McConnel PA96 Operator's Manual

Hedge cutter / grass mower

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Publication 632
April 2010
Part No. 22674.32
Revision: 12.10.12
McCON NEL
PA96
HEDGE CUTTER / GRASS MOWER
Operator Manual

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Summary of Contents for McConnel PA96

  • Page 1 McCON NEL Publication 632 April 2010 PA96 Part No. 22674.32 Revision: 12.10.12 HEDGE CUTTER / GRASS MOWER Operator Manual...
  • Page 2 VERIFICATION OF WARRANTY REGISTRATION DEALER WARRANTY INFORMATION & REGISTRATION VERIFICATION It is imperative that the selling dealer registers this machine with McConnel Limited before delivery to the end user – failure to do so may affect the validity of the machine warranty.
  • Page 3 WARRANTY POLICY WARRANTY REGISTRATION All machines must be registered, by the selling dealer with McConnel Ltd, before delivery to the end user. On receipt of the goods it is the buyer’s responsibility to check that the Verification of Warranty Registration in the Operator’s Manual has been completed by the selling dealer.
  • Page 4 2.02. Any fault must be reported to an authorised McConnel dealer as soon as it occurs. Continued use of a machine, after a fault has occurred, can result in further component failure for which McConnel Ltd cannot be held liable.
  • Page 5: Declaration Of Conformity

    DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Conforming to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC McCONNEL LIMITED, Temeside Works, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1JL, UK Hereby declare that: The Product; Tractor Mounted Hedgecutter / Grass Mower Product Code; PA96 Serial No. & Date ………………………………… Type ………………………… Manufactured in; United Kingdom Complies with the required provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC The machinery directive is supported by the following harmonized standards;...
  • Page 6 The inspection sheet on the following page should be kept in this book as a record. A second sheet is included for you to cut out and photocopy or the inspection sheets can be downloaded from our website at; http://www.mcconnel.com/support/aftersales/default.aspx?nav=After Sales...
  • Page 8 POWER ARM PRE-OPERATION Inspection Power Arm ID ________________ Date: _______________ Shift: _______________ WARNING Before conducting the inspection, make sure the tractor engine is off, the key removed, all rotation has stopped and the tractor is in park with the parking brake engaged. Make sure the mower head is resting on the ground or is securely blocked up and supported and all hydraulic pressure has been relieved.
  • Page 9 TRACTOR PRE-OPERATION Inspection Power Arm ID ________________ Date: _______________ Shift: _______________ WARNING Before conducting the inspection, make sure the tractor engine is off, the key is removed all rotation has stopped and the tractor is in park with the parking brake engaged. Any implement attached to the tractor is firmly on the ground.
  • Page 10 POWER ARM PRE-OPERATION Inspection Power Arm ID ________________ Date: _______________ Shift: _______________ WARNING Before conducting the inspection, make sure the tractor engine is off, the key removed, all rotation has stopped and the tractor is in park with the parking brake engaged. Make sure the mower head is resting on the ground or is securely blocked up and supported and all hydraulic pressure has been relieved.
  • Page 11 TRACTOR PRE-OPERATION Inspection Power Arm ID ________________ Date: _______________ Shift: _______________ WARNING Before conducting the inspection, make sure the tractor engine is off, the key is removed all rotation has stopped and the tractor is in park with the parking brake engaged. Any implement attached to the tractor is firmly on the ground.
  • Page 12: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS General Information Features Safety Information Tractor Requirements Tractor Preparation Delivery & Pre-Attachment Initial Attachment Machine Attachment PTO Driveshaft Installation Flailhead Attachment Hydraulic Oil Fitting Operator Controls Running Up Pre-Work Preparation & Precautions Removal from Tractor Storage Operation Cable Controls Cable Rotor Control XTC Proportional Switchbox Controls Breakaway...
  • Page 14 Shropshire England Telephone: 01584 873131 www.mcconnel.com NOISE STATEMENT The equivalent daily personal noise exposure from this machine measured at the operators’ ear is within the range 78 – 85 dB, these figures apply to a normal distribution of use where the noise fluctuates between zero and maximum.
  • Page 16: General Information

