Kubota RA1042T User manual

RA1042T
Operator‘s manual
Original operator‘s manual
Edition 09.2013
Date of print 09.2014
Language EN-EU
Machine number VF65982451 –
Model VF6598
Document number VF16660942.EN-EU

RA1042T
Machine identification
In order for your dealer to assist you as efficiently as possible, you will need to provide some information about
your machine. Please enter the details here.
Designation
Working width
Weight
Machine
number
Accessories
Supplier's 
address
Manufacturer's 
address Kverneland Group Kerteminde AS
Taarupstrandvej 25
DK-5300 Kerteminde
Denmark
Tel: [phone]
4.20 m
570 kg
VF6598_ _ _ _
Copyright by Kverneland Group Gottmadingen N. V., Germany. Reproduction, transfer to other media, translation or the use of extracts or parts
of this manual without the explicit permission of Kverneland, is not permitted. All rights reserved. The contents of this operating manual are subject
to change without notice. The right to technical revision is reserved.

Table of contents
3
Table of contents
Preface ....................................................... 4
Target group for this 
operating manual 4
Symbols used 5
Safety ......................................................... 6
For your safety 6
Who is allowed to operate the machine? 10
General 
safety information 10
Coupling 13
Hydraulics 13
Road transport 14
Operation 16
Uncoupling 17
Care and maintenance 18
Further regulations 19
Familiarising yourself with the machine 20
Range of application 20
Features 20
Designation of components 21
Technical specifications 22
Delivery and assembly ............................. 26
Checking the scope of delivery 26
Length of PTO shaft 27
Coupling the machine .............................. 29
Safety 29
General 29
Coupling the machine 30
Connecting the electrics [+] 34
Connecting the hydraulics 37
Preparing for use ...................................... 38
Safety 38
General 38
Rotor pitch 39
Working depth 40
Road transport .......................................... 42
Safety 42
General 43
Prior to road transport 43
Road transport 47
Preparations on the field ......................... 48
Safety 48
General 48
Basic settings 49
Operation ................................................... 52
Safety 52
General 53
Swathing 54
Swath deposit 55
Driving on headlands 55
Cleaning and care ..................................... 56
Safety 56
Cleaning 57
Care 57
Parking and storage .................................. 58
Safety 58
General 58
Uncoupling the machine 59
After the end of the season 60
Maintenance ............................................... 61
Safety 61
General 63
Screwed connections 65
Lubrication points for grease 67
Lubricating the PTO shafts 68
Filling quantities 69
Tyres 69
Hydraulics 70
Additional equipment ................................ 71
Optional accessories 71
Fault elimination ........................................ 74
Faults 74
Circuit diagrams ........................................ 75
Hydraulic system connection diagram 75
Lighting equipment circuit diagram 76
Decommissioning ..................................... 77
Environment 77
EC Declaration of Conformity .................. 78
Conforms to
EC Directive 
2006/42/EC 78
Index ........................................................... 80

Preface
4
Preface
Target group for this 
operating manual
This operating manual is intended for trained agriculturists and
persons who are otherwise qualified for agricultural activities and have
received instruction in working with this machine.
Minimum age
Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to operate the machine.
For your safety
You must familiarise yourself with the contents of this operating
manual before assembly or initial operation of the machine. In this
way, you will achieve optimum work results and operational safety.
The operating manual forms an integral part of the machine and must
always be kept to hand. This will ensure that you:
•avoid accidents.
•comply with warranty conditions.
•have a fully functional machine in good working order at all times.
Training
Your will receive training from your dealer concerning using the
controls and care of the machine.
Information for the employer
All personnel are to be regularly, but at least once a year, instructed
on the use of the machine, in accordance with the regulations of the
national organisation for Health and Safety at Work. Untrained or
unauthorised persons are not permitted to use the machine.
You are responsible for ensuring that the machine is operated and
maintained safely. Make sure that you and all other persons that
operate, maintain or work in close proximity with the machine are
familiar with the operating and maintenance regulations, as well as the
corresponding safety instructions in this operating manual.

