Spearhead Twiga Series Handbook

Reach mower
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Spearhead TWIGA
TWIGA Reach Mower
555/600/655T
555FR/600FR
Edition 1.3 – September 2013
PART No. 8999056
0

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Twiga Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Spearhead Twiga Series

  • Page 1 Spearhead TWIGA TWIGA Reach Mower 555/600/655T 555FR/600FR Edition 1.3 – September 2013 PART No. 8999056...
  • Page 2 Spearhead TWIGA Denne side er bevidst blank This page is intentionally left Diese Seite ist absichtlich leer...
  • Page 3: General Information

    Spearhead TWIGA General information CE Declaration of Conformity, Conforming to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC We, Spearhead Machinery Ltd, Green View, Salford Priors, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8SW hereby declare that: Product ……………………………………………..………………………… Product Code ……………………………………………..………………………… Serial No ……………………………………………..……..…………………. Type ……………………………………………..………………………… Manufactured by: Alamo Manufacturing Services (UK) Limited, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8SW Complies with the required provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
  • Page 4: Introduction

    Spearhead TWIGA Introduction The TWIGA is a very robust high capacity reach mower that is easy to operate and maintain. To ensure trouble-free operation this manual should be carefully studied. The term Left and Right hand applies to the machine when coupled to the tractor and viewed from the rear, this also applies to the tractor.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Spearhead TWIGA Indhold General information ....................... 2 CE Declaration of Conformity, Conforming to EU Machinery Directive ....2 Introduction ........................ 3 Specification MID ...................... 6 Specification PRO ...................... 7 Safety ..........................8 Machine Safety Stickers .................... 8 Safety Recommendations 1 .................... 9 Beware of the following Potential Dangers associated with the use of this machine: ............................
  • Page 6 Spearhead TWIGA Head Float ........................ 37 Arm Float ......................... 37 Debris Blower ......................39 Hydraulic Rear Roller ....................40 Autopilot ........................41 Introduction To The Autopilot ................41 Set-Up: Correct position of micro switches ............42 Summary ......................42 Auto Pilot Switch Alignment ................44 Alternative Settings ....................
  • Page 7: Specification Mid

    Spearhead TWIGA Specification MID 655T 555FR 600FR Weight inc. Oil (Kg) 1350 1370 1465 Weight of head (Kg) Tractor horse power 85-120 95-120 100-140 3500 3750 4000 Min. tractor weight (Kg) Oil tank capacity (ltr) Reach A (m) Reach B (m)
  • Page 8: Specification Pro

    Spearhead TWIGA Specification PRO 650T 700T 800T 600VFR 650VFR Weight inc. Oil (Kg) 1500 1650 1720 1850 1700 1750 Weight of head (Kg) Tractor horse power 100-130 120-150 140-170 160-190 120-150 140-150 6500 5000 6000 Min. tractor weight (Kg) 4500...
  • Page 9: Safety

    Spearhead TWIGA Safety Machine Safety Stickers Warning Warning Avoid fluid escaping Shut off engine and remove under pressure. Consult key before performing technical manual for maintenance or repair work. services procedures Warning Danger – flying objects Warning keep safe distance from...
  • Page 10: Safety Recommendations 1

    Spearhead TWIGA Safety Recommendations 1 Beware of the following Potential Dangers associated with the use of this machine:  Becoming trapped when hitching or unhitching.  Tractor overbalancing when arm is extended.  Electrocution due to hitting overhead power lines.
  • Page 11: Never

    Spearhead TWIGA  Use clear warning signs to alert others to the type of machine working in the vicinity. Signs should be placed at both ends of the work site and should be in accordance with Department of Transport recommendations.
  • Page 12: Overhead Power Lines

    Spearhead TWIGA Overhead Power Lines 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’...
  • Page 13: Definitions Of Exclusion Zones

    Spearhead TWIGA 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 14: Safety Recommendations 2

    Collect all warning signs promptly when the job is finished. Training It is the responsibility of the Spearhead dealer to provide instruction on the safe installation, operation and maintenance of the machine in the first instance. Further training is available from Spearhead Machinery Ltd on request, at cost.
  • Page 15: Attaching Your Machine To The Tractor - Using Axle Mounting

    (+ve) and black wire for negative (-ve)  Spearhead particularly recommend “Category 2” three point linkage of ball end type, we do not advise the use of claw type hitching. The quick release latches should be checked, if worn or insecure they may cause accidental damage or personal injury if the machine becomes detached.
  • Page 16 Spearhead TWIGA Follow instructions from Picture 1. if you have axle mounting. Follow instructions from Picture 9. if you have 3 point linkage mounting Fitting axle brackets 1. Mount axle brackets as instructed on separate fitting sheet specific to your tractor type.
  • Page 17 Spearhead TWIGA 5. Offer up frame to tractor and adjust to give required length. Distance “X” to be kept to the minimum ensuring the machine is close coupled, as a guide set the same as original. Attach tractor lift links to frame with suitable pins.
  • Page 18: Attaching Your Machine To The Tractor - When Using 3 Point Linkage

