Tar River ERC Series User manual

Rev. 03/22
Round Back Rotary Cutter
ERC Series
Operator’s Manual

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
TO THE DEALER:
Assembly and proper installation of this product is the responsibility of the Tar River dealer. Read manual
instructions and safety rules. Make sure all items on the Dealer’s Pre-Delivery and Delivery Check Lists in the
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual are completed before releasing equipment to the owner.
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before operating your Tar River 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 the adjustment and operating procedures before attempting to
operate. Replacement manuals can be obtained from your selling dealer. 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. For service, your authorized Tar River dealer
has trained mechanics, genuine Tar River service parts, and the necessary tools and equipment to handle all
your needs. Use only genuine Tar River service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet
standards required for safe and satisfactory operation.
Record your implement model and serial number in the space provide below. Your dealer will need this
information to give you prompt, efficient service.
Model Number: ______________________________________
Serial Number: _______________________________________
Date Purchased: ______________________________________

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Technical Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Safety …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Safety Signal Words ……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
General Safety Guidelines ……………………………………………………………………………… 7
Safety Decal Care ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Before Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
During Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Highway And Transport Operations …………………………………………………………………… 10-11
Assembly ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Attaching to tractor….…………………………………………………………………………………... 13
Attaching PTO Shaft..………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Adjustments…….………………………………………………………………………………………. 15-16
Maintenance/Service...………………………………………………………………………………….. 17-19
Torque Specifications ………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
Parts Breakdown ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 21-29
Warranty ………………………………………………………………………………………………... 30
Table of Contents

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Thank you for purchasing your ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter. The ERC comes standard with front and rear
chains and designed for 20-55 HP tractors. The ERC gearbox has a 5 year warranty while the rest of the ma-
chine is 1 year. A shear pin or slip-clutch PTO is available for the ERC. The rotary cutter has a capacity of 1-
1/2”, a pan-type stump jumper and available in working widths of 4’, 5’ and 6’.
Technical Specifications
ERC-R4 ERC-R5 ERC-R6
Weight 494 lbs. 586 lbs. 714 lbs.
Req. HP Minimum 20 HP Minimum 25 HP Minimum 35 HP
Working width 48” 60” 72”
Cat. hitch 111
PTO Protection Shear-Pin Shear-Pin Shear-Pin
Introduction

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Safety
It is important that you read the entire manual and to become familiar with this product before you begin using
it. This product is designed for certain applications only. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for issues
arising from modification. We strongly recommend this product not be modified and /or used for any
application other than that for which it is designed. If you have any questions relative to a particular
application, DO NOT use the product until you have first contacted us to determine if it can or should be
performed on the product.
Read and understand this manual and all safety signs before operating and maintaining . Review the safety
instructions and precautions annually.
Safety Signal Words
TAKE NOTE! This safety alert symbol found though out this manual is used to call you attention to
instructions involving you personal safety and the safety of others. Failure to follow these instructions
can result in injury or death.
This symbol means:
Attention!
Become alert!
Your safety is involved!
Note the use of the signal words, DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages.
The appropriate signal word for each has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations typically for machine
components which, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
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. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Important Safety Information

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
General Safety Guidelines
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a new piece of equipment.
Designers and manufacturers build in as many safety features as possible. However, every year many accidents
occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling
equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions in this section.
To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those working with you, or for you, follow
them.
Replace any DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION or instruction safety decal that is not readable or is missing.
Location of such decals are indicated in this manual. Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should be a
responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow
persons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a
thorough understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
To prevent injury of death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Do not paint
over, remove or deface any signs or warning decals on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and practice
the instructions on them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question -
Don’t try it!
• Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
• Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
• Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current safety sign
• Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
Safety Decal Care
Important Safety Information

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
How to install Safety Signs:
• Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry.
• Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
• Remove the smallest portion of the split backing paper.
• Align the decal over the specified area and carefully press the small portion with the exposed sticky
backing in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion of the decal in place.
• Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using the piece of decal backing paper.
• Carefully study and understand this manual.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, which may catch in moving parts.
• Always wear protective clothing and substantial shoes.
• Assure that all tires are inflated evenly.
• Give the unit a visual inspection for any loose bolts, worn parts or cracked welds, and make necessary
repairs. Follow the maintenance safety instructions included with this manual.
• Be sure that there are no tools lying on or in the equipment.
• Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially of children and animals.
• Don’t hurry the learning process or take the unit for granted. Ease into it and become familiar with your
new equipment.
• Practice operation of your equipment and its attachments. Completely familiarize yourself and other
operators with its operation before using.
• Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and fasten your seat belt prior to
starting engine.
• The manufacturer does not recommend usage of tractor with ROPS removed.
• Move tractor wheels to the widest recommended settings to increase stability.
• Securely attach to towing unit. Use a high strength, appropriately sized hitch pin with a mechanical retainer
and attach safety chain.
• Do not allow anyone to stand between the tongue or hitch and the towing vehicle when backing up to the
equipment.
• Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially of children and animals.
Before Operation
Important Safety Information

