Tarter RC104BL User manual

TARTERUSA.COM
For more information and questions, please contact:
Tarter Customer Service
1-800-RED-GATE (1-800-733-4283)
Tarter products are sold through Authorized Retailers.
OPERATION AND ASSEMBLY MANUAL
ROTARY CUTTER
RC104BL  RC205BL  RC206BL

2
INTRODUCTION
TARTERUSA.COM
THANK YOU.
Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment has been improving life on your land since 1945. Thank you for choosing
Tarter. You have purchased a dependable Tarter implement. You can expect many years of service when you
maintain and use our implement according to this manual and additional information that may be provided at
Tarterusa.com.
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR TARTER IMPLEMENT.
REQUIRE ALL OPERATORS TO READ THIS MANUAL.
OBSERVE ALL SAFETY INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY DECALS ON THE TARTER
IMPLEMENT.
If replacement parts are needed, use only genuine Tarter parts, as substitute parts will VOID THE WARRANTY
and may not meet standards required to insure dependable use and safe operation.
For more information and questions, please contact:
Tarter Customer Service
1800REDGATE 18007334283
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Name___________________________________________________
Purchased From _________________________________________
Date Purchased___________________________________________
Model___________________________________________________
Serial #_________________________________________________
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Verify the following before operating your Rotary Tiller
1. implement is completely assembled.
2. Gearbox is filled with oil and checked for
possible leaks.
3. All fittings are lubricated.
4. All shields in place and in good condition.
5. All fasteners torqued to specifications in torque
chart. (Pg. 35)
6. Check PTO driveline. Make sure it is the correct
length to operate rotary tiller with intended tractor.
7. All decals in place and legible.
8. Overall condition good (i.e. paint, welds)
9. Operator’s manual has been given to owner and
the owner has been instructed on the safe and
proper use of the Rotary Cutter.

3
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Your Rotary Cutter has been carefully designed for cutting grass and small brush. This manual
is provided to give you the necessary operation and maintenance instructions for keeping your
rotary tiller in excellent operating condition. Please read this manual thoroughly. Understand the
purpose of the controls and how to use them. Observe all safety precautions on the machine and as
noted throughout this manual. If any assistance or additional information is needed, contact us at
1-800-RED-GATE.
NOTICE
All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest information available at
the time of publication. Because we are always striving to improve our products, the images could differ slightly
from actual equipment. Specifications are subject to change without notice. We also reserve the right to make
changes at any time without notice.
Major components
A-Frame
Gearbox
Tail wheel
Driveline
Deck
DESCRIPTION

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Safety...........................................................................................................................................................................................5
Safety Description and Decals...........................................................................................................................................7
Assembly...................................................................................................................................................................................12
Attaching.................................................................................................................................................................................17
Modify PTO Driveline........................................................................................................................................................... 18
Operation................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Lubrication/Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................. 23
Service....................................................................................................................................................................................25
Detaching/Storage..............................................................................................................................................................30
Product Specifications........................................................................................................................................................31
Parts..........................................................................................................................................................................................32
Torque Specifications..........................................................................................................................................................35
Trouble Shooting......................................................................................................................................................... .........36
Warranty...................................................................................................................................................................................37
Notes..........................................................................................................................................................................................39
TABLE OF CONTENTS