    9. Reverse tractor and attach lower link arms by inserting lower linkage pins into the bottom set of holes. 10. Spearhead strongly recommend mounting the control unit to the seat in place of the armrest to the head side of the tractor. Modification and additional bracket may need to be fabricated Consult your local dealer for advice.
  • Page 19 Spearhead TWIGA 13. Fit top link between the machine and the stabiliser yoke. 14. Lift the machine up on the tractor’s hydraulics until both PTO stub shafts are approximately in line. PTO angle may vary between tractor makes - up to 17° above horizontal is acceptable to ensure there is enough ground clearance.
  • Page 20 Spearhead TWIGA 16. If fitting the PTO shaft for the first time measure and cut to the correct length. Example: A (900mm minus 75mm) = 825mm 17. Fit the PTO shaft connecting the tractor output shaft to the machine input shaft...
  • Page 21 Spearhead TWIGA 20. Adjust top link length until the main frame is vertical. 21. Warning - fully tighten check chains or linkage stabilisers to hold the machine rigid. There must be no sideways movement, it is very dangerous and may cause damage.
  • Page 22: Running Up Your Machine

    2. Engage PTO into gear and run machine up to low revs, allowing oil to circulate for about 15 minutes before operating arms. 3. Re-check oil level, - check for oil leaks. All Spearhead machines have been run-up and checked thoroughly. However, hose connections can become loose in transit and these should be checked again before the machine is put to work.
  • Page 23: Removing From The Tractor

    Spearhead TWIGA Removing from the tractor The following steps MUST be followed in exactly the same order in which they appear, with removal of the top link being the last action before driving the tractor away. Do not attempt to operate machine controls through the rear cab window whilst standing on or amongst the linkage.
  • Page 24: Hydraulic Proportional Controls - 2Sv

    Spearhead TWIGA Hydraulic Proportional Controls - 2SV Autopilot Cancel Head Crowd Head Crowd LH - Head Out LH - Head In RH - Head In RH - Head Out Power ON/OFF Rotor Stage 1: Head Float Power Indicator Stage 2:...
  • Page 25: Electric Proportional Pro Pilot Control - 3Sv

    Spearhead TWIGA Electric Proportional PRO PILOT Control - 3SV Tele Tele LH - Tele Out LH - Tele In RH - Tele In RH - Tele Out Slew Slew LH - Slew Out LH - Slew In RH - Slew In...
  • Page 26: Pro Pilot Switch Box

    Spearhead TWIGA PRO PILOT Switch Box Power Indicator Auto Reset Hydraulic Roller Power ON/OFF Hour Meter Rotor Autopilot Reverse Rotor Arm Float Spare Spare The switch box is supplied with a suction pad to allow the box to be mounted to the...
  • Page 27: Cutting Head Set-Up - Mp Head

    Spearhead TWIGA Cutting Head Set-Up - MP head Direct Drive option minimises weight at the end of a long arm by compact mounting and benefit of reduced maintenance. Running at a single speed of 2800 rpm. Belt Drive optimises cutting performance with a choice of rotor speeds.
  • Page 28 Spearhead TWIGA...
  • Page 29: Hedge Cutting

    Spearhead TWIGA Hedge Cutting Recommended for hedge cutting 1.2m or 1.5m rotor Rear roller dia. 114mm T” flails or “Boot” flails Rear flap Front flap Roller Set-Up The roller should be raised so that it is clear of the top of the hedge. The adjustable front guard should be set as low as possible without restricting the ability of the hedge to enter the cutting head.
  • Page 30: Grass Cutting

    Spearhead TWIGA Grass Cutting Recommended for grass cutting   Optional - “Boot” flails 1.2 rotor   Rear roller dia. 150mm. Front and rear flap   Cowl wear plate Head float and Angle Float   “C” flails or “Back to Back” flails Auto-pilot Note: The 1.5m head is not recommended for grass cutting.
  • Page 31: Operation

    Spearhead TWIGA Operation Operation Warnings Warning Please read all the following operation warnings carefully  Never drive the tractor with arm out-stretched (except when cutting). When moving from work always first retract arms. Transport with care, metal fatigue is always caused by careless transportation and misuse. If the ground is uneven or bumpy, slow down.
  • Page 32: Moving Into Transport Position