    GENERAL INFORMATION Read this manual before fitting or operating the machine. Whenever any doubt exists contact your dealer or the McConnel Service Department for assistance. Use only McConnel Genuine Parts on McConnel equipment and machines. DEFINITIONS - The following definitions apply throughout this manual: WARNING: An operating procedure, technique etc., which can result in personal injury or loss of life if...
  • Page 17: Features

    FEATURES PA96 – all models • Linkage mounted. • Left hand cutting • Operator guard. • Hydraulic breakaway. • 95° powered slew. • 200 litre hydraulic reservoir. • Choice of 1.2m Supercut/Multicut or 1.5m Super Multicut flailheads. PA96 Cable models •...
  • Page 18: Safety Information

    SAFETY SECTION This machine has the potential to be extremely dangerous, in the wrong hands it can kill or maim. It is therefore imperative that both owner, and operator of this machine, read and understand the following section to ensure that they are fully aware of the dangers that do, or may exist, and their responsibilities surrounding the use and operation of the machine.
  • Page 19 BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE YOU MUST: ▲ Ensure you read all sections of the operator handbook. ▲ Ensure the operator is, or has been, properly trained to use the machine. ▲ Ensure the operator has been issued with and reads the operator handbook. ▲...
  • Page 20 ▲ Always disengage the machine, kill the tractor engine, remove and pocket the key before dismounting for any reason. ▲ Always clear up all debris left at the work area, it may cause hazard to others. ▲ Always ensure when you remove your machine from the tractor that it is left in a safe and stable position using the stands and props provided and secured if necessary.
  • Page 21 No advice given here can replace ‘good common sense’ and ‘total awareness’ at all times, but will go a long way towards the safe use of your McConnel machine.
  • Page 22: Tractor Requirements

    FITTING – Tractor requirements Minimum Tractor Weights - including ballast weight if necessary: All models – 3250 kg. Minimum HP Requirements: All models – 60 HP Linkage: Category 2 PTO Shaft: Tractor must be equipped with a live drive PTO to enable forward motion to be stopped while the flail head continues to operate.
  • Page 23: Tractor Preparation

    TRACTOR PREPARATION Fitting Tractor Guard: Use tractor with safety glass windows if possible and fit Operator guard (part no. 73 13 324) using the hooks provided. Shape mesh to cover all vulnerable areas. Remember the driver must be looking through mesh and/or polycarbonate glazing when viewing the flail head in any working position - unless tractor/cab...
  • Page 24: Delivery & Pre-Attachment

    DELIVERY & PRE-ATTACHMENT (Dealer Reference) Delivery The machine will be delivered in a partially dismantled condition secured with transport straps and banding. Select a firm level site on which to place the machine before removing the straps, banding and other loose items. Handling the Machine Handling of the machine should always be performed using suitable overhead lifting equipment with a minimum safe lifting capacity over and above the maximum weight of the...
  • Page 25: Initial Attachment

    INITIAL ATTACHMENT TO TRACTOR The machine will be delivered in a partially dismantled condition, secured with transport strap and banding.  Choose a firm level site.  Remove the transport strap, banding straps and loose items.  Fill tank with oil from the chart or equivalent (see page 18).
  • Page 26: Machine Attachment

    MACHINE ATTACHMENT Attachment of the machine should always be performed on a firm level site. CAUTION: During the attachment procedure bystanders must be kept at a safe distance from the machine at all times. Never operate the tractors linkage system or machine controls when persons are standing on, or working between, the tractor and machine.
  • Page 27 Reverse tractor squarely and centrally to the Reverse fully in to attachment points then raise machine - set tractor lower links to a height that the tractor linkage until it locks onto the lower will permit attachment to lower frame attachment link balls on both sides of the machine.
  • Page 28 Feed control lines into tractor cab – avoid sharp Connect control lines to the machines control bends and keep lines well clear of all moving unit in the tractor cab. parts on the machine or tractor. Tighten tractor stabilisers - raise tractor linkage Attach PTO shaft to the output shaft of the to lift the machine to its working height.
  • Page 29 Finally, slew the machine into the transport position, replace slew lock pin (transport mode) and close lift ram tap. Attachment is now complete and the machine ready for transportation to the work site. NOTE: For initial installation refer to running up procedure.
  • Page 30: Pto Driveshaft Installation

