Lift Float - McConnel PA 5600 Operator's Manual

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.
The Lift float feature is an optional extra for use during mowing work. When the function is
activated the pressurised accumulator(s) work in conjunction with the valve and lift ram to
take a proportion of the flailheads weight off the flail roller allowing the head to
automatically follow the natural contours of the ground; this produces a cleaner more
uniform cut without the need for constant operator re-adjustment. On EDS models the
function has 3 user settings for differing working conditions – these are soft, medium and
hard. Refer to the relevant control section for details of selecting the required setting.
Operation of the lift float function is as follows: with lift float switched off, position the
flailhead approximately 1m clear of the ground before switching the float function on to
charge the accumulator(s) – the arms may drop at this point depending on the current
level of retained pressure. Lower the flailhead into the work position, release the lift control
and proceed to work. NOTE: with the exception of EDS models, occasional operation of
the lift function will be required when working on downhill or uphill slopes and when
reaching in or out in order to replenish the oil level within the accumulator(s) to retain
optimum float capability.
Without Lift Float
- Will require constant operator input.
Lift float operation when supplied as a factory fitted option is controlled from the controls
unit that accompanied the machine (refer to controls section for details), but the feature is
also available for a range of models as an after market kit, in which case operation will
either be via an auxiliary switch on cable controlled machines, or by utilisation of the
auxiliary three-position type switch on the control unit of electric controlled machines - this
will allow for selection of 'lift float alone' or 'lift and angle float in unison' if both features are
fitted. Operation of the lift float control for these models will then be as specified in the
main controls section.
Power Connection on Electric Machines
On electric controlled machines power to the unit is via the following connections:
Machines with 14 core looms use connection 10 and common connection 11.
Machines with 19 core looms use connection 15 and common connection 16.
V3 and V4 Non-EDS proportional machines use connections LF and C.
With Lift Float
- Automatically follows ground contours.
51