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McCON NEL Publication 800 January 2015 Part No. 23671.00 Revision: 08.08.16 PA3430 / PA4030 VERSI FRONT MOUNT DUAL SIDED HEDGECUTTER / GRASS MOWER Operator Manual Operator Manual...
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– failure to do so may affect the validity of the machine warranty. To r egister machines g o to t he M cConnel L imited w eb s ite at www.mcconnel.com, l og onto ‘Dealer Inside’ and select the ‘Machine Registration button’ which can be found in the S ervice S ection o f the s ite.
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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.
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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 inspec tion sheet on the foll owing page should be kept in this book a s a record. A second sheet is inc luded for you to cut out and photocopy or the ins pection 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.
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;...
SPECIFICATIONS & DIMENSIONS Technical Specifications Machine PA3430 VERSI PA4030 VERSI Description Dual Direction Front Mount Dual Direction Front Mount Head Rotation Manual (Pin Locking) Manual (Pin Locking) Vehicle Requirements Minimum Power 35HP 35HP Minimum Vehicle Weight 1750kg 2000kg Mounting Types...
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.
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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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We advise therefore that the prospective operator make use of relevant training courses available such as those run by the Agricultural Training Board, Agricultural Colleges, Dealers and McConnel. Working in Public Places When working in public places such as roadsides, consideration should be paid to others in the vicinity.
TRACTOR / VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS Tractor / Vehicle Weight (Including ballast weight if necessary) PA3430 VERSI Model - 1750kg minimum PA4030 VERSI Model - 2000kg minimum HP Requirement Minimum 35HP PTO Shaft - where applicable Tractor must be equipped with a live drive PTO to enable continuous flailhead operation when forward motion of the tractor is stopped.
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. 7313324) using the hooks provided. Shape the mesh to cover all vulnerable areas. 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...
DELIVERY & PRE-ATTACHMENT (Dealer Reference) Delivery Where a machine is delivered in a partially dismantled condition secured with transport straps and banding a firm level site should be selected 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...
MACHINE PREPARATION & ATTACHMENT The attachment procedure must always be performed on a firm level site, never attempt to attach the machine on sloping or soft ground. Keep all bystanders at a safe distance. Attach Machine Parking Legs Parking legs must be fitted to place the machine at the correct height for attachment to the carrying vehicle;...
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Levelling the Machine It is important for attachment that the machine is levelled in both the side to side and front to back directions, the procedure for this is as follows: Vertical Adjustment Vertical adjustments are made using the link type adjusters on the base of the each stand leg;...
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ATTACHING THE MACHINE – DIN Plate Front Mount Models...
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ATTACHING THE MACHINE – 3-Point Linkage Mounted Models A) Upper Linkage Point (Top Link) B) Left Lower Linkage Point (CAT.I) C) Right Lower Linkage Point (CAT.I) D) Left Lower Linkage Point (CAT.II) E) Right Lower Linkage Point (CAT.II) The attachment procedure must always be performed on a firm level site, never attempt to attach the machine on sloping or soft ground.
Control Unit Installation Fit the control unit in the cab of the vehicle selecting a position that offers the user optimum ease of operation. Main control units attach to the tractor seat armrest using the fixing straps supplied. Feed control lines into tractor cab avoiding any sharp bends and keeping lines well clear of any moving parts on the machine or vehicle.
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Machine Removal Subsequent removal of the machine is basically a reversal of the attachment procedure. When parking the machine for removal or storage always select a firm level site in a safe location that will also allow for ease of future attachment. The arms should be fully folded into the machine and centrally positioned to give maximum stability and balance to the unit prior to removal.
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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ARMHEAD OPERATION CAUTION! All operators should practice using the machine in a safe open location with the rotor switched off to familiarise themselves with the controls and functions before attempting to use it in a working environment.
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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 (Standard) Lift Float (Optional) ROTOR OPERATION Rotor Start (Selection of Rotor Cutting Direction) Select rotor start for required direction (LED will light to indicate the active direction). Uphill Cutting Downhill Cutting...
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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.
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Keypad Control Buttons Button Function Control Operation Pressing the button will switch Angle Float Angle Float ON/OFF function ON/OFF. Pressing the button will switch Lift Float Lift Float ON/ OFF function ON/OFF. Press to START rotor in uphill direction. Rotor START (Uphill Direction). 8 second delay for direction change.
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ROTOR OPERATION When the rotor is switched off it will continue to ‘freewheel’ under its own momentum for up to 40 seconds before finally coming to a standstill – do not leave the tractor cab or attempt to approach the flailhead until the rotor has stopped turning completely.
RUNNING UP PROCEDURE The running up procedure should be performed in a safe location clear of hazards. Keep bystanders at a safe distance at all times. Check machine is correctly installed on the vehicle and that all connection pins are secured with locking pins.
TRANSPORTION Transport Position For machine transport the flail head should be set parallel to the arms and the carriage moved to its furthermost position on the left hand side of the machine; the dipper arm can then be fully folded into the main arm and the latter positioned horizontally as illustrated opposite.
MANUAL SLEW & BREAKBACK PROTECTION SYSTEMS Machines feature a manual slew system allowing the arms to be placed and then operated in a selection of fixed work positions; the choice of positions are at 0°, 30° forward and 60° forward, and apply to both left and right hand operation. Note; 30° and 60° forward work positions can only be used if the machine is equipped with a rotating head mounting.
Breakback Capability Priming Breakback During normal operation the arms of the machine are held in the work position by hydraulic pressure stored in the breakaway ram; the system features a relief valve that is designed to releases the pressure when the machine encounters measured...
ANGLE FLOAT KIT (Standard Feature) Machines are fitted with Angle Float as standard – 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. Refer to specific controls section for details of operation.
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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 –...
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.
OPERATING PROCEDURE Starting Work Allow the oil to circulate for a minute or so before operating the armhead controls. ▲ Move the flail head into a safe working position just clear of the material to be cut. ▲ Increase engine speed to a high idle and start the rotor – after initial ‘surging’ the rotor ▲...
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.
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. ▲...
FLAILS IDENTIFICATION 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.
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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.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE Machine Lubrication The illustration above indicates the general locations of grease points; all grease points should be lubricated on a daily basis before work and prior to storage of the machine. SERVICE SCHEDULE Every Day Grease machine fully prior to work (and prior to storage). NOTE: New machines must be greased before initial use.
SIDE SHIFT CARRIAGE The motorised side shift carriage is equipped with replaceable wear pads; these should be inspected on a regular basis and the gap between the lower carriage rail and the lower wear pads checked with a feeler gauge. The correct gap between the carriage rail and the wear pads is 2mm.
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.
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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