Tar River Square Back Rotary Cutter User manual

SquareBackRotaryCutter
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Due to improvements, the actual product may differ
slightly.
June 2021

1
TO THE CUSTOMER
This manual contains valuable information about your new
Mower. It has been carefully prepared to give you helpful
suggestions for operating, adjusting, and servicing.
Keep this manual in a convenient place for quick and easy
reference. Study it carefully, only by proper care and operation
can you expect to receive the service and long life designed
and built into this mower.
It is the owner's and/or operator's responsibility to....
• Read and understand the information contained in this
manual.
• Operate, lubricate, assemble, and maintain the equipment
in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures in
this manual.
• Inspect the equipment and replace or repair any parts that
aredamaged or worn which couldcause damage, wear to
other parts, or cause a safetyhazard.

2
CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
Safety ...............................................................................3
Equipment Safety Guidelines...........................................4
Assembly Instructions......................................................5
Before Operating..............................................................9
Preparation......................................................................10
Starting and Stopping Safety ..........................................10
Transportation Safety......................................................13
Attaching to Tractor.........................................................14
Cutting Height Adjustment...............................................15
Operating Instructions.....................................................16
Maintenance....................................................................17
Maintenance and Storage Safety....................................18
Safety Decals and Locations...........................................19
Troubleshooting Guide.......................................................22
Diagram and Parts List.................................................. 26

3
SAFETY
READ AND FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL,
ESPECIALLY IN THE SAFETY
SECTION. FAILURE TO DO SO
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT
SYMBOL IS FOUND THROUGHOUT
THIS MANUAL. THIS SYMBOL IS
USED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION
TO INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING
YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND
THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS
ATTENTION!
BE ON THE ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
CRITICAL TERMS:
The critical terms DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION are used with the
safety messages in this manual and with each safety decal. They are defined
asfollows:
DANGER: Indicates an immediate hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in serious injury or death. This Critical Term is to be limited to the
most extreme situations, typically for machine components that, for functional
purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in serious injury or death, 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 also may be used to alert against
unsafe practices.

4
EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
•Safety of the operator and bystanders is one of the main concerns in designing and
developing a mower. However, every year accidents occur which could have been
avoided by a few moments of thought and a more careful approach to handling
equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following
precautions and insist those working with or for you adhere tothem.
•In order to provide a better view, certain illustrations in this manual may show an
assembly with a safety guard removed. However,equipment should never be operated
in this condition. Keep all guards in place. If guard removal becomes necessary for
repairs, reinstall the guard prior to use.
• Replace any safety decal that is not legible or is missing. The locations of such
safety decals are indicated in this manual.
•Never operate this equipment while using alcoholic beverages or drugs that can hinder
alertness or coordination. Consult your doctor about operating this machine while
taking prescription medications.
• Under no circumstances should children under the age of 18 be allowed to
work with or around this equipment. Do not allow anyone to operate or
assemble this equipment until they have read this manual and have
developed a thorough understanding of the safety precautions and operation.
Review safety instructions with all users annually.
•This equipment is dangerous to children and anyone unfamiliarwith its operation. The
operator shouldbea responsible,properly qualified,andphysicallyableperson familiar
with farm machinery and competent in this equipment's operation.
•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 TRYIT.
• Useatractor equippedwithaRollOver ProtectionSystemandseatbelts.(ROPS)
•Do not modify the equipment in any way. Unauthorized modifications could result in
serious injury or death and may impair the function and shorten the life of the
equipment.
•In addition to the design of this implement, safety decals and safety equipment,
accident prevention is dependent upon the awareness, common sense, forethought,
and proper training of everyone involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and
storage of the machine. Also refer to safety messages and operating instructions in
each of the appropriate sections of the tractor manual. Pay close attention to the safety
decals affixed to the tractor and the Rotary Cutter Mower.