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
• Children should not be allowed on the product.
• Clear the area of small children and bystanders before moving the feeder.
• If using a towing unit, securely attach feeder by using a hardened 3/4” pin, a metal retainer, and safety
chains if required. Shift towing unit to a lower gear before going down steep downgrades, thus using the
engine as a retarding force. Keep towing vehicle in gear at all times. Slow down for corners and rough
terrain.
• Make sure you are in compliance with all local and state regulations regarding transporting equipment on
public roads and highways. Lights and slow moving signs must be clean and visible by overtaking or
oncoming traffic when feeder in transported.
• Beware of bystanders, particularly children! Always look around to make sure that it is safe to start the
engine of the towing vehicle or move the unit. This is particularly important with higher noise levels and
quiet cabs, as you may not hear people shouting.
• NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED! Do not carry passengers anywhere on, or in, the tractor or equipment,
except as required for operation.
• Keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
• Do not clean, lubricate or adjust your equipment while it is moving.
• When halting operation, even periodically, set the tractor or towing vehicle brakes, disengage the PTO,
shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
• Be especially observant of the operating area and terrain. Watch for holes, rocks or hidden hazards. Always
inspect the area prior to operation.
• DO NOT operate near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
• DO NOT operate on steep slopes as overturns may result.
• Operate up and down (not across) intermediate slopes. Avoid sudden starts and stops.
During Operation
Important Safety Information

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
• Adopt safe driving practices.
• Keep the brake pedals latched together at all times. Never use independent braking with machine in tow
as loss of control and/or upset of unit can result.
• Always drive at a safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your speed is low enough for an
emergency stop to be safe and secure. Keep speed at a minimum.
• Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid the risk of overturning.
• Avoid sudden uphill turns on steep slopes.
• Always keep the tractor or towing vehicle in gear to provide engine braking when going downhill. Do not
coast.
• Do not drink and drive!
• Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of farm machinery on public
roads.
• Use approved accessory lighting flags and necessary warning devices to protect operators of other vehicles
on the highway during daylight and nighttime transport. Various safety lights and devices are available
from your dealer.
• The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most localities. However, some localities prohibit their
use. Local laws should be checked for all highway and marking requirements.
• When driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 40 kph (20 mph) at night or during
the day, use the amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem.
• Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
• Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations, including narrow
bridges, intersections, etc.
• Be observant of bridge loading ratings. Do not cross bridges rated at lower than the gross weight at which
you are operating.
• Watch for obstructions overhead and to the side while transporting.
• Always operate in a position to provide maximum visibility at all times. Make allowances for increased
length and weight of the equipment when making turns, stopping the unit, etc.
• Pick the most level route when transporting across fields. Avoid the edges of ditches or gullies and steep
hillsides.
• Be extra careful when working in inclines.
Highway and Transport Operations
Important Safety Information

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
• Maneuver the tractor or towing vehicle at safe speeds.
• Avoid overhead wires or other obstacles. Contact with overhead lines could cause serious injury or death.
• Avoid loose fill, rocks and holes, they can be dangerous for equipment operation or movement.
• Allow for unit length when making turns,
• Operate the towing vehicle from the operator’s seat only.
• Never stand alongside of unit with engine running or attempt to start engine and/or operate machine while
standing alongside of unit.
• Never leave running equipment attachments unattended.
• As a precaution, always recheck the hardware on equipment following every 100 hours of operation. Cor-
rect all problems. Follow the maintenance safety procedures.
Highway and Transport Operations
Important Safety Information

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Three Point Hitch Assembly (Fig. 1)
1. Attach the Lift Arms to the ERC front hitch mounts with M20-2.50x45 bolts, M20 washers and M20 lock-
nuts. Do not tighten hardware at this time. (See Parts Section for part numbers).
2. Insert one M16-2.0x55 bolt first thru the deck frame, the Rear Brace and lastly the Tail Wheel Arm on one
side. Place a M16 flat washer and M16-2.0 lock nut on the bolt. Repeat for the other side.
3. At this time, tighten all hardware according to the proper torque values. Refer to the “Torque Specifica-
tions” Chart on page 20.
4. The U-bracket must swing freely between the Rear Brace and Lift Arms for the deck to float properly. It
may be necessary to loosen the nut slightly to allow the Rear Brace to swing freely.
Assembly
Rear Brace
Lift Arm
U-Bracket
Steel Sleeve
Front Hitch Mounts
Tail Wheel Arm
Fig. 1
M20-2.50x45 Hex bolt
M16-2.0x140 Hex bolt
M16-2.0x55 Hex bolt
M20 Lock Washer & Self-
locking nut
M16 Lock Washer &
Self-locking nut

