Oregon 480RC User guide

OregonProducts.com
ROTARY CUTTER
Models 480RC, 600RC and 720RC
Original Instruction Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Read this manual before operating your Oregon equipment. The information presented will prepare you to do
a better and safer job. Keep this manual handy for ready reference. Require all operators to read this manual
carefully and become acquainted with all adjustment and operating procedures before attempting to operate.
Replacement manuals can be obtained from your dealer. To locate your nearest dealer, check the Dealer Locator
at OregonProducts.com, or in the United States and Canada call 1-800-525-8322.
¡LEA EL INSTRUCTIVO! SI NO LEE INGLÉS PIDA AYUDA A ALGUIEN QUE SI LO LEE PARA QUE LE
TRADUSCA LAS MEDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.
The equipment you have purchased has been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide dependable and satisfactory
use. Like all mechanical products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the unit as specified. Observe all safety
information in this manual and safety decals on the equipment.
This Operator's Manual should be regarded as part of the machine. Suppliers of both new and second-hand machines must
make sure this manual is provided with the machine.
For service, your authorized Oregon dealer has trained mechanics, genuine Oregon service parts, and the necessary tools and
equipment to handle all your needs.
Use only genuine Oregon service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet standards required for safe
and satisfactory operation. Record the model number and serial number of your equipment in the spaces provided:
Serial Number Label Location: See Safety Decal Section
Record the information below for future reference.
Model No _________________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Purchase ___________________________________________________________________________________
Serial No. _________________________________________________________________________________________
Place of Purchase __________________________________________________________________________________
Provide this information to your dealer to obtain correct repair parts.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
©  Oregon Tool, Inc. Pricing and specifications subject to change without notice.
All rights reserved. Oregon® is a trademark of Oregon Tool, Inc. in the United States and/or in other countries.
Table of Contents
Explanation of Signal Words . . . . . . . . . .4
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Safety Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Training 6
Preparation 6
Operation 7
Maintenance 8
Transportation 8
Storage 8
Safety & Instructional Decals . . . . . . . . . .9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Attaching Cutter to Tractor 12
Driveline Attachment 13
Installation and Removal of Driveline
(Tractor PTO) 13
Shortening Driveline 14
Driveline Interference Check 15
Cutting Height Adjustment 15
Pre-Operation Check List 16
Operating Technique 16
Transportation 16
Storage 17
Owner Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Blocking Method 18
Lubrication Information 19
Blade Servicing 20
Slip Clutch Adjustment 21
Driveline Shear Bolt Replacement 21
Shielding Repair 22
Cleaning 22
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Gearbox Maintenance 24
Seal Repair 25
Disassemble Gearbox 26
Reassemble Gearbox 26
Crossbar Removal 27
Crossbar Installation 28
Universal Joint Repair 28
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Dealer Set-Up Instructions 31
Disassemble Shipping Unit 31
Assemble Cutter 32
Install Driveline 33
Fill Gearbox 34
Parts Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Main Assembly 35
Main Assembly Parts List 36
Gearbox/Blade/Drive Assembly 37
Gearbox Assembly 38
Slip Clutch Driveline Assembly 39
Bolt Torque Chart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
SAE Series Torque Chart 40
Metric Series Torque Chart 41
Bolt Size Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

4
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORDS
Explanation of Signal Words
This section contains safety information for the Oregon Rotary Cutter. Throughout this manual, the terms DANGER,
WARNING, and CAUTION are used in conjunction with the Safety-Alert Symbol (a triangle with an exclamation mark) to
indicate the degree of hazard for items of personal safety. The term NOTICE is used to indicate that failure to observe can
cause damage to equipment.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential physical injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
Indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
Indicates a potential situation exists which, if not avoided, may result in damage to your
equipment or property.
Indicates helpful information.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
NOTE

