Rotomec TORNADO User manual

olqljb`
Operator’s Manual
TORNADO
Rotary Cutter
RRB-148, RRB-248
The operator’s manual is a technical service guide and must always accompany the machine.
MERRBEA
RRB-148, 248

Take note! This safety alert symbol found throughout this manual is used to call
your attention to instructions involving your personal safety and the safety of
others. Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury or death.
Signal Words
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety
messages. The appropriate signal words for each have been selected using the
following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are
removed. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
SAFETY
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

olqljb`
Operator’s Manual
TORNADO
Rotary Cutter
RRB-148, RRB-248
The operator’s manual is a technical service guide and must always accompany the machine.
MERRBEA
RRB-148, 248

35
8 - WARRANTY
34
7 - PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST
33
6 - TROUBLESHOOTING
315.03 - Storage
315.02 - Suggested Spare Parts
315.01 - Gearbox
31
5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
284.07 - Safety Slip Clutch (Option)
274.06 - Safety Shear Bolt
264.05 - Driveline
254.04 - Rotor & Stump Jumper Assembly
234.03 - Blade Maintenance
224.02 - Service
214.01 - Maintenance Safety
21
4 - MAINTENANCE
193.10 - Transport
193.09 - Removing Rotary Cutter from the Tractor
183.08 - Uneven Terrain
183.07 - Working Speed
173.06 - Start-up
163.05 - Attaching to the Tractor
153.04 - Pre-Operational Check
143.03 - Cutting Height Adjustment
143.02 - Set-up
123.01 - Operational Safety
12
3 - OPERATION
92.03 - Messages and Signs
92.02 - Starting and Stopping
82.01 - Preparation
8
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
61.03 - Assembly Instructions
51.02 - Model and Serial Number ID
51.01 - General
5
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
INDEX 4olqljb`

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you and congratulations for having chosen our implement. Your new rotary cutter
is a technologically advanced machine constructed of high quality, sturdy components
that will fulfil your working expectations. Read this manual carefully. It will instruct you
on how to operate and service your mower safely and correctly. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury and/or in equipment damage.
1.01 - General
The implement described in this manual is to be used with tractors with PTO at 540 rpm
and clockwise rotation.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the coupling of the implement with the tractor is
done at the same PTO speed and direction of rotation. Do not operate this
implement at a PTO speed or direction of rotation other than that shown on the
implement. Serious damage can occur to the machine and/or the operator.
CAUTION: Unless otherwise specified, all hardware is metric. Use only metric
tools on metric hardware. Other tools that do not fit properly can slip and cause
injury.
CAUTION: Right hand and left hand sides of the implement are determined by
facing in the direction the implement will travel when going forward (see fig. 2).
1.02 - Model and Serial Number ID
Attached to the frame is an ID plate showing the model and the serial number. Record
your implement model and serial number in the space provided below. Your dealer
needs this information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order parts.
GENERAL INFORMATION 5olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

Carefully read the Warranty section1, detailing coverage and limitations of this warranty.
Warranty is provided for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as
described in this manual. Warranty registration is accomplished by the dealer by
completing and forwarding the Warranty Registration form to the Company, along with
a copy of the dealer’s invoice. It is in your best interest to insure that this has been
done.
Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Cleaning, transporting, mailing and service call charges.
2. Normal wear items such as blades, bearings, wheels, drivelines, shear pins, slip
clutches, etc.
3. Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, accidents, improper maintenance,
improper protection or improper use.
4. The use of non-original spare parts and accessories.
Your Authorised Company Dealer has genuine parts in stock. Only these approved
replacement parts should be used.
This limited warranty covers defective material and workmanship. The cost of normal
maintenance or repairs for accidents or improper use and related labour will be borne by
the owner.
1.03 - Assembly Instructions
For transportation purposes the three point hitch of the rotary cutter is shipped
unassembled.
CAUTION: Stand clear of bands when cutting as they could be under sufficient
tension to cause them to fly loose. Take care in removing bands and wire. They
often have extremely sharp edges and cut very easily.
To assemble proceed as follows:
1. Vertical supports come installed, but are lowered on the frame. Loosen bolts to raise
them and ensure they are installed to the inside of the front support plates welded
on the front of the cutter frame.
2. Install the horizontal supports to the inside of the rear cutter frame using the bolts
M14x40 and the stover nuts M14 provided. Bolt loosely at first.
3. Disassemble top hitch plate in order to position horizontal supports. Reassemble as
follows: Bolt 5/8”x6.5”, vertical support, horizontal support, top hitch plate, spacer,
top hitch plate, horizontal support, vertical support, stover nut 5/8”. Be sure the top
hitch plate swings freely.
4. Install driveline and ensure it has at least 5 cm. (2”) from bottoming out in its shortest
working position and has the minimum 15 cm. (6”) overlap in its longest working
position. Refer to Section 4.052of this manual, if it is determined that the driveline is
GENERAL INFORMATION 6olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
2See Section 4.05 - Driveline, for instructions on how to determine correct driveline length and
1See Chapter 8 - Warranty.

