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McConnel PA ECO Series Operator's Manual

Hedge & grass cutters
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Publication 472
February 2005
Part No. 41570.72
Revised: 15.09.10
PA ECO Series
,
50
55 & 60 ECO
HEDGE & GRASS CUTTERS
Operator Manual

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Summary of Contents for McConnel PA ECO Series

  • Page 1 PA ECO Series Publication 472 February 2005 Part No. 41570.72 55 & 60 ECO Revised: 15.09.10 HEDGE & GRASS CUTTERS 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 Registration in the operator’s manual. 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 6 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 7 The Machinery Directive is fully implemented into UK law by means of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3073) as amended by The Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/2063). Signed …………………………..……………………………………………………... on behalf of McCONNEL LIMITED Responsible Person Status: Chief Design Engineer Date: February 2005...
  • Page 8 The Machinery Directive is fully implemented into UK law by means of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3073) as amended by The Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/2063). Signed …………………………..……………………………………………………... on behalf of McCONNEL LIMITED Responsible Person Status: Chief Design Engineer Date: February 2005...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    LIST OF CONTENTS Page No. General Information Specifications Safety Information Preparation Vehicle / Tractor Preparation Pre-Attachment – Machine Preparation Oil Recommendations Chart Initial Attachment of the Machine Flailhead Attachment Fitting Control Unit Running Up Procedure Detaching the Machine from the Tractor – Removal Procedure Storage of the Machine Subsequent Attachment to Identical Tractor Subsequent Attachment to Different Tractor...
  • Page 10 LIST OF CONTENTS - Continued Page No. Maintenance Lubrication Points PTO Shaft Inspection PTO Shaft Lubrication Hydraulic System Oil Supply Filtration Maintenance Suction Strainer Return Line Filter PTO Gearbox Hydraulic Hoses Hose Replacement Torque Settings Control Cables Control Cable Information...

  • Page 11: General Information

    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 –...

  • Page 12: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS All Models • Linkage Mounted • Right Hand Build • Totally Independent Hydraulics • 95°Power Slew • Cable Controls • Independent Rotor ON/OFF Valve • 200-litre Hydraulic Reservoir • Choice of Operator Controls Optional Extras • Lift Float Kit...
  • Page 13 NOTES...
  • Page 14 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 15 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 16: Safety Information

    ▲ 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 17 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 18 VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION We recommend vehicles are fitted with cabs using ‘safety glass’ windows and protective guarding when used with our machines. Fit Operator Guard (part no. 73 13 324) using the hooks provided. Shape the mesh to cover all vulnerable areas. Remember the driver must be looking through mesh...
  • Page 19 The advice above is offered as a guide for stability only and is not a guide to vehicle strength. It is therefore recommended that you consult your vehicle manufacturer or local dealer to obtain specific advise on this subject, additionally advice should be sought from a tyre specialist with regard to tyre pressures and ratings suitable for the type and nature of the machine you intend to fit.

  • Page 20: Vehicle / Tractor Preparation

    PRE-ATTACHMENT The machine will be delivered in a partially dismantled condition secured with transport strap and banding. Machine Preparation Select a firm level site on which to locate the machine. Remove the transport strap, banding straps, and all loose items. Fill the reservoir with oil to a level that is approximately 2”...

  • Page 21: Pre-Attachment - Machine Preparation

    OIL RECOMMENDATIONS Manufacturer / Supplier Cold or Temperate Climate Hot Climate Bartran 46 Bartran 68 Energol HLP-HM 46 Energol HLP-HM 68 CASTROL Hyspin AWH-M 46 Hyspin AWH-M 68 COMMA Hydraulic Oil LIC 15 Hydraulic Oil LIC 20 Hydrelf HV 46 Hydrelf HV 68 Hydrelf XV 46 ESSO...