5
SAFETY
Rotary Cutter Manufacturer Product Council
Safety is a primary concern in the design, manufacture, sale,
and use of rotary cutters. As manufacturers of rotary cutters,
we want to confirm to you, our customers, our concern for
safety. We also want to remind you about the simple, basic,
and common sense rules of safety when using a rotary cutter.
Failure to follow these rules can result in severe injury or death
to operators or bystanders.
It is essential that everyone involved in the assembly, operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of this equipment be
aware, concerned, prudent, and properly trained in safety. The
majority of accidents involve entanglement on the driveline or
thrown objects. These risks become greater when you do not
use proper shielding specified by the manufacturer.
Our current production machines include, as standard
equipment, guards or shields for drivelines and input shafts,
safety signs and operators manuals. If you have an older
machine which does not have current standard safety
equipment, please contact your dealer about bringing your
machine up to the current level of safety.
Below are some of the most important safety rules to be
understood and followed by anyone who works with rotary
cutters:
SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE FOR OWNERS/OPERATORS OF ROTARY CUTTERS
From members of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association
Before operating a rotary cutter, an operator must read and
understand all the information in the owner’s manual and in
the safety signs attached to the product. A person who has
not read or understood the owner’s manual and safety signs is
not qualified to operate the cutter. Accidents occur often on
machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not
read the owner’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary cutter.
If you do not have an owner’s manual or current production
safety signs, contact the manufacturer or your dealer
immediately.
Rotary cutters are designed for one-man operation. Never
operate the cutter with anyone near, or in contact with, any
part of the implement or PTO driveline. Be sure no one else,
including bystanders, is near you when you operate this
product
If operation of a rotary cutter around bystanders, animals,
or property that may sustain damage (such as highway,
park, or airport) is absolutely necessary, use safety guarding
recommended by the manufacturer for thrown object
prevention.
Following these simple, basic safety rules, as well as others
identified in the owner’s manual and in product safety signs,
will help minimize the possibility of accidents and increase
your productivity in using this product. Be careful and make
sure that everyone who operates the cutter knows and
understands that it is a very powerful piece of machinery, and
if used improperly, serious injury or death may result. The final
responsibility for safety rests with the operator of this machine.
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
A safety manual for Rotary Cutters is available
through the FEMA office.

6
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE IS AN INFORMED, CAREFUL OPERATOR.
WE ASK YOU TO BE THAT KIND OF OPERATOR.
YOUR SAFETY is our concern. We design and manufacture our implements with this in mind. Our design can’t
eliminate an operator’s careless actions. Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness,
concern, judgment, and proper training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING: Cancer and reproductive harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Throughout this manual, the term IMPORTANT is used to indicate that failure to observe procedures can cause
damage to equipment. The terms CAUTION, WARNING and DANGER are used in conjunction with the Safety-Alert
Symbol, (a triangle with an exclamation mark), to indicate the degree of hazard for items of personal safety.
This Safety-Alert Symbol indicates a hazard and means ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
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.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates that failure to observe can cause damage to equipment.
Indicates helpful information.
WARNING
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
NOTE
SAFETY

7
SAFETY and INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Replace Immediately if Damaged!
4
1
4
6
2
5
7
37
3
SAFETY

8
SAFETY and INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Replace Immediately if Damaged!
RED REFLECTOR
(2 Needed)
7RED REFLECTOR
Warning Label Sheet - Reorder Part #’s
Decals 1-6 (part # RC-DECALS) & Decal 7 (part #
FT4003)
1SERIOUS INJURY 2ROTATING DRIVELINE
THROWN OBJECT
3
4ROTATING BLADES
5NEEDS OIL
UPC LABEL
6THROWN OBJECT
(2 needed)
(2 needed)
SAFETY
7 00000 00000 0
0000000 A20 ABC

