Rabe 230 User manual

Flail Mower
Chopper 230, 250, 280
Operating Instructions
Serial-No.
Order-No. 9900.01.40GB01

1. Intended purpose
The Chopper mulcher is designed exclusively for working on fallow land, disused land and grazing and meadow
land. It can also be used for the mulching of green manure, maize, sunflowers and crop residues.
Any use for a purpose other than or exceeding this description shall be regarded as incorrect operation. The
manufacturer will accept no liability whatsoever for resulting loss or damage in these circumstances. The user
bears sole responsibility in these circumstances.
The definition of “use for intended purpose” also covers observance of the specified operating, maintenance and
servicing instructions, along with the exclusive use of original RABE spare parts.
Ensure that all relevant accident prevention regulations are observed, along with generally accepted safety
procedures, health and safety regulations and road traffic laws. Ensure also that the safety instructions on the
stickers attached to the machine are closely followed.
The manufacturer will accept no liability whatsoever for loss or damage caused by the carrying out of unauthorised
modifications to the machine.
Carefully read through the operating instructions BEFORE starting up the machine for the first time!
Please ensure that this manual is handed over to the new owner if the machine is sold or otherwise
disposed of.
KEY TO SYMBOLS
Important note
Technical note
Safety precaution
Mulchers are designed for intensive use in the care of fallow land, disused land and grazing and meadow land.
They can also be used for the mulching of green manure, maize, sunflowers and crop residues.
1.1 Warranty cover
The buyer’s rights under the terms of the warranty can only be exercised if the corresponding conditions have been
observed.
All claims must be submitted to the manufacturer in writing.
The manufacturer shall bear no liability if interim repairs have been carried out by the user without the
consent of the RABE company, nor for any loss or damage resulting from the installation of items other
than genuine original spare parts.
Please observe the operating instructions contained in this manual.
Failure to use the machine for its intended purpose will void all liability on the part of the manufacturer.
Examine the machine upon delivery and check it for signs of transport damage or missing items. Note that all
claims must be submitted to the manufacturer in writing within eight (8) days.

The warranty will also be voided in the following circumstances:
•If the user commits an error while manoeuvring the machine
•If damage is due to insufficient maintenance
•If interim repairs have been carried out by the user without the consent of the RABE company, and if loss
or damage results from the installation of items other than genuine original spare parts
•If the user has failed to observe the operating instructions contained in this manual
•If the permitted performance limits have been exceeded (see table 1 in the section entitled “Technical
data”).
1.2 Machine identification plate
Each implement is fitted with a machine identification plate (fig. 1.) containing the following data:
Designation (mulching implement)
Company name and address of the manufacturer
Type
Weight in kg
Year of construction
These data must accompany all technical enquiries or orders for spare parts.
Fig. 1

2. Technical data
Fig. 2
1. Housing
2. Transmission
3. V-belt
4. Hook trestle - 3FS
5. Roller
6. Three-point linkage
7. Slide
8. Slide bars
2.1 Noise prevention
The implement operates at a noise level of 70 – 90 dB. Noise is a
particular hazard when the rear window of the tractor is open. We
therefore strongly recommend the use of hearing protection.
2.2 Options
Depending on the operating conditions, the following cutting implements
can be used:
•Optional Y-blades (for stalks/trunks of up to 3 cm in diameter)
•Standard bootee flails (for stalks/trunks of up to 5 cm in diameter)
The maximum diameter of the items being cut depends on the type
and strength of their stalks and trunks. Note that the data given here
correspond to the trunks and stalks of living plants.
The crosscut blade option improves performance, allowing the
mulched material to be broken up into smaller fragments.
3
8
7
2
1
6
5
4