    PTO DRIVESHAFT INSTALLATION The PTO driveshaft attaches between the tractor and the machine gearbox to transfer the power required to the run and operate the machine – it is important to achieve the correct shaft length to avoid risk of it ‘bottoming out’ when raising or lowering the machine. The procedure for measuring and cutting the shaft is as follows: Measuring the PTO Shaft With the machine attached to the...
  • Page 31: Flailhead Attachment

    FLAILHEAD ATTACHMENT For ease of attachment and safety this procedure is best performed on a firm level site. With the tractor parked alongside the flailhead operate the controls of the machine to position the pivot bracket of the machines head angling mechanism directly behind flailhead with the base of the hose tray (or junction bracket) parallel to the ground.
  • Page 32: Hydraulic Oil

    HYDRAULIC OIL Hydraulic Oil Reservoir Fill the tank with oil selected from the chart below or a good quality equivalent to a point where the level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the tank gauge. When the machine is initially run the level will drop as the oil is drawn into the circuit - top back up as required to the correct level on the gauge.
  • Page 33: Fitting Operator Controls

    FITTING OPERATOR CONTROL UNITS Fitment of the operator controls in the tractor cab will vary depending on the particular model or specification of machine – the information below lists the differing methods of fitment for the various types of controls available. NOTE: Electric control units work within the range of 12v-16v DC and will require a minimum power supply of 12v DC.
  • Page 34: Pre-Work Preparation & Precautions

    PRE-WORK PREPARATION & PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT: Always read the book first before attempting to operate the machine – practise operating the machine, without the rotor running, in a safe open space until you are fully familiar with all controls and functions of the machine. Only begin using the machine for work when you are confident that you have mastered the controls and operation sufficient for safe use of the machine.
  • Page 35: Removal From Tractor

    REMOVAL FROM TRACTOR DANGER! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMENCING TO REMOVE THE MACHINE FROM THE TRACTOR. THE ORDER OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY DISCONNECTING THE TOP LINK MUST BE THE LAST OPERATION PRIOR TO DRIVING THE TRACTOR AWAY FROM THE MACHINE. WARNING! Do not operate quadrant lever or machine controls through the rear cab window whilst standing on or amongst linkage components.
  • Page 36: Storage

    STORAGE If machine is to be left standing for an extended period of time, lightly coat the exposed portions of the ram rods with grease. Subsequently this grease should be wiped off before the rams are next moved. If the machine has to be stored outside tie a piece of tarpaulin or canvas over the control assembly, do not use a plastic fertilizer bag which could lead to rapid corrosion.
  • Page 37: Operation

    OPERATION Operator Guard Preparation READ THE BOOK FIRST Practice operating the machine in an open space without the rotor running until you are fully familiar with the controls and operation of the machine.
  • Page 38: Cable Controls

    CABLE CONTROLS Cable controlled machines are supplied with a control unit of the type shown below – the particular version will be dependent on the specification and features of the machine. Versions differ primarily in the number of armhead control levers assembled within the control bank –...
  • Page 39 ARM OPERATION – Cable Models Auto Reset...
  • Page 40 Rotor Control Refer to specific cable rotor control section for additional information on rotor operation FLOAT OPERATION (Angle Float standard / Lift Float optional) HEAD ANGLE FLOAT - Push angle lever fully forward into the detent A) Angle Float OFF B) Angle Float ON position.
  • Page 41: Cable Rotor Control

    CABLE ROTOR CONTROL On cable rotor control machines the rotor is operated by the lever shown below – from the upright ‘off’ position pushing the lever forward switches the rotor on for downhill cutting and pulling the lever backwards switches the rotor on for uphill cutting. The small pivot locking lever mounted on the side of the control assembly rotates through 180°...
  • Page 42: Xtc Proportional Switchbox Controls

