Summary of Contents for McConnel 65HP Contractor Series
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Publication 739 May 2013 Part No. 22675.39 Revision: 08.09.22 65HP Contractor Series Hedgecutters PA5565 – PA7065T Range 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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Copies of the inspection sheets on the following pages should be retained in this manual for reference; two sets are included to allow removal of one set for photocopying purposes. Alternatively, these inspection sheets can be download from our website via the QR code or using the link below; https://my.mcconnel.com/service/pre-operation-inspection-documents/...
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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.
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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 removed, all rotation has stopped and the tractor is in park with the parking brake engaged.
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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.
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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 removed, all rotation has stopped and the tractor is in park with the parking brake engaged.
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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.
GENERAL INFORMATION Read this manual before fitting or operating the machine or accessory. Whenever any doubt exists contact your local dealer or the McConnel Service Department for assistance. Only use ‘Genuine McConnel Parts’ on McConnel machinery and equipment. DEFINITIONS The following definitions apply throughout this manual;...
FEATURES PA5565, PA6065, PA6565T & PA7065T – all models Linkage Mounted. Choice of Right Hand or Left Hand Cutting. Rear Mounted. Cast Iron Gearbox. Operator Guard. Hydraulic Breakaway. 108° Powered Slew. 180 Litres Hydraulic Reservoir. ...
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.
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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.
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Health and Safety Health and Safety Executive Executive Safe use of rotary flail hedge cutters HSE information sheet Agriculture Information Sheet No 21 (Revision 1) Introduction Control measures This information sheet outlines typical hazards when It is extremely dangerous to carry out any work on a using most types of tractor-mounted rotary flail hedge machine while it is under power.
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Health and Safety Executive General guidance on safe working Consult your local authority highways department and practice the Department for Transport for advice (see Further reading). Operators should receive adequate instructions ■ and training to enable them to use the machine Further reading safely.
SAFETY & INFORMATION DECALS (Power Arms) Power Arm machines are equipped with safety and information decals designed to warn of dangers, operational information and machine protection. Operators must understand the decals and heed all warnings. Keep decals in a good condition and replace immediately if they are damaged or missing.
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0.5m at a horizontal distance of 2.0m from the rotor. Keep all persons at 90m from the working machine, stop machine if persons are closer. Refer to front hood height setting section for details. 10. Important! Parts information; for safety and performance only use ‘Genuine McConnel Service Parts’.
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS Minimum Tractor Weights - including ballast weight if necessary. PA5565 Models – 4000kg PA6065 Models – 4000kg PA6565T Models – 4500kg PA7065T Models – 5000kg Minimum HP Requirements All models – 85HP Linkage Category 2 PTO Shaft Tractor must be equipped with a live drive PTO to enable forward motion to be stopped while the flailhead continues to operate.
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...
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...
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Post Delivery Assembly To allow for a compact shipping state the machine will be delivered with the tension link disconnected from the rocker and the stand legs retracted – these items will need to be correctly installed before initial attachment to a tractor; the procedure is as follows: Stand Legs Raise the machine using suitable overhead...
AXLE BRACKET/CATCH ASSEMBLY (Fitting by Dealer) Bolt axle plates to the tractor axle at either 1.0m or 1.1m apart - this may necessitate the to removal of the tractor's check chains and/or assister ram brackets, if this is the case the axle plate will include replacement brackets for these functions.
STANDARD TYPE BRACKETS Locate axle-mounting arms onto the mainframe and secure in position using the correct nuts and bolts supplied, tighten nuts when correct hole location has been selected - see below for details on mounting hole selection. With the frame in the vertical position, measure dimensions 'A' and 'B', subtract 'B' from 'A' to obtain measurement 'X'.
MACHINE ATTACHMENT – Axle Mounted Models Generic illustrations used Reverse tractor squarely into position adjacent to the machine and connect the draft links to the machine - manoeuvre tractor until both draft pin rockers are vertical. The lifting equipment may now be removed. Raise the machine on the tractors linkage sufficient only for the latch bar to fully engage in the axle catch.
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Raise the machine on the tractors linkage until the frame is vertical. Fit top link. Lower the tractor link arms to transfer weight to the top link - do not fully lower. For protection of upper connection points 20% of the machine’s mass should be supported by the lower linkage.