9
SAFETY
SAFETY GUIDELINES
At Tarter, we care about your safety. Most accidents can
be avoided by a few seconds of thought and a careful
approach to handling equipment. You, the operator,
can avoid many accidents by observing the following
precautions and insist those working with you follow them
too.
If you need assistance or a replacement manual and
safety decals, go to tarterusa.com or call 1-800-RED-
GATE.
PLEASE READ YOUR TRACTOR/AUV/UTV (POWER
UNIT) MANUAL BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING
YOUR TARTER IMPLEMENT.
In order to provide a better view, certain photographs or
illustrations in this manual may show an assembly with
a safety shield removed. However, a Tarter implement
should never be operated in this condition. Keep all
shields in place. If shield removal becomes necessary for
repairs, replace the shield prior to use.
Replace any safety decal that is illegible or missing.
Location of such safety decals are indicated in this
manual.
Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs that can hinder
alertness or coordination while operating the power
unit or the Tarter implement. Consult your doctor
about operating this machine while taking prescription
medications.
Under no circumstances should children under the age
of 18 be allowed to operate the power unit or the Tarter
implement. Do not allow persons to operate or assemble
the Tarter implement until they have read this manual
and have developed a thorough understanding of the
safety precautions and how it works. Review the safety
instructions with all users annually.
This Tarter implement can be dangerous to children and
persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should
be a responsible, properly trained and physically able
person familiar with farm machinery and trained in this
Tarter implement’s operations.
Always use a power unit equipped with a Roll Over
Protective System and seat belts(ROPS). Keep your seat
belt securely fastened because falling off can result in
your death from being run over or crushed. Always keep
a foldable ROPS system in the “locked up” position at all
times.
Never exceed the limits of any piece of machinery,
whether the power unit of the Tarter implement. If its
ability to perform a job safely is in question DO NOT TRY
I T.
Do not modify the Tarter implement in any way.
Unauthorized modification could result in serious injury
or death and may impair the function and life of the
implement.
In addition to the design of this implement, including
safety signs and safety 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 the Tarter implement. Refer also to
safety messages and operation instruction in each of
the appropriate sections of the power unit and Tarter
implement manuals. Heed the safety signs affixed to both
the power unit and Tarter implement.
Follow all safety rules and safety decal information.
Your Tarter implement is attached to a power unit. You
must know the controls of your power unit and how to
stop the engine and implement quickly in an emergency.
All operators must be capable to safely operate the power
unit, its attachments, and all controls.
PREPARATION
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid
getting caught in any moving part. Wear sturdy, rough-
soled work shoes and protective equipment for eyes,
hair, hands, ears, and head. Wear respirator or filter mask
when appropriate.
Before using the Tarter implement, check all driveline
guards for damage and replace any damaged guards.
Make sure all guards rotate freely on all drivelines. Inspect
chain or rubber guards before each use and replace any
that are damaged.
Check that all hardware is properly installed.
Always tighten to torque chart specifications unless
instructed otherwise in this manual.
DANGER: Failure to follow instructions or
safety rules can result in serious injury or
death.
DANGER: DO NOT allow anyone to operate
the power unit or the Tarter implement
without proper instruction.

10
(Safety continued on next page)
SAFETY
Make sure the Tarter implement is properly secured,
adjusted and in good operating condition.
Before using the Tarter implement, check and adjust PTO
driveline length as instructed in this manual. The driveline
must not bottom out or pull apart throughout the full
range of the tractor hitch.
Make sure PTO driveline shield safety chain is attached as
shown in this manual and replace if damaged or broken.
Make sure collar slides freely and is seated firmly in
tractor PTO spline groove.
A minimum of 20% of tractor weight must be on the
tractor’s front wheels when Tarter implements are in use.
Without this weight, the tractor could tip over, causing
personal injury or death. The weight may be attained
with a loader, front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front
tractor weights. Weigh the tractor and Tarter implement.
DO NOT ESTIMATE.
STARTING AND STOPPING
Check the Tarter implement master shield over the
PTO (power take off) stub shaft. Make sure it is in good
condition and fastened securely to the power unit.
Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing.
All power units that are not equipped with a “live” power
takeoff (PTO) must be equipped with an over-running PTO
clutch. These are available through most farm equipment
stores.
The Tarter implement is operated from power supplied
from the power unit PTO. Refer to the power unit manual
for PTO engagement and disengagement instructions.
Understand how to stop the power unit and Tarter
implement quickly in case of an emergency.
When engaging the PTO, the engine RPM should always
be at idle speed. Once engaged and ready to start,
raise PTO speed to 540-RPM and maintain throughout
operation.
TRANSPORTATION
Never transport the power unit or the Tarter implement
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Always comply with all federal, state and local laws
regarding lighting, marking requirements and
transportation of farm equipment on a public roadway.
Transport only in daylight or satisfactory artificial light.
Be aware of overhead utility lines.
Never allow riders on the power unit or Tarter implement.
Do not operate PTO during transport.
Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during transport.
Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on
slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on slopes
and rough terrain. When encountering rough terrain
during transport, reduce the power unit speed to minimize
the horizontal movement of the Tarter implement.
Stabilizer bars should be used during transport to reduce
lateral movement of the Tarter implement.
Ensure the towing vehicle and trailer are safely capable of
transporting the Tarter implement and that everything is
properly secured.
OPERATION
Never operate the power unit or the Tarter implement
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operate only in daylight or satisfactory artificial light.
Do not allow bystanders in the area when operating,
attaching, removing, assembling or servicing the power
unit or Tarter implement.
Never discharge directly toward people, animals or
property.
Ensure the rear-guard assembly is in place to reduce the
possibility of objects being thrown.
This Tarter implement is intended for agricultural
applications only. Do not operate within 300 feet of
bystanders or public roads or highways.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate PTO until
driveline length is correct.
NOTE: The addition of an over-running
PTO clutch may change the length of the
PTO driveline required. Be sure to refer
to the instructions on the PTO driveline
installation. Be sure that the driveline
system guarding is adequate.

