Woods RC42.20 User manual

OPERATOR'S MANUALOPERATOR'S MANUAL (Rev 08/01/2023)
MAN1298
ROTARY CUTTER
RC42.20
RC48.20
RC60.20
RC72.20

2 Introduction MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
TO THE DEALER:
Assembly and proper installation of this product is the responsibility of the Woods®dealer. Read manual instructions
and safety rules. Make sure all items on the Dealer’s Pre-Delivery and Delivery Checklists in the Operator’s Manual are
completed before releasing equipment to the owner.
The dealer must complete the online Product Registration form at the Woods Dealer Website which certies that
all Dealer Checklist items have been completed. Dealers can register all Woods product at dealer.WoodsEquipment.com
under Product Registration.
Failure to register the product does not diminish customer’s warranty rights.
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before operating your Woods 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 adjustment and operating procedures before attempting to operate. Replacement man-
uals can be obtained from your dealer. To obtain complete warranty details, visit WoodsEquipment.com/warranty.
You may also request a hard copy by calling 1-800-319-6637 or mail your request to: Woods Equipment Company,
Attn: Warranty Dept. 2606 South Illinois Route 2, Oregon, IL 61061. To locate your nearest dealer, check the Dealer
Locator at www.WoodsEquipment.com, or in the United States and Canada call 1-800-319-6637.
The equipment you have purchased has been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide dependable and sat-
isfactory use. Like all mechanical products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the unit as specied. Observe
all safety information in this manual and safety decals on the equipment.
For service, your authorized Woods dealer has trained mechanics, genuine Woods service parts, and the necessary
tools and equipment to handle all your needs.
Use only genuine Woods service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet standards required
for safe and satisfactory operation. Record the model number and serial number of your equipment in the spaces
provided:
Model: Date of Purchase:
Serial Number: (see Safety Decal section for location)
Provide this information to your dealer to obtain correct repair parts.
Throughout this manual, the term NOTICE is used to indicate that failure to observe 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 is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential physical
injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
Is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
Indicates helpful information.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
or NOTICE
IMPORTANT
NOTE

Introduction 3
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
This Operator’s Manual should be regarded as part of the machine.
Suppliers of both new and second-hand machines must make sure
that this manual is provided with the machine.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MOWER SAFETY VIDEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SAFETY RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TRAINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
TRACTOR STABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
ATTACHING CUTTER TO TRACTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF DRIVELINE (TRACTOR PTO) . . . . . . .13
SHORTENING DRIVELINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
DRIVELINE INTERFERENCE CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SHREDDING MATERIAL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
CHECK CHAIN ADJUSTMENT (OPTIONAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
OPERATING TECHNIQUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
OWNER SERVICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OWNER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
BLOCKING METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
BLADE SERVICING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
SLIP CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
DRIVELINE SHEAR BOLT REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SHIELDING REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
TROUBLESHOOTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
DEALER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
DEALER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
GEARBOX MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
SEAL REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
DISASSEMBLE GEARBOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
REASSEMBLE GEARBOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
CROSSBAR REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
CROSSBAR INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
UNIVERSAL JOINT REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
DEALER SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
DISASSEMBLE SHIPPING UNIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
ASSEMBLE CUTTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
INSTALL DRIVELINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
INSTALL SAFETY SHIELDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
INSTALL OPTIONAL CHECK CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
FILL GEARBOX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
DEALER CHECKLISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
PARTS INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
APPENDIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
BOLT TORQUE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
BOLT SIZE CHART & ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