    XTC (Mk2) PROPORTIONAL SWITCHBOX CONTROLS Machines with XTC Mk2 Proportional Controls (5 service models) will be supplied with the control unit shown below. The units for both electric and cable controlled rotor machines are identical except that for cable versions the rotor control switches B, C & D (shown below) will not provide a function as rotor operation will be controlled by a separate cable lever unit (refer to specific cable rotor control page for operation details of that unit).
  • Page 43 ARM OPERATION Tele or Midcut/VFR Models only...
  • Page 44 HEAD FLOAT OPERATION Angle Float (Standard Feature) Lift Float (Optional Feature) ROTOR OPERATION – Electric Rotor Control Models only NOTE: The following section relates to machines with electric rotor control only – for cable rotor control models refer to the specific cable rotor control section. Rotor Start (Selection of Rotor Cutting Direction) Select rotor start for required direction (LED will light to indicate the active direction).
  • Page 45 Switching Rotor Direction With the rotor running, changing the rotor cutting direction can only be achieved after first operating ‘rotor stop’, when stop has been selected the specific direction button can then be operated to command the rotor to switch to the desired direction. NOTE: This function has a built in time delay of approximately 8 seconds - this is a machine protection feature that allows the rotor sufficient time to de-accelerate before restarting in the opposite direction.
  • Page 46: Breakaway

    BREAKAWAY The machine is fitted with a hydraulic breakaway device which protects the structure of the machine should an unforeseen obstacle be encountered. NOTE The breakaway function does not relieve the operator of his responsibility to drive carefully – always be alert and avoid obvious hazards before contact occurs. Breakaway may occur momentarily during normal work should an extra thick or dense patch of vegetation be encountered.
  • Page 47: Powered Slew

    POWERED SLEW The slew feature allows a 95° arc of powered arm movement on the working side from right angles to the tractor to 50 beyond the direct line astern. The feature is required to place the machine in the transport position but can also be used to sweep the arm to and fro whilst cutting awkward areas and corners thus avoiding the need to constantly re-position the tractor.
  • Page 48: Slew & Lift Lock

    SLEW & LIFT LOCKS Slew Lock All machines with slewing capability are fitted with a slew lock – depending on the particular machine this will either be in the form of a lock tap fitted to the slew ram or a slew locking pin that locates through the pillar into the top of the mainframe.
  • Page 49: Moving Into Transport

    MOVING INTO THE TRANSPORT POSITION • Select ‘ROTOR OFF’ and wait until the rotor has stopped turning. • Ensure that the ‘lift’ and ‘angle float’ are switched off. • Select ‘SLEW’ mode on the control assembly. • Operate ‘SLEW IN’. •...
  • Page 50: Transport Position

    TRANSPORT POSITION – Head Attached The machine is transported in line to the rear of the tractor with a minimum of 300mm clearance between the tension link and the rear cross member of the tractor cab. Transport Position – Head Removed With the flail head removed the arms are fully folded but the lift ram remains retracted.
  • Page 51: Transport

    TRANSPORT When in transport the PTO must be disengaged and the power to the control box switched off. The acceptable speed of transport will vary greatly depending upon the ground conditions. In any conditions avoid driving at a speed which causes exaggerated bouncing as this will put unnecessary strain on the tractors top hitch position and increase the likelihood of the tension link contacting the cab rear cross member.
  • Page 52: Operating Speeds

    OPERATING SPEEDS PTO Operating Speed The correct PTO speeds for operation of machines are as follows: Gear Machines: 500 - 540 rpm (Max) Piston Machines: 800 - 830 rpm (Max) WARNING: Damage to the machine may occur if the maximum PTO speed is exceeded. Engaging Drive ...
  • Page 53: Working On Public Highways

    WORKING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS When working on the public highway it is the operator's responsibility to familiarise himself with any national and local regulations concerning this type of activity and to abide by them at all times. In addition he must remember that there is a potential for debris to be thrown long distances should it escape the head shrouds.
  • Page 54: Overhead Power Lines

    OVERHEAD POWER LINES (OHPLs) It cannot be stressed enough the dangers involved when working in the vicinity of Overhead Power Lines (OHPLs). Some of our machines are capable of reach in excess of 8 metres (26’); they have the potential to well exceed, by possibly 3 metres (9’ 9”), the lowest legal minimum height of 5.2 metres from the ground for 11,000 and 33,000 volt power lines.
  • Page 55 Definitions of Exclusion Zones Risk Assessment Before starting to work near OHPLs you should always assess the risks. The following points should be observed;  Know the risks of contacting OHPLs and the risk of flashover.  Find out the maximum height and maximum vertical reach of your machine. ...
  • Page 56: Hazards & Dangers