11
SAFETY
(Safety continued from previous page)
Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the power
unit and Tarter implement while the power unit engine is
running. Stay clear of all moving parts.
Always sit in the power unit seat when operating controls
or starting engine. Securely fasten seat belt, place
transmission in neutral, engage brake and ensure all other
controls are disengaged before starting the power unit
engine.
DO NOT EXCEED the power unit PTO at 540 RPM.
Look down and to the rear and make sure area is clear
before operating in reverse. REVERSE OPERATION IS
NOT RECOMMENDED.
Be aware that turning the power unit tightly may cause
the Tarter implement to come in contact with the rear
wheels of the power unit and cause damage or injury.
Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during operation.
Do not operate on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on
slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on slopes
and rough terrain. When encountering rough terrain,
reduce the power unit speed to minimize the horizontal
movement of the Tarter implement.
Stop the power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, remove
key, inspect, and repair any damage before resuming
operation.
MAINTENANCE
Make certain all movement of the power unit and Tarter
implement components has stopped before approaching
for service.
Before detaching the power unit from the Tarter
implement or performing any service or maintenance,
follow these steps: disengage power to the power unit,
lower the 3-point hitch and all raised components to
the ground, set parking brake, stop engine, remove key
and unfasten seat belt. Before performing any service or
maintenance, disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
Before working underneath the power unit or a Tarter
implement, carefully read this manual’s instructions,
disconnect driveline, raise implement, securely block up
all corners with jack stands, and check stability. Secure
blocking prevents a Tarter implement from dropping
due to hydraulic leak down, hydraulic system failures or
mechanical component failures.
Never go underneath a Tarter implement (lowered to
the ground or raised) unless it is properly blocked and
secured. Never place any part of the body underneath the
power unit or a Tarter implement or between moveable
parts even when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic
system leak down, hydraulic system failures, mechanical
failures, or movement of control levers can cause a Tarter
implement to drop or rotate unexpectedly and cause
severe injury or death. Follow the power unit and Tarter
implement manual for working underneath and blocking
procedures.
Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to avoid
getting caught in moving parts. Wear sturdy, rough-soled
work shoes and protective equipment for eyes, hair,
hands, ears, and head. When appropriate wear a respirator
or filter mask.
Keep all persons away from you while performing
adjustments, service or maintenance.
Frequently check blades/tines/shanks. They should be
sharp, free of nicks and cracks and securely fastened. Do
not handle blades/tines/shanks with bare hands. Careless
or improper handling may result in serious injury.
Do not modify, alter or permit anyone else to modify or
alter the power unit, the Tarter implement or any of their
components in any way, except as outlined in this manual.
STORAGE
Always use a power unit to position a Tarter implement for
storage.
Block the Tarter implement securely for storage.
Keep children and bystanders away from storage area.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Before each use, perform all necessary maintenance
described in the maintenance section.
2. Read, understand, and follow the safety information
pertaining to training, preparation, starting and
stopping, operation, transportation, maintenance, and
storage at the beginning of this manual.
WARNING: Never attempt to move Tarter
implement by hand.