2.3 Technical specifications
Table 1
Type Chopper
230 Chopper 250 Chopper 280
Operating width cm 216 232 265
Min. towing capacity PS 55-60 65-75 75-85
Power take-off shaft rpm 540/1000 540/1000 540/1000
Y-blades Number 78 84 96
Bootee flails Number 26 28 32
Weight kg 695 730 780
Lateral displacement cm 500 500 500
Three-point linkage Cat. II. II. II.
Width mm 2510 2670 3000
Length mm 1010 1010 1010
Height mm 1050 1050 1050
Rotor turning speed rpm 2243 2243 2243
3. Safety measures
3.1 General safety and accident prevention regulations
1. Please observe the points on safety and accident prevention, in addition
to the general instructions contained in this manual.
2. The warning and indication signs attached to the implement contain
important instructions on how to operate it safely. Prevent danger by
observing them at all times.
3. Be sure to observe all relevant traffic laws when using public roads.
4. Familiarise yourself with all devices, control elements and their respective
functions BEFORE starting work. DO NOT wait until the implement is
already in operation.
5. Machine operators should wear tight-fitting clothing. Do not wear loose or
hanging items of any kind.
6. Keeping the machine clean will reduce the danger of fire.
7. You are recommended to use a tractor fitted with a safety cab.
8. Check the area of operation carefully (watch out for children) BEFORE
starting up or carrying out any manoeuvres. Ensure that you have an
adequate field of vision at all times.
9. Passengers MUST NOT ride on the tractor or implement while it is being
operated or towed. The implement must not be used as a load-carrying
trailer.

10. Hitch the implement up as instructed, and connect it only to the specified
devices.
11. Observe the maximum permitted axle loads of the tractor (see vehicle
documentation).
12. Keep to the limits regarding maximum external trailer dimensions
(German StVZO traffic regulations or your local equivalent).
13. Ensure that regulation towing equipment, such as lights, warning triangles
and additional safety devices, is attached and in full working order.
14. The release cables of the quick-action couplings should hang loosely, and
must not trip of their own accord when the implement is lowered.
15. NEVER leave the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in operation.
16. Note that towed implements and the use of ballast weights affect driving
performance, steering and braking.
You should take this into account when estimating turning circles and
braking distances.
17. Take into account the overhang dimensions and centrifugal mass of the
towed implement when driving into bends. Secure the lower arm of the
three-point hydraulic linkage to stop the implement rocking back and forth.
18. Ensure that all safety devices are attached and in full working order
BEFORE you operate the implement.
19. DO NOT remain within the turning circle or operating area of the
implement. Beware of flying fragments of stone and vegetable matter.
Before activating the unit, ensure that no one is standing within the
ejection range of the mulcher . Keep away from rotating machine parts.
20. DO NOT remain within the turning or pivoting range of the implement.
21. Beware of the danger of crushing and cutting from components run from
external power sources (e.g. hydraulic items).
22. Before leaving the tractor unattended, lower the implement to the ground,
switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.
23. DO NOT walk between the tractor and implement without first applying
the handbrake and/or chocking the wheels to stop the outfit rolling away.
3.2 Towed implements and their transport
1. Adjust the operating controls accordingly before coupling or
uncoupling implements via the three-point linkage.
2. Before hitching up via the three-point linkage, ensure that the
tractor and implement are fully compatible with one another.

3. Note that there is a danger of crushing and cutting injuries occurring in the
area of the three-point linkage.
4. DO NOT pass between the tractor and implement once the three-point
linkage has been connected to the vehicle mounted controls.
5. Always ensure, when the implement is raised for towing, that the tractor’s
three-point linkage is adequately secured at the sides.
6. Before driving the outfit on the road, ensure that the operating lever is
secured to stop the implement being lowered by accident.
7. Hitch up and connect implements in accordance with regulations. Check
the trailer braking system for correct functioning. Observe the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Working implements should only be towed and operated using tractors
designed for the purpose,