    HAZARDS & DANGERS Adverse Slopes When working with the flailhead high and reach fully in it is possible for the main arm balance to go over centre and take the weight off the lift ram. A restrictor in the gland circuit of the lift ram will prevent sudden unpredictable movements if this should occur - for reasons of safety this restrictor should not be removed.
  • Page 57: Hedgecutting Procedure

    HEDGECUTTING PROCEDURE Cut the side and bottom of the field side first. This leaves the maximum thickness of hedge on the road side to prevent the possibility of any debris being thrown through the hedge into the path of oncoming vehicles. Cut the side and bottom of the road side.
  • Page 58: Lift Float (Option)

    LIFT FLOAT (Optional Extra for Ground Work) Work without lift float requires far more concentration and input from the operator to quickly react and re-adjust to the ground contours often resulting in patches of higher cut material where the head is cutting too high and ‘scalping’ of the ground where it is cutting too low –...
  • Page 59: Angle Float

    ANGLE FLOAT KIT Cable operated machines are fitted with Angle Float as standard but is an optional feature on electric models – when activated the feature connects the base and gland circuits of the angle ram to allow free movement of oil in both directions thus allowing the head to automatically angle itself to match the contours of the ground.
  • Page 60: Flail Types

    FLAIL TYPES Grass Flails Designed specifically for general mowing activities – low power usage, ideal for cutting materials of low density. Universal Boot Flails Designed for general purpose work - suitable for mowing duties and the cutting of hedges with up to 2 years growth. Hedge Flails Double edged flail designed specifically for heavy duty hedge cutting - capable of cutting materials up to 75/80mm diameter.
  • Page 61 Hedge Flails Double edged flail designed specifically for heavy duty hedge cutting, capable of cutting materials up to 75/80mm diameter. Can be used for mowing work where they produce a good finish but will require considerably more power when used for this purpose. The flails are fitted with rubber stops for both shaft protection and noise reduction purposes.
  • Page 62: Maintenance

    GENERAL MAINTENANCE General Lubrication The example illustration below indicates the general locations of lubrication points - all points should be greased on a daily basis and prior storage of the machine. IMPORTANT Grease machine fully before first use. Grease Points – General Locations Gearbox Lubrication Refill the gearbox after an initial 50 hours of use and thereafter at annual or 500 hour intervals, whichever occurs earliest.
  • Page 63 SERVICE SCHEDULE Every Day  Grease machine fully prior to work (and prior to storage). NOTE: New machines must be greased before initial use.  Check for broken or damaged flails.  Check tightness of flail nuts and bolts.  Visually check for oil leaks and damaged hoses. ...
  • Page 64 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM Oil Supply Check the oil level in the reservoir daily. Oil Condition & Replacement No fixed time period can be quoted for oil changes as operating conditions can vary widely but a visually inspection of the oil will often indicate its current overall state. Signs of a reduction in its condition will be apparent by changes in colour and appearance when compared to new oil.
  • Page 65  Avoid twisting the hose. Adjust the hose line to ensure freedom from rubbing or trapping before tightening hose end connections. All Hydraulic Hoses (BSP) now fitted to McConnel Power Arm Hedge/Grass Cutters have ‘soft seal’ connections on both flail and ram circuit hoses.
  • Page 66 CONTROL CABLES The control cables operate on a push/pull system with the spool centring springs always returning the spool to the neutral position when the handle is released. Care should be taken during installation and operation to ensure that the cables are not trapped or kinked.
  • Page 67 PTO SHAFT MAINTENANCE PTO Shaft Lubrication The PTO shaft should be lubricated on a regular basis using lithium based grease – each end of the shaft has 2 greasing points; one for lubrication of the universal joint and one for lubricating the rotating fixing ring of the shaft shield –...
  • Page 68 TORQUE SETTINGS FOR FASTENERS The chart below lists the correct tightening torque for fasteners. This chart should be referred to when tightening or replacing bolts in order to determine the grade of bolt and the correct torque unless specific torque values are assigned in the text of the manual. Recommended torque is quoted in Foot-Pounds and Newton-Metres within this manual.
  • Page 69 McConnel Limited, Temeside Works, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1JL. England. Telephone: 01584 873131. Facsimile: 01584 876463. www.mcconnel.com...

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