5
ROTARY CUTTER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1 Place Rotary Cutter on a
flat, level surface. (See
Figure1)
Figure 1
STEP 2 Remove the PTO shaft, lift pins, and
spacers. Loosen and remove the
bolts four (4) on the lift arm brackets,
that secure the lift arm support
straps, lift arms, and lift arm braces
from the shipping positions and set
aside. (See Figure 2)
STEP 3 Install the right lift arm and lift arm
support strap using two (2) shortbolt
and one (1) lift pin. (See Figure 3)
Note: The lift arm support strap has
one hole punched larger than the
other.The larger hole is to be used to
fasten with the lift pin. The lift arm &
support straps should be fastenedto
theoutside ofthe lift armbracket.
Figure2
Figure3

6
STEP 4 Loosen and remove the two (2) nuts
and washers for the A-frame
tailwheel section, leaving the bolts in
place. (See Figure 4)
STEP 5 Install both the right and left side lift
arm braces by sliding them over the
two A-frame tailwheel bolts that
were loosened in Step 4.
Start the nuts on the bolts, but
DO NOT TIGHTEN THEM yet. Allow
the lift arm braces to rotate forward
and rest against the installed lift
arm.
(See Figure 5)
Figure 4
Figure 5

7
STEP 6 Install the long top mounting bolt by
inserting it through the hole in the left
side lift arm brace, the lower of the
two (2) holes in the left side lift arm,
the spacer, the lower of the two (2)
holes in the top of the right-side lift
arm (which should not be attached to
the lift arm bracket at this time), and
finally through the right-side lift arm
brace. Install a washer and start the
nut on the bolt, but do not tighten itat
this time. (See Figure 6, 7 & 8)
Note: You may have to move the assembly
around to start the nut & washer. If
unable to get the nut and washer
started a "C" clamp may be
necessary to compress theassembly
to be able to start the nut & washer.
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8

8
STEP 7 Using the right-side lift arm as a lever,
pull to the outside of the lift arm
bracket and inset bolt through liftarm
and lift arm bracket. (See Figure 9)
Install washer and nut. Place the lift
pin in the larger of the two (2) holes
on the lift arm brace and loosely
attach the lift arm. Finally insert bolt,
nut, and washer to lower section oflift
arm support strap to lift arm bracket.
(See Figure10)
Figure 9
Figure 10
STEP 8 Tighten all nuts andbolts.

ROTARY CUTTER
Place Rotary Cutter so that the deck is secure and level.
Fill the gearbox using a 90W multipurpose gear
oil.

10
PREPARATION
• Never operate thetractor andmower until you have read and completely understand this manual,
the Tractor Operator's Manual, and each of the safety messages found on the safety decals on
the tractor andmower.
• Personal protection equipment including hardhat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves are
recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment maintenance, repairing,
removal, or moving the implement. Do not wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry and be sure to
contain long hair aroundequipment.
• PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS!
Tractors with or without mowers attached can often create enough noise to cause permanent
hearing loss. Werecommend that you use hearing protection if the noise in the operator's position
exceeds 80db. Long-term exposure to noise levels over 80db can cause severe hearing loss.
Long-term exposure to noise levels over 90db adjacent totheoperator maycausepermanent total
hearing loss.
NOTE: Hearing loss from loud noises (from tractors, chain saws, radios, and other sources close
to the ear) is cumulative over a lifetime, with no chance of natural recovery.
• Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or even death could result from falling off the tractor -
particularly during a rollover when the operator couldbe trapped under theROPS orthetractor.
• Clear area to be cut of stones, branches and other debris that might be thrown causing injury or
damage.
• Operate only in daylight or good artificiallight.
• Ensure mower is properly mounted, adjusted andin good operating condition.
• Ensure that allsafety guards and safety decals areproperly installed andin good condition.
STARTING AND STOPPING SAFETY
• Check the tractor master guard over the PTO shaft. Make sure it is in good condition
and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new guard if old guard is damaged or
missing.
• All tractors that are not equipped with a "live" Power Take Off (PTO) need to be
equipped with an over-running PTO clutch. These are available through most farm
equipment stores.
NOTE: The addition of an over-running PTO clutch may change the length of the PTO
driveline required. Pay extra attention to the instructions on the PTO driveline
Installation. Be sure that the driveline system guarding is sufficient.
•Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual for PTO
engagement and disengagement instructions. Know how to stop the tractor and mower
quickly in case of an emergency.