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Fit PTO shaft in position. Attach torque chains to a convenient location to prevent rotation of the shaft guards. Fit machine controls into the cab. Raise the stand legs and stow into their work position, secure with locking pins. On these models the stand legs are stowed in a storage cavity within the mainframe.
Stabilizer Tongues McConnel bolt on stabilizer tongues are available in a wide variety of versions to suit differing makes and models of tractors and are reversible to accommodate for greater variation in tractor linkage designs; refer to following page for details.
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Stabilizer Tongue Options & Specifications McConnel Stabilizer Tongues ‘A’ – Hole diameter ‘B’ – Hole centre spacing ‘C’ – Stabilizer width (Dimensions in mm) Ref. Part No. Description ‘A’ ‘B’ ‘C’ 7499501 Tongue: Standard CAT. 2/3 32.0 107.5 45.0 7499500 Tongue: Special CAT.
TRACTOR ATTACHMENT – Linkage Mounted Machines With the machine positioned on a firm level site and securely supported, manoeuvre the tractor squarely up to the machine. Set the tractor’s draft links to a height level with the machines lower link brackets and carefully reverse the tractor to a point that allows attachment of the lower links.
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– for further advice or information contact your local dealer or the McConnel Parts Department. Secure the stabilizer in position with the fixings supplied – the arms of the stabilizer should be attached to the main frame selecting the hole that is farthest away from the back of the tractor.
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Attach the machines top link to both the stabilizer and the main frame using the linkage pins supplied and secure in position with lynch pins. Raise the machine on the tractors linkage to a height where the tractors PTO and the stub axle of the machines gearbox are approximately in line with each other.
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Remove leg pins and raise the stand legs to their stowage position – replace leg pins and secure in place with ‘R’ clips. Adjust check chains prevent sideways movement of the tractor’s linkage. Measure and cut the PTO shaft. – refer to PTO driveshaft installation page for details.
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When the PTO shaft is in position attach torque chains to convenient locations to prevent rotation of the shaft guarding. Fit the machine control unit in the tractor cab in a convenient location that allows for safe and easy operation of all the controls and functions. Open lift ram lock taps and remove the slew locking pin.
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 With the machine attached to the...
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.
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.
CONTROL UNIT INSTALLATION The information below states installation methods for fitting control units in the tractor cab. NOTE: Electric control units work within the range of 12v-16v DC and require a minimum power supply of 12v DC. Cable Controls Cable control units are provided with, and attached to, a mounting bracket – the bracket should be securely fixed to the internal mud wing or cab cladding in a suitable convenient location that offers ease of use without interfering with normal tractor operation.
RUNNING UP PROCEDURE Before initial use of a new machine, all lubrication points must be greased and the gearbox and oil tank levels checked and where required topped up before attempting to use the machine. See maintenance section for details. Ensure that the rotor control valve is in ‘STOP’...
REMOVAL FROM TRACTOR (Axle Mounted Machines) Removal of the machine must always be performed on a firm level site. Keep all bystanders at a safe distance from the machine. Never stand between tractor machine with tractor running or when operating the tractor’s draft links.
REMOVAL FROM TRACTOR (Linkage Mounted Machines) Read carefully before attempting to detach the machine from the tractor. Do not operate quadrant lever or machine controls through the rear cab window whilst standing on or amongst linkage components – Always seek assistance. Detachment Procedure Select a firm level site on which to park the machine.
STORAGE Storing the Machine If the 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. Grease all lubrication points of the machine prior to storage and check the machine for broken or damaged components - repair or replace any damaged parts immediately so the machine is fully prepared for next use.
OPERATION Operator Guard Machine Guards Before each period of work, check that all the relevant tractor and machine guards are in place and in good working condition. Small splits and abrasions on the lower edges of the flail head rubber flaps are permissible, but should one or more of these cuts or splits become fifty per cent or more of the flap height they should be replaced immediately as they will have become ineffective for debris containment.
CABLE CONTROLS Cable controlled machines are supplied with a control unit of the type shown below – the particular version will be dependent on the specification and features of the machine. Versions differ primarily in the number of armhead control levers assembled within the 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°...