5
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications
Models OR48RC-1 OR60RC-1 OR72RC-1
3-Point Hitch Category 1
Cutting Height 2" - 9"
Blade Spindle 1
Number of Blades 2
Blades Heat Treated Alloy Steel
Blade Rotation CCW
Tractor PTO RPM 540
Universal Drive Category 3
Side Frame Thickness 12 Gauge
Tailwheel 4" x 16"
Cutting Width 4’ 5’ 6’
Overall Width 52.3" 61.3" 73.3"
Weight (Approximate) 410 lbs 494 lbs 575 lbs
Blade Speed (Feet per minute) 13,100 13,620 14,340
Gearbox 1:1.93 1:1.69 1:147
Recommended Maximum Tractor HP 15 - 40 20 - 50 20 - 50
General Information
WARNING
Some illustrations in this manual show the equipment with safety shields removed to provide a better view. This
equipment should never be operated with any necessary safety shielding removed.
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in operating and maintaining your 3-point equipment. Read it carefully. It furnishes
information and instructions that will help you achieve years of dependable performance. These instructions have been
compiled from extensive field experience and engineering data. Some information may be general in nature due to unknown
and varying operating conditions. However, through experience and these instructions, you should be able to develop
procedures suitable to your particular situation.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were current at the time of printing but, due to possible inline production
changes, your machine may vary slightly in detail. We reserve the right to redesign and change the machines as may be
necessary without notification.
Throughout this manual, references are made to right and left directions. These are determined by standing behind the
equipment, facing the direction of the forward travel. Blade rotation is counterclockwise as viewed from the top of the cutter.

6
SAFETY RULES
Safety Rules
ATTENTION! Become alert! Your safety is involved!
Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our efforts to provide
safe equipment can be wiped out by an operator’s single careless act. In addition to the design and configuration
of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, judgment, and
proper training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of equipment. It has
been said “The best safety device is an informed, careful operator.” We ask you to be that kind of operator.
Training
• Safety instructions are important! Read all attachment and power unit manuals; follow all safety rules and
safety decal information. (Replacement manuals and safety decals are available from your dealer. To locate
your nearest dealer, check the Dealer Locator at OregonProducts.com, or in the United States and Canada call
1-800-525-8322.) Failure to follow instructions or safety rules can result in serious injury or death.
• If you do not understand any part of this manual and need assistance, see your dealer.
• Know your controls and how to stop engine and attachment quickly in an emergency.
• Operators must be instructed in and be capable of the safe operation of the equipment, its attachments, and all
controls. Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment without proper instructions.
• Never allow children or untrained persons to operate equipment.
Preparation
• Check that all hardware is properly installed. Always tighten to torque chart specifications unless instructed
otherwise in this manual.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear sturdy, rough-soled
work shoes and protective equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and head; and respirator or filter mask where
appropriate.
• Make sure attachment is properly secured, adjusted, and in good operating condition.
• Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely fastened. Falling
off power unit can result in death from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable ROPS systems in “locked up”
position at all times.
• Remove accumulated debris from this equipment, power unit, and engine to avoid fire hazard.
• Make sure all safety decals are installed. Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section for location.)
• Make sure shields and guards are properly installed and in good condition. Replace if damaged.
• A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on the tractor front wheels when attachments are in
transport position. Without this weight, front tractor wheels could raise up resulting in loss of steering. The weight
may be attained with front wheel weights, ballast in tires, front tractor weights or front loader. Weigh the tractor and
equipment. Do not estimate.
• Inspect and clear area of stones, branches, or other hard objects that might be thrown, causing injury or damage.

