My spacing inside is 24" rather than what the rotary cutter manual says about spacing. You think the 24" spread will give me sufficient right to left control? The manual talks about 26 -27 in spacing for a cat 1 spacing.
You could probably reverse the pins (putting the 7/8th's diameter section outboard) since it looks like lynch pins on both ends of the lower link pins. What does it measure from outside of the bracket to outside of the bracket?
I just read your cutter's manual (downloaded from the Servis-Rhino web site). On page 40, it discusses rigging the tractor to the 3PH. It also states you must use the correct hitch pin (the pin you rig to the tractor lower links) for the category. It sure seems like you have the category 2 pins installed. Did you get another set of pins with that cutter? If not, time to contact your dealer or Servis-Rhino.
The pdf manual may differ from your paper manual. You can download it
here. It's PN 00759048C, the 7th link from the top.
The manual does specify the links should be within the bracket, not inboard or outboard. Your picture shows it rigged inboard. That would put excessive stress on the brackets and pins.
Owners manual says to lift cutter on turns, is that necessary or standard practice? I assume the idea of the front edge of the cutter being up is a good idea?
Page 59 of your manual states to slightly raise (not lift off the ground) 2" to 4". This is probably to reduce the possibility of the side skirts digging in during a turn.
I've never done this, but I normally operate back and forth, due to the slopes I'm dealing with. Your manual states not to operate in reverse, but that's more for safety then damaging the cutter. And, they're correct...if you operate in reverse, slow is the speed.
When I mentioned towing the cutter,
this was with the PTO off! I do this with the front of the cutter raised 6 to 8 inches on soft ground only (meaning, not on the road). This is done so I don't have to shorten the top link for transport.
By the way, if you haven't started using that cutter yet, your manual gives pretty specific instructions on engaging the PTO. Basically, once the tractor has warmed for a few minutes, make sure your transmission in in neutral and engage at low RPM (your manual states 1000 RPM. I do it at 1200-1300). Be prepared to "blip" the throttle in case the tractor starts to stall. Use your foot throttle, if you have one. You'll hear two loud thumps...that's the blades extending. You'll feel some vibration, but stay at les then 1500 RPM for about 8-10 seconds (until the blades are fully extended. Then smoothly increase RPM to PTO speed. Then engage your transmission
in low range. You defintely want to go slow until you're comfortable operating the cutter. If you hit a stump or rock, it'll make an unholy racket, but that's why you have a stump jumper (called a pan).
Make sure you wear your seatbelt! If you fall off, the tractor engine will stop, but it takes close to a minute for those heavy blades to stop. That's quite enough time to destroy your body...you wouldn't want your loved ones to find you like that.
This is no job for a child to be around! Do not take your kids for a ride on a tractor...if you love them. I just read of a guy whose son fell off the tractor while brush cutting... He had to find and pick up the pieces...pieces.
Not trying to scare you, but a cutter is probably the second most dangerous (after a
chipper) piece of equipment a residential tractor ower will use.
Hope this helps you...