12
3. Remove the tailwheel and 3” washer.
4. Place the rotary cutter on a level spot. Block up
the front and back of the rotary cutter.
5. Install the tailwheel with 3” washer on top. Secure
with 3/8” – 16 × 2” bolt and nut. Tighten.
6. Using 1-5/16” wrench/socket, remove the CAT I
pins from the shipping boots.
ASSEMBLY
TOOLS REQUIRED
• TIN SNIPS
• SCREWDRIVER
• VICE GRIPS
• RATCHET
• PLIERS
• SOCKETS AND WRENCHES: 9/16”, 3/4”, 15/16”,
7/8”AND 1-5/16”. (Impact wrench is preferred)
1. Cut the zip ties and remove the PTO Shaft from
the backside of the rotary cutter.
2. Remove 3/8” – 16 × 2” bolt and nut from the
tailwheel holder on the shipping boot, using a
9/16” wrench.
DO NOT DISCARD HARDWARE!

13
10. Raise the lift arms in the upright position, using
the bottom pivot point.
11. Remove nut on one side of the A-frame using
15/16” wrench.
12. Place the backstrap brace on the bolt, as
pictured, using the locknut. Hand tighten. Repeat
for other side.
13. Pull lift arms until they are into place.
7. Once the CAT I pins are removed, lift up on the
cutter to remove from the shipping boots.
8. Line up the holes on the A-frame and re-insert
CAT I pins, bushing, washer and nut. Hand tighten
only.
9. Remove the two zip ties from the tailwheel
assembly and back braces.
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: Possible pinch point.
NOTE: Set aside the CAT 1 pins, bolts,
washers and bushings.
CAUTION: Shipping boots may fall off.

14
14. Go back and tighten the CAT I pins, on both sides,
using a 1-5/16” wrench/socket.
15. Tighten the nuts on the backstraps.
16. Remove the warning label on the gearbox.
17. Remove the shaft boot on the gearbox.
ASSEMBLY
18. Remove the snap ring.
19. Slide the PTO shield back by using a screwdriver
to apply pressure and release the locking collar.
(There will be 3 tabs on the locking collar) Once
the locking collar is released, slide the PTO shield
back.

15
20. Remove the PTO shear bolt.
21. Slide the PTO shaft onto the gearbox shaft.
22. Replace the snap ring.
23. Align the shear bolt holes, install, and tighten PTO
shaft shear bolt.
24. Assembly of your Rotary Cutter is not complete.
Please read the next section of this manual
for filling the gearbox with oil, lubricating
instructions, and sizing your PTO (if applicable).
ASSEMBLY

16
4. Grease the two fittings in the rear tailwheel assembly.
5. Using a 7/8” wrench, remove the fill plug and using a
7mm wrench, remove the drain plug. Both are located
on the backside of the gearbox.
6. Fill the gearbox with 80W/90 or 85W/140 gear oil until
level with the drain plug. (Holds approx. 1 quart)
7. Replace and tighten both plugs on the gearbox.
ASSEMBLY
BEFORE PUTTING YOUR ROTARY
CUTTER INTO SERVICE
NOTE: Fill the gearbox using EP 85-90W gear oil. For all
grease fittings use TYPE/Grade II tube grease.
1. Grease the two fittings on the PTO shaft. There is one
on each end of the shaft in the universal joint.
2. Grease the two fittings on each end of the PTO Shield.
3. Re-install the PTO shield by sliding the shield over the
universal joint making sure the shield locks in place.
IMPORTANT: This Rotary Cutter was shipped
without oil in the gearbox and without
grease in the grease fittings. UNIT MUST BE
SERVICED BEFORE USE.

