Related Manuals for McConnel ECON HEDGEMASTER Mk3
Summary of Contents for McConnel ECON HEDGEMASTER Mk3
- Page 1 Publication 649 ECON April 2010 Part No. 22674.49 Revision: 08.10.12 HEDGEMASTER Mk3 Mid-Mounted Hedgecutter / Mower 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 4 1500 hours. Engine warranty will be specific to the Manufacturer of that unit. 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.
- Page 5 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.
- Page 6 MISCELLANEOUS 4.01. McConnel Ltd may waive compliance with any of the terms of this limited warranty, but no waiver of any terms shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other term. 4.02. If any provision of this limited warranty shall violate any applicable law and is held to be unenforceable, then the invalidity of such provision shall not invalidate any other provisions herein.
- Page 7 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; ECON Serial No. & Date ………………………………… Type ………………………… Manufactured in; United Kingdom Complies with the required provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC The machinery directive is supported by the following harmonized standards;...
- Page 8 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...
- Page 10 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.
- Page 11 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.
- Page 12 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.
- Page 13 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.
- Page 14 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 16: Table Of Contents
LIST OF CONTENTS Page No. General Information Features & Specifications Safety Information Tractor Requirements General Tractor Preparation Hydraulic Oil Operating Instructions Fitting Instructions PTO Driveshaft Installation Controls Operating Principals Electric Switchbox Controls Monolever Controls V4 Proportional Controls Preparation & Precautions Emergency Stopping Operating Speeds Safety Breakaway... -
Page 18: 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 19: Features & Specifications
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS ECON Hedgemaster Mk3 6.4m Reach Mid Mounted Hydraulic Safety Breakaway Unrivalled Arm Geometry Excellent Cutting Visibility High Capacity Oil Tank (227 Litre) 45HP Hydraulics Choice of Control Systems Choice of Attachments Optional Extras Lift Float Kit Oil Cooler... -
Page 20: Safety Information
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. - Page 21 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 22 ▲ 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 23 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.
-
Page 24: Tractor Requirements
FITTING - Tractor requirements Minimum tractor weights - including ballast weight if necessary: All models – 4500kg. Minimum HP requirements: All models – 75HP Linkage: Category 2 – for mounting of the rear oil tank. PTO shaft: Tractor must be equipped with a live drive PTO to enable forward motion to be stopped while the flailhead continues to operate. -
Page 25: General Tractor Preparation
GENERAL 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 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... -
Page 26: Hydraulic Oil
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. -
Page 27: Operating Instructions
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Delivery In most cases the tractor will be delivered with the Hedgemaster factory fitted. If this is not the case, refer to the relevant section on fitting. Before using this machine for the first time, remove the transport locking bar. It is a good idea to start the tractor and operate the Hedger’s in-cab controls for five or ten minutes, in a clear open area, just to familiarise yourself with how the machine responds. - Page 28 Broken Flails If a flail gets broken or damaged, the cutting head will start to vibrate. Stop the machine immediately and replace the flail. Under no circumstances should the hedger be operated with broken or missing flails. Demounting Always demount the machine on firm level ground; demounting is carried out using the machines hydraulic system.
- Page 29 Safe Working Guidelines DO NOT operate the machine without guards fitted. • DO NOT operate the machine with broken or missing flails. • DO NOT operate the machine without safety glass and wire mesh fitted to the tractor • windows. DO NOT alter any of the service line relief valves pressure settings.
-
Page 30: Fitting Instructions
FITTING INSTRUCTIONS Notes on Fitting The security and approval of a safety cab depends upon it being attached to the tractor as originally designed by the manufacturer except where specific modifications have been agreed and accepted. When fitting Econ equipment to tractors fitted with safety cabs only those bolts identified in the fitting instructions should be utilised, no other bolts should be touched. - Page 31 Light Extension Brackets (LH & RH) 2. Pin R Clip 3. Mid Offside Bracket 4. Packer 5. Rear Axle Bracket 6. Rear Bracket (Lower) 7. Underframe 8. Clamp Plate Rear Bolt Nyloc Nut 9. Clamp Plate Mid Bolt 10. Front Mounting Bolt 11.
- Page 32 Positioning the Underframe When reading this section, refer to the illustrations on the previous page as required. Position the tractor on level ground. It may be necessary to remove the following parts: left side cab steps and 3-point linkage check chain. Slide the main frame under the tractor from left hand side between the wheels.
