New Rotary Cutter User Question

[PortTackFarm]

I got my tractor and implements last fall and still haven't used the rotary cutter. It' a LP RCF2072 with a slip clutch. I think I read somewhere something about testing the slip clutch before using a new cutter. Is this something I need to do or can I just hook it up and go? If it's something I need to do, how do I do this and what am I looking for? With the Spring weather, the weeds and and brush are really starting to come in and it's time to mow to keep it under control. Any tips on using the rotary cutter for the first time would be appreciated. I do plan to set the tail wheel to the upper level of cutting height before cutting for the first time. TY

 

[Bmyers]

Yes, you need to slip the clutch. Your mower manual will explain the exact process.

Simple version, hook up the mower to the tractor and get it to a safe location.

Turn off tractor.

Loosen the bolts the recommended number of turns on the slip clutch

Mark the clutch with a white pen so you can see when it has slipped

Start tractor, engage PTO, should hear it slip, may take a couple of times doing this

Turn off tractor check mark to make sure no longer aligned, thus you know it has slipped

Then tighten bolts back to recommended setting

Enjoy mowing

 

[Bmyers]

Here are a couple of videos explaining what I just typed:

 

[SDT]

I got my tractor and implements last fall and still haven't used the rotary cutter. It' a LP RCF2072 with a slip clutch. I think I read somewhere something about testing the slip clutch before using a new cutter. Is this something I need to do or can I just hook it up and go? If it's something I need to do, how do I do this and what am I looking for? With the Spring weather, the weeds and and brush are really starting to come in and it's time to mow to keep it under control. Any tips on using the rotary cutter for the first time would be appreciated. I do plan to set the tail wheel to the upper level of cutting height before cutting for the first time. TY

Yes, a slip clutch should be slipped annually to prevent corrosion lock.

It should also be adjusted to the PTO HP of your tractor in order to protect tractor internal parts. Almost no one does this including your dealer because it is a time-consuming trial and error process. Ideally, you want the clutch to slip when hitting solid objects but not when mowing at maximum available PTO HP of the tractor used with the cutter. It is highly unlikely that you will find instructions for doing this in the manual that came with your cutter.

 

[Bmyers]

Here are the instructions from my manual, since you have a Landpride mower I would assume the same will be in your manual.

Clutch Run-In
The clutch must be capable of slippage during operation
to protect gearbox, driveline, and other drive train parts.
Friction clutches should be “run-in” prior to initial
operation and after long periods of inactivity. To prevent
driveline and gearbox damage, repeat clutch “run-In” at
the beginning of each season and when moisture and/or
condensation seizes the inner friction plates.
Refer to Figure 5-1:
1. Using a pencil or other marker scribe a line across the
exposed edges of the clutch plates and friction disks.
2. Carefully loosen each of the 8 spring retainer nuts by
exactly 2 revolutions. It will be necessary to hold the
hex end of the retainer bolt in order to count the exact
number of revolutions.
3. Start the tractor and engage the driveline drive for
2-3 seconds to permit slippage of the clutch
surfaces. Disengage the driveline, then re-engage a
second time for 2-3 seconds. Disengage driveline,
shut off tractor, and remove key. Wait for all
components to stop before dismounting from tractor.
4. Inspect the clutch and ensure that the scribed
markings made on the clutch plates have changed
position. Slippage has not occurred if any two marks
on the friction disk and plate are still aligned. A clutch
that has not slipped must be disassembled to
separate the friction disk plates. See “Clutch
Disassembly” to disassemble clutch.
5. Tighten each of the 8 spring retainer nuts on the
clutch housing exactly 2 revolutions to restore the
clutch to the original setting pressure.

 

[PortTackFarm]

Thanks for the replies. This has been very helpful. Sounds like a potential project for Saturday. Rain expected so I don't know if I'll be able to actually mow, but I can get the rig ready for the next dry day opportunity.

 

[RMS]

I did mine last week for the first time, it's not a hard job to do.

 

[TGKY]

First timer here as well. I found dealing with the guards the most frustrating part on my woods BB, but all in all a very doable job.

 

[B737]

It is highly unlikely that you will find instructions for doing this in the manual that came with your cutter.

The procedure is clearly depicted in the instructions, along with the spring height specification.

 

[Russell King]

Also the PTO shaft needs to be checked for proper length since it is new. If too long you can damage the tractor, if too short you can damage yourself.

If you don’t know for sure please verify it is correct.

Process is in the mower’s installation manual.

 

[SDT]

The procedure is clearly depicted in the instructions, along with the spring height specification.

Annual slippage, yes.

Never seen a cutter operator's manual including instructions for adjusting a slip clutch for tractor HP.

Will appreciate seeing any such instructions.

 

[Elliott in GA]

In terms of adjusting a slip clutch, one has to reconcile the operation of a rotary mower equipped with a shear bolt versus a slip clutch. Rotary mowers use the same shear bolt regardless of HP throughout the mower's specified HP ratings. With a 20-60 HP rated mower, there is no selection of shear bolts to be used with different HP tractors; one shear bolt whether the tractor has 25 or 55 PTO HP.

You are setting the resistance of the slip clutch to match the shear bolt specification - one level of resistance for all HP levels within the mower's rated capacity.

The manual's instructions for slipping the PTO clutch are sufficient. I believe this point is further proved by the lack of problems/damage associated with PTO Slip Clutches that have been properly maintained/slipped per their instruction manuals.

 

[B737]

Annual slippage, yes.

Never seen a cutter operator's manual including instructions for adjusting a slip clutch for tractor HP.

Will appreciate seeing any such instructions.

I can name at least one, spring height to HP is described in the instructions included in Woodland Mills products.