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GREAT PLAINS RC4015 Operator's Manual

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Read the operation manual entirely. When you see this symbol, the
subsequent instructions and warnings are serious - follow without
exception. Your life and the lives of others depend on it!
Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit.
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
© Copyright 2016
Operator Manual
RC4015 & RCM4015
Rotary Cutters
Manufacturing, Inc.
www.greatplainsmfg.com
Printed
9/19/16
39815
EN
334-300M

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  • Page 1 Table of Contents Operator Manual RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters Manufacturing, Inc. www.greatplainsmfg.com Read the operation manual entirely. When you see this symbol, the subsequent instructions and warnings are serious - follow without exception. Your life and the lives of others depend on it! 39815 Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

  • Page 3: Safety At All Times

    This could result in injury a complete stop before leaving the or equipment damage. operator’s seat.  Detach and store implement in an area where children normally do not play. Secure implement using blocks and supports. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...
  • Page 4  Remove all tools and unused parts permit turning.  Disconnect battery ground cable (-) from implement before operation.  Do not use safety chain for towing. before servicing or adjusting electrical systems or before welding on implement. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 5  Wear protective equipment such  When removing and installing as a hard hat, safety shoes, safety wheels, use wheel handling glasses, and ear plugs. equipment adequate for the weight involved. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 6: Safety Labels

    Spray soapy water onto the cleaned area. all damaged or missing labels. Order new labels from your Peel backing from label and press label firmly onto the nearest Great Plains dealer. To find your nearest dealer, surface. visit our dealer locator at www.greatplainsmfg.com.
  • Page 7 Danger! Rotating Driveline - Keep Away 1-Place (Top of splitter shield) 3-Places (Main driveline and 2-wing drivelines) 37901 818-142C Danger! Rotating Driveline - Keep Away (3-Places) 37586 Located on right wing, left wing, and center deck gearbox shields 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...
  • Page 8 37609 818-543C Danger! Guard Missing - DO NOT Operate (3-Places) Located on center deck and both wing decks 37586 818-276C Warning! Rotating Blade Hazard (1-Place) 37901 Located on left side of center deck RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 9 Located on left side of center deck 818-561C Danger! Raised Wing Hazard (2-Places) 37586 Located on the right and left wing decks 37586 818-830C Safety Combo (2-Places) Located on the right and left wing decks 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...
  • Page 10 Located on the right and left wing decks 818-564C Danger! Rotating Blade (2-Places) 37588 Located on the right and left wing decks 838-094C Warning! High Pressure 37901 838-588C Warning! Folding Cutter Speed Warning 37901 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 11 838-614C 2" x 9" Red Reflector Located on back side of left & right wing rear axles 37572 838-615C 2" x 9" Amber Reflector Located on front side of left wing only. 37588 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 12: Introduction

    Table of Contents Introduction Introduction Great Plains welcomes you to the growing family of new Owner Assistance product owners. The Online Warranty Registration should be completed by the dealer at the time of purchase. This information is This Rotary Cutter has been designed with care and built by skilled workers using quality materials.

  • Page 13: Section 1: Assembly & Set-Up

    Rear PTO Speed: in transport position. Model RC4015 ..... 540 RPM Make sure all pneumatic tires are properly Model RCM4015 ....1000 RPM...

  • Page 14: Hitch Types

    The cutter is factory supplied with the standard clevis hitch. Other optional hitches are available. They include Great Plains Performance hitch, bar-tite hitch, ball hitch, and pintle hitch. See your nearest Great Plains dealer should you want to change your hitch set-up. Standard Clevis Hitch...

  • Page 15: Hitch Assembly

    3. Wait for all components to come to a complete stop 2. Rotate spring hose loop (#10) to face forward as before leaving the operator’s seat. shown and tighten hex flange lock nut (#13) to the correct torque. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 16: Standard Clevis Hitch Hook-Up

    Insert hitch pin (#1) through top hole in clevis (#9), tractor drawbar, and out through bottom hole in clevis. Secure hitch pin with hairpin cotter (#2). 10. Lower park jack (#3) until hitch weight is supported by drawbar. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 17: Performance Hitch Hook-Up

    Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer securely to the safety chain. to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13. 18. Continue with “Hydraulic Hook-up” on page 17 and “Driveline Installation” on page 18. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 18: Bar-Tite Hitch Hook-Up

    (#3) before working on or 13. Continue with “Hydraulic Hook-up” on page 17 and around a cutter not hooked to a tractor drawbar. “Driveline Installation” on page 18. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 19: Hydraulic Hook-Up

    Float position is highly recommended for wing outlet(s). Your Great Plains dealer can help you determine the best configuration that will match your needs and your tractor capabilities. An optional control valve kit is available if the tractor does not have the required number of duplex outlets.

