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PA50 Publication 638 January 2010 Part No. 22674.05 Revision: 18.08.14 HEDGECUTTER / MOWER Operator Manual...
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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; PA50A, PA53, PA93, PA96 Serial No. & Date ………………………………… Type …………………………...
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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...
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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: +44 (0)1584 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.
CONTENTS General Information Features Safety Information Fitting (Tractor Requirements) Tractor Preparation Closed Centre Conversion Kit (SI Models only) Delivery & Pre-Attachment Hydraulic Oil Machine Attachment PTO Driveshaft Installation Fitting Operator Controls Flailhead Attachment Running Up Procedure Pre-Work Preparation & Precautions Removal From Tractor Storage Operation...
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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 Read this manual before fitting or operating the machine. Whenever any doubt exists contact your dealer or the McConnel Service Department for assistance. Use only McConnel Genuine Parts on McConnel equipment and machines. DEFINITIONS - The following definitions apply throughout this manual: WARNING: An operating procedure, technique etc., which can result in personal injury or loss of life if...
FEATURES PA50 Models • Linkage mounted. • 5.0m reach • Parallel arm geometry. • Right or left hand cutting. • Operator guard. • Hydraulic safety breakaway. • 95° powered slew. • 200 litre hydraulic reservoir. • Storage support legs • Choice of 1.2m Supercut/Multicut or 1.5m Super Multicut flailheads. PA50SI •...
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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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.
FITTING – Tractor requirements Minimum tractor weights - including ballast weight if necessary: All models – 3250 kg. Minimum HP requirements: All models – 60 HP LINKAGE: Category 2 PTO shaft Tractor must be equipped with a live drive PTO to enable forward motion to be stopped while the flail head continues to operate.
TRACTOR PREPARATION Fitting Tractor Guard: Use tractor with safety glass windows if possible and 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 position - unless the tractor/cab manufacturer can demonstrate that the penetration resistance is equivalent to, or higher than, that...
CLOSED CENTRE CONVERSION KIT (SI Models only) A control valve conversion kit consists of a relief valve blanking plug which should be installed in place of the existing relief valve and a pressure gallery blanking adaptor which is installed in place of the standard adaptor at the valve outlet end next to the lift loop hose connection.
DELIVERY & PRE-ATTACHMENT (Dealer Reference) Delivery The machine will be delivered in a partially dismantled condition secured with transport straps and banding. Select a firm level site 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...
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 l evel on the...
MACHINE ATTACHMENT Attachment of the machine should always be performed on a firm level site. CAUTION: During the attachment procedure bystanders must be kept at a safe distance from the machine at all times. Never operate the tractors linkage system or machine controls when persons are standing on, or working between, the tractor and machine.
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Reverse tractor squarely and centrally to the Reverse fully in to attachment points then raise the tractor linkage until it locks onto the lower machine - set tractor lower links to a height that will permit attachment to lower frame attachment link balls on both sides of the machine.
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Feed control lines into tractor cab – avoid sharp Connect control lines to the machines control bends and keep lines well clear of all moving unit in the tractor cab. parts on the machine or tractor. Tighten tractor stabilisers - raise tractor linkage Attach PTO shaft to the output shaft of the tractor.
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Finally, slew the machine into the transport position, replace slew lock pin (transport mode) and close lift ram tap. Attachment is now complete and the machine ready for transportation to the work site. NOTE: For initial installation refer to running up procedure.
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...
FITTING OPERATOR CONTROL UNITS Fitment of the operat or controls in the tractor cab will v ary depending on the particular model or specification of machine – the info rmation below lists the differing methods of fitment for the various types of controls available. NOTE: Electric control units work withi n the range of 12v-16v DC and will require a minimum power supply of 12v DC.
FLAILHEAD ATTACHMENT For ease of attachment and safety this procedure is best performed on a firm level site. With the tractor parked alongside the flailhead operate the controls of the machine to position the pivot bracket of the machines head angling mechanism directly behind flailhead with the base of the hose tray (or junction bracket) parallel to the ground.
RUNNING UP PROCEDURE CAUTION! Before initial use of a new machine, all lubrication points must be greased and the gearbox and oil t ank levels checked and where required topped up before attempting to use the machine. See maintenance section for details. TI models only Ensure that the rotor control valve is in "STOP"...
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.
REMOVAL FROM TRACTOR DANGER! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMENCING TO REMOVE THE MACHINE FROM THE TRACTOR. THE ORDER OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY DISCONNECTING THE TOP LINK MUST BE THE LAST OPERATION PRIOR TO DRIVING THE TRACTOR AWAY FROM THE MACHINE. WARNING! Do not operate quadrant lever or machine controls through the rear cab window whilst standing on or amongst linkage components.
STORAGE 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 which could lead to rapid corrosion.
OPERATION Operator Guard PREPARATION READ THE BOOK FIRST Practice operating the machine in an open space without the rotor running until you are fully familiar with the controls and operation of the machine. TRACTOR CONTROLS For Si models only the tractor linkage will need to be isolated.
CABLE CONTROLS Cable controlled machines are supplied with a control unit of the type shown below – the particular version will be depend ent on the specific ation and features of the machine. Versions differ primarily in the number of armhead c ontrol levers assembled within t he control bank –...
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Rotor Control Refer to specific cable rotor control section for additional information on rotor operation Midcut/VFR Models FLOAT OPERATION (Angle Float standard/ Lift Float optional) HEAD ANGLE FLOAT - Push angle lever fully forward into the detent A) Angle Float OFF B) Angle Float ON position.
