Date: 13 May, 2023
We had the opportunity to help Shepherd Farms set up their new KDT-300 SaMASZ Disc Mower. This unit was sold by Willard's Farm Equipment in West Branch, Michigan.
Here are some of the key things we learned during the set-up process:
- The lower hitch arms of the tractor 3-point hitch should be set level, or perhaps raised a little on the right hand side. The weight of the disc mower hanging out to the right will level this out. The KDT300 is a full 10' cutting width mower - there is a lot of weight out to the right with the cutter bar raised in the air. Making sure that the hitch is level will prevent the cutter bar from digging into the ground when raised for headland turns, or when putting the cutter bar into the transport position.
- The lower lift arms should be set approximately 20" above ground level, and this position can be set and locked into place with the securing chain. One end of the chain is attached to the top link pin with the supplied shackle and clevis. The other end of the chain is secured to the lower right hand hitch pin. This allows the ground height setting to remain at 20" when moving from field to field.
- With the hitch set at the correct height, and the cutter bar lowered to the ground, the cutting attack position can be set by adjusting the tractor top link. Ideally the cutter bar should be set at a neutral angle so that the cutter bar skids maintain good ground contact. To adjust cutting height the top link can be lengthend or shortened as required. To make a large adjustment in cutting height, topping skids can be added to the underside of the cutter bar to provide extra lift.
- The headland lock is important to limit the raising of the cutter bar when making turns at the end of the field. In order to raise the cutter bar beyond the stop, the headland lock will need to be released by pulling the rope that is attached to the stop.
- It is important to raise the main parking stand out of the way, just in case it catches on something in the field.
- The hay wheels one either end of the cutter are easily adjusted to control the width of the wind row. Simply adjust the length of the keeper chains, and the spring loaded hay wheels can be moved in and out to change the width of the hay swath.
