GREAT PLAINS RCF3696 User manual

Table of Contents
EN
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
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.
!
39667
Semi-Mount with Single Tailwheels on Rear Axle Shown.
Also available in 3-Point Mount and Pull-Type Hook-up.
327-154M
Operator’s Manual
RCF3696, RCFM3696, RCF3610, & RCFM3610
Rotary Cutters
© Copyright 2021 Printed 8/20/21

Machine Identification
Record your machine details in the log below. If you replace this manual, be sure to transfer this information to the new
manual.
If you, or the dealer, have added Options not originally ordered with the machine, or removed Options that were
originally ordered, the weights and measurements are no longer accurate for your machine. Update the record by
adding the machine weight and measurements provided in the Specifications & Capacities Section of this manual with
the Option(s) weight and measurements.
Dealer Contact Information
Model Number
Serial Number
Machine Height
Machine Length
Machine Width
Machine Weight
Delivery Date
First Operation
Accessories
Name:
Street:
City/State:
Telephone:
Email:
8/20/21RCF3696, RCFM3696, RCF3610, & RCFM3610 Rotary Cutters 327-154M
ii
California Proposition 65
WARNING: Cancer and reproductive harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
!

Table of Contents
8/20/21
© Copyright 2021 All rights Reserved
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.
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.
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.
Brand and Product Names that appear and are owned by others are trademarks of their respective owners.
Printed in the United States of America
iii
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety at All Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Look for the Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 1: Assembly & Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Tractor Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Dealer Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Gearbox Vent Plugs & Dipsticks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Vented Dipstick Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Torque Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tractor Shutdown Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3-Point Mounted Rotary Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Semi-Mount Rotary Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Pull-Type Rotary Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3-Point Assembly & Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Hitch Assembly (3-Point) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Spring Hose Loop Assembly (3-Point) . . . . . . . . 15
Driveline Installation (3-Point) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
RCF(M)3696 Tailwheels (3-Point) . . . . . . . . . . . 16
RCF(M)3610 Tailwheels (3-Point) . . . . . . . . . . . 17
RCF(M)3696 Hitch Hook-Up (3-Point) . . . . . . . . 18
RCF(M)3610 Hitch Hook-Up (3-Point) . . . . . . . . 19
Driveline Hook-up (3-Point) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Hydraulic Hook-up Option (3-Point) . . . . . . . . . . 21
Hitch Pin Modification (3-Point & Semi) . . . . . . . 21
Semi-Mount Assembly & Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Spring Hose Loop Assembly (Semi-Mount) . . . . 23
Driveline Installation (Semi-Mount) . . . . . . . . . . 23
RCF(M)3696 Tailwheels (Semi-Mount) . . . . . . . 24
RCF(M)3610 Tailwheels (Semi-Mount) . . . . . . . 25
Hitch Hook-Up (Semi-Mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Driveline Hook-up (Semi-Mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Hydraulic Hook-up (Semi-Mount) . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Check Driveline Collapsible Length . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Assemble Inner & Outer Driveline Halves . . . . . 28
Check Driveline Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Pull-Type Assembly & Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tailwheel Lift Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Axle Assembly (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Spring Hose Loop (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Tongue Assembly (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Park Jack Assembly (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Equal Angle Driveline (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Constant Velocity Driveline (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . 33
Hitch Hook-Up (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Safety Chain Hook-Up For Pull-Type . . . . . . . . . 35
Hydraulic Hook-Up (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Purge Hydraulic System (Pull-Type) . . . . . . . . . 35
Section 2: Assembly of Optional Equipment 36
Chain Safety Guards (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Front Chain Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rear Chain Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rubber Safety Guards (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Front Rubber Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Rear Rubber Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Pull-Type Hitch Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Swivel Clevis Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Performance Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Change Out Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Check Chains (Accessory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Section 3: Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Park Jack Angle Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Deck Leveling & Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3-Point With Beam Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3-Point or Semi-Mount With Rear Axle . . . . . . . . 44
Level Front To Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Pull-Type With Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Section 4: Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . 48
Operating Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Inspect Tractor & Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Blade Engagement & Disengagement . . . . . . . . . . 50
Field Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Crossing Steep Ditches & Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Turning Angles for Pull-Type Cutters . . . . . . . . . 51
Unhook 3-Point or Semi-Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Unhook Pull-Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
General Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication . . . . . 55
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Hydraulic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Tire Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cutter Blade Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Driveline Slip-Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Flex Couplers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Continue Table of Contents on next page

Table of Contents Continued
8/20/21
Table of Contents
iv
Skid Shoe Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Long-Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Lubrication Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Tailwheel Spindle Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Tailwheel Hubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Pillow Bearing (Pull-Type Cutter) . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Ratchet Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
T-Gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
RCF(M)3610 Flex Coupler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Driveline U-Joints & Profile Shields . . . . . . . . . . 64
CV Driveline U-Joints & Profile Shields . . . . . . . 64
Telescoping Driveline Profiles With Zerks . . . . . 64
Telescoping Driveline Profiles Without Zerks . . . 65
Section 6: Specifications & Capacities . . . . 66
Section 7: Features & Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Section 8: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Section 9: Torque & Tire Inflation Charts . . 70
Section 10: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Important Safety Information
8/20/21 1
Important Safety Information
Listed below are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products
described in this manual.

