RCI 186M User manual

0

186M Windrow Merger

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. Never allow children to operate on or near any equipment at

any time.

RCI Engineering LLC

RC130102 Rev B 1Nov2017

www.RCIengineering.com

1

New Agricultural Implements

Warranty Statement

RCI Engineering LLC, hereinafter referred to as RCI, warrants new RCI attachments, to the

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

OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND

FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE), EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS

WARRANTY STATEMENT.

RCI WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. Transportation to the selling dealer’s business location or, at the option of the Original

Retail Purchaser, the cost of a service call.

2. Freight costs above standard shipping costs for the replacement parts.

3. Used equipment.

4. Components covered by their own non-RCI warranties, such as tires and trade

accessories.

5. Normal maintenance service and expendable, high-wear items.

6. Sacrificial components designed to fail to prevent damage to other components when

obstructions are encountered (i.e. shear bolts, pickup teeth)

7. Repairs or adjustments caused by: improper use; non-intended use; failure to follow

recommended maintenance procedures; use of unauthorized attachments; accident or

other casualty.

8. Liability for incidental or consequential damages of any type, including, but not limited

to lost profits or expenses of acquiring replacement equipment or damage to machines to

which the attachment is installed.

No agent, employee, or representative of RCI has any authority to bind RCI to any warranty

except as specifically set forth herein. Any of these limitations excluded by local law shall be

deemed deleted from this warranty; all other terms will continue to apply.

2

186M Windrow Merger

The 186M Windrow Merger from RCI Engineering is a simple, cost-effective solution to merging

windrows together while minimizing dirt and foreign material in the windrow as can be experienced in

raking operations.

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:

• Effective pickup width is 8’6” wide.

• Tine bar assembly features six tine bars with center support.

• Extension with 3 feet of length is standard equipment.

• A bundle to increase the extension length to 5’ is available and recommended when tripling 16’

or 18’ cut widths to a windrow of less than 8’ wide.

• If tripling windrows from a 16’ cut width and a final windrow width of under 9’ is needed, the

standard extension is sufficient.

• The longer extension option is recommended for all cut widths of greater than 16’.

• Windguard is standard equipment.

• Pickup and belts are driven hydraulically in series.

• Gauge wheels are adjustable.

• Conveyor extension shut-off valve is standard equipment such that the merger can be used with

the extension in the transport position.

• Can be used with virtually any 50+ hp tractor with a drawbar, self-contained oil cooler, and two

remote hydraulic valves

• Unit discharges at the right side with the extension in the raised or lowered position.

• Reversible belt direction is standard equipment.

3

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.

• The maximum transport speed for the unit is 25 mph. Additional safety lighting may need to be

added if pulled behind any vehicle besides a tractor. See local DOT regulations regarding

lighting requirements for road transport when not using a tractor.

Ordering Information:

Part Number

Description

Comments

RC130001

186M Merger, Base Unit

RC063481

Bundle, 2-Foot Extension Addition

Total of 5’ extension length

Setup Time:

Approximately 2 hours of setup time is required from shipping configuration to field operation when

shipped on a skid. When shipped via flatbed trailer, the unit requires approximately 30 minutes of setup

time for preparation to the field.

RCI Engineering LLC also offers an assortment of attachments for John Deere hay and forage equipment

to improve performance, increase efficiency and to increase machine capabilities in different crop and

field conditions. The 186M Merger is not an Allied Product for John Deere, but is available through

any John Deere dealer.

RCI Engineering LLC reserves the right to make improvements in design and changes in specifications at

any time without notice and without incurring any obligation to install them on units previously

manufactured or sold. Specifications, descriptions, and illustrative material herein are as accurate as

known at time of publication, but are subject to change without notice.

4

Table of Contents

Section

Page

Warranty Statement…………………………………………….......

1

Intended Use…………………………………………………..........

2

Table of Contents………………………………………...……........

4

Specifications……………………………………………………….

5

Pre-Delivery Checklist…………………………………………......

6, 68

Delivery Checklist……………………………………………….....

8, 70

Safe Operation of Machine………………………….……...............

10

Safety Warning Signs………………………………………………

11

Safety Sign Locations………………………..……………..............