7
SAFETY RULES
Operation
• To avoid damage to cutter or driveline, make sure driveline holder is properly stored before operation.
• Do not allow bystanders in the area when operating, attaching, removing, assembling, or servicing equipment.
• Full chain, rubber, or steel band shielding must be installed when operating in populated areas or other areas
where thrown objects could injure people or damage property.
• If this machine is not equipped with full chain, rubber, or steel band shielding, operation must be stopped.
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk of thrown objects. The mower deck and protective devices cannot
prevent all objects from escaping the blade enclosure in every mowing condition. It is possible for objects to
ricochet and escape, traveling as much as 300 feet (92 m).
• Never direct discharge toward people, animals, or property.
• Do not operate or transport equipment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from equipment while engine is running. Stay clear of all moving parts.
• Always comply with all state and local lighting and marking requirements.
• Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
• Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely fastened. Falling off
power unit can result in death from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable ROPS system in “locked up” position
at all times.
• Always sit in power unit seat when operating controls or starting engine. Securely fasten seat belt, place
transmission in neutral, engage brake, and ensure all other controls are disengaged before starting power unit
engine.
• Operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM. Do not exceed.
• Do not operate PTO during transport.
• Look down and to the rear and make sure area is clear before operating in reverse.
• Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
• Do not stop, start, or change directions suddenly on slopes.
• Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on slopes and rough terrain.
• Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during operation.
• Stop power unit and equipment immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, set parking brake,
remove key, inspect, and repair any damage before resuming operation.
• Leak down or failure of mechanical or hydraulic system can cause equipment to drop.
• Refer to the tractor manual for starting, operation of the tractor pto, and how to shut off in case of emergency.

8
SAFETY RULES
Maintenance
• Before performing any service or maintenance, disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
• Before working underneath, disconnect driveline, raise cutter, and block cutter securely. Hydraulic system leak
down and failure of mechanical or hydraulic system can cause equipment to drop.
• Do not modify or alter or permit anyone else to modify or alter the equipment or any of its components in any
way.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear sturdy, rough-soled
work shoes and protective equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and head; and respirator or filter mask where
appropriate.
• Make sure attachment is properly secured, adjusted, and in good operating condition.
• Do not allow bystanders in the area when operating, attaching, removing, assembling, or servicing equipment.
• Keep all persons away from operator control area while performing adjustments, service, or maintenance.
• Make certain all movement of equipment components has stopped before approaching for service.
• Frequently check blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks, and securely fastened.
• Do not handle blades with bare hands. Careless or improper handling may result in serious injury.
• Your dealer can supply genuine replacement blades. Substitute blades may not meet original equipment
specifications and may be dangerous.
• Tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws to torque chart specifications. Check that all cotter pins are installed securely
to ensure equipment is in a safe condition before putting unit into service.
• Make sure all safety decals are installed. Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section for location.)
• Make sure shields and guards are properly installed and in good condition. Replace if damaged.
• Service and maintenance work not covered in OWNER SERVICE must be done by a qualified dealership. Special
skills, tools, and safety procedures may be required. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or death.
Transportation
• Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop. Raise the tractor 3-point arms to
bring the cutter into transport position.
• With cutter adjusted to transport position, set upper stop on tractor lift quadrant to prevent cutter from contacting
driveline while being raised.
Storage
• Keep children and bystanders away from storage area.
• Disconnect cutter driveshaft and secure up off ground. Raise cutter with 3-point hitch. Place blocks under cutter
side skids. Lower cutter onto blocks. Disconnect cutter from tractor 3-point hitch and carefully drive tractor away
from cutter.

9
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
Safety & Instructional Decals
ATTENTION! Become alert! Your safety is involved!
Replace immediately if damaged!
15503
18864
1006681
18864
20106
1004114
1033176
33347
(UNDER SHIELD)
603626
PN 1004114 PN 18864
PN 1033176
OREGON TOOL, INC. PORTLAND, OREGON 97222 USA
MODEL # XXXXXX
SERIAL # XXXXXX

10
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
PN 1006681
PN 15503
PN 33347 PN 603626

11
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
Be Careful!
• Keep safety decals clean and visible. Use a clean, damp cloth to clean safety decals.
• Avoid spraying too close to decals when using a pressure washer; high-pressure water can enter through very
small scratches or under edges of decals causing them to peel or come off.
• Replace safety decals if they are missing or illegible. Replacement safety decals can be ordered free from your
Oregon dealer. To locate your nearest dealer, check the Dealer Locator at OregonProducts.com, or in the United
States and Canada call 1-800-525-8322.
• Apply replacement decals to clean dry surface. See page 9 for decals location. Use even pressure to remove any
bubbles from beneath the decal.