Tractor Shutdown & Storage
If engaged, disengage power
take-off.
Park on solid, level ground and
lower implement until it is flat on
the ground or on non-concrete
support blocks.
Put tractor in park or set park
brake.
Turn off engine and remove
ignition key to prevent
unauthorized starting.
Relieve all hydraulic pressure to
auxiliary hydraulic lines.
Wait for all components to stop
before leaving operator’s seat.
Use steps, grab-handles and
anti-slip surfaces when stepping
on and off the tractor.
OFF
REMOVE
Safety Precautions for
Children
Tragedy can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of
children, Children generally are
attracted to implements and their
work.
Never assume children will remain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the work area
and under the watchful eye of a
responsible adult.
Be alert and shut the implement
and tractor down if children enter
the work area.
Never carry children on the tractor
or implement. There is not a safe
place for them to ride. They may
fall off and be run over or interfere
with the control of the power
machine.
Never allow children to operate the
power machine, even under adult
supervision.
Never allow children to play on the
power machine or implement.
Use extra caution when backing
up. Before the tractor starts to
move, look down and behind to
make sure the area is clear.
Safety at All Times
Careful operation is your best
assurance against an accident.
All operators, no matter how much
experience they may have, should
carefully read this manual and
other related manuals, or have the
manuals read to them, before
operating the power machine and
this implement.
Thoroughly read and understand
the “Safety Label” section. Read
all instructions noted on them.
Do not operate the equipment
while under the influence of drugs
or alcohol as they impair the ability
to safely and properly operate the
equipment.
The operator should be familiar
with all functions of the tractor and
attached implement, and be able
to handle emergencies quickly.
Make sure all guards and shields
appropriate for the operation are in
place and secured before
operating the implement.
Keep all bystanders away from
equipment and work area.
Start tractor from the driver’s seat
with hydraulic controls in neutral.
Operate tractor and controls from
the driver’s seat only.
Never dismount from a moving
tractor or leave tractor unattended
with engine running.
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.
While transporting and operating
equipment, watch out for objects
overhead and along side such as
fences, trees, buildings, wires, etc.
Do not turn tractor so tight as to
cause hitched implement to ride
up on the tractor’s rear wheel.
Store implement in a safe and
secure area where children
normally do not play. When
needed, secure implement against
falling with support blocks.
Look for the Safety Alert Symbol
The SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL indicates there is a potential hazard
to personal safety and extra precaution must be taken. When you
see this symbol, be alert and carefully read the message that
follows it. 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. They are:
DANGER:
!
WARNING:
CAUTION:
!
!
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
Be Aware of Special Notices
Special notices are intended to point out important and helpful information that
should be followed. They are usually placed inside a box. They are:
Indicates that equipment or property damage could result if
instructions are not followed.
Indicates supplementary explanations that will be helpful when
using the equipment.
IMPORTANT:
NOTE:

Important Safety Information
8/20/21
2
Listed below are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products
described in this manual.
Practice Safe Maintenance
Understand procedure before doing
work. Refer to the Operator’s
Manual for additional information.
Work on a level surface in a clean
dry area that is well-lit.
Lower implement to the ground and
follow all shutdown procedures
before leaving the operator’s seat to
perform maintenance.
Do not work under any hydraulically
supported equipment. It can settle,
suddenly leak down, or be lowered
accidentally. If it is necessary to
work under the equipment,
securely support it with stands or
suitable blocking beforehand.
Use properly grounded electrical
outlets and tools.
Use correct tools and equipment for
the job that are in good condition.
Allow equipment to cool before
working on it.
Disconnect battery ground cable (-)
before servicing or adjusting
electrical systems or before welding
on implement.
Inspect all parts. Make certain
parts are in good condition &
installed properly.
Replace parts on this implement
with genuine Great Plains parts
only. Do not alter this implement in
a way which will adversely affect its
performance.
Do not grease or oil implement
while it is in operation.
Remove buildup of grease, oil, or
debris.
Always make sure any material and
waste products from the repair and
maintenance of the implement are
properly collected and disposed.
Remove all tools and unused parts
from equipment before operation.
Do not weld or torch on galvanized
metal as it will release toxic fumes.
Transport Safely
Comply with federal, 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 towed
trailer to swerve unexpectedly.
Reduce speed if towed trailer is not
equipped with brakes.
Avoid contact with any over head
utility lines or electrically charged
conductors.
Always drive with load on end of
loader arms low to the ground.
Always drive straight up and down
steep inclines with heavy end of a
tractor with loader attachment on
the “uphill” side.
Engage park brake when stopped
on an incline.
Maximum transport speed for an
attached equipment 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
attached equipment:
20 mph when weight of attached
equipment is less than or equal
to the weight of machine towing
the equipment.
10 mph when weight of attached
equipment exceeds weight of
machine towing equipment but
not more than double the weight.
IMPORTANT: Do not tow a load
that is more than double the weight
of the vehicle 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
implement.
Attach the chain to the tractor
drawbar support or other specified
anchor location. Allow only
enough slack in the chain to
permit turning.
Always hitch the implement to the
machine towing it. Do not use the
safety chain to tow the implement.
Tire Safety
Tire changing
can be
dangerous
and must be
performed by
trained personnel using the
correct tools and equipment.
Always properly match the wheel
size to the properly sized tire.
Always maintain correct tire
pressure. Do not inflate tires
above recommended pressures
shown in the Operator’s Manual.
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.
Securely support the implement
when changing a wheel.
When removing and installing
wheels, use wheel handling
equipment adequate for the
weight involved.
Make sure wheel bolts have been
tightened to the specified torque.