Preface
5
Symbols used
In this operating manual, the following symbols and terms have been
used:
•A bullet point accompanies each item in a list.
A triangle indicates operating functions which must be performed.
An arrow indicates a cross-reference to other sections of this
manual.
[+] A plus sign indicates additional equipment which is not included in
the standard version.
We have also used pictograms to help you find instructions more
quickly:
The "Information" pictogram indicates tips and additional information.
The “Examples” pictogram indicates examples that assist under-
standing of the instructions.
The spanner indicates tips for assembly or adjustment work.
Switch on the tractor.
Switch off the tractor and secure it against rolling away.
The arrow in the diagram shows the direction of travel.
Caution
The warning triangle indicates important safety information. Failure
to observe this safety information can result in:
•Serious faults in the correct operation of the implement.
•Damage to the machine.
•Personal injury or accidents.

Safety
6
Safety
For your safety
This chapter contains general safety instructions. Each chapter of the
operating manual contains additional specific safety information which
is not described here. Observe the safety information:
•in the interest of your own safety.
•in the interest of the safety of others.
•to ensure the safety of the machine.
Numerous risks can result from handling agricultural machinery in the
wrong way. Therefore, always work with particular care and never
under time pressure.
Information for the employer
Inform all persons who work with the machine about this safety
information at regular intervals and in accordance with statutory regu-
lations.

Safety
7
Warning signs
Safety-related stickers attached to the machine indicate potential
hazards. The stickers must not be removed. Illegible or missing
stickers should be replaced. You can obtain new stickers as
replacement parts from your dealer.
Warning signs on the
machine

Safety
8
Meaning of warning
signs
Read the operating manual
Read and follow the operating and safety instructions before using the
machine for the first time. The machine must not be used for the first
time until the operating manual has been read and understood. This
applies in particular to the safety information. Otherwise, serious or
fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Switch off the engine
Only perform maintenance, repair and adjustment work when the
machine is shut down. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may be
caused as a result.
Distance from the rotor
Maintain a safe distance from the rotor when it is rotating. Nobody may
remain in close proximity to the machine when tedders and rakes are
running. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Distance from the tractor
When the machine is being coupled, uncoupled or operated, there
should be no-one between the tractor and the machine. Otherwise,
serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Risk of crushing
Never reach into an area where there is a risk of crushing if parts in
that area are still likely to move. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may
be caused as a result.
Caution, parts ejected at speed
Hazard caused by parts which may become detached when the drive
is in operation, and ejected at speed. Maintain a safe distance.
Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.

Safety
9
Secure the swath former after it is folded up
Secure the swath former after it is folded up. The swath former may
fold down unexpectedly. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may be
caused as a result.
Securing the rotors
Secure the rotor in the transport position. The rotor may turn unex-
pectedly due to centrifugal forces. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury
may be caused as a result.
PTO shaft speed 540 rpm
The specified maximum PTO shaft speed of 540 rpm must not be
exceeded. Otherwise, damage to the machine may be caused as a
result.
Do not exceed the maximum hydraulic pressure
The tractor's hydraulic pressure on the machine's hydraulic system
must not exceed 210 bar. Otherwise, damage to the machine may be
caused as a result.

Safety
10
Who is allowed to
operate the
machine?
Only qualified persons may operate the machine
Only qualified persons who have been informed of the dangers
associated with handling the machine are permitted to operate,
service or repair the machine. The necessary knowledge can be
gained in the course of agricultural vocational training, professional
training or intensive instruction.
General 
safety information
The general safety information and warning signs apply to every
phase of the life cycle of the machine and to every application.
Switch off the tractor and secure it
Before you dismount:
Switch off the tractor.
Remove the ignition key.
Secure the tractor against rolling away.
An unsecured tractor can run you over or trap you. Otherwise, serious
or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Operate for the first time only after proper training
The machine may only be put into operation after proper training has
been provided by an employee from a dealership or the manufacturer,
or by a factory representative. Operation without proper training can
lead to damage to the machine due to incorrect operation, or may
cause accidents.
Safety is your responsibility
Follow the safety instructions. Ensure that all operators comply with
the safety instructions. Prevent serious or fatal accidents by following
the safety instructions.
Instructions in the event of malfunctions
In the event of a malfunction, shut down, stop and secure the machine
immediately. Rectify the malfunction immediately yourself or seek the
assistance of a workshop. Operating a faulty machine can cause
accidents or damage.
No persons in the working area
Ensure that no persons are present in the slewing and working area
of the machine. Persons could be caught by the machine within this
area. This could result in fatal injury.
Perfect working condition
Ensure that the tractor and the machine are always in perfect working
condition. Make sure that the tractor brakes work in synchronisation
with the machine. Also follow the instructions in your tractor's
operating manual.