11
STARTING AND STOPPING SAFETY (Continued)
• The engine RPM should always be at idle speed when engaging the PTO. Once
engaged and you are ready to start cutting, increase the PTO speed to approximately
540 RPM and maintain throughout the cutting operation.
• The use of this equipment is susceptible to certain hazards that cannot be protected
against 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 tousing.
•Most accidents occur because of neglect or carelessness. Keep all assistants and
bystanders several hundred feet from the operating Rotary Cutter.
• When machine is operated in populated areas where thrown objects could injure
persons or property, operation must be stopped if anyone comes within a few
hundred feet.
• The majority of the accidents involve entanglement on the driveline, injury of bystander
s by the objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked off the tractor
by low hanging limbs and then being run over by the mower. Accidents are most likely
to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not read the
owner'smanual and is not familiar with a Rotary Cutter.
• The Rotary Cutter isdesigned for useontractors with a 540-RPM power take off.
• Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating. The discharge
chute, flaps, driveline guards and tractor guards should be used and maintained in
good working condition. They should be inspected carefully daily for missing or broken
cables, chain links, shields, and guards. Worn items must be replaced at once to reduce
the possibility of injury.
• Disengage Power Take Off (PTO) and place tractor transmission in neutral before
attempting to startengine.
• Many varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains can become entangled in the
working parts of the mower. These objects could then swing outside the housing at a
greater velocity than the blades. Such an occurrence is extremely hazardous. Inspect
thecutting area for such objects before mowing. Remove any objects fromthe site.
• Never allow the cutting blade to contact objects. Cut higher at first, allowing Rotary
Cutter toclear such hidden objects. Never assume anareais clear. Always Check!
• Always stop the tractor, disengage PTO, allow cutter blades to come to a complete
stop, lower implement to the ground, set brake, shut off the tractor engine and remove
the ignition key before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended while
the tractor isrunning.
• Never place hands or feet under mower. Stay clear of all moving parts.

12
STARTING AND STOPPING SAFETY (Continued)
• Do not reach or place any part of your body under the equipment until it is blocked
securely.
• Do not allow riders on the Rotary Cutter or tractor at any time. There is no safe place
for riders.
• Do not operate unless all personnel livestock, and pets are several hundred feet away
toprevent injury by thrown objects. Never direct the discharge chute toward anyone.
• Never operate tractor and Rotary Cutter under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators
can beknocked off the tractor andthen run over by therotating blades.
• 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 guardrails
and concrete abutments. Such an impact could cause broken objects to be thrown
outward at high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage, serious injury,
or even death, never allow thecutting blades tocome in contact suchobjects.
• Stop mower and tractor immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off,
remove key, then inspect andrepair any damage beforeresuming operation.
• Stay alert for uneven terrain, holes, rocks, roots, and other hidden hazards. Keep away
from drop-offs and hazards that could cause rollover. Use extreme care and maintain
minimum ground speed when transporting or operating on hillsides, over rough ground
and when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful and slow down when turning
sharp corners and changing direction on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on
slopes and avoid operating on steep slopes. In extremely uneven terrain, rear wheels
weights, front tractor weights, and/or tireballast should beusedtoimprove stability.
•Drive Rotary Cutter diagonally over sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent tractor
and Rotary Cutter from "hanging up". Always cut downward on slopes, never cut across the
face. Always check tractor manual for proper use on slopes.Practice will improve your skills
in maneuvering on roughterrain.
•A minimum 20% of the tractor and equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels.
Without this weight, the tractor could tip over, causing personal injury or death. The weight
may be attained with a front-end loader, front wheel weights, ballast in the tires or front
tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of the 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!