- Page 33 Hydraulic Tank and Drive Assembly Using the tractor 3-point linkage, pick up the whole assembly and connect the free end of both chains to the upper link pin on the tractor, cross the chains. Lower the unit until all the weight is taken by the chains.
-
Page 34: Pto Driveshaft Installation
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... -
Page 35: Controls
CONTROLS Arm Movements It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the machine controls fully before attempting to use them with the tractor and machine running. When and only when, you are sure which control moves which arm, should you start the engine. Practices operating the machine with the tractor stationery in a clear safe area until you are confident that you can operate the machine safely. - Page 36 The gas accumulator is fitted adjacent to the Hedgemaster control valve block to enable float positions of the arms. The union on top of the accumulator is used to check and refill the unit with Nitrogen gas and should be maintained within 52-55 bar (750-800 lb.in²), however, this figure may be increased to a maximum 133 bar (2000 lb.in²) if required.
-
Page 37: Operating Principals
OPERATING PRINCIPALS The mid mounted position of the mower on your tractor gives the operator the best steering response and the most comfortable view of the cutting operation, therefore; Watch well in front of the cutting head Steer around or lift over obstacles. -
Page 38: Electric Switchbox Controls
ELECTRIC SWITCHBOX CONTROLS Machines with Electric Switchbox Controls will be supplied with the control unit shown below. LOCATION & FUNCTION OF CONTROLS 1. 1st Ram (Lift #1) Control A. Power On/Off (Emergency Stop) 2. 3rd Ram (Reach) Control B. N/A 3. - Page 39 ARM OPERATION (SWITCHBOX CONTROL)
- Page 40 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 Selection of Rotor Cutting Direction (where applicable) Uphill Cutting Downhill Cutting...
- Page 41 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 42: Monolever Controls
ELECTRIC MONOLEVER CONTROLS Machines with Electric Monolever Controls will be supplied with the control unit shown below. LOCATION & FUNCTION OF CONTROLS 6. 1st Ram (Lift #1) Control F. Power On/Off (Emergency Stop) 7. 3rd Ram (Reach) Control G. N/A 8. - Page 43 ARM OPERATION (MONOLEVER CONTROL)
- Page 44 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 Selection of Rotor Cutting Direction (where applicable) Uphill Cutting Downhill Cutting...
- Page 45 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 46: V4 Proportional Controls
POWER ON / OFF (Emergency Stop) Rotate Clockwise to Power On – control unit will emit a single beep and screen will display the selected PTO speed, software version and the McConnel name. Press to Power Off. ROTOR START – Uphill Cutting This button starts the rotor for ‘uphill’... - Page 47 HEAD ANGLE FLOAT There are 2 methods available for selection and de-selection of this function; activation via the control unit - refer to #1 below, or activation via the joystick controls - refer to #2 below. 1. Pressing the Head Angle Float button – when activated the control unit will emit a single beep, the LED light will illuminate and the screen will momentarily display ‘ANGLE FLOAT ’...
- Page 48 EDS FUNCTION (EDS Models) / LIFT FLOAT (Non EDS Models) There are 2 methods available for selection and de-selection of this function; activation via the control unit - refer to #1 below, or activation via the joystick controls - refer to #2 below. 1.
- Page 49 AUXILIARY FUNCTION CONTROL There are 3 possible types of auxiliary service control as described in A, B & C below – the particular type used will be dependant on the build specification of the machine. Control operation of the function for all types remains the same (see below). A) Diverter Valve System Utilising an Existing Service (Physical Diverter Valve) The control selects either of the two diverter valves for the operation of additional equipment that may be fitted to the machine such as: Directional Ram, Orbiter Head Kit,...
- Page 50 BREAKAWAY – 3 RAM SWAP This function swaps over the controls used to operate Breakaway and 3 Ram. By default, Breakaway operation is performed with the right hand thumbwheel (T2) and 3 Ram operation with the [◄] [►] buttons on the control unit - in the swapped mode these will be the opposite way around and the LED on the control unit will be lit to indicate that the swapped mode is selected.
- Page 51 AUTO RESET This button is for the selection and de-selection of the Auto Reset function – pressing the button once will activate Auto Reset, the control unit will emit a single beep, the LED light will illuminate and the screen will momentarily display ‘AUTO RESET ’.
- Page 52 V4 JOYSTICK CONTROLS - Buttons & Thumbwheels Operation NOTE: By default operation of thumbwheels T1 and T2 in conjunction with button B1 activates Head Angle Float and EDS/Lift Float respectively. These controls can, if required, be swapped over so that the thumbwheels operate the opposing functions –...