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Attaching the ERC Rotary Cutter (Fig. 2)
• Back up the tractor to the ERC Rotary Cutter, while lining up the lower tractor links to the ERC Rotary
Cutter lower pins.
• Stop the engine, set the brake and remove the key from the tractor and block the tractor tires.
• Secure the tractor lower arms to the ERC Rotary Cutter lower pins with lynch pins.
• Attach the tractor top link to the ERC Rotary Cutter with the top link pin and r-clip.
• Adjust the tractor sway bars/chains to center the rotary cutter and remove excess sway.
• Adjust lower links and top link so that the ERC Rotary Cutter is level.
• Operate the tractor hydraulic controls very slowly up and down. There should be no contact between the
ERC Rotary Cutter or any part of the tractor. Failure to check clearance can result in damage to the ERC
Rotary Cutter , tractor (especially the tires) and possible injury to the operator. Maintain no less than 6” of
clearance between the ERC Rotary Cutter, tractor and tractor tires throughout the complete range of
motion.
Attaching to Tractor
Fig. 2
Tractor Lower Arms
Tractor Top Link
Warning: When attaching the ERC Rotary Cutter, Never allow anyone to stand between
the ERC Rotary Cutter and the tractor. Serious injury or death can occur!

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Attaching the PTO shaft:
Before installing the PTO shaft make sure that the RPM rating and the direction of rotation match those of the
tractor. Carefully read the PTO shaft and tractor instructions. Before operation, make sure that the guards are
installed on the power take off of the tractor and PTO shaft. Make sure that they cover the PTO shaft through-
out its length. Note: The PTO shaft may be too long and require shortening. See “Shortening a PTO
driveline” below.
Press the locking pin on the PTO yoke and slide yoke on to the PTO of the tractor until the pin seats. Pull on
PTO shaft to make certain it is locked in place. Repeat the procedure for the machine end. Attach the PTO
cover’s safety chains to a stationary part of the tractor. Leave some slack in the chain to accommodate move-
ment.
Shortening a PTO driveline:
1. With the machine attached to the tractor’s 3-point hitch, and the PTO shaft not installed, separate the PTO
shaft. Attach the machine end to the machine and the other end to the tractor PTO input shaft.
2. Raise the machine by using the tractor’s hydraulic 3-point hitch to its maximum lift height.
3. Hold the half shafts next to each other and mark them so each end is approximately 1/2” from hitting the
end of the telescopic profiles.
4. Shorten the inner and outer guard tubes equally.
5. Shorten the inner and outer profiles by the same length as the guard tubes. Using a rattail file, round off all
sharp edges and burrs. Grease the telescopic profile generously before reassembling.
When fully extended, the tubes must overlap by at least 1/3 of the length of the pipes
(LT). When retracted, the min. acceptable clearance is 1-2 cm (3/8”-3/4”)
Attaching PTO Shaft

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Adjusting the Tractor Top Link - Transport Position (Fig. 3A)
When transporting the ERC Rotary Cutter, adjust the Tractor Top Link as shown in Fig. 3. making sure the U-
bracket is parallel to the ground.
This position will help prevent the rotary cutter from bouncing causing damage to the implement or tractor.
The rotary cutter should not be lifted any higher than 15-20” off the ground.
Never transport the rotary cutter with the PTO engaged and blades rotating!
When transporting, do not raise the implement so high that the PTO strikes any part of the implement. This can
cause damage to the PTO or implement.
Always transport the rotary cutter at a safe speed. Obey federal, state and local laws when on public highways.
Adjustments
Tractor Top Link
U-bracket is rigid
Ground Level
Tractor Top Link
U-bracket in float
Ground Level
Transport Position
Float Position
Fig. 3A
Adjusting the Tractor Top Link - Float Position (Fig. 3B)
Adjust the Tractor Top Link by twisting it to relax the U-bracket so it’s pointing towards the ground similar to
the illustration. The Tail Wheel should be resting on the ground.
In this position the rotary cutter will (float) follow the contour of the ground.
Fig. 3B
Tractor Lower Arms
Tractor Lower Arms
Transport Height
15”-20”