13
TRANSPORT SAFETY
• Always observe state and local laws governing highway safety and the travel of farm
machinery on public roads.
• The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most locations. However, some
locations prohibit their use. Local laws should be checked for all lighting and marking
requirements.
• When driving the tractor and equipment on roads or highways use flashing amber
warning lights and a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem. Do not exceed
20 mph. Reduce speed on rough roads and surfaces.
• Plan your route to avoid heavytraffic.
• Always install transport locks, pins, or brackets before transporting.
• Do not drink anddrive.
• Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all circumstances,
including narrow bridges, intersections, etc. Watch for traffic when crossing or
operating in close proximity to roadways.
• Turn curves and go up and down hills only at a low speed at a gradual steering angle.
Make certain that a least 20% of the tractor's weight is on the front wheels to maintain
safe control. Slow down on rough and/or uneven surfaces. Always check tractor
manual for proper use onslopes.
• Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when operating close to
ditches and/or fences. Be careful when turning sharpcorners.
• Never allow riders on either tractor ormower.

14
ATTACHING TO TRACTOR
STEP 1 Attach to tractor's three-point hitch as described in the Tractor's Operator's
Manual.
STEP 2 Apply any multi-purpose grease to the outside of the male (inner) PTO shaft
section. Assemble PTO shaft and install onRotary Cutter andtractor.
STEP 3
WARNING
Failure to install the retaining the clip on the gearbox input shaft would allow the
driveline to swing freely if the bolt is sheared causing possible injury or death.
Pull shaft on tractor side of PTO shaft yoke to be sure it has locked in place.
Make certain PTO shaft guards are in place andgood working condition.
STEP 4 The PTO shaft guard is a non-rotating design and must be secured prior to
equipment use. Using the chain on each yoke guard to attach to a fixed object
on the tractor and equipment end that will not allow the PTO shaft guard to
rotate during operation.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This mower was designed to CUT PASTURE GRASS AND ROUGH AREAS UP TO 1"
IN DIAMETER. Use of your Rotary Cutter to cut any material larger than 1" in diameter
may damage the mower and void yourwarranty.
PRE-OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS
Set tractor's liftcontrol stop at a position that will prevent the PTO shaft from coming in
contact with the front edge of the mower when it is at full lift. Consult your tractor
manual for instructions.
WARNING

15
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
To prevent blades from striking the ground, your Rotary Cutter should be set to the
highest position that will give you the desired cutting height. By setting your mower up
this way, you reduce blade wear and stress on the mower. Mowing at regular intervals
will produce far better results than periodic mowing.
STEP 1 Raise the Rotary Cutter off the ground
with the tractor and SECURELY
BLOCK IN POSITION.
Remove 5/8" bolt from adjusting
bracket. (See Figure11).
STEP 2 Move the A-frame tailwheel up or down
to desired cutting height. Reinstall
5/8" bolt and tighten to secure in
position. (See Figure 12)
Note: It may be necessary to loosen the A-
frame tailwheel attachment bolts.
(See Figure 4, page 6)
Figure 11
Figure 12
Note: For best results in heavier cutting conditions adjust the deck so the rear of the
mower is approximately 2" higher than the front. This method requires less
horsepower and ground speeds of approximately 3-5mph. If finer shredding
results are desired, adjust the deck to level or slightly lower in the rear. This
method will keep foliage under the deck longer resulting in finer pieces. The down
side of this method is if it takes a lot more horsepower and is at very slow ground
speeds. This method is not recommended unless a PTO speed of 540 RPM can
bemaintained.