3.3 Operation from the power take-off shaft
1. All power take-off shafts must be fitted with the regulation protection and
safety devices specified by the manufacturer.
2. The protective tube and cowling fitted to the drive shaft and the guard on
the power take-off shaft must be correctly fitted and in full working order
at both ends.
3. Ensure that drive shafts are fitted with the specified tube protectors for
towing and operation. (See the operating instructions provided by the
supplier of the drive shaft).
4. Before attaching or removing the drive shaft, disengage the power take-
off shaft, switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.
5. Ensure that the drive shaft is correctly fitted and secured at all times.
6. Attach chains to stop the drive shaft guards rotating at the same time.
7. Before engaging the power take-off shaft, ensure that the turning speed
selected at the tractor is within the maximum permitted turning speed limit
(operating speed) of the shaft. A turning speed of 540 rpm is normal for
the power take-off shaft (see table of settings).
8. Gentle handling of the coupling elements will help ensure a long service
life for both the tractor and the mulching implement.
9. Clear the area of bystanders before engaging the power take-off shaft.
10. NEVER engage the power take-off shaft with the engine stopped.
11. Keep away from the rotating power take-off and drive shafts during
operation.
12. Always disengage the power take-off shaft if the angle of tilt is excessive,
or if it is no longer required. Disengage the power take-off shaft as soon
as the shutoff valves are closed.
13. IMPORTANT! Beware of continued running due to remaining momentum
after disengaging the power take-off shaft. Keep away until the
mechanism has come to a complete stop. And then wait before
attempting to carry out further work of any kind.
14. Always disengage the power take-off shaft, switch off the engine and
remove the ignition key BEFORE cleaning, lubricating or adjusting any
shaft-driven item.
15. Place the disconnected drive shaft in the support rest provided.
16. After detaching the drive shaft, fit the protective cover to the shaft end.
17. Repair any damage before working with the implement.
1.

3.4 Hydraulic system
1. Note that the hydraulic system operates at high pressure.
2. Ensure that the hydraulic hoses are connected as specified before
operating the hydraulic cylinders and motors.
Release pressure at both the tractor and implement end before
connecting the hoses to the tractor’s hydraulic system.
3. The hydraulic function plugs and sockets used to connect the tractor
and implement should be clearly marked to prevent incorrect
connection. Accidental swapping of connections may lead, for
example, to the implement being lowered when it should be raised.
Danger of accident!
4. Check the hydraulic hoses regularly and replace at the first sign of
wear or ageing. Ensure that the replacement hoses conform to the
technical requirements of the implement manufacturer.
5. Prevent possible injury. Always use appropriate detection equipment
when checking for leaks.
6. Pressurised fluids (hydraulic oil) are apt to escape without warning,
possibly resulting in skin penetration and serious injury. Seek
immediate medical help if an injury does occur, as there is a danger
of infection.
7. Before working on the hydraulic system, lower the device, release
the hydraulic pressure and switch off the engine.
8. The hose conduits should not be used for any longer than six years
(including up to two years’ storage time). Hose conduits are subject
to natural ageing, even if stored correctly and subjected only to
permitted loads. This is why their storage and service life is limited
You should determine, on the basis of experience and given the
potential danger of accidents, if actual operating conditions make
shorter replacement intervals advisable. Note that different
conditions may apply to hoses made of thermoplastic material.
9. Dispose of waste oil and lubricants correctly.

3.5 General safety and accident prevention regulations
1. You should normally disengage the drive mechanism and switch off the
engine before carrying out maintenance, servicing or cleaning work of any
kind, or before attempting repairs. Always remove the ignition key.
2. Check all screws and nuts at regular intervals for correct tightness, and
retighten as required.
3. Insert adequate props and/or axle stands before working on the raised
implement.
4. Dispose of waste oil, lubricants and filters correctly.
5. Disconnect the tractor’s alternator and battery before carrying out
electrical welding work on the tractor or attached implement.
6. All spare parts must conform to the implement manufacturer’s minimum
technical requirements. This is guaranteed by the exclusive use of
ORIGINAL GENUINE PARTS.