4 Introduction MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
SPECIFICATIONS
RC42.20 RC48.20 RC60.20 RC72.20
Cutting Width 42" 48" 60" 72"
Overall Width 46.3" 52.3" 61.3" 73.3"
Weight (Approximate w/ chain shield) 360 lbs 410 lbs 494 lbs 575 lbs
Cutting Height 2" - 9"
Blade Spindle 1
Number of Blades 2
Blades Heat Treated Alloy Steel
Blade Rotation CCW
Blade Speed (feet per minute) 11,460 13,100 13,620 14,340
Gearbox Ratio 1:1.93 1:1.69 1:1.47
Recommended Tractor HP 15 - 40 20 - 50
Tractor PTO RPM 540
3-Point Hitch Category 1
Universal Drive Category 3
Side Frame Thickness 12 GA
Tailwheel 4" x 16"
GENERAL INFORMATION
■Some illustrations in this manual show the
mower with safety shields removed to provide a
better view. The mower should never be operat-
ed with any safety shielding removed.
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in oper-
ating and maintaining your cutter. Read it carefully.
It furnishes information and instructions that will help
you achieve years of dependable performance. These
instructions have been compiled from extensive eld
experience and engineering data. Some information
may be general in nature due to unknown and vary-
ing operating conditions. However, through experience
and these instructions, you should be able to develop
procedures suitable to your particular situation.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were cur-
rent at the time of printing but, due to possible inline
production changes, your machine may vary slightly in
detail. We reserve the right to redesign and change the
machines as may be necessary without notication.
Throughout this manual, references are made to right
and left directions. These are determined by standing
behind the equipment facing the direction of forward
travel. Blade rotation is clockwise (left wing) and coun-
terclockwise (right wing and center section) as viewed
from the top of the cutter.
WARNING
NOTICE:
If you would like to receive a free Spanish language translation of the Safety Rules section of this
manual, plus a set of Spanish language safety decals, please contact your local Woods dealer.
AVISO:
Si desea recibir una traducción al español gratuita de la sección de Reglas de seguridad de
este manual y un juego de etiquetas de seguridad en español, por favor comuníquese con su
concesionario local de Woods.
¡LEA EL INSTRUCTIVO!
Si no lee Ingles, pida ayuda a
alguien que si lo lee para que le
traduzca las medidas de seguridad.

Safety 5
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
Watch a Mower Safety Video Online
The AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) offers a safety
training video, Industrial and Agricultural Mower Safety Practices. The
22-minute video can be viewed online for free at TheAEMStore,
https://youtu.be/uEWXsDqhDq0
It reinforces the proper procedures to follow while operating your mowing
equipment. The video does not replace the information contained in the
Operator’s Manual, so please review this manual thoroughly before
operating your new mowing equipment.
Safety Training
Does Make a Difference.
BE SAFE!
BE ALERT!
BE ALIVE!
BE TRAINED
Before Operating Mowers!
ASSOCIATION OF
EQUIPMENT
MANUFACTURERS

6 Safety MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
Also, available from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers:
A large variety of training materials (ideal for groups) are available for a nominal
charge from AEM. Following is a partial list:
Training Package for Rotary Mowers/Cutters-English
Contains: DVD & VHS (English)
Guidebook for Rotary Mowers/Cutters (English)
AEM Industrial/Agricultural Mower Safety Manual (English)
AEM Agricultural Tractor Safety Manual (English)
Training Package for Rotary Mowers/Cutters-English/Spanish
Contains: DVD & VHS (English/Spanish)
Guidebook for Rotary Mowers/Cutters (English/Spanish)
AEM Industrial/Agricultural Mower Safety Manual (English/Spanish)
AEM Agricultural Tractor Safety Manual (English/Spanish)
AEM training packages are available through:
AEM at: www.aem.org
or
Universal Lithographers, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
800-369-2310 tel
866-541-1668 fax