    Spearhead TWIGA Moving into transport position Warning Always transport machine with the slew-locking pin Fitted and their arms closed in their transport position on the bump stops. Avoid high transport speeds, which will cause unnecessary strain on machine and tractor.
  • Page 33 Spearhead TWIGA +300mm 4. Carefully position main boom over the tractor cab roof until rubber bump stop meets the flip-over transport bracket, allow minimum of 300mm. Warning: Bracket must be in correct position or main boom may move over centre and damage cab roof, if positioned too close.
  • Page 34: Engaging Head Drive

    Spearhead TWIGA Transport to work position Warning Ensure slew locking pin is removed  Remove locking pin from slew post. or machine damage will occur.  Turn lift ram isolation tap to on position.  Ensure rotor/motor switch is off.
  • Page 35: Break Back

    Spearhead TWIGA Break Back Manual - Yellow Switch “Off” 2SV The Twiga range of reach mowers have as standard a slew ram to position the machine from transport to work or any position midway for narrow lane cutting. This ram also acts as the break back ram for machine protection should an obstacle be encountered while travelling forward.
  • Page 36: Tractor Forward Speed

    Spearhead TWIGA Tractor Forward Speed Too high a forward speed will impair the finish, leaving it looking ragged, and cause over frequent use of the break back, which will overheat the oil. A slower forward speed improves the standard of the finish.
  • Page 37: Wire Trap

    Spearhead TWIGA Wire Trap This is located under the front hood. It must not be interfered with in any way Any wire must be removed immediately. Lower rotor to ground, select rotor control lever to ‘off’ and wait until rotor stops spinning.
  • Page 38: Options

    Spearhead TWIGA Options Head Float Head Float This option allows the flail head to follow contours of the ground without having to constantly control the angle of the head. The centre of balance is the best mounting point for the head if head float is to be used properly.
  • Page 39: Arm Float

    Spearhead TWIGA Arm Float Arm Float This is only to be used in verge mowing set up, it will reduce weight on the rear roller allowing head to move more easily, following small changes in ground contours in a forward motion, with the aid of a pre-charged gas accumulator.
  • Page 40: Debris Blower

    Spearhead TWIGA Debris Blower The return oil must go to a free flow connection i.e. filler plug. Avoid quick release couplings. Operating The Debris Blower The fan is suitable for clearing cuttings off the highway; we recommend the Blower is used on final cut only and not continually on.
  • Page 41: Hydraulic Rear Roller

    Spearhead TWIGA Hydraulic Rear Roller Hedge Cutting Grease daily Setup for hedge cutting uses large stops in either position at bottom of adjustment slot Grass Cutting Setup for grass cutting uses small stops in either position, with the option of an Additional stop at the top of the adjustment slot.
  • Page 42: Autopilot

    Autopilot assembly between the dipper arm and head and replace with standard head bracket (Part No. 1777315A). Ensure you fully understand the operation of the Spearhead Autopilot, which will reduce machine and operator fatigue and improve hourly output, machine life,...
  • Page 43: Set-Up: Correct Position Of Micro Switches

    Spearhead TWIGA Autopilot Fig 2 Bolt “A” Screw “B” Set-Up: Correct position of micro switches 1. Place rear roller on the ground 2. Ensure the locking pins (fig.1) are installed into the Auto-pilot with the arm fully lowered 3. Engine turned off, key removed and PTO disengaged.
  • Page 44: Summary

    Spearhead TWIGA Summary You must ensure that the micro switches make and break a circuit as the cams rotate through their arc of travel. It is very important to correctly set the micro switches to ensure the electrical circuit functions, the switch lever arm must follow it’s own cam...
  • Page 45: Auto Pilot Switch Alignment

    Spearhead TWIGA Auto Pilot Switch Alignment Bend lever arm of switch to align with the middle of each cam, ensure they don’t overlap onto the adjacent cam. Alternative Settings Move cams apart to increase amount of weight carried on the rear roller,...
  • Page 46: Operation Of The Autopilot

    The operator will control reach whenever necessary. The Spearhead Autopilot will assist you with grass mowing. It does not relieve you of your responsibility to drive with care and understanding for the machine.
  • Page 47: Quad Saw

    Spearhead TWIGA Quad Saw Warning Important Safety Considerations  Never operate the machine with other people present, as it is possible for debris to be thrown from the saw blades in all directions.  Always ensure all cab safety guards are in place and all tractor windows are closed.
  • Page 48: Technical Data & Description

    Spearhead TWIGA Technical Data & Description Each shaft is driven by vee belts, and the whole unit is powered by a hydraulic motor. Branch carriers are placed between the blades. The Quad saw is supplied with a special bracket enabling mounting on various vehicles and machines.
  • Page 49: Quad Saw Operating Instructions