12

Safety Sign Definitions……..………………………………............

13

Setup Instructions……...……………………………………..........

15

Field Operation………………………………………………........

17

Adjustments………………………………………………………..

20

Maintenance………………………………………………….........

25

Service…………………………………………………….............

26

Troubleshooting……………………………………………...........

32

Hydraulic Functional Schematic…………………………………..

34

Bolt and Screw Torque Values………………………………........

36

Repair Parts………………………………………………..............

38

Parts Index…………………………………...................................

40

5

186M Merger Specifications

Pickup

Pickup Working Width

8' 6”

Type

Cam w/tine bar reel

Number of Cams

2

Number of Tine Bars

6 w/ center support

Wind Guard

Yes

Pickup Drive

Hydraulic

Stripper Guard Type

Metal

Float System

Spring

Conveyor

Belt Width, in.

35 1/4"

Lug Height, in.

3/4"

Lug Width, in.

32 1/2"

Extension

Yes

Length

36" Standard; 60” Optional

Extension Folding

Hydraulic

Belt Drive

Hydraulic

Tractor Hyd. Drive System

Yes

GPM/PSI Required

12 / 2000

Hydraulic Remotes Needed

2

Tractor Size

Minimum 50 hp

Dimensions & other Specifications

Base Weight, lbs

2,200 approx

Transport Width

10' 11"

Transport Length

12'

Tire Size (Frame)

26 x 12 - 12

Gauge Wheel Size

18.5 x 8.5 - 8

Operating Speed

2 to 12 mph

Transport Speed

Up to 25 mph

Merging Width Cuts

Up to 18' (with optional extension)

6

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.

 Windrow merger has been setup according to the instructions included in this

manual.

 All grease fittings have been lubricated.

 All guards, shields and safety decals are in place, securely fastened, and operate correctly.

 All nuts and bolts have been tightened and inspected.

 Adjustments have been made as described in the Adjustments section of this manual

 Crop guides at belt installed properly.

 Gauge wheels installed and inflated properly.

 All moving parts operate freely.

 Belt tension set properly.

 Extension belt tension set properly.

 All applicable warranty information recorded.

I acknowledge that the pre-delivery service was performed and the unit is ready for delivery to

the customer.

________________________ _________________________ ___________________

Dealership’s Name Representative Date

_______________________ __________________________ ___________________

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

Email: info@rciengineering.com

Mail: 208 River Knoll Drive, Mayville, WI 53050

7

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

8

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.

 Review and explain all safety information and operating adjustments.

 Review and explain maintenance and lubrication schedule that is required to ensure

proper operation and long life.

 Show how to properly adjust the belt tension as instructed in the “Adjustments”

section.

 Make it be known that if the customer can visit or call the dealership to discuss any

questions or problems they may encounter.

 Complete the Owner’s Registration with the customer, ensure it is completely filled out,

and return it to RCI Engineering.

_________________________________

Date Delivered

_________________________________

Signature

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

Email: info@rciengineering.com

Mail: 208 River Knoll Drive, Mayville, WI 53050

9

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

10

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. Whenever this symbol is noticed in this manual or

on the machine, be alert to the situation and read the message near the

symbol shown in graphical format. Always be alert for the potential

for personal injury.

General Safety Precautions / Accident Prevention

Before operation of the machine each time, check the entire machine for operational safety.

1. BEFORE unclogging, removing material, cleaning, adjusting, servicing, or lubricating,

the operator must:

a. Disengage tractor, put the tractor in park, shut off the engine, and remove the key

from the ignition.

b. Wait until all parts have stopped moving.

2. The warning and safety decals on the attachment provide important information to ensure

safe operation of the machine. Follow these instructions at all times to remain safe.

Replace all such decals if they should become illegible or be missing.

3. Avoid loose fitting clothing while operating this implement. The operator should always

wear close-fitting clothing and sturdy footwear.

4. Before operation of this implement, become familiar with all controls of the prime mover

and implement and understand the function of this implement.

5. Check all guards and shields to make sure they are in place and functional. Replace any

defective or missing guards, shields, or components before operation.

