Rabe Corvus 5 Series User manual

Rotary harrow
Corvus VKE 4000 K - 5000 K, 8000 K from series 5
Corvus VKE 6000 K from series 4
Operating instructions
Order no. 9900.00.61EN05

1
For Your Own Safety
In this enclosure to the operating instructions you will find some general rules
of conduct explaining how to operate the implement correctly - and some
safety advice which we advise you to observe for your own safety!
The list is very extensive, and some of the advice does not specifically relate to
the implement supplied. However, the summary of advice is to remind you of
safety guidelines which are often unconsciously ignored when operating the
machines and implements on a daily basis.
1. Authorized Use
The implement has been specifically built to perform standard operations pertaining to
agricultural work (authorized use).
Any type of usage outside of these parameters is deemed to be improper usage. The
manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage resulting from such usage, and the risks are to
be borne solely by the user.
Within the bounds of authorized usage it is also necessary to adhere to the manufacturer’s
prescribed operational, maintenance and service conditions.
The implement may only be used, maintained or serviced by people who are familiar with such
an implement and aware of the risks involved. Please also ensure that all safety instructions are
passed on to other users.
It is important that any and all relevant accident prevention regulations and any other generally
recognized safety, industrial hygiene and road traffic regulations be observed.
Modifications to the implement made by the user will void any liability on the part of the
manufacturer for any resulting damage.

2
2. General Safety Advice and Accident Prevention Regulations
•Before starting up your implement and tractor, please check that it is roadworthy and
operatively safe.
•Please observe all generally valid safety and accident prevention regulations.
•The warnings and signs found on the implement are there to provide essential data needed to
operate the unit safely. Please observe these for your own safety.
•When using public roads always follow the relevant traffic regulations.
•Before commencing work, ensure that you are familiar with all devices and operating controls
as well as with the functions these perform. It is too late to do so once the implement is in
operation!
•Operators should wear tight-fitting clothing. Try to avoid wearing loose clothing wherever
possible!
•The machine should be kept clean to prevent the risk of fire!
•Check the immediate surroundings before driving off and putting the machine into operation!
(Beware of children!) Ensure that you have sufficient visibility!
•Riding on the equipment during work or transportation is not allowed!
•Implements should be correctly coupled and only secured to the specified appliances.
•Special care is to be taken when coupling and uncoupling implements to or from the tractor.
•When coupling and uncoupling supports, always position them correctly. (Stability)
•Always ensure that weights are only added correctly to the specified mounting points.
•Observe all permissible axle loads, total weights and transportation dimensions.
•Check and mount transportation equipment such as lighting, warning devices, and guards, if
necessary.
•Ensure that the release ropes used for rapid coupling and uncoupling hang loose and do not
automatically release when in a low position.
•Never leave the operating platform when in transit.

3
•Road, steering and braking performance will be influenced by mounted or attached
implements and ballast. Therefore make sure that you have sufficient steering and brake
capability.
•Account for the width of the implement and its working load when taking corners.
•Only operate implements once all the safety devices/guards have been mounted and are in
protection mode.
•Keep clear of working areas at all times.
•Keep clear of rotating and swinging parts on the implement.
•Ensure the swinging parts are clear of bystanders before operating any hydraulic folding
frames.
•Power-steered parts (e.g. hydraulics) can cause crushing or amputation!
•On high-speed implements with ground-driven implements beware of after-running swinging
parts! Only approach once the implement is at a complete standstill!
•Before leaving the tractor, lower the implement to the ground, switch off the engine and
remove the ignition key!
•Do not allow anyone to stand between the tractor and the implement without first having
secured the vehicle against running away by putting on the handbrake and/or using wheel
chocks.
•Ensure that the folded-in frames and lifting equipment are securely in transportation position.
•Fold in and lock the packer catching arms before transporting on roads.
•Lock the marker arms to transportation position.
2.1 Coupled Implements
•Before coupling or uncoupling an implement to the three-point linkage, position the operating
device in such a way as to prevent unintentional lifting or lowering.
•When using the three-point linkage it is vital that the coupling configurations of the tractor
and implement correspond or are co-ordinated.
•There is a risk of injury through crushing or amputation near the three-point linkage.