Safety
11
Switch off the tractor PTO shaft drive
Switch off the tractor's PTO shaft drive when changing from work to
transport position (and vice versa). Wait for moving parts to come to a
stop. If this requirement is ignored, the consequence may be damage
to the machine and even life-threatening injuries.
No reversing while the drive is running
Never drive in reverse with the PTO shaft drive switched on and in the
work position if people could enter the working area of the machine.
Switch off the PTO shaft drive. Rotating, unprotected parts can
damage the machine and cause life-threatening injuries.
Specified workwear
Do not wear loose fitting clothing. Loose fitting items of clothing may
become caught in rotating parts. Wear workwear and protective
clothing, as specified by the Accident Prevention and Insurance Asso-
ciation. Serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
No riding on the machine
Persons or objects must never be transported on the machine.
Carrying passengers on the machine is life-threatening and
prohibited. Serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.

Safety
12
Never work on the machine while it is running
No operations may be performed on the machine while it is running.
Objects or persons can be caught, drawn in or crushed. Serious or
fatal injury may be caused as a result.
PTO shaft
Use only the PTO shafts specified by the manufacturer and read the
attached operating manual carefully. Adjust the length of the PTO
shaft as required. Incorrect PTO shaft lengths can cause damage to
the machine and personal injury.
Check and fasten the PTO shaft guard in position
The rotating PTO shaft is protected by the PTO shaft guard. Ensure
that the guard is not damaged. Fasten the PTO shaft guard in position
by connecting the chains on the implement and the tractor. Unguarded
PTO shafts can cause life-threatening injuries.
Make sure the machine is standing level
Before changing from the transport to the work position (and vice
versa), make sure the machine is standing level. Otherwise, damage
to the machine and serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Do not make any modifications to the machine
No modifications of any kind may be made to the machine. Unau-
thorised modifications can adversely affect the correct operation and
safety of the machine and shorten its service life. Unauthorised mod-
ifications to the machine render the manufacturer's guarantee null and
void and free the manufacturer from all liability.
PTO shaft speed 540 rpm
The specified maximum PTO shaft speed of 540 rpm must not be
exceeded. A higher PTO shaft speed will damage the machine.
Unrestricted field of vision to the rear
After it has been coupled, ensure that you have an unrestricted view
of the machine, in both its work and transport positions. At the very
least, use the panorama mirror provided by the tractor manufacturer.
Otherwise, dangerous situations may not be detected in time.
resulting in accidents or damage.

Safety
13
Coupling
Increased risk of injury
When the machine is being coupled to the tractor, there is an
increased risk of injury. Therefore:
•Secure the tractor against rolling away, shut off the engine and
remove the ignition key.
•Never stand between the tractor and machine.
•Lock the PTO shaft securely on the PTO stub shafts of the tractor
and the machine.
If this requirement is ignored, the consequence may be damage to the
machine and even life-threatening injuries.
Attaching electrical connections after assembly
The electrical supply to the tractor must not be connected when the
lighting equipment is being fitted. Otherwise, short circuits will occur
and the electronic system will be damaged.
Observe the operating manual of the PTO shaft manufacturer
Observe the operating manual of the PTO shaft manufacturer. It will
provide you with instructions on how to handle the PTO shaft correctly.
If these instructions are ignored, damage may be caused to the PTO
shaft and machine.
Hydraulics
Hydraulic connection at zero pressure only
Only connect hydraulic hoses to the tractor hydraulic system if the
tractor and machine hydraulic system is at zero pressure. A
pressurised hydraulic system can trigger unpredictable movements of
the machine and can cause serious damage to the machine and
personal injury. Serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
High pressures in the hydraulic system
The hydraulic system is under high pressure. Regularly check all lines,
hoses, and screwed connections for leaks and externally visible
damage. Only use suitable equipment when looking for leaks. Rectify
any damage immediately. Oil escaping under pressure may result in
injuries and fires. Seek medical attention immediately if injuries occur.
Replace hydraulic hoses every six years
Hydraulic hoses age without showing externally visible signs. Replace
hydraulic hoses every six years. Defective hydraulic lines can cause
serious or fatal injuries.