too long and needs to be shortened. Contact your local dealer if it is determined that
the driveline is too short for your tractor. After having determined that the driveline is
of the correct length for your tractor, proceed to step 5.
5. For models with shear bolt driveline: Slide driveline yoke onto gearbox input
shaft. Install snap ring onto grove on input shaft. The snap ring is for added security
in case the shear bolt should break. Install ½”x3½”, grade 2 shear bolt through yoke
and input shaft and secure with ½” nut.
6. For models with slip clutch driveline: Install the metal clutch shield onto gearbox
using two bolts M08x20, lock washers and nuts. Slide slip clutch onto gearbox input
shaft and secure with bolt M12-1.25x70 class 8.8, lock washer and nut M12-1.25.
7. Install both driveline safety chains. One should be hooked in a hole on the outer
driveline yoke shield and to the tractor to restrict outer shield rotation. The second
one should be hooked in a hole on the inner driveline yoke shield and to the rotary
cutter to restrict inner shield rotation.
8. Grease the wheel yoke, the wheel hub, the PTO shaft and check the gearbox for oil.
It should be approximately ½ filled.
9. Ensure all hardware is properly tightened.
WARNING: For models with a shear bolt driveline: Failure to install the snap ring
on input shaft will allow driveline to swing freely if bolt is sheared causing
possible injury or death.
GENERAL INFORMATION 7olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
procedures for shortening the driveline.

2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety is the primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products.
Unfortunately our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single
careless act of an operator.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training
of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment. It is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand all safety and
operating instructions in the manual and to follow these.
Allow only properly trained personnel to operate the mower. Working with unfamiliar
equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operation, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the
mower owner’s responsibility, if this machine is used by any person other than yourself,
is loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to operating, reads and
understands the operator’s manuals and is instructed in safe and proper use.
WARNING: Because of possible injury from thrown objects, all rotary cutters are
potentially dangerous. Any rotary cutter intended for use along roadways or other
locations where people may be present, must be used with safety shields in
place.
2.01 - Preparation
1. Before operating equipment read and understand the operator’s manual and the
safety signs (see fig. 2).
2. Thoroughly inspect the implement before initial operation to assure that all
packaging materials, i.e. wires, bands, and tape have been removed. Ensure that
tape has been removed from blades prior to use.
3. Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and
gloves are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment,
maintaining and/or repairing the implement.
4. Operate the rotary cutter only with a tractor equipped with an approved
Roll-Over-Protective-System (ROPS). Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or
even death could result from falling off the tractor.
5. Clear area to be cut of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown,
causing injury or damage.
6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Ensure rotary cutter is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 8olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

8. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good
condition.
2.02 - Starting and Stopping
1. Be sure that no one is near the machine prior to engaging or while the machine is
working.
2. Be sure the tractor is in “Neutral” before starting engine.
3. Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual
for PTO engagement and disengagement instructions. Always operate PTO at 540
rpm. Know how to stop the tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
4. When engaging PTO, the engine rpm should always be low. Once engaged and
ready to start cutting, raise PTO speed to 540 rpm and maintain throughout cutting
operation.
5. Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good
condition and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is
damaged or missing.
6. If the driveline you are using is equipped with a slip clutch, ensure that the metal slip
clutch shield is properly mounted to the gearbox and in good condition.
7. After striking an obstacle, disengage the PTO, shut the tractor down and thoroughly
inspect for damage before restarting.
8. Never engage the PTO until the cutter is in the down position and resting on the
ground. Never raise the cutter until all blades have come to a complete stop.
9. To park the vehicle safely, stop vehicle on a level surface (not on a slope),
disengage PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the engine, remove the key, and
wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s seat.
10.Stay clear of rotating drivelines. Entanglement in rotating driveline can cause serious
injury or death. Wear close fitting clothing. Stop the engine and be sure PTO
driveline is stopped before getting near it.
2.03 - Messages and Signs
1. Read and adhere to all safety and operating decals on this machine (see fig. 2).
2. Before dismounting tractor: Allow moving parts to stop, stop engine, set brake and
remove the key of unattended equipment.
3. Keep away from rotating blades and driveline.
4. Keep guards and shields in place and in good condition.
5. Do not mow with bystanders in area.
6. Allow no riders on tractor or mower.
7. Allow moving parts to stop before repair.
8. Securely support cutter before working underneath.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 9olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

Additional warning and operating decals are available at no extra charge. Please specify
model and serial number when ordering.
Fig. 2 - Safety decals - implement; replace immediately if damaged.
1. Read this manual carefully.
2. Before maintenance operations, disengage PTO and shut tractor down.
3. 540 rpm PTO only.
4. Keep away from rotating driveline.
5. Keep away, objects can be thrown.
6. Never allow passengers.
7. Keep all shields in place.
8. Keep away from rotating blades.
9. Keep shields in place; moving parts.
10. Do not stand between tractor and implement when tractor is in gear.
11. Keep away, hot surfaces.
12. Wear protective clothing; snug fit work suit and earplugs or earmuffs.
13. Wear protective clothing; safety shoes and gloves.
14. Lubrication points.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 10 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
right side
left side
12 3456
101
2
1
3
78 9
11
14

Safety decals - driveline; replace immediately if damaged.
1. Danger: Rotating driveline, contact can cause death. Keep away! Do not operate without:
All driveline guards, tractor and equipment shields in place.
Driveline securely attached at both ends.
Driveline guards that turn freely on driveline.
2. Danger: Guard missing, do not operate.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 11 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1
2

3 - OPERATION
You have purchased a rotary cutter which is solid, dependable, and built to last. It is
ideal for farms, industrial sites, airports, highways, hospital grounds, etc., and handles
the tallest grass and your toughest mowing assignment including bushes. It can also be
used for chopping wheat, cornstalks, sunflowers, artichokes, potatoes, etc. The residue
is pulverised for easy incorporation.
The rotary cutter Tornado RRB, for tractors up to 60 HP, is a standard duty model with
working width of 120 cm. (48”). The PTO runs at 540 rpm and the rotor turns at 1042
rpm.
On the rotary cutter, the tractor PTO transmits its power through a driveline to a speed
multiplier gearbox. The pinion gear shaft of the gearbox transmits the power to the
blades holder.
The balanced rotor is equipped with two 10x70 mm. (3/8”x23/4”) free swing spring steel
blades. The implement comes with a cutting height control tail wheel and with a
10x20x38 cm. (4”x8”x15”) laminated tire. The cutting height varies from 2.5 to 23.5 cm.
(1” to 9¼”). The RRB-148 comes with a standard stump jumper to protect the blade
holder rotor.
3.01 - Operational Safety
CAUTION: Our rotary cutters are designed considering safety as the most
important aspect and are the safest available in today’s market. Unfortunately,
human carelessness can override the safety features built into our machines.
Injury prevention and work safety, aside from the features on our cutters, are very
much due to the responsible use of the equipment. It must always be operated
prudently following with great care, the safety instructions laid out in this manual.
WARNING: Because of possible injury from thrown objects, all rotary cutters are
potentially dangerous. Any rotary cutter intended for use along roadways or other
locations where people may be present, must be used with safety shields in
place.
1. The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be prevented
by mechanical means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read
and understand this entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and
operating instructions, prior to using.
OPERATION 12 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

