RCI 186M User manual

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186M Windrow Merger
Operator Manual
Includes operating, adjustment, maintenance, technical,
repair parts and safety instructions for the 186M Windrow Merger.
Please retain this document for future reference. Keep this manual available for reference to the
operator at all times. Do not allow anyone to operate this implement without reading and fully
understanding this operator manual. Never allow children to operate on or near any equipment at
any time.
RCI Engineering LLC
RC130102 Rev B 1Nov2017
www.RCIengineering.com
Copyright © 2017 by RCI Engineering LLC

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New Agricultural Implements
Warranty Statement
RCI Engineering LLC, hereinafter referred to as RCI, warrants new RCI attachments, to the
Original Retail Purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
one (1) year from the date of sale.
RCI warranty includes:
Genuine RCI parts costs and labor required to repair or replace equipment at the selling dealer’s
business location.
RCI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE), EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS
WARRANTY STATEMENT.
RCI WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE:
1. Transportation to the selling dealer’s business location or, at the option of the Original
Retail Purchaser, the cost of a service call.
2. Freight costs above standard shipping costs for the replacement parts.
3. Used equipment.
4. Components covered by their own non-RCI warranties, such as tires and trade
accessories.
5. Normal maintenance service and expendable, high-wear items.
6. Sacrificial components designed to fail to prevent damage to other components when
obstructions are encountered (i.e. shear bolts, pickup teeth)
7. Repairs or adjustments caused by: improper use; non-intended use; failure to follow
recommended maintenance procedures; use of unauthorized attachments; accident or
other casualty.
8. Liability for incidental or consequential damages of any type, including, but not limited
to lost profits or expenses of acquiring replacement equipment or damage to machines to
which the attachment is installed.
No agent, employee, or representative of RCI has any authority to bind RCI to any warranty
except as specifically set forth herein. Any of these limitations excluded by local law shall be
deemed deleted from this warranty; all other terms will continue to apply.

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186M Windrow Merger
The 186M Windrow Merger from RCI Engineering is a simple, cost-effective solution to merging
windrows together while minimizing dirt and foreign material in the windrow as can be experienced in
raking operations.
Intended Use:
For merging two or three windrows from up to 18' wide cut widths into a single windrow. The 186M can
also function as a very effective windrow inverter for improved crop drying in some conditions.
Product Highlights:
•Effective pickup width is 8’6” wide.
•Tine bar assembly features six tine bars with center support.
•Extension with 3 feet of length is standard equipment.
•A bundle to increase the extension length to 5’ is available and recommended when tripling 16’
or 18’ cut widths to a windrow of less than 8’ wide.
•If tripling windrows from a 16’ cut width and a final windrow width of under 9’ is needed, the
standard extension is sufficient.
•The longer extension option is recommended for all cut widths of greater than 16’.
•Windguard is standard equipment.
•Pickup and belts are driven hydraulically in series.
•Gauge wheels are adjustable.
•Conveyor extension shut-off valve is standard equipment such that the merger can be used with
the extension in the transport position.
•Can be used with virtually any 50+ hp tractor with a drawbar, self-contained oil cooler, and two
remote hydraulic valves
•Unit discharges at the right side with the extension in the raised or lowered position.
•Reversible belt direction is standard equipment.

