KUHN FC883RA User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Mower conditioner
FC883RA
KN081CGB A
- English - 03-2007

Dear Owner
Mower conditioner
FC883RA
1
$DEAR OWNER
In buying a Kuhn machine you have chosen wisely. Into it have gone years of thought, research and
improvements. You will find, as have thousands of owners all over the world, that you have the best that
engineering skill and actual field testing can produce. You have purchased a dependable machine, but only by
proper care and operation can you expect to receive the performance and long service built into it.
This manual contains all the necessary information for you to receive full efficiency from your machine. The
performance you get from this machine is largely dependent on how well you read and understand this manual
and apply this knowledge. Please DO NOT ASSUME YOU KNOW HOW TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN YOUR
MACHINE before reading this manual carefully. KEEP THIS MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE. Pass
it on to the next owner if you re-sell the machine.
Your KUHN dealer can offer a complete line of genuine KUHN service parts. These parts are manufactured and
carefully inspected in the same factory that builds the machine to assure high quality and accurate fitting of any
necessary replacements.
About improvements
We are continually striving to improve our products. It therefore reserves the right to make improvements or
changes when it becomes practical to do so, without incurring any obligations to make changes or additions to
the equipment sold previously.
Designated use of the machine
The FC883RA mower conditioner must only be used for the work for which it has been designed: mowing on
the ground of hay fields, grass silage fields and improved pastures for the purpose of harvesting fodder for
feeding livestock, with the possibility of grouping swaths.

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FC883RA
Contents
$CONTENTS
Dear Owner..................................................................................................................... 1
Contents ......................................................................................................................... 2
Identification of the machine ........................................................................................ 4
Rear view (transport position)........................................................................................................ 4
Front view (working position)......................................................................................................... 4
Model identification plate................................................................................................................ 5
Optional equipment ......................................................................................................................... 5
Safety .............................................................................................................................. 6
Description of symbols used in this document ............................................................................ 6
Safety instructions........................................................................................................................... 7
Location and description of safety decals on the machine....................................................... 16
Road safety equipment and recommendations .......................................................................... 19
Machine specifications................................................................................................ 21
Description and glossary .............................................................................................................. 21
Technical specifications................................................................................................................ 25
Sound levels................................................................................................................................... 25
Putting into service...................................................................................................... 26
Description of control elements ................................................................................................... 26
Coupling and uncoupling.............................................................................................................. 32
Instructions for transport............................................................................................ 45
Putting the machine into transport position ............................................................................... 45
Conformity with the road regulations .......................................................................................... 50

Contents
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Instructions for work....................................................................................................51
Putting the machine into work position ...................................................................................... 51
Putting the machine in headland turn position .......................................................................... 55
Adjustments in working position .................................................................................................56
Machine use ................................................................................................................................... 66
Optional equipment......................................................................................................70
Yokes .............................................................................................................................................. 70
Raised skid shoes ......................................................................................................................... 70
hydraulic actuation system .......................................................................................................... 71
Maintenance and storage ............................................................................................72
Frequency chart............................................................................................................................. 72
Cleaning the machine.................................................................................................................... 74
Lubrication ..................................................................................................................................... 74
Maintenance................................................................................................................................... 83
Storage ........................................................................................................................................... 94
Trouble shooting guide................................................................................................95
Limited warranty...........................................................................................................98

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FC883RA
Identification of the machine
$IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE
1. Rear view (transport position)
2. Front view (working position)

Identification of the machine
Mower conditioner
FC883RA
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3. Model identification plate
Please write below the type and serial number of the
machine. This information is to be indicated to the dealer
for all spare parts orders.
Type: FC883 RA
No:
4. Optional equipment
Tick box corresponding to the equipment fitted on your
machine:
 Part no. 4604603: 1 3/4’’ - 20 spline yoke.
 Part no. 4604604: 1 3/8’’ - 6 spline yoke.
 Part no. 4604601: 1 3/8’’ - 21 spline yoke.
 Part no. 4604602: 1 3/4’’ - 6 spline yoke.
 Part no. 1076440: Raised skid shoes.
 Part no. 1076560: hydraulic actuation system.

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FC883RA
Safety
$SAFETY
1. Description of symbols used in this
document
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that if not avoided, could result in serious bodily injury.
This symbol is used to identify special instructions or
procedures which, if not followed strictly, could result in
machinery damage.
This symbol is used to communicate technical
information of particular interest.

Safety
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FC883RA
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2. Safety instructions
Read and follow the safety instructions
Before using the machine, carefully read all the safety
instructions in this manual and the warnings placed on
the machine.
Before starting work, the operator must be familiar with
all machine controls, handling devices and their
functions. It is too late to learn once work has been
started!
Never let anyone operate the machine who is not trained
to do so.
Should you have any difficulties in understanding certain
parts in this manual, please contact your KUHN dealer.
Precautions to be taken before carrying out
any operations on the machine
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop
and apply park brake.
Introduction
The machine must only be operated, maintained and repaired by competent persons who are familiar with
machine specifications and operation and aware of safety regulations for preventing accidents.
The operator must imperatively respect safety instructions in this manual and in the warnings posted on the
machine. The operator is also obliged to respect current legislation concerning accident prevention, work safety
and public traffic circulation.
Designated use of the machine also means following operation, maintenance and repair recommendations given
by the manufacturer, and using only genuine spare parts, equipment and accessories, as recommended by the
manufacturer.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage resulting from machine applications other than those
specified by the manufacturer. Any use other than the designated operation is at the risk and responsibility of the
operator.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage or accidents resulting from machine modifications carried out
by the operator himself or by a third party without previous written agreement from the manufacturer.

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FC883RA
Safety
Precautions to take before using the
machine
Do not wear loose clothing which could become caught
up in moving parts.
Wear the appropriate protective clothing for the work in
hand (gloves, shoes, goggles, helmet, ear-protectors,
etc.).
Make sure that all operating controls (ropes, cables,
rods, etc) are placed so that they cannot be set off
accidentally, risking accident or damage.
Before operating the machine, check tightness of nuts
and bolts, particularly on fixing elements (tines, forks,
blades, knives, etc). Retighten if necessary.
Before operating the machine, ensure that all the safety
guards are firmly in place and in good condition.
Immediately replace any worn or damaged guard.
Precautions when driving
Precision steering, tractor adherence, road holding and
efficient braking are influenced by the type of implement,
weight, ballast of front axle, ground or road conditions. It
is therefore of the utmost importance to be cautious in
every given situation.
Groundspeed must be adapted to ground conditions as
well as to roads and paths. Always avoid abrupt changes
of direction.
Be particularly cautious when turning corners, paying
attention to machine overhang, length, height and
weight.
Never use a narrow track tractor on very uneven or
steeply sloping ground.
Never leave the tractor seat while the machine is
operating.
Carrying people or animals on the machine when
working or in transport is strictly forbidden.