2. Do not operate the tractor and rotary cutter when you are tired, sick or when using
medication.
3. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least at least 100 meters from a rotary cutter.
Only properly trained people should operate this machine.
4. When this machine is operated in populated areas where thrown objects could injure
persons or property, optional equipment safety shielding (which is designed to
reduce the possibility of thrown objects) must be installed.
5. The majority of accidents involve entanglements on the driveline, injury of
bystanders by objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked
off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by the rotary cutter.
Accidents are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to
someone who has not read the operator’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary
cutter.
6. Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition
key, lower implement to the ground and allow rotary cutter blades to come to a
complete stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with
the tractor running.
7. Never place hands or feet under rotary cutter with tractor engine running or before
you are sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
8. Do not allow riders on the rotary cutter or tractor at any time. There is no safe place
for riders.
9. Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock and pets are at least 100 meters away
to prevent injury by thrown objects.
10.Before backing up, disengage the rotary cutter and look behind carefully.
11.Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
12.Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
13.This rotary cutter is designed for use only on tractors with 540 rpm power take off.
14.Never operate tractor and rotary cutter under trees with low hanging limbs.
Operators can be knocked off the tractor and then run over by the rotating blades.
15.The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for rugged use.
However, they could fail upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as steel guard
rails and concrete abutments. Such impact could cause the broken objects to be
thrown outward at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage,
serious injury, or even death, never allow the cutting blades to contact such
obstacles.
16.Frequently check rotary cutter blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and
cracks and securely fastened.
17.Stop rotary cutter immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off, remove
key, inspect and repair any damage before resuming operation.
18.Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from drop-offs.
19.Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on
hillside, over rough ground and when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful
when turning sharp corners.
20.Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimise tipping or loss of control. Be
careful when changing directions on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on slopes.
Avoid operation on steep slopes.
OPERATION 13 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

21.When using a unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on
tractor front wheels. Without this weight, tractor could tip over, causing personal
injury or death. The weight may be attained with a front end loader, front wheel
weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of
tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS
weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. Do not guess or estimate!
22.Inspect the entire machine periodically3. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken
parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
23.Use only the driveline supplied with the rotary cutter. Do not use it if it is missing any
shield or safety protection.
24.Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up”
tractor and implement.
25.Avoid sudden starts and stops while travelling up or downhill.
26.Always cut down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes.
Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping and or loss of control.
3.02 - Set-up
Notice to dealer: Pre-delivery set-up and service including lubrication is the
responsibility of the authorised dealer. It is up to him to assure that the machine is in
perfect condition and ready to be used. It is his responsibility to ensure that the
customer is aware of all safety aspects and operational procedures for the rotary cutter.
He must also fill out the Pre-Delivery Checklist4prior to delivering the rotary cutter.
3.03 - Cutting Height Adjustment
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from moving blades.
Be sure tractor engine is off, parking brake is locked, and key is removed before
making any adjustments.
Never rely on the tractor lift system. Install blocks or stands under the rotary
cutter deck to prevent it from falling.
The cutting height is the distance from the blades to the ground which is determined by
the position of the tail wheel.
The cutting height is adjusted by moving the wheel arm up or down on the height
adjustment brackets which are part of the deck. Raising the wheel arm lowers the
cut.
The cutting height is adjustable from 2.5 to 23.5 cm. (1” to 9¼”).
OPERATION 14 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
4See Chapter 7 - Pre-Delivery Checklist.
3See Chapter 4 - Maintenance.

IMPORTANT: Very low cutting heights should be avoided. Damaging shock loads
occur when the blades strike the ground repeatedly. This can cause damage to
the cutter.
3.04 - Pre-Operational Check
IMPORTANT: Check each of the following, carefully, prior to engaging the equipment:
1. The spindle bearing has been greased.
2. The oil in the gearbox.
3. The driveline cross and bearings have been greased.
4. No wrappings or foreign objects are around the blades, rotor or driveline.
5. The blades are properly installed and the blade bolts properly torqued5.
6. All hardware is tight6.
7. The tractor, to ensure correct direction of PTO and rpm speed.
8. All safety shields and guards are in place and tightly attached.
9. No people or animals are in the work area.
DANGER: Stay clear of rotating driveline. Entanglement in rotating driveline can
cause serious injury. Disengage PTO, engage parking brake or place
transmission in “Park”, shut off the tractor and remove the key before working
around hitch, attaching or detaching driveline, making adjustments, servicing or
cleaning the machine.
OPERATION 15 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
6See Table 1, page 30.
5See Table 1, page 30.
Fig. 3 - The cutting height is adjustable by moving the wheel arm up or down
on the height adjustment brackes.

