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McCONNEL Publication 651 July 2010 Part No. 22674.51 Revision: 14.08.14 PA3430 / PA4330 Series COMPACT TRIMMER / MOWER Operator Manual...
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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.
12 months, unless a different period is specified. 1.02. All spare parts supplied by McConnel Ltd and purchased by the end user are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship from the date of sale to the original purchaser for a period of 6 months.
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McConnel Ltd web site and confirms the registration to the purchaser by completing the confirmation form in the operator’s manual. 2.02. Any fault must be reported to an authorised McConnel Ltd 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.
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; P343, P433 Serial No. & Date ………………………………… Type …………………………...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
LIST OF CONTENTS Page No. General Information Features and Specifications Safety Information Tractor Requirements Vehicle/Tractor Preparation Closed Centre Conversion Delivery & Pre-Attachment Attachment to Tractor Stabilizer Adjustment PTO Driveshaft Installation Fitting Operator Control Units Hydraulic Oil Detachment Cable Controls Cable Rotor Control Mini XTC Proportional Controls XTC (Mk3) Proportional Switchbox Controls Flailhead Attachment...
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For best performance … USE ONLY GENUINE McCONNEL SERVICE PARTS To be assured of the latest design improvements purchase your ‘Genuine Replacements’ from the ‘Original Equipment Manufacturer’ McCON NEL LIMITED Through your local Dealer or Stockist Always quote: Machine Type...
GENERAL INFORMATION Always read this manual before fitting or operating the machine – whenever any doubt exists contact your dealer or the McConnel Service Department for advice and assistance. Use only McConnel Genuine Service Parts on McConnel Equipment and Machines DEFINITIONS –...
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS All Models ○ Three-point Linkage Mounting System ○ Right or Left Hand Build Options ○ Front Mount Build Options ○ Low Power Requirement ○ High Performance Hydraulic System ○ Parallel Arm Geometry ○ Hydraulic Safety Breakaway ○ Operator Guard ○...
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 the machine reads and understands the following section to ensure they are fully aware of the dangers that do, or may exist, and their responsibilities surrounding the use and operation of the machine.
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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. ▲...
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▲ 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.
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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.
VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION Guarding: We recommend vehicles are fitted with cabs using safety glass windows and protective guarding when used with machines. Fit Operator Guard (part no. 7313324) 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 the vehicle/ cab manufacturer can demonstrate that the penetration...
CLOSED CENTRE CONVERSION KIT – SI models only Closed Centre Conversion Kit 8130059 The Control Valve Conversion Kit (Part No. 8130059) consists of a relief valve blanking plug which should be installed in place of the existing relief valve, and a pressure gallery blanking plug which is installed in place of the standard blanking plug at the valve outlet end next to the lift ram gland connection.
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...
ATTACHMENT TO TRACTOR Attachment to the tractor should be performed on a firm level site. Reverse tractor squarely to the machine with lower links in line with machine attachment points, fit and secure with lynch pins. Fit machine operation controls in the tractor cab. Offer stabilizer to tractor and mainframe –...
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Raise machine on linkage until tractor’s PTO (A) and gearbox stub shaft (B) are aligned as near as possible. Secure stabilizer to the machine lower mainframe with nuts and bolts supplied - selecting a suitable hole position that will retain the alignment. Lower tractor linkage until machine’s weight is supported by Measure and fit the PTO shaft –...
STABILIZER ADJUSTMENT For ease and precision of fitment the stabilizer supplied with the machine features an incremental notched positioning system that allows for both simpler adjustment and precise attachment over a wider range of applications. Loosen retaining nut and bolt. Pull stabilizer arms outwards to free stabilizer head and swivel to required position. Push stabilizer arms inwards to re-engage notches and tighten nut and bolt to secure.
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...
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.
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.
DETACHMENT DANGER! Read carefully before attempting to detach the machine from the tractor. WARNING! Do not operate quadrant lever or machine controls through the rear cab window whilst standing on or amongst linkage components – Always seek assistance. Detachment Procedure Select a firm level site on which to park the machine.
CABLE CONTROLS Cable controlled machines are supplied with a control unit of the type shown below. The armhead control levers all move in a forwards and backwards direction each controlling a specific arm function as illustrated on the following page. The rotor control lever also moves in a forwards and backwards controlling the rotors cutting direction - refer to the specific cable rotor control section for details of operation.
