GREAT PLAINS RCR2596 User manual

Table of Contents
Manufacturing, Inc.
www.greatplainsmfg.com
EN
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
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.
22288
© Copyright 2016 Printed 327-147M
5/26/16
Operator Manual
RCR2596 & RCR2510
Rotary Cutters

Table of Contents
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M 5/26/16
© Copyright 2016 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
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety at All Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Look For The Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Section 1: Assembly & Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tractor Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Weight & Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PTO Type & Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pull-Type Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3-Point Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dealer Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Torque Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Gearbox Vent Plugs & Dipsticks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Vent Plug Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Pull-Type Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hitch Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Equal Angle Driveline Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Constant Velocity Driveline Installation . . . . . . . 14
Pull-Type Tractor Hook-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3-Point Lift-Type Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Hitch Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Driveline Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3-Point Tractor Hook-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Driveline Hook-up to Tractor PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Check Driveline Collapsible Length . . . . . . . . . . 18
Shorten Driveline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Check Driveline Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Check Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 2: Assembly of Optional Equipment 20
Chain Safety Guards (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rubber Safety Guards (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 3: Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pull-Type Leveling & Cutting Height . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Deck Leveling From Front to Back . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pull-Type Cutting Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3-Point Leveling & Cutting Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Deck Leveling From Left to Right . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Deck Leveling From Front to Rear . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Center Link Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Tailwheel Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Section 4: Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . 25
Operating Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Inspection of Tractor & Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Blade Engagement & Disengagement . . . . . . . . . . 27
Blade Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Blade Disengagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Field Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Turning Angles for Pull-Type Cutters . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Crossing Steep Ditches & Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Unhook 3-Point Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Unhook Pull-Type Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
General Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication . . . . . 31
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Tire Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cutter Blade Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Slip-Clutch Protected Drivelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Skid Shoe Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
RCR2596 Dual End Flex Couplers . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
RCR2510 Dual End Flex Couplers . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Tractor Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Long Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Lubrication Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3-Point Tailwheel Spindle Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Tailwheel Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Pillow Block Bearing (Pull-Type Cutter) . . . . . . . 37
Ratchet Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
T-Gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Dual End Flex Coupler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Driveline U-Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
CV Driveline U-Joints & Profile Shields . . . . . . . 39
Driveline Profiles With Grease Zerk . . . . . . . . . . 39
Driveline Profiles Without Grease Zerk . . . . . . . . 39
Section 6: Specifications & Capacities . . . . . 40
Section 7: Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . 43
Section 8: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Section 9: Torque & Tire Inflation Charts . . . 45
Section 10: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Table of Contents

1
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
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 over-
the-counter drugs, seek medical
advice on whether he/she can
safely operate the equipment.
▲Operator must start tractor and
operate controls from the driver’s
seat only. Never from the ground.
▲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.
▲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.
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
REMOVE
Be Aware of 
Signal Words
A Signal word designates a degree or
level of hazard seriousness. The
signal words are:
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.
!
DANGER
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.
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.
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
For Your Protection
▲Thoroughly read and understand
the “Safety Label” section, read
all instructions noted on them.

2
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
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.
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.
▲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.
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.
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.

3
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
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
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.
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.
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.
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.

4
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
Safety Labels
Your Rotary Cutter comes equipped with all safety labels in
place. They are 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. Peelbacking fromlabel and press label firmlyonto the
surface.
d. Squeeze out air bubbles with edge of a credit card or
with a similar type of straight edge.
22288
22288
22288
838-614C
2" x 9" Red Reflector
2 places: Rear left side and rear right side of deck
838-615C
2" x 9" Amber Reflector
1 place: Front left side of deck only
818-130C
Caution: Use with 540 RPM PTO only

5
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
818-543C
Danger: Guard Missing
818-552C
Danger: Rotating Driveline
ROTATING DRIVELINE
KEEP AWAY!
818-830C
Safety Combo
22288
22288
22297

6
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
818-564C
Danger: Rotating Blades - Keep Away
818-142C
Danger: Rotating Driveline Hazard - Keep Away
22288
22288
22288
818-556C
Danger: Thrown Object Hazard

7
Important Safety Information
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
818-540C
Danger: Guard Missing - Do Not
Operate
818-552C
Danger: Rotating Driveline
Hazard - Keep Away
ROTATING DRIVELINE
KEEP AWAY!
838-094C
Warning: High Pressure
22288
22296
22296
33016
818-681C
Notice: 20 MPH Maximum Travel Speed
Located on Pull-Type Hitch and All Gauge Wheels

8
Introduction
RCR2596 & RCR2510 Rotary Cutters 327-147M
Table of Contents
5/26/16
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 standard utility duty RCR2596 and RCR2510 Series
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, and row crop fields. Their eight and ten foot cutting
widths, 2" to 12" cutting height and ability to cut weeds
and brush up to 1 1/2" diameter make them well suited for
these applications.
The RCR2596 and RCR2510 cutters operate at a PTO
speed of 540 rpm. A category four equal angle driveline
is available on both models and a category four constant
velocity driveline is available on only the RCR2510
model.
Pull-type and three-point type hitches are available. The
RCR2596 is designed for a category I or II three-point
hitch and the RCR2510 is designed for a category II or III
three-point hitch. All three-point hitches are Quick-Hitch
adaptable. The RCR2596 three-point hitch requires a 50-
110 HP tractor and the Pull-type hitch requires a 40-110
HP tractor. The RCR2510 three-point hitch requires a 60-
110 HP tractor and 50-110 HP for Pull-type.
Stump jumpers, main driveline slip-clutches, and
outboard flex couplers are also offered for driveline and
gearbox protection. Safety shields around the cutter are
offered in either chain or rubber.
See “Specifications & Capacities” on page 40 and
“Features & Benefits” on page 43 for additional
information and performance enhancing options.
Using This Manual
•This Operator’s Manual is designed to help familiarize
you 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 the direction the machine will operate while in use
unless otherwise stated.
Definitions
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 47. 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.
Serial Number Plate Location
Figure 1
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.
39207
Introduction