Safety 7
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
TRAINING
■Safety instructions are important! Read all
attachment and power unit manuals; follow
all safety rules and safety decal information.
(Replacement manuals and safety decals are
available from your dealer. To locate your near-
est dealer, check the Dealer Locator at www.
WoodsEquipment.com, or in the United States
and Canada call 1-800-319-6637.) Failure to fol-
low instructions or safety rules can result in
serious injury or death.
■If you do not understand any part of this manual
and need assistance, see your dealer.
■Know your controls and how to stop engine and
attachment quickly in an emergency.
■Operators must be instructed in and be capa-
ble of the safe operation of the equipment, its
attachments, and all controls. Do not allow any-
one to operate this equipment without proper
instructions.
■Never allow children or untrained persons to op-
erate equipment.
PREPARATION
■Check that all hardware is properly installed.
Always tighten to torque chart specications
unless instructed otherwise in this manual.
■Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing
to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protec-
tive equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing,
and head; and respirator or lter mask where
appropriate.
■Make sure attachment is properly secured, ad-
justed, and in good operating condition.
■Make sure spring-activated locking pin or collar
slides freely and is seated rmly in tractor PTO
spline groove.
■Connect PTO driveline directly to power unit
PTO shaft. Never use adapter sleeves or adapt-
er shafts. Adapters can cause driveline failures
due to incorrect spline or incorrect operating
length and can result in personal injury or death.
■Before starting power unit, check all equipment
driveline guards for damage. Replace any dam-
aged guards. Make sure all guards rotate freely
on all drivelines. If guards do not rotate freely on
drive-lines, repair and replace bearings before
putting equipment into service.
■Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or
ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt secure-
ly fastened. Falling off power unit can result in
death from being run over or crushed. Keep
foldable ROPS systems in “locked up” position
at all times.
■Inspect chain, rubber, or steel band shielding
before each use. Replace if damaged.
■Remove accumulated debris from this equip-
ment, power unit, and engine to avoid re
hazard.
■Make sure all safety decals are installed.
Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section
for location.)
■Make sure shields and guards are proper-
ly installed and in good condition. Replace if
damaged.
■A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment
weight must be on the tractor front wheels when
attachments are in transport position. Without
this weight, front tractor wheels could raise up
resulting in loss of steering. The weight may
be attained with front wheel weights, ballast in
tires, front tractor weights or front loader. Weigh
the tractor and equipment. Do not estimate.
■Inspect and clear area of stones, branches, or
other hard objects that might be thrown, caus-
ing injury or damage.
OPERATION
■To avoid damage to cutter or driveline, make
sure driveline holder is properly stored before
operation.
■Do not allow bystanders within 25 feet of the
area when operating, attaching, removing, as-
sembling, maintaining, or servicing equipment.
Safety is a primary concern in the design and man-
ufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our efforts
to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by an
operator’s single careless act.
In addition to the design and conguration of
equipment, hazard control and accident preven-
tion are dependent upon the awareness, concern,
judgement, and proper training of personnel in-
volved in the operation, transport, maintenance,
and storage of equipment.
It has been said, “The best safety device is an in-
formed, careful operator.” We ask you to be that
kind of operator.
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

8 Safety MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
■Full chain shielding must be installed when op-
erating in populated areas or other areas where
thrown objects could injure people or damage
property.
• If this machine is not equipped with full chain
shielding, operation must be stopped.
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk
of thrown objects. The mower deck and pro-
tective devices cannot prevent all objects
from escaping the blade enclosure in every
mowing condition. It is possible for objects
to ricochet and escape, traveling as much as
300 feet (92m).
■Never direct discharge toward people, animals,
or property.
■Do not operate or transport equipment while
under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.
■ Operate only in daylight or good articial light.
■Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from
equipment while engine is running. Stay clear of
all moving parts.
■Always comply with all state and local lighting
and marking requirements.
■Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
■Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or
ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt secure-
ly fastened. Falling off power unit can result in
death from being run over or crushed. Keep
foldable ROPS system in “locked up” position
at all times.
■Always sit in 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 disen-
gaged before starting power unit engine.
■Operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM. Do not exceed.
■Do not operate PTO during transport.
■Look down and to the rear and make sure area is
clear before operating in reverse.
■Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
■Do not stop, start, or change directions sudden-
ly on slopes.
■Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
■Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
■Stop power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine,
set parking brake, remove key, inspect, and re-
pair any damage before resuming operation.
■Leak down or failure of mechanical or hydraulic
system can cause equipment to drop.
MAINTENANCE
■Before performing any service or maintenance,
disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
■Before working underneath, disconnect drive-
line, raise cutter, lock in transport position, and
block cutter securely. Hydraulic system leak
down and failure of mechanical or hydraulic
system can cause equipment to drop.
■Do not modify or alter or permit anyone else to
modify or alter the equipment or any of its com-
ponents in any way.
■Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing
to avoid getting caught in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protec-
tive equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing,
and head; and respirator or lter mask where
appropriate.
■Make sure attachment is properly secured, ad-
justed, and in good operating condition.
■Do not allow bystanders in the area when op-
erating, attaching, removing, assembling, or
servicing equipment.
■Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
■Make certain all movement of equipment com-
ponents has stopped before approaching for
service.
■Frequently check blades. They should be sharp,
free of nicks and cracks, and securely fastened.
■Do not handle blades with bare hands. Wear
gloves. Careless or improper handling may re-
sult in injury.
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

