Tips for Rotary Cutter Maintenance
Rotary cutters are implements designed to cut through tall weed and tough brush. They offer the sharp cutting power needed to quickly tackle difficult projects. Even though cutters are rugged pieces of equipment, they can still get clogged with grass and debris, lose sharpness, or break down if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance. Fortunately, rotary cutters aren’t the most complex machines, so you should be able to keep them in good condition.
At Alex Power Equipment, we want our customers to have all the information they need to take care of their equipment. That’s why we've gathered some basic rotary cutter maintenance tasks that even beginners can handle. If you have any questions or you want to check out some high-quality rotary cutters for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual will have all the details you need to take care of your rotary cutter, including any specific maintenance guidelines, as well as information about the service schedule. There are a lot of problems that can be solved with a quick look at the owner’s manual, saving you the time and energy of calling a professional. You can also use the manual to write down whatever maintenance you perform and keep a record of any repairs done, which will be useful if you later choose to sell your machine.
Inspect Your Cutter Before Use
It’s essential to examine your cutter before you use it. The hard work they do means that every part of the equipment will be under a lot of stress, so you should keep an eye out for problems with every use. Check the blades beforehand and after every few hours of cutting. This is especially important if you’re cutting tall brush or rocky areas where the blades can see a lot of wear in just a short amount of time. Also, inspect the cutting deck and drive assembly for signs of cracks or areas that are seeing undue stress.
Remember to tighten the nuts and bolts regularly. Cutters vibrate a lot, which can cause these tools to come loose over time. Get in the habit of tightening everything when you perform your regular maintenance.
To ensure the best operation, you’ll want to clean any grass or debris that gets stuck in the underside of the cutter. A dirty undercarriage covered in grass clippings, mud, or other debris won’t cut as efficiently as a clean one. Take a hose with a high-pressure nozzle and blast away any clippings or debris.
Sharpen the Blades
Dull blades won’t cut the grass as evenly and will increase the time it takes to finish a task. All you need is a file or grinder to get that blade back into shape. Grind off all the dull material so you’re left with a sharp blade ready to effectively cut the grass again. You want to make sure that the blade moves quickly through the air and cuts the grass without shredding it up.
Check the Hydraulic Connections
Make sure that all the connections are secure and free of dirt and debris. This is especially important for hydraulic connections since dirt getting into the hydraulic system could mean serious problems in the future. Speaking of hydraulics, you should pay attention to the systems on your tractor to make sure you’re operating within the safe range. If the range is too high, you could cause permanent damage to your cutter and it won’t be safe to use it. On the other hand, if the range is too low, you won’t be able to get an effective cut.
We hope that our rotary cutter maintenance guide has been helpful. If you’re looking for rotary cutters for sale near Sartell or St. Cloud, MN, get in touch with us at Alex Power Equipment. Our team of courteous professionals will be happy to help you find the right model for your projects. We are located in Alexandria, so visit us today!