CABLE ROTOR CONTROL On cable rotor control machines the rotor is operated by the lever shown below – from the upright ‘off’ position pushing the lever forward switches the rotor on for downhill cutting and pulling the lever backwards switches the rotor on for uphill cutting. The small pivot locking lever mounted on the side of the control assembly rotates through 180°...
ELECTRIC SWITCHBOX CONTROLS Machines with Electric Switchbox Controls will be supplied with one of the control units shown below, the particular version will be dependent on the specification of the machine; machines fitted with cable rotor control will use the unit shown left whilst machines with electric rotor control will use the unit shown right –...
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ARM OPERATION Auto Reset Tele or Midcut/VFR Models only...
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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.
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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’...
ELECTRIC MONOLEVER CONTROLS Machines with Electric Monolever Controls will be supplied with one of the control units shown below, the particular version will be dependent on the specification of the machine; machines fitted with cable rotor control will use the unit shown left whilst machines with electric rotor control will use the unit shown right –...
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ARM OPERATION Auto Reset Tele or Midcut/VFR Models only...
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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.
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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’...
XTC (Mk2) PROPORTIONAL SWITCHBOX CONTROLS (5 Service Models) Machines with XTC Mk2 Proportional Controls (5 service models) 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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ARM OPERATION Tele or Midcut/VFR Models only...
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HEAD FLOAT OPERATION Angle Float (Standard Feature) Lift Float (Optional Feature) ROTOR OPERATION – Electric Rotor Control Models only NOTE: The following section rela tes to machine s with ele ctric rotor c ontrol only – for cable ro tor control models refer to the specific cable rotor control section.
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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.
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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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 (Optional) Lift Float (Optional) 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 specific cable rotor control section in the manual. Rotor Start (Selection of Rotor Cutting Direction) Select rotor start for required direction (LED will light to indicate the active direction).
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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.
ROTOR CONTROL - SI machines only Rotor ON / OFF is controlled by operation of the tractor PTO lever. To start rotor: Bring tractor engine revs up to 1000RPM Engage PTO To stop rotor: Disengage PTO Do not leave tractors seat until the rotor is stationary. REVERSING ROTATION - SI models only ...
SLEW & LIFT LOCKS Slew Lock All machines with slewing capability are fitted with a slew lock – depending on the particular machine this will either be in the form of a lock tap fitted to the slew ram or a slew locking pin that locates through the pillar into the top of the mainframe.
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 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.
POWERED SLEW The slew feature allows a 95° arc of powered arm movement on the working side from right angles to the tractor to 50 beyond the direct line astern. The feature is required to place the machine in the transport position but can also be used to sweep the arm to and fro whilst cutting awkward areas and corners thus avoiding the need to constantly re-position the tractor.
MOVING INTO TRANSPORT POSITION Select ‘Rotor Off’ and wait for the rotor to stop turning completely. Ensure that both ‘lift’ and ‘angle float’ functions are switched off. Select ‘slew’ mode on the controls. Operate ‘slew in’ function to bring the arms into position directly behind the tractor.
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TRANSPORT POSITION FOR REAR MOUNTED MACHINES The machine is transported inline to the rear of the tractor with a minimum of 300mm (12”) clearance between the tension link and the rear cross member of the tractor cab. Transport Position with Flailhead Attached Transport Position with Flailhead Removed For transportation without a flailhead attached, the machines arms must be fully folded and the lift ram fully retracted so the mass of the arms is behind the centre line –...
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE Transport Height There is no fixed dimension for the transport height as this will vary for differing applications i.e. tractor size, carrying height, and degree of arm fold the particular tractor cab will permit. For the majority of installations the transport height for the PA50 model will fall within the region of approximately 3.45m to 3.65m.
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 ...
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. ...
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.
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 –...
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.
HIGH CAPACITY COOLER KIT (Part No. 7451824) High capacity cooler kits are available where additional cooling of the hydraulic fluid is required due to warm and/or humid climates or arduous and demanding working conditions. Where the cooler is added as an aftermarket fitment it must be fixed to the front of the main frame in the location of the existing serial number plate –...
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Cooler Inlet Pipe located above Connect Cooler Return Pipe to the Filter Return Thermostat / Fan Control Unit. Connect the located on the Hydraulic Tank Power Loom to tractor auxiliary supply. Components Filter Return Connection on filter housing located on the Hydraulic Tank. COOLER COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION COOLER BRACKET FLAT WASHER...
GENERAL MAINTENANCE General Lubrication The example illustration below indicates the general locations of lubrication points - all points should be greased on a daily basis and prior storage of the machine. New machines must be greased prior to first use. IMPORTANT: Grease new machines before first use.
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SERVICE SCHEDULE Every Day Grease machine fully prior to work (and prior to storage). NOTE: New machines must be greased before initial use. Check for broken or damaged flails. Check tightness of flail nuts and bolts. Visually check for oil leaks and damaged hoses. ...
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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.
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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.
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CONTROL CABLES The control 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.
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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 –...
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TORQUE SETTINGS FOR FASTENERS The Chart below lists the correct tightening torque for fasteners. The Chart should be referred to when tightening or replacing bolts in order to determine the grade of bolt and the correct torque unless specific torque values are assigned in the text of the manual. Recommended torque is quoted in Foot-Pounds and Newton-Metres within this manual.
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