Safety 9
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
■Your dealer can supply original equipment hy-
draulic accessories and repair parts. Substitute
parts may not meet original equipment speci-
cations and may be dangerous.
■Tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws to torque
chart specications. Check that all cotter pins
are installed securely to ensure equipment is in
a safe condition before putting unit into service.
■Make sure all safety decals are installed.
Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section
for location.)
■Make sure shields and guards are proper-
ly installed and in good condition. Replace if
damaged.
■Service and maintenance work not covered in
OWNER SERVICE must be done by a qualied
dealership. Special skills, tools, and safety pro-
cedures may be required. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in serious injury or death.
TRANSPORTATION
■Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts
to come to a complete stop. Raise the tractor
3-point arms to bring the cutter into transport
position.
■With cutter adjusted to transport position, set
upper stop on tractor lift quadrant to prevent
cutter from contacting driveline while being
raised.
STORAGE
■Keep children, bystanders and animals away
from equipment and storage area.
■Disconnect cutter driveshaft and secure up off
ground. Raise cutter with 3-point hitch. Place
blocks under cutter side skids. Lower cutter
onto blocks. Disconnect cutter from tractor
3-point hitch and carefully drive tractor away
from cutter.
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

10 Safety MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
15503
18864 1006681
18864
20106
1004114
1033176
33347
(UNDER SHIELD)
CD9143
SERIAL NUMBER PLATE - PN 1033176
PN 20106
RED REAR REFLECTOR 4.5"
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Replace Immediately If Damaged!
PN 18864
PN 1004114
If shaft connection is visible, shield
is missing. Replace shield before
operating equipment.
DANGER
1004114
BE CAREFUL!
Keep safety decals clean and visible.
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean safety decals.
Avoid spraying too close to decals when using a pressure washer;
high-pressure water can enter through very small scratches or
under edges of decals causing them to peel or come off.
Replace safety decals if they are missing or illegible.
Replacement safety decals can be ordered free from your Woods
dealer, or in the United States and Canada call 1-800-319-6637.

Safety 11
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Replace Immediately If Damaged!
PN 33347PN 1006681
PN 15503

12 Operation MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
OPERATION
The intended use of this standard-duty cutter is for
grass and weed mowing and shredding applications.
The operator is responsible for the safe operation
of the cutter. The operator must be properly trained.
Operators should be familiar with the cutter, the tractor,
and all safety practices before starting operation. Read
the safety rules and safety decals on page 7 through
page 11.
Recommended mowing speed for most conditions is
from 2 to 5 mph.
■Full chain shielding must be installed when op-
erating in populated areas or other areas where
thrown objects could injure people or damage
property.
• If the machine is not equipped with full chain
shielding, operation must be stopped.
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk
of thrown objects. The mower deck and pro-
tective devices cannot prevent all objects
from escaping the blade enclosure in every
mowing condition. It is possible for objects
to ricochet and escape, traveling as much as
300 feet (92m).
■Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
■Do not allow bystanders within 25 feet of the
area when operating, attaching, removing, as-
sembling, maintaining, or servicing equipment.
■Operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM. Do not
exceed.
■Stop power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine,
remove key, inspect, and repair any damage be-
fore resuming operation.
■Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing
to avoid entanglement in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protec-
tive equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing,
and head; and respirator or lter mask where
appropriate.
TRACTOR STABILITY
■A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight
must be on the tractor front wheels when attach-
ments are in transport position. Without this
weight, tractor could tip over, causing personal
injury or death. The weight may be attained with
front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front trac-
tor weights. Weigh the tractor and equipment.
Do not estimate.
Figure 1. Tractor Stability
ATTACHING CUTTER TO TRACTOR
Standard Hitch
(Figure 2)
1. Position tractor 3-point arms over the hitch pins and
secure.
2. Connect the tractor top link to the cutter A-frame
using the upper holes and the appropriate hard-
ware. The break link must be placed in the lower
holes of the A-frame.
3. For subcompact tractors, it may be necessary to po-
sition the break link pivot in the front location.
Quick Hitch
1. Break link pivot must be located in rear location.
2. Install quick hitch sleeves over hitch pins and se-
cure with Klik pin.
3. Attach tractor with the quick hitch to the cutter and
secure according to the quick hitch manufacturer’s
instuctions.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
CD1564