16
ROTARY CUTTER OPERATION
STEP 1 Itisrecommendedthatyouperform the maintenance described in maintenance
section (page 17) before each use.
STEP 2 Read, understand, and follow the information on Safety, Preparation, Starting
and Stopping safety, Operational safety and Transport safety
warning sections of this manual (pages 10 thru 13).
STEP 3 Having started the tractor, lower the Rotary Cutter into working position.
STEP 4 With the tractor at idle RPM, engage the PTO and slowly advance throttle
to approximately 540 PTO RPM.
NOTE: The Rotary Cutter was designed to run at 540 PTO RPM.
STEP 5 Select a low tractor gear and begin to mow. Tractor ground speed is to be
controlled by gear selection only and not engine speed. Tractor PTO speed
should allow Rotary Cutter to maintain 540 PTO RPM and thus maximum
blade tip speed.
NOTE: Do not allow the tractor engine or Rotary Cutter to bog down or stall.
This causes unnecessary wear and tear on the mower and tractor.
If this continues to occur, reduce ground speed and/or raise the cutting
height of the Rotary Cutter.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN OUT A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE
UNTIL THE MOWER BLADES HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE
TRACTOR HAS BEEN SHUT OFF.
STEP 6 After each use, clean all debris from the top and bottom of the Rotary Cutter.
Replace any missing or illegible safety decals. Inspect for any damaged or
worn parts and replace before next use. Store the Rotary Cutter in a
dry environment.

17
MAINTENANCE
1. Periodically check and maintain proper gear oillevel. (See page 9)
2. Approximately every 8 hours, grease spindles (3), roller axle (1), wheel forks (4),
wheel axles (4), PTO shaft universal joints (2), and PTO telescoping surface.
NOTE: Use a high temperature/multi-purpose grease.
3. Before each use check to make sure all safety features are installed and working
properly.
4. Keep blades sharp andbalanced at all times. When replacing theblades, replace all
blades and blade bolts atthe same time.
5. Periodically check allnuts, bolts, and beltto insurethey aretight and secure.
Figure 13 Figure 14
Arrows indicate grease points.

18
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
• Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an invitation totrouble.
•Follow good shoppractices.
•Keep servicearea cleanand dry.
•Be sure electrical outlets and tools areproperly grounded.
•Use adequate light for the jobat hand.
• Make sure there is ample ventilation. Never operate the tractor engine in a closed building. The
exhaust fumes may causeasphyxiation.
• Before working on this machine, disengage the PTO, be certain all moving parts on attachments
have come to a complete stop, shut off the engine, set the bakes, and remove the ignition keys
before attempting to perform maintenance.
• Never work under equipment unless it is blockedsecurely.
• Always use personal protection devices such as eye, hand and hearing protectors when performing
any service ormaintenance.
• Frequently check mower blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and securely
fastened in place.
• Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts, screws, and check that all cotter pins are properly installed to
make certain unit is safe to operate.
• When completing maintenance or service, make sure all safety guards and devices are installed
before using the Rotary Cutter.
• After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed from the Rotary Cutter.
• Donot allow debris, grease, or oiltobuildup on any deck or platform.
• Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, factory
replacement parts mustbe used to restore your equipment to original specifications.
• The manufacturer and/or distributor will not be responsible for injuries or damages caused by use
of unapproved parts and/oraccessories.
• A first aidkit should be keptreadily accessible while performing maintenance on thisequipment.
STORAGE SAFETY
•
Following use, or when unhooking the mower, disengage the PTO, stop the tractor, set the
brakes, shut off the engineandremove the ignition keys.
• Store the unit in an areaaway from human activity.
• Do not park equipment where it can be exposed to direct contact with livestock for long periods of
time. Damage to mower and/or livestock injury couldresult.
• Make sure all parked machines are on a hard, level surface and that all safetydevices engaged.

19
SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS
The safety decals and positions on the equipment are shown in the illustration below.
Good safety requires that you familiarize yourself with the various safety decals, the type
of warning and the area or specific function related to that area that requires your
SAFETY AWARENESS.
REMEMBER: IF the safety decals have been damaged, removed, become illegible or
parts have been replaced without decals, new safety decals must be applied.