Vehicle/ Tractor Preparation - McConnel PA7070T Operator's Manual

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 position - unless the vehicle/ cab manufacturer can
demonstrate that the penetration resistance is equivalent to, or higher than, that provided
by mesh/polycarbonate glazing. If the tractor has a roll bar only, a frame must be made to
carry both mesh and polycarbonate glazing. The operator should also use personal
protective equipment to reduce the risk of serious injury such as; eye protection (mesh
visor to EN1731 or safety glasses to EN166), hearing protection to EN352, safety helmet
to EN297, gloves, filter mask and high visibility clothing.
Vehicle Ballast: It is imperative when attaching 'third-party' equipment to a vehicle that
the maximum possible stability of the machine and vehicle combination is achieved – this
can be accomplished by the utilisation of 'ballast' in order to counter-balance the additional
equipment added.
Front weights may be required for rear mounted machines to place 15% of total outfit
weight on the front axle for stable transport on the road and to reduce 'crabbing' due to the
drag of the cutting unit when working on the ground.
Rear weights may be required to maintain a reasonable amount of rear axle load on the
opposite wheel from the arms when in work; for normal off-ground work i.e. hedge cutting
this should be 20% of rear axle weight or more for adequate control, and for ground work
i.e. verge mowing with experienced operators, this can be reduced to 10%.
All factors must be addressed in order to match the type and nature of the equipment
added to the circumstances under which it will be used – in the instance of Power Arm
hedgecutters it must be remembered that the machines centre of gravity during work will
be constantly moving and will differ from that during transport mode, therefore balance
becomes critical.
Factors that affect stability:

Centre of gravity of the tractor/machine combination.

Geometric conditions, e.g. position of the cutting head and ballast.

Weight, track width and wheelbase of the tractor.

Acceleration, braking, turning and the relative position of the cutting head during these
operations.

Ground conditions, e.g. slope, grip, load capability of the soil/surface.

Rigidity of implement mounting.
Suggestions to increase stability:

Increasing rear wheel track; a vehicle with a wider wheel track is more stable.

Ballasting the wheel; it is preferable to use external weights but liquid can be added to
around 75% of the tyre volume – water with anti-freeze or the heavier Calcium Chloride
alternative can be used.
 Addition of weights – care should be taken in selecting the location of the weights to
ensure they are added to a position that offers the greatest advantage.

Front axle locking, check with tractor manufacturer.
The advice above is offered as a guide for stability only and is not a guide to vehicle strength. It is
therefore recommended that you consult your vehicle manufacturer or local dealer to obtain specific
advice on this subject, additionally advice should be sought from a tyre specialist with regard to tyre
pressures and ratings suitable for the type and nature of the machine you intend to fit.
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