Operation 13
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
Figure 2. Standard Hitch and Quick Hitch Congurations
DRIVELINE ATTACHMENT
■Make sure driveline will not bottom out at the
shortest length and that it has at least 4" overlap
at the longest length.
Attach the cutter to the tractor 3-point hitch (or quick
hitch if available). Do not attach driveline. Raise and
lower cutter to determine maximum and minimum dis-
tance between the tractor PTO shaft and the gearbox
input shaft. If the distance is too large, the driveline will
be too short for proper engagement. If distance is too
small, the driveline may bottom out in operation and
damage the cutter or tractor.
There must be at least 4 inches of engagement at the
cutter’s lowest possible point of operation.
If driveline is too short, please call your Woods dealer
for a longer driveline.
The driveline must not bottom out when raised to the
maximum height possible.
If driveline is too long, please follow the instructions for
shortening the driveline.
INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
OF DRIVELINE (TRACTOR PTO)
To Install:
Pull locking collar back and at the same time push
driveline onto tractor PTO shaft until locking device
engages.
To Remove:
Hold driveline into position, pull locking collar back, and
slide driveline off tractor PTO shaft.
Figure 3. Lock Collar
CAUTION
OPTIONAL BREAK
LINK PIVOT POINT
1-1/4" OD SLEEVE
1-7/16" OD SLEEVE
(SUPPLIED WITH
QUICK HITCH)
HITCH PIN
A-FRAME
BREAK LINK
LIFT ARM
CD8110

14 Operation MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
SHORTENING DRIVELINE
1. Move mower up and down to measure the shortest
possible distance between tractor PTO shaft and
gearbox input shaft.
2. Separate driveline into two halves and connect
them to the tractor PTO and gearbox.
3. Place driveline halves parallel to one another to de-
termine how much to shorten the driveline.
Figure 4. Drive Halves Placed Parallel
4. Measure from end of the upper shield to the base of
the bell on the lower shield (A). Add 1-9/16" to di-
mension (A). See Figure 5.
Figure 5. Determine Shield Length
5. Cut the shield to the overall dimension.
6. Place the cut-off portion of the shield against the
end of the shaft and use as a guide. Mark and cut
the shaft.
Figure 6. Cut Shield
Figure 7. Cut Shaft to Length
7. Repeat step 6 for the other half of the drive.
8. File and clean cut ends of both drive halves.
Do not use tractor if proper driveline engagement can-
not be attained through these methods.
Connect driveline to tractor PTO shaft, making sure the
spring-activated locking collar slides freely and locks
driveline to PTO shaft.
■If attaching with quick hitch, the distance be-
tween the tractor PTO and gearbox input shaft
will increase. Follow the steps as you would for
a 3-point hitch to ensure proper engagement.
DRIVELINE INTERFERENCE CHECK
1. Check for proper clearance between driveline and
mower deck.
2. Slowly lift mower and observe driveline. If clearance
between driveline and mower deck is less than 1
inch, shorten top link or limit upper travel of lower
hitch arms. Refer to tractor operator’s manual for
instructions.
A
1-9/16"
NOTICE

Operation 15
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
Figure 8. Cutting Height Adjustment
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
■Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
■Avoid low cutting heights. Striking the ground
with blades produces one of the most damaging
shock loads a cutter can encounter. Allowing
blades to contact ground repeatedly will cause
damage to cutter and drive.
1. Level cutter from side to side. Check by measuring
from cutter frame to the ground at each deck rail.
2. Adjust, using tractor 3-point arm leveling device.
NOTE: Keep the front of cutter level with or slightly
lower than rear for best mowing.
3. Control cutting height with tractor 3-point arms, rear
tailwheel adjustment, or optional check chains.
4. To raise rear of cutter, move tailwheel down.
5. To raise front of cutter, raise tractor 3-point arms.
The cutting height is the distance between the blade
and the ground. The blades are approximately 1" above
the skid shoe. To check cutting height, do the following:
a) Select a cutting height; as an example, for an ap-
proximate cutting height of 3", set the skid shoe 2"
above the ground.
3" Desired cutting height
- 1.25" Distance blade cutting edge is above skid shoe
= 1.75" Distance skid shoe is above ground
b) Adjust the front-to-rear attitude from 1/2" to 3/4"
higher than the front.
6. Adjust top link to provide 1.2" of clearance between
break link and rear lift arms. See Figure 8. The clear-
ance will allow cutter to oat over uneven terrain.
SHREDDING MATERIAL HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
For shredding, set the cutter lower at rear. Determine
how much lower to set the rear by experimenting in dif-
ferent situations.
CHECK CHAIN ADJUSTMENT (OPTIONAL)
1. Refer to INSTALL OPTIONAL CHECK CHAINS,
page 31 for check chain installation.
2. After making cutting height adjustment, adjust both
chains (3) in check chain bracket (2) so you have
the same number of links on each side. This will
keep cutting level.
Figure 9. Check Chain Adjustment
WARNING
2
2. Check chain bracket
3. Check chain
3
3
2
LA5a
A
1.2 IN.
GROUND
SIDE SKID
TAILWHEEL HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT BRACKET
BREAK LINK
LIFT ARMS
TRACTOR TOP LINK
TAILWHEEL ARM
CD8120