    Spearhead TWIGA Quad Saw Operating Instructions It is recommended to travel forward slowly when starting work in order to maintain the correct speed of the blades. Adjust the angle of the saw to present the branches approx 90’ to the blades. Always ensure the blades are vertical to allow cut branches to fall away.
  • Page 50: Telescopic Arm

    Spearhead TWIGA Telescopic Arm Description Telescopic extending arm provides extra reach, particularly useful for deep ditches, banks and for reaching high hedges. Operating the Telescopic Arm Use the electric switch to adjust the length of the extending telescopic dipper arm to suit working conditions and use dipper ram to vary reach as required.
  • Page 51: Forward Reach (Fr) & Variable Forward Reach (Vfr)

    Spearhead TWIGA Forward Reach (FR) & Variable Forward Reach (VFR) Description This useful feature provides extra visibility particularly when topping a hedge, or verge mowing. Operating the (Variable) Forward Reach Before operating the arm, ensure the head is one metre off the ground and at least two metres away from the tractor.
  • Page 52: Service & Maintenance

    Spearhead TWIGA Service & Maintenance Greasing/Lubrication Points All the following grease points need to be greased daily TWIGA machine Optional - Quad saw Head Rotor & Roller Optional - Autopilot Grease 1.2m head every 8 hours (5-10 pumps)
  • Page 53: Lubrication Chart

    Spearhead TWIGA Lubrication Chart Greasing/Lubrication Washing your machine Grease all your machine and optional parts after each time you wash your machine. Gearbox Gearbox oil level / quantity 380cc. Replace after 50hrs then once a year with EP90 Note: Do not over tighten filler / drain plugs, as this will damage gearbox casing.
  • Page 54: Hydraulic Hoses

    Daily inspect all hydraulic hoses and fittings to be in good order. Any damages or leaks must be rectified immediately, this is part of the daily maintenance and it is your responsibility to help ensure a long reliable working life. Spearhead provide a tool kit to enable hoses to be tightened as part of routine maintenance.
  • Page 55: Oil Supply

    Spearhead TWIGA Oil Supply  Daily before starting up check oil level in tank reservoir.  It is a good practice to constantly keep an eye on the tank level gauge, (this can be seen from the tractor seat) as a pipe burst could empty the tank within minutes.
  • Page 56: Flail Head

    Spearhead TWIGA Flail Head  Grease all bearings daily.  Check there is no wrapping of string, plastic, grass or other debris on rotor shaft and rear roller bearings.  Check the condition of flails and ensure all retaining bolts are tight. When flails are replaced care must be taken to maintain balance of rotor shaft, do not change to a different type.
  • Page 57: Pins & Bushes

    Pins & Bushes All main pivot points are furnished with replaceable pins and bushes. If there are any signs of wear, these must be replaced. All parts are available from Spearhead Parts Department. The pins are secured with a nut and bolt through the head to prevent turning. A retaining washer and screw are clamped to the base of the pin to prevent spreading and must be kept tight (use locking compound).
  • Page 58: Torque Settings

    Spearhead TWIGA Torque Settings The Torque figures given below are recommended maximum settings only. Size: Tensile strength: Description: Torque setting: 12.9 Pulley clamps General fasteners General fasteners 12.9 Head bolts 10.9 Flail bolts Head bracket bolts Regular Service Chart Service...
  • Page 59: Trouble Shooting

    Spearhead TWIGA Trouble Shooting Problem Cause Solution Gearbox overheating Oil level incorrect Check oil level Oil grade incorrect Check oil grade Implement overloaded Reduce forward speed Wrong PTO speed Ensure tractor PTO speed matches implement Excessive belt wear Belt and pulley condition...
  • Page 60: Trouble Shooting

    Spearhead TWIGA Trouble Shooting Problem Cause Solution Irregular arm movement Spool contacting with housing Check spool is free moving Broken spring in spool valve Check spring Failed ram seals Repair ram Electrically operated Faulty wiring Check wiring and switches valve not responding...
  • Page 61: Pump & Motor Failure

    Spearhead TWIGA Pump & Motor Failure There are many reasons for pump and motor failure, cavitations (suction of air), peak pressure, contamination. These can be avoided by the following:  Never run out of oil  Never run a cold machine straight up to speed, ensure the engine idle speed before engage/disengage the head motor.
  • Page 62: Warranty

    This warranty does not extend to parts, materials or equipment not manufactured by Spearhead, for which the Buyer shall only be entitled to the benefit of any such warranty or guarantee given by the manufacturer to Spearhead.
  • Page 63 Spearhead TWIGA...

This manual is also suitable for:

Twiga 555Twiga 600Twiga 655tTwiga 555frTwiga 600fr

Table of Contents