The provided document is an "OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL" for the IronCraft 2512 Series Flex-Wing Rotary Cutter.
Function Description
The IronCraft 2512 Series Flex-Wing Rotary Cutter is designed for cutting weeds, grass, and brush up to 2 inches in diameter. It features three spindles, each with two free-swinging blades, which help reduce the shock of impact when the cutter encounters stationary objects. The unit is equipped with slip clutches to protect the gearboxes and driveline from damage. Standard safety features include driveline shields, gearbox shields, and front and rear chain discharge shields. The flex-wing design allows the cutter to adapt to uneven terrain, and the wings can be folded for transport or storage.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: 2512 Series Flex-Wing Rotary Cutter
- Recommended Minimum HP: 35 HP (Gear Drive Transmission)
- Hitch: Swivel Clevis
- Cut Width: 144 inches
- Overall Width: 151 inches
- Overall Length w/ Wheels: 158 inches
- Deck Thickness: 10 Gauge
- Deck Height: 11 inches
- Side Skirt Material: 3/16 inches
- Hinge Rods: 1 inch
- Outboard Gearbox: 75 HP
- Splitter Gearbox: 175 HP
- Cutting Capacity: Up to 2 inches
- Input PTO: ASAE CAT 5 Constant Velocity
- Wing Drive PTO: ASAE CAT 4 with Slip Clutch
- Gearbox RPM: 540 RPM
- Blades: 1/2 inch x 3 inches with Lift
- Blade Tip Speed: 15,657 FPM
- Blade Overlap: 6 inches
- Blade Carrier: 3/16 inch Formed Plate with 3/4 inch x 6 inch Bar
- Tongue Weight: 759 lbs
- Overall Weight: 2630 lbs
- Cut Height: 1-1/2 inches to 12 inches
- Wheel Type: 5 Lug Laminated Std. (Used Airplane Optional)
- Suspension (Shock Absorber): Single Spring
- Skid Shoes: Replaceable
- Chain Shields: Single Row Chain Shields Standard
- Towing Safety Chain: Standard
- Gearbox Warranty: 5 Year Limited
Usage Features
The manual emphasizes safe and efficient operation. Key usage features and recommendations include:
- Operator Orientation: Directions (left, right, front, rear) are defined from the tractor operator's seat, facing the direction of travel.
- Serial Number Location: A decal is on the left front of the center deck for easy reference.
- Manual Storage: The owner/operator manual and other materials are stored in a document storage tube on the splitter gearbox shield.
- Assembly: Requires specific wrenches (1/2" to 1-1/2") and a ratchet. Procedures include leveling the center and wing decks, installing the driveline, and checking/shortening the driveline length to ensure proper engagement and prevent bottoming out.
- Attaching to Tractor: Involves adjusting the hitch height, aligning with the tractor drawbar, inserting a high-strength drawbar pin, connecting the safety chain, and attaching the driveline securely to the tractor PTO shaft.
- Setting the Rotary Cutter: Includes leveling the cutter front-to-back (front slightly lower than the back for initial setup) and adjusting cutting height. Wing stop adjustment ensures proper alignment when wings are raised.
- Operating Procedure: Operate only in clear visibility, clear the area of bystanders and debris, engage PTO at low RPM then raise to 540 RPM, begin cutting at slow speed (not exceeding 5 MPH), and avoid contact with solid objects. Raise the cutter slightly before turning and disengage PTO if raising above 12 inches. Avoid extreme turning angles (over 80°) and operating at angles that cause driveline binding. For dense vegetation, multiple passes at different heights are recommended. Avoid cutting in reverse.
- Transporting: Do not exceed 15 MPH, ensure all lights and reflectors are visible, and comply with local regulations. The cutter is top-heavy when wings are folded, requiring caution on uneven surfaces.
- Detaching from Tractor: Disengage PTO, wait for blades to stop, raise wings and install locks, park tractor, lower cutter onto blocks, relieve hydraulic pressure, and then disconnect the hydraulic hose, driveline, and hitch pin.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines comprehensive maintenance procedures to ensure long-term, trouble-free service:
- General Safety: Emphasizes reading the manual, proper training, using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective shoes, goggles, clothing, and hearing protection. Highlights crush hazards, entanglement hazards, and thrown object hazards.
- Safety Signs and Labels: Instructions for maintaining and replacing safety signs, which are crucial for safety awareness.
- Welding Repairs: Requires contacting IronCraft for approval and certification in accordance with American Welding Society (AWS) standards. Prohibits welding on blades due to hardening.
- Greasing: Detailed diagram and instructions for lubricating all grease zerks (receiver swivel, hitch pivot bushings, driveline CV/U-joints, splitter cross shaft U-joints, tailwheel tube pivot bushings, tailwheel hubs) every 8 hours using SAE multipurpose high-temperature grease.
- Gearbox Lubrication: Gearboxes are factory-filled with EP-0 Grease. Check for leakage and add grease to proper levels. Overfilling can cause pressure buildup and seal leakage.
- Driveline Lubrication: Lubricate slip joints, U-joint crosses, and CV joints every 8 operating hours.
- Blade Servicing: Inspect blades before each use for wear or damage. Replace bent, nicked, or worn blades in pairs. Sharpen blades to maintain balance, following the original pattern with a 1/16" blunt edge. Replace blade bolts, lock washers, and nuts when replacing blades.
- Blade Carrier Removal/Installation: Procedures for removing and installing blade carriers, including torque specifications for the castle nut (450-700 ft. lbs.).
- Slip Clutch Operational Check/Adjustment: Instructions for checking slip clutch function, disassembling/assembling if necessary, and adjusting spring lengths to ensure proper torque and protection for the drivetrain.
- Bolt Torque Requirements: A detailed chart for standard torque values for various bolt grades (Grade 2, 5, 8) to ensure proper fastening.
- Service Record: A checklist for tracking maintenance tasks performed every 8 hours, 50 hours, and annually.
- Troubleshooting: A guide to identify and resolve common issues such as uneven cut, uncut material, windrowing, streaking, material discharge problems, loose blade bolts, and gearbox noise/overheating.
- Storage: Recommendations for end-of-season inspection, cleaning, lubricating all grease points, and storing the cutter in a dry, level area away from human activity, with wings raised and locked.
- Removing from Storage: Greasing all lubrication points, attaching to the tractor, checking for locked blades, replacing worn parts, and performing a pre-operation checklist.
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