16 Operation MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
OPERATING TECHNIQUE
1. Power for operating the cutter is supplied by the trac-
tor PTO. Operate PTO at 540 RPM. Know how to
stop the tractor and cutter quickly in an emergency.
2. Engage PTO at a low engine RPM to minimize
stress on the drive system and gearbox. With PTO
engaged, raise PTO speed to 540 RPM and main-
tain throughout cutting operation.
Gearbox protection is provided by a slip clutch with
replacement ber disc. The slip clutch is designed
to slip when excessive torsional loads occur.
3. Move slowly into material. Adjust tractor ground
speed to provide a clean cut without lugging the
tractor engine. Use a slow ground speed for better
shredding.
Proper ground speed will depend on the terrain and
the material’s height, type, and density.
Normally, ground speed will range from 2 to 5 mph.
Tall, dense material should be cut at a low speed;
thin, medium-height material can be cut at a faster
ground speed.
4. Always operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM to maintain
proper blade speed and to produce a clean cut.
5. Under certain conditions tractor tires may roll down
some grass and prevent cutting at the same height
as the surrounding area. When this occurs, reduce
your ground speed but maintain PTO at 540 RPM.
The lower ground speed will permit grass to re-
bound partially.
TRANSPORTATION
■Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts
to come to a complete stop. Raise the tractor
3-point arms to bring the cutter into transport
position.
■With cutter adjusted to transport position, set
upper stop on tractor lift quadrant to prevent
cutter from contacting driveline while being
raised.
STORAGE
■Keep children, bystanders and animals away
from equipment and storage area.
1. Disconnect cutter driveshaft and secure up off
ground. Raise cutter with 3-point hitch.
2. Place blocks under cutter side skids.
3. Lower cutter onto blocks.
4. Disconnect cutter from tractor 3-point hitch and
carefully drive tractor away from cutter.
5. Perform the Pre-Operation Check List, page when
returning to use.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST
(OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY)
Review and follow all safety rules and safety de-
cal instructions on page 7 through page 11.
Check that equipment is properly and securely
attached to tractor.
Make sure driveline spring-activated locking pin
or collar slides freely and is seated rmly in trac-
tor PTO spline groove.
Set tractor PTO at 540 RPM.
Lubricate all grease tting locations. Make sure
PTO shaft slip joint is lubricated.
Check to be sure gear lube runs out the small
check plug on side of gearbox.
Check that all hardware is properly installed and
secured.
Check that blades are sharp and secure and
cutting edge is positioned to lead in a counter-
clockwise rotation.
Check that shields and guards are proper-
ly installed and in good condition. Replace if
damaged.
Check cutting height, front-to-rear attitude, and
top link adjustment.
Place tractor PTO and transmission in neutral
before starting engine.
Inspect area to be cut and remove stones,
branches, or other hard objects that might be
thrown and cause injury or damage.
WARNING
WARNING