12
OPERATION
Operation
The intended use of this standard-duty cutter is for grass
and weed mowing applications.
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the
cutter. The operator must be properly trained. Operator
should be familiar with the tractor, the cutter, and all safety
practices before starting operation. Read the safety rules
and safety decals on page 6 through page 11.
Recommended mowing speed for most conditions is from
2 to 5 mph.
DANGER
Full shielding must be installed when operated in
populated areas or other areas where thrown objects
could injure people or damage property.
This shielding is designed to reduce the risk of
thrown objects. The mower deck and protective
devices cannot prevent all objects from escaping
the blade enclosure in every mowing condition. It is
possible for objects to ricochet and escape, traveling
as much as 300 feet (92 m).
WARNING
• Read and understand this manual and tractor
operator's manuals before operating the unit. Know
how to stop the tractor and cutter quickly in an
emergency. Failure to do so may result in death,
serious personal injury or property damage.
• Before dismounting power unit or performing
any service or maintenance, follow these steps:
disengage power to equipment, lower the 3-point
hitch and all raised components to the ground,
operate valve levers to release any hydraulic
pressure, set parking brake, stop engine, remove
key, and unfasten seat belt.
• Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
• Do not allow bystanders within 25 feet of the area
when operating, attaching, removing, assembling,
maintaining, or servicing equipment.
• Operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM. Do not exceed.
• A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight
must be on the tractor front wheels when attachments
are in transport position. Without this weight, front
tractor wheels could raise up resulting in loss of
steering. The weight may be attained with front wheel
weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. Weigh
the tractor and equipment. Do not estimate.
Figure 1. Tractor Stability (Typical)
CAUTION
• Stop power unit and equipment immediately upon
striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, set parking
brake, remove key, inspect, and repair any damage
before resuming operation.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to
avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear sturdy,
rough-soled work shoes and protective equipment
for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and head; and
respirator or filter mask where appropriate.
Attaching Cutter to Tractor
Quick Hitch
1. Break link pivot must be located in rear location.
2. Install quick hitch sleeves over hitch pins and secure with
klik pin.
3. Attach tractor with the quick hitch to the cutter and secure
according to the quick hitch manufacturer’s instructions.
Standard Hitch (See Figure 2)
1. Position tractor 3-point arms over the hitch pins and
secure.
2. Connect the tractor top link to the cutter A-frame using the
upper holes and the appropriate hardware. The break link
must be placed in the lower holes of the A-frame.
3. For subcompact tractors, it may be necessary to position
the break link pivot in the front location.

13
OPERATION
Driveline Attachment
CAUTION
Make sure driveline will not bottom out at the
shortest length and that it has at least 4" overlap at
the longest length.
Attach the cutter to the tractor 3-point hitch (or quick hitch
if available). Do not attach driveline. Raise and lower cutter
to determine maximum and minimum distance between
the tractor PTO shaft and the gearbox input shaft. If the
distance is too large, the driveline will be too short for
proper engagement. If distance is too small, the driveline
may bottom out in operation and damage the cutter or
tractor.
There must be at least 4 inches of engagement at the
cutter’s lowest possible point of operation.
If driveline is too short, please call your dealer for a longer
driveline.
The driveline must not bottom out when raised to the
maximum height possible.
If driveline is too long, please follow the instructions for
shortening the driveline.
Installation and Removal of
Driveline (Tractor PTO)
To Install:
Pull locking collar back and at the same time push
driveline onto tractor PTO shaft until locking device
engages.
To Remove:
Hold driveline into position, pull locking collar back, and
slide driveline off tractor PTO shaft.
Figure 3. Lock Collar
Figure 2. Standard Hitch and Quick Hitch Configurations