Important Safety Information
8/20/21 3
Listed below are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products
described in this manual.
Use Seat Belt and ROPS
Great Plains recommends the use
of a CAB or roll-over-protective-
structures (ROPS) and seat belt
in almost all power machines.
Combination of a CAB or ROPS
and seat belt will reduce the risk
of serious injury or death if the
power machine should be upset.
If ROPS is in the locked-up
position, fasten seat belt snugly
and securely to help protect
against serious injury or death
from falling and machine overturn.
Keep Riders Off
Machinery
Never carry riders on the tractor or
implement.
Riders obstruct operator’s view
and interfere with the control of
the power machine.
Riders can be struck by objects or
thrown from the equipment.
Never use the tractor or
implement to lift or transport
riders.
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 the phone.
911
Use Safety
Lights and Devices
A slow moving power machine
can create a hazard when driven
on public roads. They are difficult
to see, especially at night. Use the
Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign
when on public roads.
Flashing warning lights and turn
signals are recommended
whenever driving on public roads.
Avoid High Pressure
Fluids
Escaping fluid
under pressure will
penetrate the skin or
eyes causing serious injury.
Relieve all residual pressure
before disconnecting hydraulic
lines or performing work on the
hydraulic system.
Make sure all hydraulic fluid
connections are properly
tightened/torqued 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, seek immediate
emergency medical care or
gangrene may result.
Wear Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Wear protective clothing and
equipment appropriate for the job
such as safety shoes, safety,
glasses, hard hat, dust mask,
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 a machine safely
requires the operator’s full
attention. Avoid wearing
headphones while operating
equipment.

Important Safety Information
8/20/21
4
Dig Safe - Avoid
Underground Utilities
USA: Call 811
CAN: digsafecanada.ca
Always contact your local utility
companies (electrical, telephone,
gas, water, sewer, and others)
before digging so that they may
mark the location of any
underground services in the area.
Be sure to ask how close you can
work to the marks they positioned.
Listed below are common practices that may or may not be applicable to the products
described in this manual.
Avoid crystalline Silica
(quartz) Dust
Because crystalline silica is a basic
component of sand and granite,
many activities at construction sites
produce dust containing crystalline
silica. Trenching, sawing, and boring
of material containing crystalline
silica can produce dust containing
crystalline silica particles. This dust
can cause serious injury to the
lungs (silicosis).
There are guidelines which should
be followed if crystalline silica
(quartz) is present in the dust.
Be aware of and follow OSHA
(or other local, State, or Federal)
guidelines for exposure to airborne
crystalline silica.
Know the work operations where
exposure to crystalline silica may
occur.
Participate in air monitoring or
training programs offered by the
employer.
Be aware of and use optional
equipment controls such as water
sprays, local exhaust ventilation,
and enclosed cabs with positive
pressure air conditioning if the
machine has such equipment.
Otherwise respirators shall be worn.
Where respirators are required, wear
a respirator approved for protection
against crystalline silica containing
dust. Do not alter respirator in any
way. Workers who use tight-fitting
respirators can not have beards/
mustaches which interfere with the
respirator seal to the face.
If possible, change into disposable
or washable work clothes at the
work site; shower and change into
clean clothing before leaving the
work site.
Do not eat, drink, use tobacco
products, or apply cosmetics in
areas where there is dust containing
crystalline silica.
Store food, drink, and personal
belongings away from the work
area.
Wash hands and face before eating,
drinking, smoking, or applying
cosmetics after leaving the exposure
area.
Handle
Chemicals Properly
Protective clothing should be
worn.
Handle all chemicals with care.
Follow instructions on container
label.
Agricultural chemicals can be
dangerous. Improper use can
seriously injure persons, animals,
plants, soil, and property.
Inhaling smoke from any type of
chemical fire can be a serious
health hazard.
Store or dispose of unused
chemicals as specified by the
chemical manufacturer.

Important Safety Information
8/20/21 5
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6
Important Safety Information
RCF3696, RCFM3696, RCF3610, & RCFM3610 Rotary Cutters 327-154M
Table of Contents
8/20/21
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.greatplainsag.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.
844-190C
Safety Combo:
Important Safety Information