  • Page 20: Lower Wings

    IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to operate a 540 rpm driveline at 1,000 rpm or a 1,000 rpm driveline at 540 rpm. Many tractors provide both 540 and 1,000 rpm PTO modes. Check your tractor’s manual to determine its capabilities. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 21 (#9) on hanger. Final adjustments to hanger Remove and discard rubber shaft protector (#7) from will be made after tractor hook-up. splitter gearbox shaft (#8). 37904 Driveline Hook-up to Gearbox Input Shaft Figure 1-20 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 22: Driveline Hook-Up To Tractor Pto

    (#3). Continue to adjust hanger to underside of driveline. 12. Rotate driveline hanger (#1) down. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 23: Driveline Clearance Check

    5. Repeat steps 1 & 2 above once air is purged from the deck lift hydraulic system. 6. Tighten hose fitting (#5) at lift cylinder (#4). 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 24: Remove Shipping Lugs

    37907 resting on the ground or on support blocks. 10. Shut tractor down properly before dismounting. Refer Hydraulic Lift Cylinder With Stroke Control Spacers Figure 1-26 to “Tractor Shutdown Procedure” on page 13. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 25 (#9) with removed bolt (#1) and locknut (#2) Screw 33870 locknut on 4 or 5 full turns. Do not torque nut tight. Unhook Tractor From Bar-Tite Hitch Figure 1-29 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 26: Section 2: Adjustments

    1" with the front folded up. See cover picture for correct positioning. being closer to the ground than the back. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 27: Wing Deck Leveling

    If outer wing edge is lower than the center deck, loosen jam nut (#1) and rotate turnbuckle (#2) counterclockwise to raise outer wing edge until wing is level. Tighten jam nut (#1) to the correct torque when level. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 28: Cutting Height Adjustment

    (#2) that will fit on the center hydraulic cylinder rod. The following spacers are available. • Two 1" spacers • One 1 1/4" spacer • One 1 1/2" spacer • One 1 3/4" spacer RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 29: Section 3: Operating Instructions

    Always remove Rotary Cutter entanglement in driveline. from service until damaged driveline is repaired or replaced. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 30: Tractor & Cutter Inspection

    Capacities for specified cutting capacity. Using this cutter for on the tractor do not contact cutter or PTO driveline. any other type of work can damage drive components, cutter See also “Driveline Clearance Check” on page 21 blades and deck components. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 31: Avoid Extreme Turning Angles

    10. Taking proper precautions, make necessary repairs and adjustments. 11. Repeat steps 1 thru 10 above to make certain vibration problems are corrected before putting cutter back into service. 20795 Constant Velocity (CV) Driveline Figure 3-2 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 32: Transport Locks

    6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other wing. Your cutter is 5. Shift tractor to a lower gear when traveling over rough now ready for transporting. or hilly terrain. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 33: Field Set-Up

    Dismount tractor and check for objects wrapped 6. Adjust cutter to field cutting height. See “Cutting around blade spindles. Block deck up before Height Adjustment” on page 26 for detailed removing objects. instructions. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 34: Disengage Blades

    Rotary Cutter be equipped with chain guards to stop stop the cutter and tractor immediately to inspect and flying objects and Great Plains’ LED Light Kit to make make necessary repairs to the cutter before resuming your self more visible. For additional information, refer to operation.

  • Page 35: Section 4: Options & Accessories

    • Great Plains offers three types of safety guards to best 6 - Wheel axle arrangement: Four tires on transport suit your application: rubber skirt guards, single row axle and one on each wing axle.

  • Page 36: Mechanical Wing Lift

    Remove transport lock and lower wing deck with mechanical winch. c. Retighten hydraulic fitting and connect all hydraulic hoses to a tractor. d. Purge hydraulic system of air. See “Purge Hydraulic System” on page 21. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 37: Hydraulic Accessories

    Table of Contents Section 4: Options & Accessories Hydraulic Accessories Great Plains offers two different kits for raising the deck wings independently to clear small obstacles in the field without maneuvering around them. Hydraulic Wing Control Kit 318-316A HYDRAULIC WING CONTROL KIT Refer to Figure 4-2: This kit is for tractors with three duplex outlets.

  • Page 38: Light Kit Option (Led)

    6. Attach right-hand light assembly (#3) under hydraulic cylinder (#13) with mounting clamp (#2) on top. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 39 20. Add cable ties (#5) to wire harnesses (#17, #18, & #20) as needed to secure them in place. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 40: Section 5: Maintenance & Lubrication

    The parts on your Rotary Cutter have been specially Tire Maintenance designed and should only be replaced with genuine Great Plains parts. Do not alter the cutter in a way which will adversely affect its performance. WARNING Check all bolts and pins after using the cutter for several...