Owner Service 17
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
OWNER SERVICE
The information in this section is written for operators
who possess basic mechanical skills. If you need help,
your dealer has trained service technicians available.
For your protection, read and follow the safety informa-
tion in this manual.
■Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
■If you do not understand any part of this manual
and need assistance, see your dealer.
■Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing
to avoid entanglement in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protec-
tive equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing,
and head; and respirator or lter mask where
appropriate.
BLOCKING METHOD
■Before performing any service or maintenance,
disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
■Never go underneath equipment (lowered to the
ground or raised) unless it is properly blocked
and secured. Never place any part of the body
underneath equipment 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 equipment to drop or
rotate unexpectedly and cause severe injury or
death. Follow Operator’s Manual instructions
for working underneath and blocking require-
ments or have work done by a qualied dealer.
To minimize the potential hazards or working under-
neath the cutter, follow these procedures:
1. Jackstands with a load rating of 1000 lbs. or more
are the only approved blocking device for this cutter.
Install jackstands (shown by Xs in Figure 12) under
the cutter before working underneath unit.
Do not position jackstands under wheels, axles, or
wheel supports. Components can rotate and cause
cutter to fall.
2. Consider the overall stability of the blocked unit.
Just placing jackstands underneath will not ensure
your safety.
The working surface must be level and solid to
support the weight on the jackstands. Make sure
jackstands are stable, both top and bottom. Make
sure cutter is approximately level.
3. With full cutter weight lowered onto jackstands, test
blocking stability before working underneath.
4. If cutter is attached to tractor when blocking, set the
brakes, remove key, and block cutter before work-
ing underneath.
5. Securely block rear tractor wheels, in front and be-
hind. Tighten tractor lower 3-point arm anti-sway
mechanism to prevent side-to-side movement.
LUBRICATION INFORMATION
1. Do not let excess grease collect on or around parts,
particularly when operating in sandy areas.
2. See Figure 10 for lubrication points and frequency
or lubrication based on normal operating conditions.
Severe or unusual conditions may require more fre-
quent lubrication.
3. Use a lithium grease of #2 consistency with a MOLY
(molybdenum disulde) additive for all locations
unless otherwise noted. Be sure to clean ttings
thoroughly before attaching grease gun. One good
pump of most guns is sufcient when the lubrication
schedule is followed.
Gearbox Lubrication
1. For gearbox, use a high quality gear oil with a vis-
cosity index of 80W or 90W and an API service
rating of GL–4 or –5 in gearboxes.
2. Fill gearbox until oil is above lower line on dipstick.
Check gearbox daily for evidence of leakage, and
contact your dealer if leakage occurs.
Driveline Lubrication
1. Lubricate the driveline slip joint every ten operating
hours. Failure to maintain proper lubrication could
result in damage to U-joints, gearbox, and driveline.
2. Lower cutter to ground, disconnect driveline from
tractor PTO shaft, and slide halves apart but do not
disconnect from each other.
3. Apply a bead of grease completely around male half
where it meets female half. Slide drive halves over
each other several times to distribute grease.
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING

18 Owner Service MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
Figure 10. Jackstand Placement and Lubrication Points
BLADE SERVICING
Blade Removal
(Figure 11)
■When sharpening blades, grind the same
amount on each blade to maintain balance.
Replace blades in pairs. Unbalanced blades will
cause excessive vibration, which can damage
gearbox bearings. Vibration may also cause
structural cracks to cutter.
■If blade pin (7) is seized in crossbar and extreme
force will be needed to remove it, support cross-
bar from below to prevent gearbox damage.
1. Disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
2. Raise cutter and block securely (see Blocking
Method, Figure 10).
3. Align crossbar (1) with blade access hole in the
cutter frame. Remove blade pin nut (5) and lock
washer (4). Carefully drive pin (3) out of crossbar.
4. Rotate crossbar and repeat for opposite blade.
Figure 11. Blade Assembly
Blade Installation
(Figure 11)
■Your dealer can supply genuine replacement
blades. Substitute blades may not meet orig-
inal equipment specications and may be
dangerous.
■Crossbar rotation is counterclockwise when
looking down on cutter. Be sure to install
blade cutting edge to lead in counterclockwise
rotation.
1. Inspect blade pin (3) for nicks or gouges, and if you
nd any, replace the blade pin.
NOTICE
CAUTION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
X
X
X
X
CD8134
X = JACKSTAND PLACEMENT
1. Front U-joint ........................8 hrs
2. Slip joint (apply grease
to inner shaft)......................8 hrs
3. Rear U-joint.........................8 hrs
4. Gearbox ..............................Daily
5. Tailwheel pivot tube ............8 hrs
6. Tailwheel .............................8 hrs
7. Plastic shield bearings ........8 hrs
1
2
3
4
5
CD8111
1. Crossbar
2. Blade
3. Blade pin
4. Lock washer
5. 1-1/8 NF Jam nut