3.05 - Attaching to the Tracto
r
Unit may be used on tractors ranging from 20 to 60 HP equipped with a standard rear
PTO and category 1 three point hitch7. Never use this rotary cutter with tractors over
60 HP.
CAUTION: Check the tractor PTO rpm and its direction of rotation to ensure that
they correspond to what is indicated on the machine.
WARNING: Disengage PTO, wait for all movement from the implement and tractor
to stop, engage parking brake or place transmission in “Park”, shut off the tractor
and remove the key before attaching the implement to the tractor.
DANGER: Tractor-implement combinations can create unstable unions with a
chance of rollover. If necessary, front weights need to be added to the tractor in
order to maintain balance. Always ensure that the tractor tire pressure is correct
according to the tractor operator’s manual.
To attach the rotary cutter to the tractor do the following:
1. Back the tractor up to the rotary cutter in order to slip the tractor hitch arms over the
hitch pins bolted to the rotary cutter hitch arms. Turn off the tractor engine. Secure
them in place with the lynch pins. Failure to ensure a secure coupling of the
implement to the tractor can cause injury and damage to the implement or
tractor.
2. Adjust the tractor sway blocks or chains to remove all side movement.
3. Attach the top link. Adjust tractor top link to allow the rotary cutter to follow the
ground contour and yet remain as level as possible when raised to transport
position.
4. Install the shielded driveline to the tractor by first lining up the splines and
depressing the snap pin. Push the yoke onto the PTO shaft as far as it will go.
Release the pin and pull back slowly until the pin clicks in place. Proceed to step 5 or
6 to install the driveline on the implement end.
5. For models with shear bolt driveline: Slide driveline yoke onto gearbox input
shaft. Install snap ring onto grove on input shaft. The snap ring is for added security
in case the shear bolt should break. Install ½”x3½”, grade 2 shear bolt through yoke
and input shaft and secure with ½” nut.
6. For models with slip clutch driveline: Install the metal clutch shield onto gearbox
using two bolts M08x20, lock washers and nuts. Slide slip clutch onto gearbox input
shaft and secure with bolt M12-1.25x80 class 8.8, lock washer and nut M12-1.25.
OPERATION 16 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
7See Table 2, page 30.

7. Attach the driveline chains to the tractor and to the rotary cutter to keep the driveline
protection from turning. The chains should not be too tight.
3.06 - Start-up
DANGER: The rotary cutter must always be lowered to the ground before starting
tractor engine or engaging PTO lever.
Lower the implement with the tractor rockshaft control lever until the deck is horizontal
to the ground. If the cutting height is not correct, change the setting using the tail wheel8.
The deck should be horizontal to the ground when cutting. With the engine idling, slowly
engage the PTO drive. Move the throttle lever until the PTO speed indicated on the
cutter is obtained.
The machine is normally set for a PTO speed of 540 rpm.
Shift the transmission to a slow speed gear and start forward, increase the ground
speed by shifting upward until the desired speed is obtained. Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely necessary and only after careful observation of the area behind the
rotary cutter.
CAUTION: Do not operate this rotary cutter at a PTO speed or direction of rotation
other than that shown on the rotary cutter. Serious damage can occur to the
machine and/or the operator.
Before starting to mow, never forget that the operator is responsible for the following:
1. Safe and correct driving of the tractor and rotary cutter.
2. To learn precise safe operating procedures for both the tractor and the rotary cutter.
3. To ensure all maintenance and lubrication has been performed on the rotary cutter.
4. To have read and understood all safety aspects for the rotary cutter in the operator’s
manual.
5. To have read and understood all safety decals on the rotary cutter.
6. Checking the condition of the blades. Worn or damaged blades should be changed
before starting9.
7. Checking to ensure that the cutting edge is the leading edge of the blade10.
8. Checking that there is no wire, weed, grass or other material wrapped around
blades.
9. Checking to see if front weights need to be added to the tractor in order to maintain
balance.
10.Checking the tractor tires for the proper pressure in accordance with the tractor
operator’s manual.
OPERATION 17 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL
10 See Section 4.03 - Blade Maintenance.
9See Section 4.03 - Blade Maintenance.
8See Section 3.03 - Cutting Height Adjustment.