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Product Limitations:
•The 186M is not recommended at this time for use with tractors without integrated oil coolers.
•When used on a tractor with open-center hydraulics and no flow control from the tractor, a pair of
plugs must be removed from the manifold to allow for flow control at the manifold. Refer to the
186M Operator Manual for more information.
•The maximum transport speed for the unit is 25 mph. Additional safety lighting may need to be
added if pulled behind any vehicle besides a tractor. See local DOT regulations regarding
lighting requirements for road transport when not using a tractor.
Ordering Information:
Part Number
Description
Comments
RC130001
186M Merger, Base Unit
RC063481
Bundle, 2-Foot Extension Addition
Total of 5’ extension length
Setup Time:
Approximately 2 hours of setup time is required from shipping configuration to field operation when
shipped on a skid. When shipped via flatbed trailer, the unit requires approximately 30 minutes of setup
time for preparation to the field.
RCI Engineering LLC also offers an assortment of attachments for John Deere hay and forage equipment
to improve performance, increase efficiency and to increase machine capabilities in different crop and
field conditions. The 186M Merger is not an Allied Product for John Deere, but is available through
any John Deere dealer.
RCI Engineering LLC reserves the right to make improvements in design and changes in specifications at
any time without notice and without incurring any obligation to install them on units previously
manufactured or sold. Specifications, descriptions, and illustrative material herein are as accurate as
known at time of publication, but are subject to change without notice.

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Table of Contents
Section
Page
Warranty Statement…………………………………………….......
1
Intended Use…………………………………………………..........
2
Table of Contents………………………………………...……........
4
Specifications……………………………………………………….
5
Pre-Delivery Checklist…………………………………………......
6, 68
Delivery Checklist……………………………………………….....
8, 70
Safe Operation of Machine………………………….……...............
10
Safety Warning Signs………………………………………………
11
Safety Sign Locations………………………..……………..............
12
Safety Sign Definitions……..………………………………............
13
Setup Instructions……...……………………………………..........
15
Field Operation………………………………………………........
17
Adjustments………………………………………………………..
20
Maintenance………………………………………………….........
25
Service…………………………………………………….............
26
Troubleshooting……………………………………………...........
32
Hydraulic Functional Schematic…………………………………..
34
Bolt and Screw Torque Values………………………………........
36
Repair Parts………………………………………………..............
38
Parts Index…………………………………...................................
40

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186M Merger Specifications
Pickup
Pickup Working Width
8' 6”
Type
Cam w/tine bar reel
Number of Cams
2
Number of Tine Bars
6 w/ center support
Wind Guard
Yes
Pickup Drive
Hydraulic
Stripper Guard Type
Metal
Float System
Spring
Conveyor
Belt Width, in.
35 1/4"
Lug Height, in.
3/4"
Lug Width, in.
32 1/2"
Extension
Yes
Length
36" Standard; 60” Optional
Extension Folding
Hydraulic
Belt Drive
Hydraulic
Tractor Hyd. Drive System
Yes
GPM/PSI Required
12 / 2000
Hydraulic Remotes Needed
2
Tractor Size
Minimum 50 hp
Dimensions & other Specifications
Base Weight, lbs
2,200 approx
Transport Width
10' 11"
Transport Length
12'
Tire Size (Frame)
26 x 12 - 12
Gauge Wheel Size
18.5 x 8.5 - 8
Operating Speed
2 to 12 mph
Transport Speed
Up to 25 mph
Merging Width Cuts
Up to 18' (with optional extension)

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Pre-delivery Checklist (Copy for Return to RCI at back of this manual)
After the unit has been assembled and lubricated and prior to delivery to customer, the merger
needs to be inspected thoroughly to ensure it is in proper working order. The following checklist
must be reviewed and each item found to be satisfactorily completed.
Windrow merger has been setup according to the instructions included in this
manual.
All grease fittings have been lubricated.
All guards, shields and safety decals are in place, securely fastened, and operate correctly.
All nuts and bolts have been tightened and inspected.
Adjustments have been made as described in the Adjustments section of this manual
Crop guides at belt installed properly.
Gauge wheels installed and inflated properly.
All moving parts operate freely.
Belt tension set properly.
Extension belt tension set properly.
All applicable warranty information recorded.
I acknowledge that the pre-delivery service was performed and the unit is ready for delivery to
the customer.
________________________ _________________________ ___________________
Dealership’s Name Representative Date
_______________________ __________________________ ___________________
Model Number Serial Number Date Sold
Owner’s Name and Address
Name_______________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________________________
Original: Enclose in manual and give to customer at time of delivery.
Copy: Dealership
Copy: RCI Engineering LLC
RCI Engineering LLC
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Mail: 208 River Knoll Drive, Mayville, WI 53050

