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Operator Manual Includes operating, adjustment, maintenance, technical, repair parts and safety instructions for the 186M Windrow Merger. Please retain this document for future reference. Keep this manual available for reference to the operator at all times. Do not allow anyone to operate this implement without reading and fully understanding this operator manual.
Original Retail Purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of sale. RCI warranty includes: Genuine RCI parts costs and labor required to repair or replace equipment at the selling dealer’s business location. RCI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED...
Intended Use: For merging two or three windrows from up to 18' wide cut widths into a single windrow. The 186M can also function as a very effective windrow inverter for improved crop drying in some conditions. Product Highlights: •...
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Product Limitations: • The 186M is not recommended at this time for use with tractors without integrated oil coolers. • When used on a tractor with open-center hydraulics and no flow control from the tractor, a pair of plugs must be removed from the manifold to allow for flow control at the manifold. Refer to the 186M Operator Manual for more information.
186M Merger Specifications Pickup Pickup Working Width 8' 6” Type Cam w/tine bar reel Number of Cams Number of Tine Bars 6 w/ center support Wind Guard Pickup Drive Hydraulic Stripper Guard Type Metal Float System Spring Conveyor Belt Width, in.
Pre-delivery Checklist (Copy for Return to RCI at back of this manual) After the unit has been assembled and lubricated and prior to delivery to customer, the merger needs to be inspected thoroughly to ensure it is in proper working order. The following checklist must be reviewed and each item found to be satisfactorily completed.
Delivery Checklist (Copy for Return to RCI at back of this manual) The following items must be performed when delivering the attachment to the customer. Check off each item as it is performed. Provide the customer with the Operator's Manual and instruct them to read prior to operating the unit.
Safe Operation of Machine Operator Authorization The machine owner must provide the operator of the machine this manual and ensure that the operator reads and understands the contents. This must be performed before the machine is put into operation. Safety Alert Symbol This safety alert symbol is used to alert the operator to the potential for personal injury.
Safety Warning Signs The safety warning signs feature a hazard description panel without text. It is important to properly identify any hazards when working around the attachment. The signs have a black border and yellow background. Each decal has two boxes of information regarding the hazard.
Safety Sign Definitions Safety Sign 1 This safety sign is a general warning sign instructing the operator to read the Operator's Manual for an explanation of safety signs applicable to the machine. The Operator's Manual is located in a tube holder at the left rear corner of the machine.
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Safety Sign 6 This safety sign is a warning of a pinch point. Keep clear of this area and do not place any body parts in this area due to the risk of the pinch point. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
Setup Instructions Convert from Shipping to Field Setup Each unit is shipped with the tongue in a raised position. See Figure 7. Perform the following actions to prepare the machine from shipping configuration to field configuration: 1) Release unit from shipping skid by cutting shipping straps.
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8) Install the shipping strap from the hitch as a stop on the lower side of the tongue frame. See Figure 10. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the plate is arranged with the hook slot towards the front of the merger and the wide area extended under the frame of the merger.
Field Operation IMPORTANT If required to start the engine or tractor The 186M Windrow Merger is capable of electrical circuit to relieve hydraulic merging windrows from cut widths up to 16' pressure, be sure to repeat Step 2 before with the standard extension.
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See 12) Proceed to merging operation. "Engage/Disengage Main Clutch" in the next section. To prepare the 186M for transport from the 8) Return to the tractor and start the field, perform the following: unit while following the General Safety Precautions on Page 8 of this 1) Engage the transport lock.
Set the park brake of the tractor and shut off the engine. Remove the key from the ignition. Float Pressure The 186M Merger is preset to operate under Figure 11. Float Adjustment full spring load in normal operation. Key 1 - Spring Key 2 - Jam Nut (Hidden)
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Engage / Disengage Transport Lock before performing any service work. The transport lock is located at the left side Beware of components that may move when of the implement. changing selections with valves or removing locking mechanisms. Failure to do so may Before disengaging the transport lock, result in serious injury.
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Engage / Disengage Extension Motor The extension motor is engaged and disengaged manually. IMPORTANT When the extension is not in use, be sure the extension motor is disengaged. Failure to do so may result in belt damage. Always release all hydraulic pressure, lower unit to ground or transport stop, engage park brake, turn off tractor, and remove key before making any adjustments.