  • Page 22: Oil Recommendations Chart

    INITIAL ATTACHMENT OF THE MACHINE • Reverse tractor squarely machine. • Connect the tractors draft links - selecting the rear most hole in the machines lower link brackets that allow the machine to be mounted without contacting the tractor. • Ensure that the same hole is used on both sides.
  • Page 23 • Fit the machine top link. • Raise the machine on the tractors linkage to a position where the tractor PTO and the machines gearbox stub shaft approximately in line with each other. Note: As lift occurs be aware the machine may tilt slightly.
  • Page 24 Check the welded in pins between the stabiliser jaws are in contact with the mounting rail. If not the machine must be lowered to the ground and the next higher hole on the stabiliser quadrant selected, the machine raised and contact checked. Repeat again in the third hole if necessary. On subsequent fitting to the same tractor the hole selected is always used.
  • Page 25 • Fit P.T.O. shaft in position. • Attach torque chains to a convenient location to prevent shaft guards rotating. • Ensure the Lift Ram tap and Slew Ram taps are open. • Request assistance. • Operate ‘lift up’ on machine controls sufficient only for the end of the dipper arm to clear the ground.
  • Page 26 • Fine adjust using the mounting hole that allows the P.T.O. and gearbox stub shaft to align as near as possible. º • Lower tractor linkage control so that the machines weight is taken by the yoke. • Fit eccentric stops. (These remain in position until tractor is changed).
  • Page 27 Carefully operate the machine through its full range of movements whilst checking that hoses are not strained, pinched, chaffed or kinked and that all movements are functioning correctly. Fold the machine into the transport position (see pages 25 - 27). The machine is now ready to proceed to the work site.

  • Page 28: Flailhead Attachment

    FLAILHEAD ATTACHMENT Operate machine controls to manoeuvre the arm into a position that will enable attachment of the flailhead – the bottom of the hose junction bracket must be parallel with the ground. Refer to ‘Pre operational checks’ for correct bolt torque settings.

  • Page 29: Fitting Control Unit

    FITTING CONTROL UNIT IN CAB The control unit is bolted to a mounting bracket, which may be bolted to the mud wing or cab cladding in a convenient location - ensure that no structural member of the cab or roll bar is drilled.

  • Page 30: Detaching The Machine From The Tractor - Removal Procedure

    DETACHING THE MACHINE FROM THE TRACTOR DANGER READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMENCING TO REMOVE THE MACHINE FROM THE TRACTOR THE ORDER OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY – DISCONNECTION OF THE TOP LINK MUST BE THE LAST OPERATION PRIOR TO DRIVING THE TRACTOR AWAY FROM THE MACHINE.

  • Page 31: Storage Of The Machine

    STORAGE OF THE MACHINE 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 as this may lead to rapid corrosion of the component.

  • Page 32: Operation

    OPERATION Operator Guard PREPARATION READ THE BOOK FIRST Ensure both the Owner and the Operator of this machine has read this book in its entirety and that they are familiar with all aspects regarding its safe use. Operators of this machine should practice operating it in a clear safe open area, without the rotor running, until they are fully familiar with its controls and operation.

  • Page 33: Machine Controls - Cable Controls Lever Identification & Function

    MACHINE CONTROLS Cable Controls – Identification & Function...

  • Page 34: Machine Controls - Control And Arm Movements

    MACHINE CONTROLS Control & Arm Movements...

  • Page 35: Cable Rotor Control

    ROTOR CONTROL WARNING Never leave the tractor seat until the Rotor is stationary. Remember - some cutting heads may ‘freewheel’ for up to 40 seconds after being stopped.

  • Page 36: Xtc Proportional Controls

    XTC PROPORTIONAL SWITCHBOX CONTROLS Machines with XTC Proportional Controls will be supplied with the control unit shown below. The units for both electric and cable rotor machines are identical except that on cable versions the rotor control switches (D & E 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 information).
  • Page 37 ARM OPERATION Auto Reset Tele or Midcut/VFR Models only...
  • Page 38 HEAD FLOAT OPERATION (Angle Float standard / Lift Float optional) Angle Float OFF Lift Float OFF Angle Float OFF Lift Float ON Angle Float ON Lift Float ON 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 cable rotor control section.
  • Page 39 Switching the Rotor On For safety reasons, to prevent accidental starting of the rotor, the ‘Rotor On’ switch cannot be activated in a single operation or without first selecting the direction of cut – the procedure for starting the rotor is as follows: Select the required cutting direction - the Rotor On/Off Switch (D) must then be switched upwards and held in position for a minimum of 8 seconds before switching it into the fully down ‘on’...