11.Checking that the PTO shield, belt shields and all other shielding are on the
machine and securely in place.
12.Making sure the proper attire is worn. Avoiding loose fitting clothing which can
become entangled. Wearing sturdy, tough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hands, ears and head. Never operate tractor or implement
barefoot, or wearing sandals or sneakers.
13.Checking area for stones, branches and other debris that might be thrown.
14.Ensuring proper lighting is available, sunlight or good artificial lighting.
3.07 - Working Speed
The mowing speed depends on ground conditions, tractor HP, mowing height, and
grass thickness. Only a test run will enable you to gauge the optimal working speed for
your conditions. Under most conditions a 3 to 10 km/h (2 to 6 mph) ground speed is
best. In order to obtain the best cut possible, always keep the tractor rpm up to the
speed indicated on the rotary cutter. When increasing or decreasing mowing ground
speed, always use gear selection, not engine speed. This will maintain the constant
maximum blade speed necessary for a clean cut.
WARNING: Never operate without all shields on the machine and securely in
place. The cutter blades can throw objects one hundred (100) meters or more
which could result in personal or property damage. Pick up all rocks and other
debris before mowing. Enter new areas carefully. Cut grass higher at first,
allowing the machine to clear hidden objects.
CAUTION: For emergency reasons learn how to stop the tractor and cutter
quickly. On the rotary cutter always disengage the PTO, lock parking brake, stop
engine and allow the blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting the
tractor.
3.08 - Uneven Terrain
DANGER: Be careful of rollover when operating tractor and rotary cutter over
uneven ground.
The following precautions should always be observed when working on uneven terrain:
1. In extremely uneven terrain rear wheel weights, front tractor weights, and/or tire
ballast should be used to improve stability.
2. Observe the type of terrain and develop a safe working pattern.
OPERATION 18 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

3. Whenever traction or stability is doubtful, first test drive over the terrain with the PTO
disengaged.
4. Operate the implement up and down steep slopes, not across slopes, to prevent the
tractor from tipping. Avoid sudden stops and starts, and slow down before changing
directions on a slope.
5. Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent hanging up the
tractor and implement.
6. Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping or loss of control.
7. Avoid tipping the mower while cutting.
8. Watch for holes, roots or other hidden objects. Do not use near the edge of a gully,
ditch or stream bank.
3.09 - Removing Rotary Cutter from the Tractor
CAUTION: Disengage tractor PTO. Set parking brake. Stop engine and remove
key from ignition. Disconnect rotary cutter driveline from tractor PTO shaft.
Collapse driveline and store in appropriate place. Disconnect three point linkage
and carefully drive tractor away from rotary cutter.
3.10 - Transport
Before raising the rotary cutter for transport, the tractor top link must be adjusted so
when lifted, the rear of the machine is higher than the front (the mower’s nose is tilted
downward). To do this, shorten the tractor top link until the top hitch plate is locked
forward and no longer able to pivot. This will keep the rotary cutter locked in position
and minimise the shaking and bouncing during transport which can damage the hitch or
frame.
CAUTION: Make sure PTO is disengaged and blades have stopped turning before
raising rotary cutter to full transport position. Do not tow tractor and rotary cutter
behind other vehicles. Use a properly equipped trailer with heavy tie-downs for
towing operations.
Before transporting:
1. Always select a safe ground speed that is appropriate for the terrain.
2. Beware of traffic on public roads. Install a SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) sign when
travelling on roads or streets. Comply with all federal, state and local laws.
3. Reduce ground speed when turning and take care that the implement does not strike
obstacles such as trees, fences or buildings.
4. Always disengage PTO before raising the implement to transport position.
OPERATION 19 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL

5. When raising the mower be sure the PTO driveline does not hit either the mower or
the tractor.
6. During transport the mower should not be lifted over 35-40 cm. (14”-16”) from the
ground.
OPERATION 20 olqljb`
TORNADO RRB OPERATOR’SMANUAL