14
OPERATION
Shortening Driveline
1. Move cutter up and down to get the shortest possible
distance between tractor PTO shaft and gearbox input
shaft.
2. Separate driveline into two halves and connect them to the
tractor PTO and gearbox.
3. Place driveline halves parallel to one another to determine
how much to shorten the driveline.
Figure 4. Drive Halves Placed Parallel
4. Measure from end of the upper shield to the base of the
bell on the lower shield (A). Add 1-9/16" to dimension (A).
See Figure 5.
Figure 5. Determine Shield Length
5. Cut the shield to the overall dimension.
Figure 6. Cut Shield
6. Place the cutoff portion of the shield against the end of the
shaft and use as a guide. Mark and cut the shaft.
Figure 7. Cut Shaft to Length
7. Repeat step 6 for the other half of the drive.
8. File and clean cut ends of both drive halves.
Do not use tractor if proper driveline engagement cannot
be obtained through these methods.
Connect driveline to tractor PTO shaft, making sure the
spring-activated locking collar slides freely and locks
driveline to PTO shaft.
NOTE: If attaching with quick hitch, the distance between
the tractor PTO and gearbox input shaft will increase.
Please follow the steps as you would for a 3-point hitch to
insure proper engagement.
1-9/16"

15
OPERATION
Driveline Interference Check
1. Check for clearance between driveline and cutter deck.
2. Slowly lift cutter and observe driveline. If clearance
between driveline and cutter deck is less than 1 inch,
shorten top link or limit upper travel of lower hitch arms.
Refer to tractor operator's manual for instructions.
Cutting Height Adjustment
WARNING
• Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
• Avoid low cutting heights. Striking the ground with
blades produces one of the most damaging shock
loads a cutter can encounter. Allowing blades to
contact ground repeatedly will cause damage to
cutter and drive.
1. Level cutter from side to side. Check by measuring from
cutter frame to the ground at each side skid.
2. Adjust, using tractor 3-point arm leveling device.
NOTE: Keep the front of cutter slightly lower than rear for
best mowing.
3. Control cutting height with tractor 3-point arms, rear
tailwheel adjustment.
4. To raise rear of cutter, move tailwheel arm down.
5. To raise front of cutter, raise tractor 3-point arms.
The cutting height is the distance between the blade and
the ground. The blades are approximately 1.25" above the
side skid. To check cutting height, do the following:
a) Select a cutting height; as an example, for an
approximate cutting height of 3", set the side skid above
the ground:
3" Desired cutting height
- 1.25" Distance blade cutting edge is above side skid
_____
= 1.75"
b) Adjust the front-to-rear attitude from 1/2" to 3/4" higher
than the front.
6. Adjust top link to provide 1.2" of clearance between break
link and rear lift arms. See Figure 8. The clearance will
allow cutter to float over uneven terrain.
Figure 8. Cutting Height Adjustment

16
OPERATION
Pre-Operation Check List
(Owner's Responsibility)
nn Review and follow all safety rules and safety decal
instructions on page 6 through page 11.
nn Check that equipment is properly and securely attached to
tractor.
nn Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin or collar
slides freely and is seated firmly in tractor PTO spline groove.
nn Lubricate all grease fitting locations. Make sure PTO shaft
slip joint is lubricated.
nn Check to be sure gear lube runs out the small check plug on
side of gearbox.
nn Check that all hardware is properly installed and secured.
nn Check that blades are sharp and secure and cutting edge is
positioned to lead in a counterclockwise rotation.
nn Check that shields and guards are properly installed and in
good condition. Replace if damaged.
nn Check cutting height, front-to-rear attitude, and top link
adjustment.
nn Inspect area to be cut and remove stones, branches, or
other hard objects that might be thrown and cause injury or
damage.
nnCheck that gearbox is properly serviced and seals are not
leaking.
NOTICE
Gearbox was not filled at the factory. It must be serviced
before operating cutter. (See Fill Gearbox, page 34).
Failure to service will result in damage to gearbox.
Operating Technique
WARNING
Refer to Tractor Manual for proper operation of the
tractor PTO.
1. Power for operating the cutter is supplied by the tractor
PTO. Operate PTO at 540 RPM. Know how to stop the
tractor and cutter quickly in an emergency.
2. Engage PTO at a low engine rpm to minimize stress on the
drive system and gearbox. With PTO engaged, raise PTO
speed to 540 RPM and maintain throughout cutting operation.
Gearbox protection is provided by a slip clutch with
replacement fiber disc or a shear bolt. The slip clutch
is designed to slip and the shear bolt will shear when
excessive torsion loads occur.
3. Move slowly into material. Adjust tractor ground speed to
provide a clean cut without lugging the tractor engine. Use
a slow ground speed for better shredding.
Proper ground speed will depend on the terrain and the
material’s height, type, and density.
Normally, ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph. Tall,
dense material should be cut at a low speed; thin, medium-
height material can be cut at a faster ground speed.
4. Always operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM to maintain proper
blade speed and to produce a clean cut.
5. Under certain conditions tractor tires may roll down
some grass and prevent cutting at the same height as the
surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce your ground
speed but maintain PTO at 540 RPM. The lower ground
speed will permit grass to rebound partially.
Transportation
WARNING
A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight
must be on the tractor front wheels when attachments
are in transport position. Without this weight, front
tractor wheels could raise up resulting in loss of
steering. The weight may be attained with front wheel
weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. Weigh
the tractor and equipment. Do not estimate.
Figure 9. Tractor Stability (Typical)
1. Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop. Raise the tractor 3-point arms to bring
the cutter into transport position.
2. With cutter adjusted to transport position, set upper stop
on tractor lift quadrant to prevent cutter from contacting
driveline while being raised.