4
•When using the external controls to operate the three-point linkage, keep clear of the area
between the tractor and the implement.
•When the implement is in transportation position, always ensure that the tractor’s three-point
linkage is sufficiently locked at the side.
•When transporting a raised implement on public roads ensure the control lever is locked in
place to prevent accidental lowering.
2.2 Mounted Implements
•Secure the implement to prevent it from running away.
•Observe the max. permissible bearing loads for the trailer coupling, swinging drawbar or
hitch.
•If a drawbar trailer is used, ensure that there is sufficient manoeuvrability at the towing point.
2.3 PTO Drive (applies only to PTO-driven implements)
•Only use the drive shafts specified by the manufacturer.
•A pipe shield and protective bell must be mounted on the drive shaft as well as a PTO guard –
also possible on the implement - and must be in perfect working order.
•Ensure the specified pipe covers are used on the drive shafts when in transportation and
working position.
•Only couple and uncouple the drive shaft once the PTO has been disengaged, the engine
switched off and the ignition key removed.
•Ensure that the drive shaft is mounted and secured correctly at all times.
•Secure the drive shaft guard by locking the chains in place to prevent them from turning.
•Before engaging the PTO make sure that the PTO speed chosen on the tractor complies with
the permissible speed of the implement.
•When using ground speed power take-off ensure that the speed is regulated by the travel
speed and that the direction of rotation changes when reversing.

5
•Before engaging the PTO make sure that the area of danger around the implement is free of
bystanders.
•Never engage the PTO when the engine is switched off.
•When working with the PTO, keep the area around the rotating PTO and drive shaft clear of
any bystanders.
•Always disengage the PTO where the bends are too big and it is not needed.
•Caution! Beware of after-running gyrating loads after disengaging the PTO! Do not stand too
close to the implement during this time. Only begin working on it once it has come to a
complete standstill. It is essential that you switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.
•Before cleaning, greasing or adjusting a PTO-driven implement or its drive shaft, always
disengage the PTO, switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.
•Place the uncoupled drive shaft on the specified support.
•Cover the stump of the PTO with a protective cover after dismounting the drive shaft.
•Any damage which may arise should be repaired immediately. Never work with a damaged
implement.
2.4 Hydraulic Equipment
•Hydraulic equipment is under very high pressure.
•When connecting hydraulic cylinders and motors ensure that the hydraulic hoses are
connected as specified.
•When connecting hydraulic hoses to the tractor’s hydraulics ensure that the hydraulics are
depressurized on the tractor and the implement.
•Where it is necessary to connect hydraulic functions between the tractor and the implement,
the coupling sockets and plugs should be marked to prevent faulty operation.
Mixing up the connections will reverse the functions (e.g. lift/lower) - Risk of injury!
•Check the hydraulic hose connections at regular intervals and replace if damaged or aged. The
replacement hydraulic hoses must comply with the technical requirements stipulated by the
implement manufacturer.
•When looking for leaks, use suitable aids and resources to prevent injury.

6
•Liquids that leak at high pressure (hydraulic oil) can penetrate the skin and cause serious
injury! In the event of injury, consult a doctor immediately. Risk of infection!
•Before working on hydraulic units, lower the implement, depressurize the system, switch off
the engine and remove the ignition key.
2.5 Brakes and Tyres
•Check that the brakes are functional before every journey.
•Thorough checks are to be performed on the brake systems at regular intervals.
•Adjustments or repairs to the brake system may only be performed by qualified staff or
recognized brake service centres. Only use the prescribed brake fluid and replace as specified.
•When working on the tyres please ensure that the implement has been securely parked and
cannot run away (wheel chocks).
•Fitting tyres requires having sufficient training and the correct fitting tools.
•Wheel and tyre repairs may only be performed by qualified staff using the correct fitting
tools.
•Check the air pressure at regular intervals observing the prescribed air pressures given.
2.6 Maintenance
•Service, maintenance and cleaning work as well as the elimination of malfunctions should
only be carried out once the drive unit has been switched off and the engine has come to a
standstill. Remove the ignition key.
•Check that the nuts and bolts are snug, and tighten as necessary.
•When carrying out maintenance work on a raised implement always secure using suitable
support elements.
•When replacing bladed working tools use the appropriate tools and gloves.
•Dispose of all oils, grease and filters in a due and proper manner.
•Always disconnect the power supply before working on electrical equipment.