- Page 53 ARMHEAD OPERATION – JOYSTICK CONTROLS...
- Page 54 ARMHEAD OPERATION – JOYSTICK CONTROLS...
- Page 55 V4 CONTROL UNIT – Screen Access & Menu Buttons Power on/off switch (E/Stop) Speaker (audible confirmation) Control unit emits an audible confirmation ‘beep’ when the buttons are pressed. Command Button [ ] Command Button [X] Navigate Forward Button [>] Navigate Back Button [<]...
- Page 56 IMPORTANT: Under no circumstances should a V4 Control Unit be connected to a V3 ACB (Auxiliary Control Box). Dedicated V3.5 & V4 Upgrade Kits are available from McConnel Limited – contact your local dealer or McConnel direct for available options and specific advice on this subject.
- Page 57 POWER MONITOR When displayed the power screen will indicate to the operator the level of power being demanded by the cutting head – an ascending graphic indicates the power demand status from minimum on the left of the screen to maximum on the right. Power Status –...
- Page 58 TEST & FAULT FINDING SCREENS The following screens are available for testing and fault finding purposes, these are: JOYSTICK TEST SCREEN This screen reports the status of the CAN (Controller Area Network) signal from the joystick during its various functions. X and Y Display These report the joystick signal as it travels through its range of movements in its 2 axis –...
-
Page 59: Preparation & Precautions
NEW MACHINES: PREPARATION & GENERAL 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. -
Page 60: Emergency Stopping
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. -
Page 61: Operating Speeds
OPERATING SPEEDS PTO Operating Speed The correct PTO speeds for operation of machines are as follows: Gear Machines: 500 - 540 rpm (Max) Piston Machines: 800 - 830 rpm (Max) WARNING: Damage to the machine may occur if the maximum PTO speed is exceeded. Engaging Drive Ensure the rotor control lever/switch is in the ‘stop’... -
Page 62: Safety Breakaway
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 – always be alert and avoid obvious hazards before contact occurs. Breakaway may occur momentarily during normal work should an extra thick or dense patch of vegetation be encountered. -
Page 63: Lift Float (Option For Ground Work)
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 –... -
Page 64: Hedgecutting Procedure
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. -
Page 65: Hazards & Dangers
HAZARDS & DANGERS Working on Slopes Extra care must be adopted when working on slopes, never risk working the machine in any conditions where it may cause the tractor to become unstable. DANGER! NEVER CUT TO THE BLIND SIDE OF A HEDGE - it is impossible to see any potential hazards or dangers and the position of the flail head would allow debris to be propelled through the hedge towards the... -
Page 66: Overhead Power Lines
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. - Page 67 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 68: Flail Types
FLAIL TYPES 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. - Page 69 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.
-
Page 70: Maintenance Information
SERVICE INSTRUCTION - LUBRICATION Roller Bearings 4-5 shots daily BP Energrease EP2G Cutting head, ram & arm Fill weekly until grease exudes from BP Energrease EP2G pivots, breakaway swivel joints. pin, kingpost socket Rotor shaft bearings 2-3 shots daily – do not overfill BP Energrease EP2G Drive couplings 5-6 shots every week. - Page 71 GENERAL SERVICING Servicing Rotor and Rotor Bearings (Econ Flail head only) To dismantle a rotor, rotor bearing and motor assembly, first remove the motor guard and disconnect the hose connections to the motor. It is important either to plug the hoses, or connect them together using an adaptor - if left open on the ground they will siphon empty the hydraulic tank.
- Page 72 SYMPTOMS & FAULTS Hydraulic Circuits - Fault Location & Remedy Test Kit The test kit comprises the following items: 1. Relief valve 2. High pressure gauge 3. Low pressure gauge 4. Blanking plug Always disengage PTO drive to pump and stop tractor engine when carrying out physical inspection of cutting head rotor.
- Page 73 4. Rotor keeps stalling during cutting operation. c) All as section 3. a) Motor seat burst caused by excessive back 5. Oil leaking from pressure - see check-out two. b) Pipe restricted - inspect and remove restriction or replace pipe a) Loose hose connections allowing air to be drawn 6.
- Page 74 If you require any further assistance or information on the operation of this machine, please contact: McCONNEL LIMITED Temeside Works Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1JL...
- Page 75 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.
- Page 76 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.
- Page 77 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 –...
- Page 78 McConnel Limited, Temeside Works, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1JL. England. Telephone: 01584 873131. Facsimile: 01584 876463. www.mcconnel.com...