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Delivery Checklist (Copy for Return to RCI at back of this manual)
The following items must be performed when delivering the attachment to the customer. Check
off each item as it is performed.
Provide the customer with the Operator's Manual and instruct them to read prior to
operating the unit.
Review and explain all safety information and operating adjustments.
Review and explain maintenance and lubrication schedule that is required to ensure
proper operation and long life.
Show how to properly adjust the belt tension as instructed in the “Adjustments”
section.
Make it be known that if the customer can visit or call the dealership to discuss any
questions or problems they may encounter.
Complete the Owner’s Registration with the customer, ensure it is completely filled out,
and return it to RCI Engineering.
_________________________________
Date Delivered
_________________________________
Signature
Original: Enclose in manual and give to customer at time of delivery.
Copy: Dealership
Copy: RCI Engineering LLC
RCI Engineering LLC
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Mail: 208 River Knoll Drive, Mayville, WI 53050

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Safe Operation of Machine
Operator Authorization
The machine owner must provide the operator of the machine this manual and ensure that
the operator reads and understands the contents. This must be performed before the
machine is put into operation.
Safety Alert Symbol
This safety alert symbol is used to alert the operator to the potential
for personal injury. Whenever this symbol is noticed in this manual or
on the machine, be alert to the situation and read the message near the
symbol shown in graphical format. Always be alert for the potential
for personal injury.
General Safety Precautions / Accident Prevention
Before operation of the machine each time, check the entire machine for operational safety.
1. BEFORE unclogging, removing material, cleaning, adjusting, servicing, or lubricating,
the operator must:
a. Disengage tractor, put the tractor in park, shut off the engine, and remove the key
from the ignition.
b. Wait until all parts have stopped moving.
2. The warning and safety decals on the attachment provide important information to ensure
safe operation of the machine. Follow these instructions at all times to remain safe.
Replace all such decals if they should become illegible or be missing.
3. Avoid loose fitting clothing while operating this implement. The operator should always
wear close-fitting clothing and sturdy footwear.
4. Before operation of this implement, become familiar with all controls of the prime mover
and implement and understand the function of this implement.
5. Check all guards and shields to make sure they are in place and functional. Replace any
defective or missing guards, shields, or components before operation.
6. To transport the merger on the road, raise the unit to its highest position and fold the
extension to its transport position. Engage the hand valve for the extension to prevent
unintentional opening. Engage the pickup lift lock arm to prevent unintentional lowering
of the unit. Disengage the main drive clutch.
7. Keep clear of the working and danger area of the machine.
8. Use proper personal protection for eyes, ears, and head to protect against projected
objects and noise.
9. Do not modify the machine. Unauthorized modifications may affect the safety and
longevity of the machine and voids warranty.
10. Check with local authorities for regulations regarding transportation of the unit on public
roads. Ensure that all unit markings are clearly visible before transporting the unit.
11. Restrict on-road towing of unit to 25 mph (40 kmph).
12. Use the safety chain when transporting the unit.

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Safety Warning Signs
The safety warning signs feature a hazard description panel without text. It is important to
properly identify any hazards when working around the attachment.
The signs have a black border and yellow background. Each decal has two boxes of information
regarding the hazard.
The top or left box of the decal indicates a warning for the hazard. The triangle indicates
WARNING. The symbol inside the triangle indicates what the warning pertains to. In some
cases, a simple explanation mark is used.
The right or bottom box of the decal indicates an instruction on how to respond to the hazard.
Reference each decal to the operator manual for further explanation of the meaning of the decal
and respond accordingly.

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Safety Sign Locations
Decal locations are identified in the figures below and referenced on the following pages.