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ARM OPERATION Rotor Control Refer to specific cable rotor control section for additional information on rotor operation...
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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. Lift Float (where applicable) B) Lift Float ON A) Lift Float OFF...
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°...
XTC (Mk3) PROPORTIONAL SWITCHBOX CONTROLS (7 Service) Machines with XTC Mk3 Proportional Controls (7 service) 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).
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SERVICE (Where applicable) Default Mode Swapped Mode (D1 Activated) On machines fitted with a controllable 6 service default operation of that function will be via the ◄ ► buttons on the control unit. If required, control of the function can be swapped to the left hand toggle switch by activating the D1 button on the control panel;...
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HEAD FLOAT OPERATION Angle Float (Optional) Lift Float (Optional) 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 in the manual. Rotor Start (Selection of Rotor Cutting Direction) Select rotor start for required direction (LED will light to indicate the active direction).
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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.
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CONTROL UNIT CALIBRATION If for any reason the controls should stop responding the unit will need to be calibrated; the procedure for this is shown below. With the unit powered off; simultaneously press When all the led’s light up; release both buttons. and hold both rotor direction buttons before then powering on the unit.
FLAILHEAD ATTACHMENT For ease of attachment and safety this procedure is best performed on a firm level site. 1) With the tractor parked alongside the flailhead operate the controls of the machine to position the clamp bracket on the machine’s head angling mechanism directly behind the flailhead at a suitable height for attachment.
TRANSPORT POSITION For transport on the public highway the flailhead, or cutterbar, must be folded within the overall width of the tractor. To allow the machine to be compactly folded the base of the breakaway ram and its fixing pins must be transferred from the outboard work position (A) and relocated to the inboard transport position (B) - see illustration opposite.
OPERATION Operator Guard Machine Guards Before each period of work, check that all the relevant tractor and machine guards are in place and in good working condition. Small splits and abrasions on the lower edges of the flail head rubber flaps are permissible, but should one or more of these cuts or splits become fifty per cent or more of the flap height they should be replaced immediately as they will have become ineffective for debris containment.
RUNNING UP PROCEDURE CAUTION: Before initial use of a new machine, all lubrication points must be greased and the gearbox and oil tank levels checked and where required topped up before attempting to use the machine. Refer to maintenance section for details. Semi-Independent (SI) Models ...
ROTOR OPERATION – Reversing Rotation TI Machines Depending on the particular build, rotor operation on machines with independent hydraulic systems will either be via a cable operated rotor control lever or by operation of the rotor control switch on the machines control unit – refer to the previous controls section for specific details of operation.
EMERGENCY STOPPING In all emergency situations machine operation and functions must be stopped immediately; Stop PTO operation using the tractor controls then immediately kill electrical power to the machine using the Off (Emergency Stop) switch on the machine’s control unit. WARNING: Auto-Reset Machines When the Auto-Reset feature is active the machines arm set is capable of unintentional movement even when the PTO is switched off and stationary.
OPERATING SPEEDS PTO Operating Speed The correct PTO speeds for operation of these machines is: 500 – 540RPM NOTE: For cutterbars 500 rpm is a guide speed only – it should be run only as fast as necessary perform required job. Never exceed 540 rpm PTO speed.
BREAKAWAY PROTECTION SYSTEM The machine is fitted with a hydraulic breakaway device which protects the structure of the machine should an unforeseen obstacle be encountered. The breakaway system on these machines is in the form of a pivoted dipper arm and breakaway ram.
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 – in the case of the latter this can lead to increased flail wear, damage or even loss of flails.
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.
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.
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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. ...
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.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE General Lubrication The illustration below indicates the general locations of lubrication points - all points should be greased on a daily basis and prior storage of the machine. New machines and PTO shaft must be fully greased prior to first use. Gearbox Lubrication Refill the gearbox after an initial 50 hours of use and thereafter at annual or 500 hour intervals, whichever occurs earliest.
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. ...
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.
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.
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 –...
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.
Raise head or operate with head float Frequent Break-back Machine not set vertical Adjust top link Internal valve leakage Contact local dealer or McConnel Service Oil level low Fill oil to correct level Oil pump suction filter blocked Replace filter element...
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