Owner Service 19
MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
2. Insert blade pin through the blade (2). Blade should
swivel on blade pin; if it doesn’t, determine the
cause and correct.
3. Align crossbar (1) with blade access hole in cut-
ter frame. Apply a liberal coating of Never Seez®
or equivalent to blade pin and crossbar hole. Make
sure blade offset is away from cutter. Push blade pin
through crossbar.
4. Insert lock washer (4) and nut (5) through blade ac-
cess hole in deck. Install on blade pin (3) and tighten
to 450 lb-ft using a 1-11/16" socket.
NOTE: Blade should be snug but should swivel on
pin without having to exert excessive force.
Blade Sharpening
1. Sharpen both blades at the same time to maintain
balance. Follow original sharpening pattern.
2. Do not sharpen blade to a razor edge—leave at
least a 1/16" blunt edge.
3. Do not sharpen back side of blade.
Figure 12. Blade Sharpening
SLIP CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
The slip clutch is designed to slip so that the gear-
box and driveline are protected if the cutter strikes an
obstruction.
A new slip clutch or one that has been in storage over
the winter may seize. Before operating the cutter, make
sure it will slip by performing the following operation:
1. Turn off tractor engine and remove key.
2. Loosen nuts on springs until the springs can rotate
freely, yet remain secure on the bolts.
3. Mark outer plates of slip-disc clutch as shown in
Figure 13.
4. Securely attach implement to the tractor and start
the tractor.
5. Engage PTO for several seconds then quickly dis-
engage it.
6. Turn tractor off and remove key.
7. The friction lining plates should have “slipped”.
Check the marks placed on the outer plates of the
slip-disc clutch in step 3 to make sure this is the
case.
8. If clutch does not slip, check assembly for oil, grease
and debris. Clean if necessary.
9. Reassemble clutch and tighten bolts no more than
1/8 of a turn at a time until desired setting of 1.26"
is reached.
10. If excessive slippage continues, check lining plates
for excessive wear. They are 1/8" thick when new
and should be replaced after 1/32" of wear to en-
sure proper operation.
Figure 13. Slip Clutch Assembly
DRIVELINE SHEAR BOLT REPLACEMENT
■Always use approved 1/2" NC x 3" grade 2 shear
bolt as a replacement part. Using a hardened
bolt or shear pin may result in damage to drive-
line or gearbox.
1. Remove damaged shear bolt (7).
2. Rotate driveline (6) to align holes in yoke and shaft.
Install shear bolt and secure with lock nut (8).
Follow Original Pattern
Maintain Corner
1/16"
CD1257-2
CD7100
1.26 Outer Plates
NOTICE

20 Owner Service MAN1298
(08/01/2023)
Figure 14. Shear Bolt Driveline Assembly
SHIELDING REPAIR
■Full chain shielding must be installed when op-
erating in populated areas or other areas where
thrown objects could injure people or damage
property.
• If the machine is not equipped with full chain
shielding, operation must be stopped.
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk
of thrown objects. The mower deck and pro-
tective devices cannot prevent all objects
from escaping the blade enclosure in every
mowing condition. It is possible for objects
to ricochet and escape, traveling as much as
300 feet (92m).
Rear Band
Inspect rear band each day of operation and replace if
bent, cracked or broken.
Rubber Shielding
Inspect rubber shielding each day of operation and re-
place if cracked or broken.
Optional Chain Shielding
Inspect chain shielding each day of operation and re-
place any broken or missing chains as required.
Inspect chain brackets and replace if bent, cracked, or
broken.
CLEANING
After Each Use
After Each Use
■Remove large debris such as clumps of dirt,
grass, crop residue, etc. from machine.
■Inspect machine and replace worn or damaged
parts.
■Replace any safety decals that are missing or
not readable.
Periodically or Before Extended Storage
■Clean large debris such as clumps of dirt, grass,
crop residue, etc. from machine.
■Remove the remainder using a low-pressure
water spray.
1. Be careful when spraying near scratched or torn
safety decals or near edges of decals as water
spray can peel decal off surface.
2. Be careful when spraying near chipped or scratched
paint as water spray can lift paint.
3. If a pressure washer is used, follow the advice of the
pressure washer manufacturer.
■Inspect machine and replace worn or damaged
parts.
■Sand down scratches and the edges of areas
of missing paint and coat with spray paint of
matching color.
■Replace any safety decals that are missing or
not readable. See Safety Decals section for lo-
cation drawing.
DANGER
1
432
5
6
7
8
(GRADE 2)
CD8112-1
1. Clutch shield
2. 5/16 NC x 3/4 Cap screw
3. 5/16 Lock washer
4. 5/16 Flat washer
5. Retaining ring
6. Shear bolt driveline
7. 1/2 NC x 3 Cap screw GR2
8. 1/2 NC Lock nut