17
OPERATION
Storage
WARNING
Keep children and bystanders away from storage area.
1. Disconnect cutter driveshaft and secure up off ground.
Raise cutter with 3-point hitch.
2. Place blocks under cutter side skids.
3. Lower cutter onto blocks.
4. Disconnect cutter from tractor 3-point hitch and carefully
drive tractor away from cutter.
5. Perform the Pre-Operation Check List, page 16 when
returning to use.

18
OWNER SERVICE
Owner Service
The information in this section is written for operators who
possess basic mechanical skills. If you need help, your
dealer has trained service technicians available. For your
protection, read and follow the safety information in this
manual.
WARNING
• Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
• Make sure shields and guards are properly installed
and in good condition. Replace if damaged.
• Make sure all safety decals are installed. Replace if
damaged. (See Safety Decals section for location.)
CAUTION
• If you do not understand any part of this manual and
need assistance, see your dealer.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to
avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear sturdy,
rough-soled work shoes and protective equipment
for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and head; and
respirator or filter mask where appropriate.
Blocking Method
WARNING
• Before dismounting power unit or performing
any service or maintenance, follow these steps:
disengage power to equipment, lower the 3-point
hitch and all raised components to the ground,
operate valve levers to release any hydraulic
pressure, set parking brake, stop engine, remove
key, and unfasten seat belt.
• Do not allow bystanders in the area when operating,
attaching, removing, assembling, or servicing
equipment.
• Never perform service or maintenance with engine
running.
• Do not modify or alter or permit anyone else to modify
or alter the equipment or any of its components in any
way.
• Never go underneath equipment (lowered to the
ground or raised) unless it is properly blocked
and secured. Never place any part of the body
underneath equipment or between moveable parts
even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic
system leak down, hydraulic system failures,
mechanical failures, or movement of control levers
can cause equipment to drop or rotate unexpectedly
and cause severe injury or death. Follow Operator's
Manual instructions for working underneath and
blocking requirements or have work done by a
qualified dealer.
Regular preventive maintenance and immediate repair of
broken or worn parts will ensure maximum efficiency and
long life.
To minimize the potential hazards of working underneath
the cutter, follow these procedures.
1. Jackstands with a load rating of 1000 lbs or more are
the only approved blocking device for this cutter. Install a
minimum of four jackstands (shown by Xs in Figure 10)
under the cutter before working underneath unit.
Do not position jackstands under wheels, axles, or
wheel supports. Components can rotate and cause
cutter to fall.
2. Consider the overall stability of the blocked unit. Just
placing jackstands underneath will not ensure your
safety.
The working surface must be level and solid to support
the weight on the jackstands. Make sure jackstands
are stable, both top and bottom. Make sure cutter is
approximately level.
3. With full cutter weight lowered onto jackstands, test
blocking stability before working underneath.
4. If cutter is attached to tractor when blocking, set the
brakes, remove key, and block cutter before working
underneath.
5. Securely block rear tractor wheels, in front and behind.
Tighten tractor lower 3-point arm anti-sway mechanism
to prevent side-to-side movement.