Safety
14
Road transport
Ensuring road safety
The machine must conform to current national traffic regulations if you
intend to drive with it on public roads. Ensure the following:
•Lighting, warning and protective equipment must be fitted.
•The permissible transport widths and weights, axle loads, tyre
load-bearing capacities, laden weights and national speed restric-
tions must be complied with.
•The maximum permissible road transport speed must be complied
with, but not exceed 50 km/h.
•Before driving on public roads, fully fold in all guard bars and
secure the machine. All tine supports which have tips that point at
right angles to the direction of travel must be removed.
•The machine should only be towed by agricultural or forestry
tractors.
The empty weight of the tractor must be greater than the weight of the
machine. The driver and keeper of the vehicle are liable should these
conditions not be observed.
Close the ball valve
Close the ball valve before driving on the road. If the ball valve is open
and there is an operating error, the machine may drop or swing out
unexpectedly. This could cause traffic accidents and accidents with
fatal consequences.
Check tyre pressures
Check tyre pressure on a regular basis. Incorrect tyre pressures
reduce the service life of a tyre and cause unstable driving character-
istics. Accidents with serious or fatal injuries may be caused as a
result.
Altered driving and braking performance
Driving and braking performance are altered when the machine is
coupled or hitched to the tractor. When cornering, take the overall
width and balancing weight of the machine into consideration. Adjust
your driving speed accordingly. A driving style which is not adapted to
conditions can cause accidents. Accidents with serious or fatal injuries
may be caused as a result.

Safety
15
Speed adjustment
In poor road conditions and at high speeds, significant forces can be
generated which subject the tractor and machine material to high or
excessive stresses. Adjust your driving speed to the road conditions.
A driving style which is not adapted to conditions can cause accidents.
Accidents with serious or fatal injuries may be caused as a result.
Check hitch pins
Hitch pins must be in perfect condition. Hitch pins must show no signs
of wear and be properly secured. Otherwise, hitched machines may
detach themselves of their own accord. Accidents with serious or fatal
injuries may be caused as a result.

Safety
16
Operation
Operate for the first time only after proper training
The machine may only be put into operation after proper training has
been provided by an employee from a dealership or the manufacturer,
or by a factory representative. Operation without training can lead to
damage to the machine due to incorrect operation, or cause
accidents.
Ensure that the machine is in perfect working condition
Do not operate the machine unless it is in perfect working condition.
Check all key components and their correct operation before use.
Replace defective components. Defective components can cause
material damage and personal injury.
Check the protective equipment
The protective equipment must not be removed or by-passed. Check
all protective equipment before using the machine. Unprotected
machine parts can cause serious or fatal injury.
Check the immediate vicinity
Check the area immediately surrounding the machine before driving
off, and continually during operation. Make sure that you have an
adequate view. Only begin work when the immediate vicinity is cleared
of any persons or objects. Serious or fatal injury may be caused as a
result.
Retighten all nuts, bolts and screws
Regularly check that nuts and bolts are correctly tightened. Retighten
bolts if necessary. Nuts and bolts can work loose when the machine is
used. Damage to the machine or accidents may be caused as a result.
The PTO stub shaft continues turning after it has been switched
off
After the PTO stub shaft drive on the tractor has been switched off, the
machine continues to run due to the moment of inertia. Maintain a suf-
ficiently safe distance until all moving parts have come to a complete
standstill. Otherwise, damage to the machine and serious or fatal
injury may be caused as a result.
Cornering and turning manoeuvres
Centrifugal forces are in operation during cornering. The machine's
centre of gravity at the rear of the tractor is displaced. Be aware of the
turning radius and the moment of inertia. A driving style which is not
adapted to conditions can cause accidents. Accidents with serious or
fatal injuries may be caused as a result.