6. To transport the merger on the road, raise the unit to its highest position and fold the

extension to its transport position. Engage the hand valve for the extension to prevent

unintentional opening. Engage the pickup lift lock arm to prevent unintentional lowering

of the unit. Disengage the main drive clutch.

7. Keep clear of the working and danger area of the machine.

8. Use proper personal protection for eyes, ears, and head to protect against projected

objects and noise.

9. Do not modify the machine. Unauthorized modifications may affect the safety and

longevity of the machine and voids warranty.

10. Check with local authorities for regulations regarding transportation of the unit on public

roads. Ensure that all unit markings are clearly visible before transporting the unit.

11. Restrict on-road towing of unit to 25 mph (40 kmph).

12. Use the safety chain when transporting the unit.

11

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.

The top or left box of the decal indicates a warning for the hazard. The triangle indicates

WARNING. The symbol inside the triangle indicates what the warning pertains to. In some

cases, a simple explanation mark is used.

The right or bottom box of the decal indicates an instruction on how to respond to the hazard.

Reference each decal to the operator manual for further explanation of the meaning of the decal

and respond accordingly.

12

Safety Sign Locations

Decal locations are identified in the figures below and referenced on the following pages.

13

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.

Safety Sign 2, 3, and 7

These reflective decals are for proper

machine marking for transport. Ensure that

these decals are clearly visible and clear of

debris before transporting unit.

Safety Sign 4

This safety sign is a warning of injury due to

escaping hydraulic fluid under pressure.

Keep away from this area when the hoses

have hydraulic pressure to avoid the hazard.

Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Safety Sign 5

This safety sign is a warning of

entanglement of moving parts. Keep all

body parts away from moving parts. Failure

to do so may result in serious injury.

Figure 1. Safety Sign 1

Figure 2. Safety Sign 4

Figure 3. Safety Sign 5

14

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.

Safety Sign 8

This safety sign is an indication that tire

pressure is critical to proper machine

operation and reliability. This decal is

located on the tongue of the unit near the

jack stand storage position.

Safety Sign 9

This safety sign is a “Slow Moving Vehicle

Sign” and is provided to meet the

requirements of on-road transportation.

Always make sure this decal is complete,

clean, and visible to the rear of the

implement whenever transporting the

machine on public roads.

Figure 4. Safety Sign 6

Figure 5. Safety Sign 8

Figure 6. Safety Sign 9

15

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

16

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.

2) Remove the hitch from the skid. See

Key 1 Figure 7. Release the

shipping strap from the hitch. See

Key 1 Figure 8. Retain hardware

and Strap.

3) Using a lift or other device, safely lower

the tongue until the Latch can fit the

pin in the rear hook point of the

latch. See Key 2 Figure 8.

4) Install the hitch into the tongue and

replace the ¾” bolts provided.

Torque bolts to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm).

See Figure 9.

5) Install Jack Stand and Hydraulic Hoses

as indicated in Figure 9. Slots are

provided for hose storage when

not in use.

6) Lift the unit with a forklift from the rear

through the fork pockets in the main

frame. Take care to not damage any

tine bars or tines. Secure the merger

to the forklift in a safe manner. Do

not move the merger fore/aft with the

forklift.

7) Place the merger on blocks for safety.

Install spindles and tires. Tighten all

hardware properly. Remove

shipping skid, remove safety blocks

and lower unit to the ground.

Figure 7. Shipping Configuration

Key 1 - Hitch

Figure 8. Shipping Lock

Key 1 – Shipping Strap Key 2 - Latch

Figure 9. Htich Installation

Key 1 – Hitch Key 2 – Bolts

Key 3 – Jack Stand Key 4 – Hoses

Key 5 – Hose Mounts

17

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.

9) Install pin at hydraulic cylinder. Install

spring at pivot link. See Figure 10.

10) Grease unit. See “Maintenance”

Section of this manual.

11) Verify tire pressures are set correctly.

See “Service” section of this manual.

12) Use the shipping blocks to create a

ramp in front of the skid at the tires.

Connect the unit to a tractor and pull

from the shipping skid. See “Attach

Merger to Tractor” in the next

section.

Figure 10. Lift Cylinder Assembly

Key 1 – Cylinder Key 2 – Spring

Key 3 – Pin Key 4 - Stop

18

Attach Merger To Tractor

Perform the following actions when

connecting the merger to a tractor.