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Safety Sign Definitions
Safety Sign 1
This safety sign is a general warning sign
instructing the operator to read the
Operator's Manual for an explanation of
safety signs applicable to the machine. The
Operator's Manual is located in a tube holder
at the left rear corner of the machine.
Safety Sign 2, 3, and 7
These reflective decals are for proper
machine marking for transport. Ensure that
these decals are clearly visible and clear of
debris before transporting unit.
Safety Sign 4
This safety sign is a warning of injury due to
escaping hydraulic fluid under pressure.
Keep away from this area when the hoses
have hydraulic pressure to avoid the hazard.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
Safety Sign 5
This safety sign is a warning of
entanglement of moving parts. Keep all
body parts away from moving parts. Failure
to do so may result in serious injury.
Figure 1. Safety Sign 1
Figure 2. Safety Sign 4
Figure 3. Safety Sign 5

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Safety Sign 6
This safety sign is a warning of a pinch
point. Keep clear of this area and do not
place any body parts in this area due to the
risk of the pinch point. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury.
Safety Sign 8
This safety sign is an indication that tire
pressure is critical to proper machine
operation and reliability. This decal is
located on the tongue of the unit near the
jack stand storage position.
Safety Sign 9
This safety sign is a “Slow Moving Vehicle
Sign” and is provided to meet the
requirements of on-road transportation.
Always make sure this decal is complete,
clean, and visible to the rear of the
implement whenever transporting the
machine on public roads.
Figure 4. Safety Sign 6
Figure 5. Safety Sign 8
Figure 6. Safety Sign 9

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Setup Instructions
Convert from Shipping to Field Setup
Each unit is shipped with the tongue in a
raised position. See Figure 7. Perform the
following actions to prepare the machine
from shipping configuration to field
configuration:
1) Release unit from shipping skid by
cutting shipping straps.
2) Remove the hitch from the skid. See
Key 1 Figure 7. Release the
shipping strap from the hitch. See
Key 1 Figure 8. Retain hardware
and Strap.
3) Using a lift or other device, safely lower
the tongue until the Latch can fit the
pin in the rear hook point of the
latch. See Key 2 Figure 8.
4) Install the hitch into the tongue and
replace the ¾” bolts provided.
Torque bolts to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm).
See Figure 9.
5) Install Jack Stand and Hydraulic Hoses
as indicated in Figure 9. Slots are
provided for hose storage when
not in use.
6) Lift the unit with a forklift from the rear
through the fork pockets in the main
frame. Take care to not damage any
tine bars or tines. Secure the merger
to the forklift in a safe manner. Do
not move the merger fore/aft with the
forklift.
7) Place the merger on blocks for safety.
Install spindles and tires. Tighten all
hardware properly. Remove
shipping skid, remove safety blocks
and lower unit to the ground.
Figure 7. Shipping Configuration
Key 1 - Hitch
Figure 8. Shipping Lock
Key 1 – Shipping Strap Key 2 - Latch
Figure 9. Htich Installation
Key 1 – Hitch Key 2 – Bolts
Key 3 – Jack Stand Key 4 – Hoses
Key 5 – Hose Mounts

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8) Install the shipping strap from the hitch
as a stop on the lower side of the
tongue frame. See Figure 10.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the plate is
arranged with the hook slot towards the
front of the merger and the wide area
extended under the frame of the merger.
9) Install pin at hydraulic cylinder. Install
spring at pivot link. See Figure 10.
10) Grease unit. See “Maintenance”
Section of this manual.
11) Verify tire pressures are set correctly.
See “Service” section of this manual.
12) Use the shipping blocks to create a
ramp in front of the skid at the tires.
Connect the unit to a tractor and pull
from the shipping skid. See “Attach
Merger to Tractor” in the next
section.
Figure 10. Lift Cylinder Assembly
Key 1 – Cylinder Key 2 – Spring
Key 3 – Pin Key 4 - Stop

