KUHN ALTERNA 400 User manual

KN084EGB E
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Mower conditioner
ALTERNA400
KN084EGB E
- English - 11-2009

Dear Owner
Mower conditioner
ALTERNA400
1
$Dear Owner
In buying a Kuhn machine you have chosen wisely. Into it have gone years of thought, research and
improvement. 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
through 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 ALTERNA 400 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.
Document illustrations
Most illustrations and photos pictured in this manual are based on a machine of type ALTERNA 500.

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ALTERNA400
Contents
$Contents
Dear Owner.....................................................................................................................1
Contents .........................................................................................................................2
Identification of the machine.........................................................................................4
Front view..........................................................................................................................................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 .......................................................15
Road safety equipment and recommendations...........................................................................18
Machine specifications................................................................................................20
Description and glossary...............................................................................................................20
Technical specifications................................................................................................................22
Required equipment.......................................................................................................................23
Sound levels ...................................................................................................................................24
Putting into service......................................................................................................25
Description of control elements....................................................................................................25
Coupling and uncoupling..............................................................................................................27
Instructions for transport............................................................................................41
Putting the machine into transport position................................................................................41
Conformity with the road regulations...........................................................................................43

Contents
Mower conditioner
ALTERNA400
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Instructions for work................................................................................................... 44
Putting the machine into work position.......................................................................................44
Adjustments in working position..................................................................................................45
Machine use....................................................................................................................................50
Optional equipment.....................................................................................................53
Yokes...............................................................................................................................................53
Maintenance and storage............................................................................................ 54
Frequency chart .............................................................................................................................54
Lubrication......................................................................................................................................55
Maintenance....................................................................................................................................64
Storage............................................................................................................................................72
Trouble shooting guide............................................................................................... 73
Limited warranty.......................................................................................................... 75

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ALTERNA400
Identification of the machine
$Identification of the machine
1. Front view

Identification of the machine
Mower conditioner
ALTERNA400
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2. 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: FC400
Serial no.:
3. Optional equipment
 Part no. 4503710: 1 3/8’’ - 6 spline yoke.
 Part no. 4503712: 1 3/4’’ - 6 spline yoke.
 Part no. 4503713: 1 3/4’’ - 20 spline yoke.

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ALTERNA400
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
Mower conditioner
ALTERNA400
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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
machines' 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 operatoris 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 accident 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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ALTERNA400
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 defenders,
etc.).
Ensure that all operating controls (ropes, cables, rods,
etc) are placed so as they cannot be operated
unintentionally and cause damage or injury.
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
Tractor handling, stability, performance and braking
efficiency are all affected by weight distribution, trailedor
mounted implements, additional ballast and driving
conditions. It is therefore of great importance that the
operator exercises caution 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.