7
•When performing electrical welding work on a tractor with a mounted implement disconnect
any cables connected to the generator and the battery.
•Gas tanks must only be filled using nitrogen to avoid risk of explosion.!
•Spare parts must at a minimum comply with the technical requirements given by the
manufacturer of the implement. We therefore recommend that for your own safety you use
original parts only!
2.7 Additional Hints and Tips: Mechanical Seed Drills
•Danger! Beware of rotating and oscillating machine parts when performing a calibration test.
•Only use the tread plates for filling purposes. Riding on the machine during operation is
prohibited.
•When transporting on public roads protect or remove the thrust collars on the pre-emergence
marking.
•When filling the seed hopper, observe the information provided by the implement
manufacturer.
•Lock row markers in transportation position.
•Do not place any foreign parts in the seed hopper – the agitating shaft also rotates during
manoeuvring.
•Observe the permissible filling quantities.

01/2009
1
Please read and follow these operating instructions and safety instructions
("For your safety") carefully before putting the implement into operation.
The operator must be qualied and trained in the operation, maintenance and safety requirements and
instructed about hazards. Please hand all safety instructions to all operators.
The applicable accident prevention rules as well as any other generally accepted safety requirements,
industrial medicine and trafc regulations must be complied with.
Observe the “warning symbol"!
Notes in these instructions with this sign as well
as warning signs at the implement warn against danger!
(For explanations of the warning signs see attached
“Pictograph symbols”.)
Loss of guarantee
This implement is designed exclusively for normal agricultural operation.
Any other utilisation is regarded as not intended use and any damage resulting from this is excluded from
liability.
The intended use comprises also the compliance with the specied operating-, maintenance and servicing
instructions, such as the kW/HP limitation, as well as the exclusive use of original spare parts.
The use of third party accessories and/or third party parts (wear and spare parts) not approved by Rabe
voids any guarantee.
Any unauthorised repairs of changes to the implement exclude liability for any damage resulting from this.
Any complaints at delivery (transport damage, completeness) must be reported immediately in writing.
Guarantee claims as well as the terms of the guarantee and the exclusion of liability are pursuant to
the information in our terms of delivery.
Rotary Harrow Corvus VKE...K
(Foldable rotary harrow)
Operating instructions
Subject to technical modications

2

Table of contents
Machine data...............................................................................................................5
Mounting heavy attachments....................................................................................6
Articulated shafts between the gears ..........................................................................................7
Loading instructions ....................................................................................................................7
Safety instructions .....................................................................................................8
Attachment..................................................................................................................9
Articulated shaft (Tractor/implement) ..........................................................................................9
Transport position .....................................................................................................................10
Working position........................................................................................................................10
Set down the rotary harrow .......................................................................................................10
Use ........................................................................................................................11
Harrows speeds ........................................................................................................................12
Power take-off drive shaft..........................................................................................................13
Ground guide plates .................................................................................................................13
Baffle plate ...............................................................................................................................13
Maintenance..............................................................................................................14
Oil change .................................................................................................................................15
Changing the centre control gear and control gear transmission oil.............................15
Gearbox - Change transmission oil...............................................................................16
Oil change - Gearbox....................................................................................................16
Oil change - Centre control gear...................................................................................16
Oil change - Side gear ..................................................................................................16
Tooth packer roller.....................................................................................................................17
Blade replacement ....................................................................................................................17
Quick-change system................................................................................................................17
Attention / Transport ................................................................................................18
Locations of the warning signs on the implement................................................19
3

4

05/2003
A
C
D
B
E
F
5
Rotary Harrow Corvus VKE...K
Basic variant
Weight in
approx. kg
for tractors
up to kW/HP
Lengths in mm (approx.)
A B C D E F
VKE, V 4000 K 2870
220/300
4170 4080
1247 1270 2711
2085
VKE, V 4500 K 3065 4660 4570 2330
VKE, V 5000 K 3260 5150 5060 2575
VKE, V 6000 K 3650 6130 6040 3065
*VKE, V 8000 K 4430 8090 8000 4045
Machine data
*Attention ! The height is over 4m in transport position; transport on public roads is not permitted.
Subject to technical modications