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Adjusting Cutting Height (Fig. 4)
Raise or lower the Tail Wheel Arm to the desired height by selecting a different set of holes in the Height
Adjustment Plate.
It is not necessary to remove the Height Adjustment Plate from the cutter deck.
Use the tractor 3 point hitch to raise the deck, remove the upper carriage bolts, nuts and washers from the
Height Adjustment Plate. Inspect the hardware removed and replace if necessary. The cutter deck is extremely
heavy and should be blocked or supported to prevent possible injury or death.
Re-attach removed hardware and tighten to proper torque specifications. See “Torque Specifications” chart
of page 19.
Caution: Adjusting the cutting height too low can cause damage to the blades and/or the rotary cutter.
If the blades continuously strike the ground, raise the height of the cutter.
Adjustments
Warning! Before making adjustments to the ERC Rotary Cutter:
• Shut off the tractor engine, remove tractor key, set parking brake and block tractor
wheels.
• Make sure the PTO, blades are not moving before making adjustments.
• Keep hands and feet away from mower blades.
• Never stand or place any body part under the deck without first blocking or securing the
deck to prevent falling.
• Block the rotary cutter deck before adjusting height to prevent it from falling, causing
damage to the rotary cutter, injury or possibly death.
Carriage Bolt M10x30
M10 Flat Washer and Nut
Height Adjustment Plate
Fig. 4

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Maintenance/Service
• Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.
• Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate the engine of the towing
vehicle in a closed building. The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
•
maintenance.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment for the job at hand.
• Use extreme caution when making adjustments.
• Never replace hex bolts with less than grade five bolts unless otherwise specified.
• After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed.
• Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine factory
replacement parts must be used to restore your equipment to original specifications. The manufacturer will
not claim responsibility for use of unapproved parts and/or accessories and other damages as a result of
their use.
• liability
for injury or warranty.
• Check all the tightness of all hardware on the rotary cutter on a regular basis. Check condition of blades
and stump jumper.
• Check the gear box for proper amount of oil. Grease the tail wheel arm and tail wheel as necessary.
DANGER: Stop engine, lock parking brake and remove key before performing any
service or maintenance.
Never rely on the tractor lift system. Place blocks or stands under the rotary cutter deck to
prevent it from falling, causing serious injury or death.
Always use personal protection devices, such as glasses or gloves when performing mainte-
nance on the rotary cutter.

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Maintenance/Service
Warning: To avoid injury when changing blades, always wear Personal
Protective Equipment, gloves, eye protection, etc.
Blade inspection/replacement (Fig. 5)
1. Remove the access cap from the gearbox mount plate, to access the blade nuts. Rotate the blades so that
the blade bolt nut lines up with the access hole.
2. Block the blade to prevent it from moving. Using a pull bar, ratchet or impact wrench, remove the blade
nut and blade from the implement.
3. Inspect the condition of the blades and blade hardware.
4. Replace the blades if worn, dull, damaged or distorted. A worn or damaged blade will give a less than
optimal cut and can cause excessive vibration. Replace bolts if damaged or worn.
5. Install new OEM blades, OEM bolts and torque to proper torque specifications. Make sure the blades
swing freely to prevent damage to the rotary cutter.
6. It is important that the blade’s cutting edge faces the direction of rotation. Note that the rotary cutter
blades rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed from underneath the cutter.
7. Replace the access cap and any parts or shields removed.
Important:
• Blade bolts should be checked for proper torque every 8 hours. Replace with only OEM bolts. These bolts
are special made for this rotary cutter.
• Replace with OEM blades in pairs to ensure proper balance. Unbalanced blades can cause excessive
vibration and possible damage to the rotary cutter.
Fig. 5
Access to blade bolt nuts. Cap removed.
Note: Some parts/shield removed for clarity. Always
replace any parts/shields removed before operating the
rotary cutter. Serious injury or death can occur.

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Maintenance/Service
Lubrication
Every 8 hours:
Grease the tail wheel yoke and the tail wheel hub, Fig. 6A.
Check the gear box oil by observing the site glass on the LH side of the gearbox. Add SAE 90W gear oil as
needed, Fig. 6A.
Grease the PTO shaft and apply a light layer of grease on the inner tube, Fig. 6B.
Grease
Oil
Fig. 6A
Fig. 6B
Grease
Grease
Coat PTO inner tube with a thin layer of grease
Grease
Grease

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ERC Round Back Rotary Cutter
Notes:
This chart is an approximate estimate of torque values.
Always tighten hardware to these values unless a different torque value or tightening procedure is listed for a specific application.
Fasteners must always be replaced with the same grade as specified in the manual.
Always use the proper tool for tightening hardware: SAE for SAE hardware and Metric for Metric hardware.
Make sure that fastener threads are clean and that you properly start thread engagement.
Torque Specifications