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Pickup Speed Adjustment – Closed Center Systems The tine speed is adjustable in series with Note: A new manifold is used starting with the belt speed by adjusting hydraulic oil serial number RCIX00835. Units built prior flow. to this serial number break do not feature the ability to switch between open-center and IMPORTANT: closed-center tractors and do not have flow...
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Changing Between Closed- and Open- There are two flow control valves on the Center Hydraulics manifold. The third, silver handle is the The default configuration for the hydraulic valve used to engage/disengage the manifold is for Closed-Center Hydraulics. extension motor. Each valve is also labeled on the manifold with engraved letters.
Maintenance Perform general lubrication every 10 hours of operation or before and after intermediate use (before and after seasonal harvests) unless otherwise specified. Severe or unusual conditions may require more frequent lubrication. The following illustrations show the lubrication points on the unit. Prior to using grease gun, clean the grease fitting.
Service Cam Bearing Replacement Right end pickup cam bearing replacement. 1. Remove the cover from the cam track. 2. Remove the first tine bar guard from the end for clearance to work. 3. Loosen the bolt retaining the cover tab and move the tab for clearance to the access hole for removal of the bearing retaining bolt.
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Broken Tine Replacement Broken tines must be replaced immediately to prevent damage to other components. To replace a broken tine: 1. Remove the tine guard covering the broken tine. 2. Remove the 3/8” x 1¼” bolt and tine clip holding the broken tine in place. 3.
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Tire Pressures Inspect tire pressures and adjust appropriately. SPECIFICATION Gauge Wheel Pressure: Max 20 psi (140 kPa) Drive Wheel Pressure Max 20 psi (140 kPa) Main Belt Tension The main belt of the merger is automatically adjusting, but requires occasional maintenance to reset the spring.
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Implement Plugging Belt Care The belt compound includes polyester- Should the unit encounter an obstruction of reinforced-rubber. Although designed for crop at the pickup, use the following durability, the following is important to procedure to remove the restriction. consider to maximize the life of the belt. 1.
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Preparation for Storage 4. Store merger with transport lock in At the end of the season, the following place and extension in the transport should be done before putting the windrow position. pickup attachment into storage. 5. Store in a dry place out of the 1.
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy Belt will not move. Obstruction to belt. Clear obstruction. Hydraulic valve closed. Open hydraulic valve. Will not float freely. Float spring is too tight. Loosen float springs Hydraulics not functioning Inspect for proper properly. connection of hoses. Crop is left in the field Gauge wheels are too low.
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Pickup Components - continued Part Number Description Comments RC700638 Adapter, -10 MORB -8 FORB Reducer RC901878 Bolt, 1/2-20 x 1-1/4 Gr 8 YZ Hex RC901638 Pin, 1/8 x 2 SS Cotter RC901890 Nut, 1-20 Castle RC900071 Bolt, 5/16-18 x 2-1/2 Gr5 YZ Hex RC902153 Screw, 3/8-24 X 3/8 BO Button Socket Cap RC902152...
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Decals – Right Part Number Description Comments RC130101 Decal, 186M Long Right RC901939 Reflector, Yellow 2 x 9 RC902035 Decal, ISO Pinch Point Hazard Horizontal RC901933 Decal, Grease RC901932 Decal, ISO Entanglement Hazard RC901935 Decal, ISO High Pressure Fluid Hazard...
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Decals – Back Part Number Description Comments RC901940 Reflector, Red 2 x 9 RC901941 Reflector, Orange 2 X 9 RC130099 Decal, 186M Rectangle RC901932 Decal, ISO Entanglement Hazard RC901937 Decal, American Flag RC902035 Decal, ISO Pinch Point Hazard Horizontal RC901938 Decal, SMV...
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__________________________ ___________________ Model Number Serial Number Date Sold Owner’s Name and Address Name_______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________________ Original: Enclose in manual and give to customer at time of delivery. Copy: Dealership Copy: RCI Engineering LLC RCI Engineering LLC Fax: 920-387-9804...
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Delivery Checklist (Copy for Return to RCI at back of this manual) The following items must be performed when delivering the attachment to the customer. Check off each item as it is performed. Provide the customer with the Operator's Manual and instruct them to read prior to operating the unit.
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208 River Knoll Drive ● Mayville, WI 53050 ● 920-387-9804 ● Fax 920-387-9806 www.rciengineering.com...
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