05/2003
G
v
T
v
T
H
G
H
a b d c
6
Subject to technical modications
Mounting heavy attachments
Important additional information for the
combination of tractor and attached implements
The attachment of implements to the front and
rear three point linkage must not result in the total
permitted weight, axle load or tyre capacity of the
tractor being exceeded. The front axle load of the
tractor must be at least 20% of the empty weight of
the tractor at all times.
You should ensure that these requirements have
been fullled before coupling the implement by
carrying out the following calculations or weighing
the tractor/equipment combination.
Determining the total weight, the axle loads and
the tyre capacity
as well as the required minimum ballasting.
The following data is required for the calculation:
TL(kg) Empty weight of tractor
TV(kg) Front axle load of empty tractor
TH(kg) Rear axle load of empty tractor
TG Total permitted weight of the
tractor
GH(kg) Total weight of rear attachment /
rear ballast
GV(kg) Total weight of front attachment /
front ballast
a(m) Distance between centre of gravity
of front attachment / front ballast and
centre of front axle
b(m) tractor wheelbase
c(m) distance between centre of rear
axle and centre of lower link ball
d(m) distance between centre of lower
link ball and rear attachment/ ballast
centre of gravity
1See tractor operating instructions
2See implement operating instructions and/or
determine the weight.
3Measure
GVmin = GHx (c+d) - TVx0.2 xTLxb
a + b
GHmin = GVx a - TH x b + 0.45 xTLxb
b + c + d
Front attachment or front/rear combination
1) CALCULATION OF THE MINIMUM FRONT
BALLASTING GV min
Enter the calculated minimum ballasting required in
the front of the tractor in the table.
Front attachment
2) CALCULATION OF THE MINIMUM REAR
BALLASTING GH min
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2 3
1 3
1 3

1
1
2
3
2
705/2003
Transport width: approx. 275 cm
Sound pressure level: Noise increase at the ear
of the tractor driver at the standard power take-off
speed
< “70 dB(A)”
Maximum length of the combination (tractor +
implement) 12 m
-Width 2.55m, max. 3m
-Max. height 4m
-Max. total weight of the combination 16t, of which
20% on the front axle.
Equipment: Lower link connection Cat II and
III, hydraulic fold-in mechanism (double-acting),
segment guard rail on front of the blade holder,
spring-mounted side panels, Ø 510 mm tooth
packer rollers, centre gear with drive shaft, 2
change gear drives or control gears, articulated
shaft with friction clutch.
Additional equipment: Ground guide plate (bolted
to side panels), bafe plate, Rabid hard-coated
rotary blades, scraper with hard coating (for tooth
packer roller), articulated shaft with cam-type
clutch, change gear set, lighting unit with warning
sign.
Articulated shafts between the gears
When re-tting the articulated shafts, return them
to the same position!
Only work with a fully protected drive. Fasten the
supporting chains of the inner protective pipe (2/1).
Only use with the supplied articulated shafts.
When replacing, the articulated shafts - see spare
parts list - must be adjusted in length; take the
measurements for both folded in and unfolded
state.
Loading instructions
Only load while unfolded.
Rotary harrow with packer roller: attach at (2/2) -
use the upper link pin.
Rotary harrow/packer roller with sowing machine:
Attach lifting accessories at (2/2) and (2/3).
Observe the bearing capacity of the lifting aids.
Do not stand in the vicinity of the raised load.
Only lift with the designated points in the
pictograph.
Subject to technical modications

05/2003
8
Safety instructions
During coupling and uncoupling, no person may
stand between the tractor and the implement,
nor should anyone stand there with actuation of
the hydraulic control! Risk of injury!
Set tractor lifting hydraulics to "position control'
before coupling and uncoupling!
Check tractor and implement for operational and
trafc safety prior to every operation!
Ensure sufcient steering safety; install front
weights to the tractor!
The operator's position is on the driver's seat
of the tractor. This is where the implement is
operated from.
Prior to operating (folding in/out) or starting the
implement, take care that no person is in the area
of the implement!
In the area of the three-point linkage, the “fold-in”
area” and the packer roller, beware of the hazards
of crushing and shearing zones!
Climbing or riding on the implement and standing
in danger areas is prohibited!
Prior to leaving the tractor, switch off the power
take-off, lower the implement, switch off engine
and take out ignition key!
Settings and maintenance must only be done when
the implement is lowered!
Be careful when handling gear parts, because they
may be hot from the work!
During operation, all safety devices must be
mounted!
Before switching on the power take-off, make sure
that
... no person is in the vicinity of the implement!
... the selected power take-off speed matches the
permissible speed for the implement!
... that the articulated shaft works with the
prescribed pipe overlap (and that it is not too long
when raising in the horizontal position - and/or the
shortest distance)!
Take the position of the centre of gravity into
consideration when lifting in steep hillside locations
(on a slope).
Secure the tractor hydraulic control equipment
against unintended operation during transport!
Prior to using for the rst time - and after extended
periods of non-use - check the oil levels in the gear
units (see Maintenance), check all bearings for
sufcient lubrication, check the rm seating of all
screws and check the hydraulic system for leaks!
Subject to technical modications