  • Page 40: Breakaway System And Slew

    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 - be alert AVOID OBVIOUS HAZARDS BEFORE CONTACT OCCURS.

  • Page 41: Moving Into The Transport Position

    POSITIONING MACHINE FOR TRANSPORTATION Moving into the Transport position ● Select ‘ROTOR OFF ‘ and wait until the rotor has stopped turning. ● Ensure that ‘LIFT’ and ‘ANGLE FLOAT’ are switched off. ● Select ‘SLEW’ mode on the controls. ● Operate ‘SLEW IN’.

  • Page 42: Transport Positions - With And Without Flailhead Attached

    TRANSPORT POSITION The machine is transported in line to the rear of the tractor with a minimum of 300mm (12”) of clearance between the tension link and the rear cross member of the tractor cab. Transport Position with Flailhead Attached Transport Position with Flailhead Removed With the flailhead removed the arms of the machine are fully folded but the lift ram remains retracted.

  • Page 43: Transport Height

    TRANSPORTING 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 all 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 44: Rotor Operation

    ROTOR OPERATION Engaging Drive Ensure that the rotor control lever is in the 'STOP’ position before engaging the PTO shaft. Allow the oil to circulate for a minute or so before operating the armhead levers. Position the flail head in a safe position, increase the engine speed to a high idle and move rotor control lever to 'START’.

  • Page 45: Hedge Cutting Procedure

    HEDGE CUTTING PROCEDURE WARNING Never cut over the far side of the hedge. It is impossible to see any potential hazards and the position of the flail head will allow the possibility of debris being thrown through the hedge towards the tractor and operator.

  • Page 46: Safe Working Practices

    SAFE WORKING PRACTICES Working on Public Highways When working on the public highway it is the Operator’s responsibility to familiarise themselves 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 47: High Voltage Cables

    HIGH VOLTAGE CABLES WARNING! Depending on the voltage of the cables and the weather conditions there is a danger of ‘electric flashover’ if the head or arms of the machine approach the cables too closely. Always maintain a minimum clearance distance of 1.5m when operating near high voltage cables - If in any doubt consult your local electric company regarding a safe procedure...
  • Page 48 LIFT FLOAT KIT – Optional Extra for Ground Cutting Fitting Location The hydraulic float kit should be mounted to the special bracket in such a position that it does not foul any other component during the slewing movement of the machine. Power Supply The switch can be mounted in a convenient location within the tractor cab and the supply...

  • Page 49: Lubrication Points

    MAINTENANCE Lubrication Points IMPORTANT: Grease new machines before first use. All points should be greased on a daily basis and prior storage of the machine. New machines must be greased prior to first use. PTO Shaft Regularly check the PTO guards for damage and ensure that the ‘anti-rotation’ chains are in place and their anchor points are in good condition.

  • Page 50: Hydraulic System

    HYDRAULIC SYSTEM Oil Supply Check the oil level in the reservoir daily. No fixed time period can be quoted for oil changes as operating conditions and maintenance standards vary so widely. Burnt and scorched oil odours and the oil darkening and thickening are all signs of oxidation and indicate the oil should be changed. Moisture that results from condensation can become entrapped in the oil and cannot be removed by filtration so water contamination is progressive.

  • Page 51: Hydraulic Hoses

    - this is especially important for the flail hoses where they must be crossed, upper to lower, at the dipper and head pivots. All Hydraulic Hoses (B.S.P.) now fitted to McConnel Power Arm Hedge/Grass Cutters have ‘Soft Seal’ connections on both flail and ram circuit hoses.

  • Page 52: Control Cables

    CONTROL CABLES The 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 53 McConnel Limited, Temeside Works, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1JL. England. Telephone: 01584 873131. Facsimile: 01584 876463. www.mcconnel.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

Pa 50 ecoPa 60 ecoPa 55 eco

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