19
OWNER SERVICE
Lubrication Information
1. Do not let excess grease collect on or around parts,
particularly when operating in sandy areas.
2. See Figure 10 for lubrication points and frequency of
lubrication based on normal operating conditions. Severe or
unusual conditions may require more frequent lubrication.
3. Use a lithium grease of #2 consistency with a MOLY
(molybdenum disulfide) additive for all locations unless
otherwise noted. Be sure to clean fittings thoroughly before
attaching grease gun. One good pump of most guns is
sufficient when the lubrication schedule is followed.
Gearbox Lubrication
1. For gearbox, use a high quality gear oil with a viscosity
index of 80W or 90W and an API service rating of GL-4 or
-5 in gearboxes.
2. Fill gearbox until oil runs out the side plug on gearbox.
Check gearbox daily for evidence of leakage, and contact
your dealer if leakage occurs.
Driveline Lubrication
1. Lubricate the driveline slip joint every eight operating
hours. Failure to maintain proper lubrication could result in
damage to U-joints, gearbox, and driveline.
2. Lower cutter to ground, disconnect driveline from tractor
PTO shaft, and slide halves apart but do not disconnect
from each other.
3. Apply a bead of grease completely around male half where
it meets female half. Slide drive halves over each other
several times to distribute grease.
Figure 10. Jackstand Placement and Lubrication Points
X= JACKSTAND PLACEMENT
1. Front U-joint 8 hrs
2. Slip joint (apply grease
to inner shaft) 8 hrs
3. Rear U-joint 8 hrs
4. Gearbox Daily
5. Tailwheel pivot tube 8 hrs
6. Tailwheel 8 hrs
7. Plastic shield bearings 8 hrs

20
OWNER SERVICE
Blade Servicing
Blade Removal (Figure 11)
NOTICE
• When sharpening blades, grind the same amount
on each blade to maintain balance. Replace blades
in pairs. Unbalanced blades will cause excessive
vibration, which can damage gearbox bearings.
Vibration may also cause structural cracks to cutter.
• If blade pin is seized in crossbar and extreme force
will be needed to remove it, support crossbar from
below to prevent gearbox damage.
1. Disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
2. Raise cutter and block securely (see Blocking Method,
page 18).
3. Align crossbar (1) with blade access hole in the cutter
frame. Remove blade pin nut (5) and lock washer (4).
Carefully drive pin (3) out of crossbar.
4. Rotate crossbar (8) and repeat for opposite blade.
Figure 11. Blade Assembly
Blade Installation (Figure 11)
CAUTION
• Your dealer can supply genuine replacement blades.
Substitute blades may not meet original equipment
specifications and may be dangerous.
• Crossbar rotation is counterclockwise when looking
down on cutter. Be sure to install blade cutting edge
to lead in counterclockwise rotation.
1. Inspect blade pin (3) for nicks or gouges, and if you find
any, replace the blade pin.
2. Insert blade pin through the blade (2). Blade should swivel
on blade pin; if it doesn’t, determine the cause and correct.
3. Align crossbar (1) with blade access hole in cutter frame.
Apply a liberal coating of Never Seez® or equivalent to
blade pin and crossbar hole. Make sure blade offset is
away from cutter. Push blade pin through crossbar.
4. Insert lock washer (4) and nut (5) through blade access
hole in deck. Install on blade pin (3) and tighten to 450 lb-ft
using a 1-11/16" socket.
NOTE: Blade should be snug but should swivel on pin
without having to exert excessive force.
Blade Sharpening (Figure 12)
1. Sharpen both blades at the same time to maintain balance.
Follow original sharpening pattern.
2. Do not sharpen blade to a razor edge—leave at least a
1/16" blunt edge.
3. Do not sharpen back side of blade.
Figure 12. Blade Sharpening
1. Crossbar
2. Blade
3. Blade pin
4. Lock washer
5. 1-1/8 NF Jam nut