17
12. Do not pull back on pin this will release latch.
13. Lower tractor PTO shield, if equipped.
CHECKING DRIVELINECUTTER
CLEARANCE
1. Raise cutter slowly and check for clearance between
driveline shield and cutter deck.
2. Check clearance between tractor tires and foot guards
or chain deflector.
3. Check to see if hitch height position will provide
clearance desired.
4. Shorten center link or lengthen lift links to provide
clearance. (See your tractor Operator’s manual.)
5. Raise and lower cutter slowly to check for binding
or interference. Check cutter-to-tractor driveline
telescoping length to ensure that it does not bottom
out. Modify driveline if necessary. (See MODIFYING
PTO DRIVELINE in Assembly section.)
ATTACHING TO A TRACTOR
1. Back up tractor to cutter with hitch points
approximately in alignment.
2. Engage tractor parking brake and/or place
transmission in Park.
3. Shut off tractor engine and remove key.
4. Remove center link mounting hardware and hitch pin
assemblies at both hitch masts.
5. Install tractor draft links on hitch pins. Secure with
quick lock pins (stored on tractor draft links.)
6. Align center link with upper hole in cutter mast straps
and install center link mounting hardware.
7. Shut off tractor engine.
8. Raise tractor PTO shield, if equipped.
9. Support driveline, cradling it in your hand.
10. Pull pin back toward cutter. Align splines by rotating
cutter driveline. Push driveline onto tractor PTO shaft
until pin snaps into place.
11. Pull back on shield to make sure driveline is locked.
ATTACHING
DANGER: To avoid bodily injury or machine
damage whenever Rotary Cutter is attached,
put transmission in PARK position and check
the full range of hitch for interference, binding,
or PTO separation. Do not stand between
tractor and Rotary Cutter. IMPORTANT: Prevent driveline damage from
contact with frame or machine damage from
contact with tractor tires. Raise cutter slowly
and check for interference. If necessary,
shorten center link or lengthen lift links to
provide clearance to full lift height.
NOTE: Final adjustments should be made
before operating cutter. See ADJUSTING
CUTTING HEIGHT AND ANGLE in Operating
the Cutter section. Center link should be
installed in lowest hole at tractor end if there
are multiple holes. Lift height may also be
limited by installing stops on rockshaft control
lever bracket.
NOTE: If the tractor draft links will not open
wide enough to fit over hitch pin assemblies in
their normal configuration the hitch pins can
be inverted so that the draft links can hook up
to the inside.
DANGER: Shut off tractor engine before
attaching PTO driveline. Entanglement in
rotating driveline can cause serious injury or
death.
IMPORTANT: Keep driveline and powershaft
splines clean of paint, dirt and chaff. Apply
grease to tractor PTO shaft before attaching
PTO driveline.
IMPORTANT: PTO driveline may be too long
for some tractor models, causing tractor
transaxle damage. Hold driveline sections
parallel to each other and check for a
minimum of 6 inches overlap.
IMPORTANT: Do not use shielding bell on
driveline to lift driveline into position. Damage
to shielding can occur.

18
Final Inspection and Adjustments
IMPORTANT: PTO driveline may be too long for some tractor models, causing tractor transaxle damage. Modify
driveline if necessary.
Attach Rotary Cutter to tractor and check cutter-to-tractor driveline telescoping length clearance.
(See MAINTENANCE BEFORE EACH USE in Lubrication and Maintenance section.)
• Modify PTO Driveline (If Necessary)
1. To adjust the length, hold the half-shafts next to
each other in the shortest working position and
mark them.
2. Shorten inner and outer guard tubes equally.
3. Shorten inner and outer sliding profiles by the
same length as the guard tubes.
4. Round off all sharp edges and remove burrs.
Grease sliding profiles. No other changes
may be made to PTO drive shaft and guard.
5. Chains must be fitted so as to allow sufficient
articulation of the shaft in all working positions.
6. The PTO drive shaft must not be suspended
from the chains!
MODIFY PTO DRIVELINE
MODIFYING PTO