1) Disengage tractor, put the tractor in park,

shut off the engine, and remove the

key from the ignition.

2) Install hitch pin and hitch pin clip.

3) Install safety chain.

4) Install hydraulic hoses.

5) Lower jack stand and move to storage

position at the top of the tongue.

Place in a horizontal position.

Field Operation

The 186M Windrow Merger is capable of

merging windrows from cut widths up to 16'

with the standard extension. With the longer

extension, merging of cut widths up to 18’

can be accomplished. In some

configurations, three windrows can be put

together into one windrow.

The unit is also capable of merging

windrows with or without the extension in

the lowered position. However, in heavier

crops, it may be necessary to use the

extension due to limited clearance beneath

the extension.

To prepare the 186M for field operation,

perform the following:

1) Raise the pickup to the highest position

to relieve pressure on the transport

lock.

WARNING: Hydraulic systems at rest may

contain hydraulic pressure. Do not

disconnect or service hydraulic systems with

pressure in the system. Relieve all pressure

before performing any service work.

Beware of components that may move when

changing selections with valves or removing

locking mechanisms. Failure to do so may

result in serious injury.

2) Disengage tractor, put the tractor in park,

shut off the engine, and remove the

key from the ignition.

3) Disengage the transport lock. See

"Engage / Disengage Transport

Lock" in the next section.

4) Return to the tractor and slowly release

all hydraulic pressure on all circuits

to lower the pickup to the ground.

IMPORTANT

If required to start the engine or tractor

electrical circuit to relieve hydraulic

pressure, be sure to repeat Step 2 before

proceeding to Step 5.

5) If it is desired to use the extension,

slowly switch hydraulic valve near

jack storage position to the OPEN

position. "See Engage/Disengage

Extension Folding" in the next

section. If use of the extension is

not desired, proceed to Step 12.

6) Return to the tractor and start the unit

while following the General Safety

Precautions on Page 8 of this

manual.

7) Lower the extension by activating the

hydraulic function to lower the

pickup to the ground. The extension

will move to a lowered position. Be

19

sure to lower extension completely

before proceeding.

8) Disengage tractor, release all hydraulic

pressure, put the tractor in park,

shut off the engine, and remove the

key from the ignition.

9) Slowly switch hydraulic valve near

jack storage position to the CLOSED

position. "See Engage/Disengage

Extension Folding" in the next

section.

10) Engage the extension belt motor by

selecting the "Motor Engaged

Position" at the hydraulic manifold.

See "Extension Motor Engage /

Disengage" in the next section.

IMPORTANT

When the extension is not in use, be sure the

extension motor is disengaged. Failure to do

so may result in belt damage.

11) Return to the tractor and start the

unit while following the General

Safety Precautions on Page 8 of this

manual.

12) Proceed to merging operation.

To prepare the 186M for transport from the

field, perform the following:

1) Engage the transport lock. See

"Engage / Disengage Transport

Lock" in the next section.

2) If the extension was used, slowly switch

hydraulic valve near jack storage

position to the OPEN position.

"See Engage/Disengage Extension

Folding" in the next section. If the

extension was not used, proceed to

next step but skip Steps 5 and 6.

3) Raise the pickup to the highest position

to allow the transport lock to fall into

place. Continue to raise the pickup

to raise the extension to transport

position. Verify the transport lock is

engaged.

4) Disengage tractor, release all hydraulic

pressure, put the tractor in park,

shut off the engine, and remove the

key from the ignition.

5) Slowly switch hydraulic valve near

jack storage position to the CLOSED

position. "See Engage/Disengage

Extension Folding" in the next

section.

6) Disengage the extension belt motor by

selecting the "Motor Disengaged

Position" at the hydraulic manifold.

See "Extension Motor Engage /

Disengage" in the next section.

7) With the tractor still shut off, disengage

the main clutch at the rear axle. See

"Engage/Disengage Main Clutch" in

the next section.

8) Return to the tractor and start the

unit while following the General

Safety Precautions on Page 8 of this

manual.

9) Proceed to transporting of unit.

Page is loading ...

RCI 186M User manual

RCI 186M User manual

Related papers

Other documents