Kubota RA2584 User manual

RA2584
Operator‘s manual
Original operator‘s manual
Edition 10.2012
Date of print 09.2014
Language EN-EU
Machine number VF65882401 –
Model VF6588
Document number VF16661959.EN-EU

RA2584
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
Address of 
supplier
Address of 
manufacturer Kverneland Group Kerteminde AS
Taarupstrandvej 25
DK-5300 Kerteminde
Denmark
Tel: [phone]
7.60 m - 8.40 m
1950 kg
VF6588 _ _ _ _
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 14
Hydraulics 15
Road transport 16
Operation 18
Uncoupling 19
Care and maintenance 20
Further regulations 21
Getting to know the machine .................. 22
Range of application 22
Features 22
Component designations 23
Technical specifications 24
Pilotbox [+] 28
Delivery and assembly ............................. 31
Checking the scope of delivery 31
Checking the length of the PTO shaft 32
Checking the steering 34
Coupling the machine .............................. 35
Safety 35
General 35
Coupling the lower link 36
Swivelling in the parking stand 37
Coupling the PTO shaft 38
Wheel chocks 39
Connections 40
Preparing for use ...................................... 43
Safety 43
General 44
Rotor pitch 45
Lifting the tines 47
Working depth 48
Road transport .......................................... 50
Safety 50
General 51
Prior to road transport 52
Road transport 57
Preparations on the field ......................... 58
Safety 58
General 59
Folding the machine into the
work position 60
Basic settings 63
Operation ................................................... 66
Safety 66
General 67
Swathing 68
Swath deposit 69
Adjusting the swath width 73
Driving on headlands 73
Cleaning and care ..................................... 74
Safety 74
Cleaning 75
Care 75
Parking and storage .................................. 76
Setting down the machine in a
secure position 76
General 77
After the end of the season 77
Maintenance ............................................... 78
For your safety 78
General 80
Bolt connections 82
Lubrication points for grease 84
Lubricating the PTO shafts 85
Lubricate rotors 86
Filling quantities 87
Tyres 87
Hydraulics 88
Additional equipment ................................ 91
Additional equipment 91
Eliminating faults ...................................... 93
Faults 93
Circuit diagrams ........................................ 94
Hydraulic circuit diagram 94
Lighting circuit diagram 95
Decommissioning ..................................... 96
Environment 96
EC Conformity Declaration ....................... 97
Conforms to
EC Directive 
2006/42/EC 97
Index ........................................................... 99

Preface
4
Preface
Target group for
this operating
manual
This operating manual is aimed at trained agriculturists and persons
who are otherwise qualified for agricultural activities and have
received instruction in working with this 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 dealer will provide instruction on operation 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 unau-
thorised 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 points to 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.
This arrow in the diagram shows the direction of travel.
The brush indicates the points that must be lubricated using the brush.
The grease gun indicates the points that must be lubricated using the
grease gun.
Switch on the tractor.
Secure the tractor against rolling away, shut off the engine and re-
move the ignition key.
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.
The employer should:
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 labels attached to the machine indicate potential
hazards. The labels must not be removed. Illegible or missing labels
should be replaced. You can obtain new labels as spare parts from
your dealer.
Warning signs on the
machine

Safety
8
Meaning of the 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 rakes and swathers are
running. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Distance from 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
No persons within the slewing range
There is an acute risk of injury within the slewing range from machine
parts which are slewing or folding. Otherwise, serious or fatal injury
may be caused as a result.
Caution, high voltage
Maintain a sufficiently safe distance from high-voltage lines.
Otherwise, serious or fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Secure the machine with wheel chocks
Always secure the machine with wheel chocks to ensure it cannot roll
away when it is in park or stop position. 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 personnel
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. 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 regulations. 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, stop, shut down 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. Fatal injury may be caused as a result.
Perfect working condition
Ensure that the tractor and the machine are always in perfect working
condition. Make sure that the tractor brakes work in conjunction with
the machine. Also follow the instructions in your tractor's operating
manual.