19
INNER SHAFT
INNER DRIVELINE
OUTER DRIVELINE
INNER SHIELD
OUTER SHAFT
OUTER SHIELD
UNIVERSAL
JOINT SHIELD
TRACTOR END
IMPLEMENT END
Figure 1 - Driveline Shortening
A
B
B
X
Y
X1
Y1
FREE LENGTH IMPLEMENT END
INNER PROFILEOUTER PROFILE
1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3
OVERLAP
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LENGTH
Outer Shielding has been removed for clarity.
FREE LENGTHTRACTOR END
Figure 2 - Driveline Maximum Extended Length
MODIFYING PTO
SIZING THE PTO SHAFT
Refer to Figure 1
1. Detach the driveline from tractor PTO shaft and pull
outer and inner drivelines apart.
2. Reattach outer driveline to tractor PTO shaft. Pull on
inner and outer drivelines to ensure universal joints
are properly secured.
3. Hold inner and outer drivelines parallel to each other:
a. Measure 1” (“B” dimension) back from
outer driveline universal joint shield and
make a mark at this location on the inner
driveline shield.
b. Measure 1” (“B” dimension) back from
inner driveline universal joint shield and
make a mark at this location on the outer
driveline shield.
4. Remove driveline from tractor and gearbox shafts.
5. Measure from end of inner shield to scribed mark (“X”
dimension). Cut off inner shield at the mark. Cut same
amount off the inner shaft (“X1” dimension).
6. Measure from end of outer shield to scribed mark (“Y”
dimension). Cut off outer shield at the mark. Cut same
amount off the outer shaft (“Y1” dimension).
7. Remove all burrs.
8. Continue with “Check Driveline Maximum Length”.
CHECK DRIVELINE MAXIMUM
LENGTH
Refer to Figure 2
Make sure driveline’s collapsible length is acceptable.
The driveline maximum allowable length must, when fully
extended, have a minimum overlap of the profile tubes by
not less than 1/3 the free length with both inner and outer
profile tubes being of equal length.
1. Apply multi-purpose grease to the inside of the outer
shaft and reassemble the driveline.
2. Assemble the two driveline profiles together with
1/3 of the profile tubes overlapping as shown below.
Once assembled, measure and record the maximum
allowable length for future reference.
3. Attach inner driveline yoke to the cutter’s gearbox
shaft. Attach outer driveline yoke to the tractor’s PTO
shaft.
4. Move yoke ends of driveline back and forth to insure
they are secured to the tractor and cutter shafts.
Reattach any end that is loose.
5. Hook driveline safety chain on the tractor end of
driveline to cutter frame. Re-latch safety chain to the
driveline shield.
6. Hook driveline safety chain on the rotary cutter end
of driveline to the tiller frame. Re-latch safety chain to
driveline shield.
IMPORTANT: Small chains are supplied with
the driveline. They must be attached to the
inner and outer driveline shields and to the
tiller and tractor to restrict shield rotation.

20
DRIVELINE
LEVEL
Figure 3 - Check Driveline Maximum Angle
CHECK DRIVELINE MAXIMUM
ANGLE
Refer to Figure 3
1. Raise and lower implement to find maximum driveline
angle. Check to make certain the driveline does not
exceed 25° up or down.
2. If needed, set tractor 3-point lift height to keep driveline
from exceeding 25° up.
MODIFYING PTO
7. Start tractor and raise rotary cutter just enough to
remove support blocks.
8. Slowly engage tractor hydraulic 3-point control
lever to lower the cutter while checking for sufficient
drawbar clearance. Move drawbar in, aside or remove
if required.
9. Raise and lower implement to find maximum
extended driveline length. Check to make certain the
driveline does not exceed maximum allowable length
recorded in step 2.
10. If needed, set tractor 3-point lift height to stop
driveline from exceeding maximum allowable length.
11. Continue with “Check Driveline Maximum Angle” .
IMPORTANT: To avoid premature driveline
breakdown, do not exceed an angle of 25°
up or down with the driveline while driveline
is rotating. If needed, set tractor 3-point left
lever to limit driveline angle at a maximum of
25° up.