Safety
17
Uncoupling
Increased risk of injury
There is an increased risk of injury when uncoupling the machine from
the tractor. Therefore:
•Secure the tractor against rolling away, turn off the engine and
remove the ignition key.
•Never stand between the tractor and machine.
•Set the machine down on firm, secure and level ground.
•Ensure that the parking stand is securely locked.
•Place the PTO shaft in the holder provided.
•Secure the machine against rolling away (use wheel chocks).
•Do not disconnect hydraulic hoses until there is no pressure in the
tractor and machine hydraulic system.
Failure to observe these instructions can result in serious or fatal
injury.

Safety
18
Care and
maintenance
Observe the care and maintenance intervals
Observe the periods specified in the operating manual for recurrent
checks and inspections. If these periods are not observed, damage to
the machine and accidents may be caused as a result.
Use original parts
Many components have special properties that are essential for the
stability and correct operation of the machine. Only spare parts and
accessories supplied by the manufacturer have been tested and
approved. Other products may adversely affect the correct operation
of the machine and safety. Using non-OEM replacement parts renders
the manufacturer's guarantee null and void and frees the manufac-
turer from all liability.
When performing care and maintenance work:
•Switch off the PTO shaft drive.
•Depressurise the hydraulic system.
•Whenever possible, uncouple the tractor.
•Switch off the tractor and remove the ignition key.
•Ensure the machine is standing on firm, secure and level ground,
and provide additional support, if necessary.
•Secure the machine against rolling away (use wheel chocks).
Only if these regulations are observed can safe working be ensured
during care and maintenance work.
Turn off the electrical supply
Prior to carrying out work on the electrical system, disconnect the
system from the power supply. Systems being supplied with electrical
power can cause damage to equipment and injury to persons.
Caution when cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner
Exercise caution when cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner.
Bearings, seals and pipe unions are not waterproof. In order to
prevent damage to the machine, the bearings, seals and pipe unions
must not be exposed to direct contact with the high-pressure water jet.

Safety
19
No aggressive washing additives
Do not use any aggressive washing additives for cleaning. Uncoated
metal surfaces can be damaged.
Before carrying out welding work
Disconnect all electrical connections from the tractor when carrying
out welding on the hitched machine. Damage may otherwise be
caused to the electrical system.
Retighten all nuts, bolts and screws
All pin and screwed connections that are loosened during
maintenance and repair operations must be retightened. Serious
injury and damage to equipment can be caused by loose pin and
screwed connections.
Further
regulations
Observe the regulations
In addition to the safety information listed above, please observe the
following:
•Accident prevention regulations.
•Generally recognised safety regulations, occupational health
requirements and road traffic regulations.
•The instructions provided in this operating manual.
•Regulations relating to operation, maintenance and repair.
Warranty
The warranty and manufacturer's liability will no longer be valid if the
instructions provided in the chapter on Safety are not observed, if
maintenance is inadequate or faulty, if the machine is used for
purposes other than those for which it was intended and if it is over-
stressed, or if impermissible modifications are made to the machine.

Familiarising yourself with the machine
20
Familiarisin g yourself with the m achine
Range of
application
This product is classified as replaceable equipment in accordance
with EC directive 2006/42/EC.
The machine is a single-wheel rake, which is suitable only for the
raking together of mown, stalked material (for example, hay or straw).
Proper use
Any use other than the use described above - such as silo spreading,
any type of soil preparation, sweeping, or transmitting power to other
machines - is not permitted. The manufacturer and dealers are not
liable for damage caused by improper use. The risk is borne solely by
the user.
Features
Flexible in operation
This single-wheel rake meets all the requirements of modern crop
harvesting engineering. Important functions for field use are controlled
during active operation.
The rake can be pulled by tractors of 15 kW (20 hp) or more.
Extensive equipment
The machine is equipped with a low-maintenance gear box and 11 tine
supports on each rotor. The cranked tines achieve an excellent raking
quality.
Easy changeover from work to transport position
The rake is easily changed over from the work to the transport
position.
Raise height of 50 centimetres
For road transport and on headlands, the machine can be quickly raised
by roughly 50 centimetres. For working, lower the rotary rakes hydrau-
lically from transport position back to work position.