Safety
11
Switch off the PTO shaft drive when raising the machine
Switch off the PTO shaft drive on the tractor if people could enter the
working area of the machine when you
•raise the machine,
•raise the side devices or
•raise the rotors to the headland position.
Rotating, unprotected parts can damage the machine and cause life-
threatening injuries.
Switch off the tractor PTO shaft drive
Switch off the PTO shaft drive on the tractor when changing from work
to transport position (and vice versa). Wait for the moving parts to stop
moving. 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.
Safety distance from raised and unsecured loads
Never work under suspended loads. Maintain a sufficient distance
from raised and unsecured loads. Otherwise, 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. The machine could
tip over, particularly on hillside locations. 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.

Safety
13
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.
Only use the PTO shaft specified
Only use PTO shafts which have been specified by the manufacturer.
Other PTO shafts with disconnect couplings may allow higher
disconnect torques. Higher disconnect torques may 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, hazardous situations may not be detected in time, and
accidents or damage may be caused as a result.
Check the angle of lock
On machines with attachment carriers, an angle of lock of 90° is
possible. This angle must not be exceeded. Otherwise, damage to the
PTO shaft may be caused as a result.

Safety
14
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 to the PTO stub shaft on 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 may occur
and the electronic system may 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.
Risk of tipping due to unsecured quick-release couplings
When the machine is coupled to tractors with lower link quick-release
couplings, the latter must be secured against unintentional opening. If
the quick-release couplings open unintentionally, the tractor and
machine may tip over. If this requirement is ignored, the consequence
may be damage to the machine and even life-threatening injuries.
Also follow the instructions in your tractor's operating manual.

Safety
15
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 unforeseen movements on
the machine and can cause serious machine damage 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 tools 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
16
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 of 50 km/h must
be complied with.
•Before driving on public roads, fold in all deflector bars and rotors
and secure the machine.
•All tine supports which have tips that point at right angles to the
direction of travel and which are at a height of less than 2 metres
must be safeguarded using the tine covers provided, or otherwise
detached.
•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 unex-
pectedly. This could cause traffic accidents and accidents with fatal con-
sequences.
Check the tyre pressure
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 characteristics 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. Adapt
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
17
Speed adjustment
In poor road conditions and at high speeds, powerful forces can be
generated that 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.
Check release cords on quick release couplings
Release cords must hang loose and must not allow a release in their
lowered position. Hitched machines may otherwise detach
themselves from the lower link hitching system of their own accord.
Accidents with serious or fatal injuries may be caused as a result.

Safety
18
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 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 parts
of the machine 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 bolts and nuts are correctly tightened. Retighten
bolts if necessary. Nuts and bolts can work loose when the machine is
used. Otherwise, the machine may be damaged or accidents caused
as a result.
Tractor PTO stub shaft continues to turn after being switched off
After the PTO shaft drive on the tractor has been switched off, the
machine continues to run due to the moment of inertia. Maintain a
sufficient safety 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
19
Uncoupling
Increased risk of injury
There is an increased risk of injury when uncoupling the machine from
the tractor. Therefore:
•Set the machine down on firm, secure and level ground.
•Never stand between the tractor and the machine during manoeu-
vring.
•Secure the tractor against rolling away, turn off the engine and
remove the ignition key.
•Secure the machine against rolling away (use wheel chocks).
•Ensure that the sustainer is securely locked.
•Place the PTO shaft in the holder provided.
•Do not uncouple the hydraulic hoses until the hydraulic system is
at zero pressure.
Failure to observe these instructions can result in serious or fatal
injury.

Safety
20
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 decisive 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 disrupt the correct operation of the
machine and adversely affect safety. Using non-original replacement
parts renders the manufacturer's guarantee null and void and frees the
manufacturer 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
jets.