HighLine RCH Hydro User manual

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
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
Rotary Mower
RCH Hydro ™
Radial Contouring Hitch ™
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 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.
HighlineManufacturingLtd.thanksandcongratulatesyouforselectingaRotaryMowerasyour
machine of choice.
Highline Manufacturing Ltd.

Table of Contents
Section 1 - Safety
SerialNumber .................................................................................. 1
SafetySign-offForm ............................................................................. 2
SafetyAlertSymbol.............................................................................. 3
GeneralSafety ................................................................................. 4
SafetyDecals .................................................................................. 4
SafetyDecalLocations .......................................................................... 10
Section 2 - Transporting the Mower
Tractorrequirements............................................................................. 1
EnsurecorrectPTOspeed ........................................................................ 1
Adjusttractordrawbarlength ...................................................................... 1
Liftthehitch.................................................................................... 2
Connectthehitch ............................................................................... 2
Connectthesafetychaintothetractor................................................................ 3
Tractorwheeltreadwidthsettings................................................................... 3
Routethehydraulichosesandwiringharness ......................................................... 3
AttachthedrivelinetothePTO ..................................................................... 4
Attachthehydraulics............................................................................. 5
Connectthelights ............................................................................... 5
Placethehitchjackinthestoragelocation. ........................................................... 5
Checkontheconditionofallthetires. ............................................................... 6
Raisethewingsuntiltheyrestinplace. .............................................................. 6
Installthewingtransportlockpins .................................................................. 6
Lowerthemower ............................................................................... 6
Heightcylindertransportlock ...................................................................... 6
Installthehitchtransportlocks ..................................................................... 7
SlowMovingVehicle(SMV)sign ................................................................... 7
taillightsandflashingwarninglights ................................................................. 7
Transportspeed ................................................................................ 7
Section 3 - Mower Preparation
Parkthetractorandmoweronlevelground............................................................ 1
Ensurethelightingisworkingproperly ............................................................... 1
Optional joystick control, confirm that the hydraulic control block is configured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Checktheconditionofthebladepans ............................................................... 2
Checktheconditionoftheblades................................................................... 3
Lifttheheightcontroltransportlock ................................................................. 4
Removethewingtransportlockpins ................................................................ 4
Removethehitchtransportlocks ................................................................... 4
Level the mower center section deck front to back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Verifythebladedirectionrotation ................................................................... 7
Determinethewingheightadjustment ............................................................... 8
Wingheightadjustmentprocedure ................................................................. 10
Setthepreferredcuttingheight.................................................................... 11
Inspect all the hydraulic cylinders, pump, motors and hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Clear debris from the oil cooling tank, radiator and cooling fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Checktheoillevelintheoiltank................................................................... 13
Ensure the shutoff valves at the bottom of the tank are in the open position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Checktheoilfilteroperatingpressure............................................................... 14
Checktheoillevelinthepumpgearbox ............................................................. 15
Checktheconditionofthechainguards ............................................................ 16
Inspectthewheelsandtires ...................................................................... 16
Inspectthewingskidplate ....................................................................... 16
Inspectthecentersectionskidplate ............................................................... 16
wing skid plate wheel is installed, check the condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10 Foot Models, inspect the center deck skid and counterweights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ensurethedrivelineissecurelyattached ............................................................ 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
HydraulicOilTemperature ................................................................ 1
Movebothwingtransportlockpins ......................................................... 2
Remove the hitch cylinder transport locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lowerthewings ........................................................................ 3
ControllingtheMower.................................................................... 4
ControlBox-3RemoteTractor ............................................................ 4
Control Box - Joystick Control (1 Remote) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
JoystickControl ........................................................................ 7
Swingthemowerdeck .................................................................. 8
Lowertothecuttingheight ............................................................... 10
Adjustgroundspeed ................................................................... 10
Move the wing blade pans switches on the control box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
OperatethePTO ...................................................................... 11
Allowthewingstofloat.................................................................. 11
Avoidcuttingintotheditch................................................................ 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
Crossditchesandsteepinclines .......................................................... 14
MakingTurns ......................................................................... 15
Recommended Practices for a Quality Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 5 - Maintaining the Mower
Checktheoillevelinthepumpgearbox. ............................................................. 1
Checktheoillevelintheoiltank ................................................................... 2
Checktheoilfilteroperatingpressure ............................................................... 3
ReplacingtheFilter.............................................................................. 3
Clear debris from the oil cooling tank, radiator and cooling fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Lubrication .................................................................................... 5
OilTankOilChangingProcedures.................................................................. 8
GearboxOilChangingProcedures.................................................................. 9
BladeReplacementProcedure.................................................................... 10
RemovingandReplacingtheBladePan ............................................................ 12
FrontTires ................................................................................... 17
RearTires.................................................................................... 18
Section 6 - Storing the Mower
Cleanallthedebrisoffthemowerdecks ............................................................. 1
Lubricateallmowergreasepoints .................................................................. 1
Parkthemoweronlevelground.................................................................... 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
Removethedriveline ............................................................................ 3
Disconnectthesafetychain ....................................................................... 3
Disconnectthehitch ............................................................................ 3
hydraulichosesanddisconnectthem. ............................................................... 3
Disconnecttheelectricalconnection ................................................................ 3
Securethehydraulichoses ....................................................................... 4
PlacethePTOdrivelineinthesupportbracket ........................................................ 4
Changetheoilinthegearbox ..................................................................... 4

Section 7 - Troubleshooting
Operation............................................................................. 1
CenterSection......................................................................... 3
Wings................................................................................ 5
Wheels............................................................................... 7
Hitch................................................................................. 7
Blades ............................................................................... 8
MowerOil............................................................................. 9
CoolingFan .......................................................................... 10
FanControlModule .................................................................... 11
Hydraulic Manifold - Joystick Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
TractorHydraulicOil ................................................................... 13
PumpGearBox ....................................................................... 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.
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.
Operating in Ditch
214064
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.
It is important to record the serial number for proof of ownership and for any service or
maintenance assistance.
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 whileoperating 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.
Serial Plate Location
215071C
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 SignalWord alertto the presence of a hazard and the
degree of possible injury.
Indicates an imminentlyhazardous 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

Section 1 - Safety
SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS
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. Note: Do not use PTO adapters.
PTO adapters will cause a
driveline failure and possible
tractor damage. Your mower
warranty will also be invalid.
3. Adjust tractor drawbar length.
- Set the drawbar length to 16" (406
mm) for a 1 3/8" 21 spline PTO.
- Thislengthismeasured from the tipof
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. 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"x3½"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
213044C
Connecting Drawbar Connector
107082C
Drawbar Shims
107083C
Page 2-2

Section 2 - Transporting the Mower
6. Connect the safety chain to the tractor.
- Ensure thesafetychainratingisequal
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
tothetractorand lock in place withthe
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.
8. Route the hydraulic hoses and wiring
harness through the hose support arm.
Connect the Safety Chain
108167C
Route Hoses Through Holder
214034
Page 2-3