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Attach Merger To Tractor
Perform the following actions when
connecting the merger to a tractor.
1) Disengage tractor, put the tractor in park,
shut off the engine, and remove the
key from the ignition.
2) Install hitch pin and hitch pin clip.
3) Install safety chain.
4) Install hydraulic hoses.
5) Lower jack stand and move to storage
position at the top of the tongue.
Place in a horizontal position.
Field Operation
The 186M Windrow Merger is capable of
merging windrows from cut widths up to 16'
with the standard extension. With the longer
extension, merging of cut widths up to 18’
can be accomplished. In some
configurations, three windrows can be put
together into one windrow.
The unit is also capable of merging
windrows with or without the extension in
the lowered position. However, in heavier
crops, it may be necessary to use the
extension due to limited clearance beneath
the extension.
To prepare the 186M for field operation,
perform the following:
1) Raise the pickup to the highest position
to relieve pressure on the transport
lock.
WARNING: Hydraulic systems at rest may
contain hydraulic pressure. Do not
disconnect or service hydraulic systems with
pressure in the system. Relieve all pressure
before performing any service work.
Beware of components that may move when
changing selections with valves or removing
locking mechanisms. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury.
2) Disengage tractor, put the tractor in park,
shut off the engine, and remove the
key from the ignition.
3) Disengage the transport lock. See
"Engage / Disengage Transport
Lock" in the next section.
4) Return to the tractor and slowly release
all hydraulic pressure on all circuits
to lower the pickup to the ground.
IMPORTANT
If required to start the engine or tractor
electrical circuit to relieve hydraulic
pressure, be sure to repeat Step 2 before
proceeding to Step 5.
5) If it is desired to use the extension,
slowly switch hydraulic valve near
jack storage position to the OPEN
position. "See Engage/Disengage
Extension Folding" in the next
section. If use of the extension is
not desired, proceed to Step 12.
6) Return to the tractor and start the unit
while following the General Safety
Precautions on Page 8 of this
manual.
7) Lower the extension by activating the
hydraulic function to lower the
pickup to the ground. The extension
will move to a lowered position. Be

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sure to lower extension completely
before proceeding.
8) Disengage tractor, release all hydraulic
pressure, put the tractor in park,
shut off the engine, and remove the
key from the ignition.
9) Slowly switch hydraulic valve near
jack storage position to the CLOSED
position. "See Engage/Disengage
Extension Folding" in the next
section.
10) Engage the extension belt motor by
selecting the "Motor Engaged
Position" at the hydraulic manifold.
See "Extension Motor Engage /
Disengage" in the next section.
IMPORTANT
When the extension is not in use, be sure the
extension motor is disengaged. Failure to do
so may result in belt damage.
11) Return to the tractor and start the
unit while following the General
Safety Precautions on Page 8 of this
manual.
12) Proceed to merging operation.
To prepare the 186M for transport from the
field, perform the following:
1) Engage the transport lock. See
"Engage / Disengage Transport
Lock" in the next section.
2) If the extension was used, slowly switch
hydraulic valve near jack storage
position to the OPEN position.
"See Engage/Disengage Extension
Folding" in the next section. If the
extension was not used, proceed to
next step but skip Steps 5 and 6.
3) Raise the pickup to the highest position
to allow the transport lock to fall into
place. Continue to raise the pickup
to raise the extension to transport
position. Verify the transport lock is
engaged.
4) Disengage tractor, release all hydraulic
pressure, put the tractor in park,
shut off the engine, and remove the
key from the ignition.
5) Slowly switch hydraulic valve near
jack storage position to the CLOSED
position. "See Engage/Disengage
Extension Folding" in the next
section.
6) Disengage the extension belt motor by
selecting the "Motor Disengaged
Position" at the hydraulic manifold.
See "Extension Motor Engage /
Disengage" in the next section.
7) With the tractor still shut off, disengage
the main clutch at the rear axle. See
"Engage/Disengage Main Clutch" in
the next section.
8) Return to the tractor and start the
unit while following the General
Safety Precautions on Page 8 of this
manual.
9) Proceed to transporting of unit.