Users of this machine must read the specific control unit operation manual supplied with the machine in conjunction with this manual. Control unit operation manuals are also available on our website for reference or download https://www.mcconnel.com/support/parts-and-operators-manual/ or via QR code below.
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.
BREAKAWAY The machine is fitted with a hydraulic breakaway device which protects the structure of the machine should an unforeseen obstacle be encountered. The breakaway function does not relieve the operator of his responsibility to drive carefully. Always stay 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 108° arc of powered arm movement on the working side, from right angles to the tractor, to 18° beyond the direct line astern. This feature is required to place the machine in the transport position but can also be used to sweep the arm ‘to and fro’...
VFR ARMS – OPERATING CAUTION The advanced manoeuvrability that VFR armsets offer permits cutting attachments to be positioned extremely close to the rear and working side of the tractor; this increases the opportunity of tractor and machine to suffer accidental damage from each other. Apply extreme caution whilst operating the armset close to the tractor and keep at a safe distance.
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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.
TRANSPORT POSITION 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 –...
TRANSPORT LOCKS (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.
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE In transport the PTO must be disengaged and the power to the control box switched off. The acceptable speed of transport will vary greatly depending upon the ground conditions. In any conditions avoid driving at a speed which causes exaggerated bouncing as this will put unnecessary strain on the tractors top hitch position and increase the likelihood of the tension link contacting the cab rear cross member.
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MOVING FROM TRANSPORT TO WORK Reverting to the work position is basically a reversal of the previous work to transport procedure. Always remember to release the slew and lift locking devices before attempting to move the machine from the transport position. Engaging Drive Ensure the rotor control lever/switch is in the ‘stop’...
LIFT STOP KIT (Option) For additional machine and tractor protection an optional Lift Stop Kit (Part No. 22493.03) is available. The kit, which hooks over and bolts to the machine’s pillar, is adjustable to suit a wide range of differing applications; when correctly adjusted in its respective positions it will offer both tractor cab protection during transportation and machine components protection when working the arms in and out of positions that risk components coming into contact with each other.
EASY DRIVE SYSTEM (EDS) The Easy Drive System (EDS) is an optional extra on larger proportional machines with V4 digital controls – where fitted it provides ‘hands free’ cruise control operation with automatic head and lift float at greater working speed that increase both safety and efficiency.
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 –...
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. Find out the location and route of all Power Lines within the work area.
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.
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.
MAINTENANCE General Lubrication All points shown above should be greased on a daily basis and prior to storage of the machine. New machines must be greased prior to first use. Gearbox Lubrication Check gearbox oil level on new machines prior to first use, top up if required before using the machine.
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Oil Changes Drainage of the gearbox for changes of oil is via the drain plug located on the base of the gearbox, ensure gearbox is level and allow sufficient time for all the oil to drain out before replacing the plug. For refilling or for ‘topping up’ the oil remove both the filler plug and the level plug;...
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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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The breather pressurises the fluid trapped in the tank up to 0.3Bar; this is to reduce pump cavitation and reduces the air flow through the breather - extending the filter life. To avoid danger; unscrew the breather two revolutions and then wait until pressure in tank is equal to the atmosphere - the breather can then be removed safely.
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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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CABLES The 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 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 – access to the lubrication points is gained by releasing the shaft shield from its fixing ring and sliding it back along the body of the driveshaft –...
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TELE ARM WEAR PADS Over a period of time during normal use the contact faces of the replaceable wear pads will erode due to friction generated from the sliding surfaces of the tele arm – the wear rate of these nylon compound pads may vary considerably and will be determined by the frequency of use of the telescopic function.
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With the dipper arm socket and telescopic dipper separated coat the inner surfaces of the socket arm and outer surfaces of the tele arm with wax oil prior to re-assembly this will serve to both protect and lubricate the arms - this procedure should be performed in a clean and dry dust free environment to ensure the lubricated sliding surfaces of the arms do not become contaminated by dirt, grit or moisture.
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When tightening second sets of nuts the first nuts should be held in position with a spanner to ensure their correct torque setting is retained. The tele arm should now be extended out to its furthest point and a coating of good quality agri-grease applied to its sliding surfaces.
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TORQUE SETTINGS FOR FASTENERS The chart below lists the correct tightening torque for fasteners. This 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.
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...