 120

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Due to the type of performance for which this machine was designed, the
operator should be very careful and practice all safety precautions during
operation. Being of basic design throughout the farm equipment industry. Rotary
cutters have fast moving blades that can throw objects that the operator runs
over. It is possible to do serious injury to yourself or to others, if you fail to read
and practice the foregoing safety rules. ONLY EXPERIENCED and trained
operators with a thorough understanding of the purpose and capabilities of this
machine should operate it.
1. IMPORTANT! Read and become familiar with the instructions on the rotary
cutter decals. These decals have been placed at various places on the
machine to remind you to be cautious for your protection, as well as
others.
2. Before operating the rotary cutter, carefully inspect the area on which the
rotary cutter will be used. Be sure to remove all objects that might be
thrown by the rotating blades. Also, note any gullies, ditches, or rough
terrain when you are inspecting.
3. Check the machine frequently to be sure there are no loose bolts and
that snap rings are in place.
4. Always use and maintain in place all PTO guards furnished with the rotary
cutter, as well as the guards furnished with the tractor.
5. Disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor engine before leaving the
tractor.
6. It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a roll-bar and a
seatbelt. This is the operators own responsibility for his/her safety.
7. It is noted that on tractors without “live”PTO, the centrifugal force of the
rotating blades will tend to force the tractor in the direction of travel. This
can result in an accident or injury if the operator does not reduce his
speed before turning or allowing adequate distance between the tractor
and turning point or obstacle. (Your dealer has free-wheel and over-
running couplers to reduce the centrifugal force. The couplers serve as an
added safety device.)
8. The blades and PTO shaft will continue to rotate for a short time after the
tractor PTO power is shut off. Be sure all rotation has completely stopped
before attempting to service the machine or approach it for any reason.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - CONTINUED
9. Never position yourself under the machine for any reason. It could fall on
you! Never manually feed the machine for any reason. Never put your
hands or feet under the deck of the cutter without first being sure that the
blades have ceased all movement and all power is shut off.
10. Chain guards should be added to the machine when it is used in areas
where people, animals, or property may be hit or endangered by thrown
objects. The rapidly rotating blades may strike and throw wire, sticks, loose
rocks or trash with considerable force. Even with chain guards, it is
recommended that the operator be sure to keep all persons and animals
far enough away from the operating area to be completely clear of
thrown objects.
11. Never allow riders on machine or tractor!
12. Transport machine at a safe speed.

ASSEMBLY AND SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
A. Set up A-frame and position hitch pins in proper position. Be sure to use
lock washers and tighten bolts securely. Attach flex chain brace to A-
frame then fasten chain end on tailwheel adjustment bracket.
B. Attach PTO shaft according to instructions/diagram attached to the PTO
shaft.
C. Check all bolts including gearbox mounting bolts, blade bolts and blade
carrier bolts.
D. Adjust the tailwheel bracket to level the rotary cutter or obtain desired
cutting position.
E. Lubricate gearbox, tailwheel hub, tailwheel spindle and PTO U-joints.
F. Attach rotary cutter to the tractor.

OPERATION
1. Check gearbox for lubricant.
2. Check all lubrication points on PTO shaft and tailwheel.
3. Be sure all bolts are tight and snap rings are in place.
4. Be sure the rotary cutter is properly mounted on the tractor.
5. Adjust and level rotary cutter for desired cutting height.
ADJUSTING LEVEL OF CUTTER ON YOUR TRACTOR
CUTTER TOO LOW IN FRONT
CUTTER TOO LOW IN REAR
INCORRECT
The above position makes the
blade too high causing skipping
and uneven cutting. It also
allows the blades to strike the
ground causing the slip clutch
to slip excessively and the
blades to become worn.
INCORRECT
The above position causes wear
and tear on the tailwheel. The
rear skirt drags allowing
unnecessary debris to be
collected under the rotary cutter.
CORRECT
CUTTER IS LEVEL

STARTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
1. If everything is in place and the rotary cutter is properly connected to the
tractor, start the tractor and raise the rotary cutter slowly. While watching
the PTO shaft, raise and lower the rotary cutter until you have positioned
the PTO shaft to the shortest telescoping point. This position will check the
PTO shaft to make sure it is not too long. With the shaft positioned at its
shortest length, the two telescoping shafts should lack two inches (2”)
meeting. Now, check the PTO shaft to be sure it is not too short.** Position
the rotary cutter so that the PTO shaft will be at its longest position. At this
position, the two telescoping shafts should engage at least six inches (6”).
Be sure the PTO clears the front of the cutter deck when the cutter is
raised. If it does not clear, readjust the toplink on your tractor to correct
this problem. You may want to set the stop on your hydraulic control lever
so that the cutter will not accidentally be raised too high. Now, engage
the PTO slowly. Let the rotary cutter run slowly for several seconds and
gradually increase throttle to operating speed. Watch carefully for signs of
excessive vibration or unusual noises. If any are noticed, disengage PTO,
shut off tractor immediately, wait for all moving parts to stop completely
and investigate cause. A new gearbox may be noisy at first, but usually a
few hours of use will mesh the gears and create a quieter, smoother
operation.
2. We suggest that you get the feel of your rotary cutter on open familiar
ground. Remember that the centrifugal force of the rotary blades and
carrier can keep pushing your forward even after you have disengaged
your clutch, unless your tractor is equipped with live PTO or an over-
running coupler. Therefore, approach obstacles with caution.
** If it is determined that the PTO shaft is either too long or too short for your
tractor, see your dealer for correct shaft lengths. This is not a frequent problem.
However, the correct shaft lengths should be checked to avoid damage to the
PTO shaft or other components.

IT IS UP TO YOU
REMEMBER: SAFETY FIRST!!!
BETTER TO BE “SAFE”THAN “SORRY”
Don’t find out the hard way that careless actions can make you, your family,
your friends, or an innocent by-stander the victim of an accident. Safety is an
everyday need. Outfit yourself with a complete safety program.
READ YOUR OPERATOR’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY!!
Know how to operate your machine properly and safely. Always take the
necessary safety precautions.
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1. Tractor and rotary cutter must be shut off (disengaged from any power)
before any acts of maintenance are performed.
2. Check oil level in gearbox periodically. Keep level up to check plug. Use
SAE 90 or SAE 140 transmission oil. Use caution not to over fill.
3. Lubricate universal joint on PTO shaft every few hours of use. Keep PTO
shaft free of dirt and foreign materials so that it will telescope freely to
avoid damage to your tractor or rotary cutter.
4. Lubricate tailwheel.
5. Keep blades sharp. When replacing worn blades, be sure to replace in
pairs to maintain rotary balance.
6. Keep all bolts tightened properly.
WARRANTY
We warrant each new Big Bee Rotary Cutter against defect in material or
workmanship for a period of 90 days or a reasonable period of time dependent
upon the type of use of the machine.
In the event that it is necessary to replace or repair any part(s) during the
warranty period, go to your dealer with the defective part(s) and they will assist
you in obtaining the needed replacement and/or return the defective part(s) to:
DHE Warranty Division
PO Box 140
819 4th Street NW
Red Bay, AL 35582
Neither manufacturer or the dealer shall be held responsible for the loss of use of
the machine, loss of time, inconvenience, commercial loss, or consequential
damages.
In order for your Big Bee Rotary Cutter to be covered by our warranty policy, the
equipment registration form on the back cover must be completed and
returned within 10 days after the purchase date.
The warranty policy is not effective unless the equipment registration is recorded
in our office.

OWNER REGISTRATION
Owner’s Name: __________________________________________
Street Address: ___________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________________
County: _________________________________________________
State: ___________________________________________________
Zip: ______________________________________________________
Purchased From: _________________________________________
Street Address: ___________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________________
County: _________________________________________________
State: ___________________________________________________
Zip: ______________________________________________________
Date Purchased: _________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________
Owner’s Signature: _______________________________________
Model: __________________________________________________
Equipment Name: _______________________________________
Size: _____________________________________________________