  • Page 41: Spring Shock Absorbers

    Check all Spring Shock Absorbers skid shoes for wear and replace if necessary. Order only Figure 5-2 genuine Great Plains parts from your local Great Plains dealer. Wing Skid Shoes Refer to Figure 5-3:...

  • Page 42: Spindle Gearbox Shaft Guard

    Gearbox Shaft Guard treating, cold treating, or by any other method. Always Figure 5-5 replace blades with new Great Plains blades to assure safety. WARNING Wait for blades to come to a complete stop before accessing blade bolts through blade bolt access hole.
  • Page 43 550 ft-lbs. minimum and secured with cotter pin (#8) with both legs bent Blade Rotation opposite directions around the nut. Figure 5-7 9. Replace rubber plug (#5). 10. Reconnect main driveline to tractor PTO shaft. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 44: Drivelines With Slip Clutches

    8. The clutch should be checked during the first hour of cutting and periodically each week. An additional set of scribe marks can be added to check for slippage. See Figure 5-11 on page 43 to adjust spring length. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 45 Place springs (#2) over the bolts and secure with nuts (#1). Refer to Figure 5-11: Progressively tighten each spring retainer bolt until correct spring height “A” is reached. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 46: Type B Clutches

    (#7) until after Belleville spring (#6) is relaxed another 1/6 of a revolution, Do not set gap “B” smaller and not pressing against any of the six nuts (#8). than 5 mm (0.197"). RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 47: Long-Term Storage

    The suffix number 81 must be ensure the cuter is ready for field use the next time you included at the end of Great Plains’ Rotary Cutter part hook-up to it. numbers. For example, if ordering a replacement part that is green, the part number should read 555-555C81.

  • Page 48: Lubrication Points

    Hours Adjustable Turnbuckle 4 - zerks (2 per turnbuckle) Type of Lubrication: Multi-Purpose Grease Quantity = As required 27926 Hours Hitch Frame 2-zerks Type of Lubrication: Multi-Purpose Grease Quantity = As required 37908 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 49 Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease 26599 Quantity = As required 37725 Needed Park Jack 1 - zerk Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease Quantity = As required Frequency = As needed and when unhooking for longterm storage. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...
  • Page 50 Reinstall and tighten side oil level plug and oil fill/vented dipstick. Type of Lubrication: 80-90W EP Quantity = Fill until oil begins to flow out oil level plug hole in gearbox. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 51 Quantity = Coat Generously 37519 Hours Wing Driveline Joints 37514 Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease 37519 Drivelines with external profile tube grease point Hours Intermediate Driveline Joints Type of Lubrication: Multi-purpose Grease 37518 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...
  • Page 52 After lubrication, grease should be visible around the ball joints. • Grease fittings located on the u-joints and driveline shields should be lubricated every 8 Hrs of operation. RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 53 Steps 1 thru 6 can be repeated to lubricate universal 3. Refer to Figure 5-18: Pull back on driveline shielding joint on opposite end of driveline. until CV joint is exposed. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 54: Section 6: Specifications & Capacities

    8 - Wheel option: Four on transport axle and two on each wing axle. Transport Axle Spring-cushioned on center transport axle Hubs Cast iron five-bolt hubs with tapered roller bearings and 1 3/4" shafts. Deck Rings Optional RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...
  • Page 55 Add 8" for Airplane Tires 27930 Transport Width Transport Width With Wing Axles Disconnected Without Special Adjustments At Turnbuckles (#5) And Wheels Folded Back (See Figure 1-16 on page 17) 27931 15'- 9" 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 56: Section 7: Features & Benefits

    RC4015 and RCM4015 Series 2 Features Benefits Surpassed rugged All Great Plains Rotary Cutters have been designed and tested and meet rigorous voluntary testing procedures according to ISO 4254. industry standards Factory assembled Arrives for quick and easy set-up. Minimal time is wasted setting or prepping the unit.

  • Page 57: Section 8: Troubleshooting

    Blades have unequal weight Replace each pair of blades on affected carrier. Wing cylinder movement too slow Orifice is plugged Remove elbow fitting and unplug orifice. 9/19/16 RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M...

  • Page 58: Section 9: Torque & Tire Inflation Chart

    Additional Torque Values Blade Bolt Lock Nut 450 ft-lbs Blade Carrier Hub Nut 550 ft-lbs Wheel Lug Nuts 85 ft-lbs Tire Inflation Chart Tire Size Inflation PSI 29" x 7.7 x 15" Aircraft tire RC4015 & RCM4015 Rotary Cutters 334-300M 9/19/16...

  • Page 59: Section 10: Warranty

    This warranty is not valid unless the unit is registered with Great Plains within 10 days from the date of the original purchase.
  • Page 60 Great Plains, Mfg. 1525 E. North St. P.O. Box 5060 Salina, KS 67402...

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