Page 2
Excel 323 Reach Mower Spearhead Excel 323 & Twiga 3000 Compact Reach Mower Handbook Edition – October 2008 Please ensure that this manual is handed to the operator before using the machine for the first time. The operator must fully understand the contents of this manual before using this machine.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Date ……………………………………………… Contents Specification Safety Safety Stickers Installing your Machine Introduction Tractor Requirements Attaching To The Tractor Running Up Your Machine Removing From The Tractor Layout Of Controls In The Cab Reach Mower Set-Up Warnings Engaging & Disengaging Head Drive...
Excel 323 Reach Mower Safety Safety Recommendations Beware of the following Potential Dangers associated with the use of this machine: • Becoming trapped when hitching or unhitching • Tractor overbalancing when arm is extended • Electrocution due to hitting overhead power lines •...
Page 7
Excel 323 Reach Mower • Ensure that the tractor meets the minimum weight recommendations of the machine manufacturer and that ballast is used if necessary • Check that machine fittings and couplings are in good condition • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attachment and removal of machine from the tractor are warning signs to alert others to the type of machine working in the vicinity.
Page 8
Collect all warning signs promptly when the job is finished. Training It is the responsibility of the Spearhead dealer to provide instruction on the safe installation, operation and maintenance of the machine in the first instance. Further training is available from Spearhead Machinery Ltd on request, at cost.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Safety Stickers Warning Warning Stay clear of mower blade Shut off engine and remove as long as engine is key before performing running. maintenance or repair work. Warning Warning Danger – flying objects Beware of keep safe distance from escaping fluid.
• Spearhead particularly recommend “Category 1” three point linkage of ball end type, we do not advise the use of claw type hitching. The quick release latches should be checked, if worn or insecure they may cause accidental damage or personal injury if the machine becomes detached.
Attaching/unattaching the reach mower to/from the tractor. The following text must be fully understood before attempting to attach the machine. If there is any doubt please contact your supplying dealer or Spearhead Service Department. Failure to follow the correct procedure to attach/ unattached the machine could result in personal injury or machine damage.
Page 12
Excel 323 Reach Mower Fit control unit to cab - recommend mounting the control unit to the head side of the tractor. Modification and additional bracket may need to be fabricated. Consult your local dealer for advice. An electric 12 volt supply cable will be needed from a fused source which is controlled by the tractor’s ignition key for...
Page 13
Excel 323 Reach Mower Correct top link length until the main frame is vertical. If fitting the P.T.O. shaft for the first time, measure and cut to the correct length. Fit the P.T.O. shaft by connecting the tractor output shaft to the machine input shaft.
Page 14
Excel 323 Reach Mower Operate the main arm to bring the frame horizontal by applying the head weight to the ground. Check the machine is at the correct height and level; ensure both stabilisers are at an equal length. Once the stabilising bars are correctly fitted, lower the tractor hydraulics allowing all the weight of the machine to be carried by the stabiliser bars.
Page 15
Excel 323 Reach Mower Fold up parking stands and store safely. The machine cannot be unhitched without these stands down. Operator’s guard – Use only tractors with safety glass windows. If the windows are not laminated safety glass, polycarbonate glazing must be fitted between operator and cab meshing.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Running Up Your Machine First ensure the rotor is in the ‘off’ position and P.T.O. drive is disengaged, and then start the tractor. Engage P.T.O. into gear and run machine up to half revs allowing oil to circulate for about 5 minutes before operating arms.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Removing From The Tractor Select a level firm site such as a concreted surface Fit parking stands. Place the flail head on the ground approximately 1m out from machine main assembly Disengage P.T.O. Slightly raise lower link arms with great care, enough to carry sufficient weight to remove both stabiliser locking bolts Lower all weight securely onto parking stands.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Layout Of Controls In The Cab Electric Control Cable controls MAIN ARM UP AND DOWN DIPPER ARM IN AND OUT HEAD CONTROL ROTOR ON/OFF...
Excel 323 Reach Mower Flail Head Fitted with a choice of flails, • Scoop flails for cutting and mulching green vegetation, mowing grass only for a clean finish. • Back to back flails for cutting and mulching green vegetation, ideal or mowing grass and light scrub.
Page 20
Excel 323 Reach Mower Grass Cutting Set rear roller down to control cutting height. Close down the adjustable front hood to reduce flying debris to a minimum. Warning Never remove Do not operate Front cowl Without front flaps Do not verge mow without a rear roller. Do not verge mow with rear roller set too high;...
Page 21
Excel 323 Reach Mower Hedge Trimming Recommended Set-Up 0.9m rotor 4” Rear roller “Boot” flails Rear flap Front flap Roller should be set to just clear the top of the hedge. Hedge Trimming Flail is cutting upwards reducing flying debris to minimum and leaving a tidy finish.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Warnings • Never drive the tractor with arm out stretched (except when cutting). When moving at work always first retract arms. Transport with care. Metal fatigue is always caused by careless transportation and misuse. If the ground is uneven or bumpy slow down.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Engaging Flail Head Drive 1. Select 540rpm P.T.O. and run with low engine revs. 2. With flail head in safe position move rotor control lever (5) to ‘on’. 3. Cold start - it is important not to run at full speed with cold oil. Run at half speed for 5 minutes to allow oil to warm up.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Safety • When cutting material take care as the branches may fall towards the tractor, always using appropriate guarding on cab glass. • Never attempt to unblock a jammed knife by hand, always use a suitable tool.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Slowly operate dipper arm towards stop on main arm until fully closed. Fully raise main arm, and slowly close head ram. Finally disengage P.T.O. drive. Warning Avoid high transport speeds, which will cause unnecessary strain on Machine and tractor.
Hazards may cause damage. Break Back The Excel 323 range of reach mowers have, as standard, a breakaway link for machine protection, should an obstacle be encountered while travelling forward The break back link will operate if the machine is overloaded i.e. a dense patch of vegetation, too high a forward speed, and when working uphill.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Wire Trap • This is located under the front hood. It must not be interfered with in any way. • Any wire must be removed immediately • Select Rotor control lever to ‘off’ and wait until rotor stops spinning. Lower rotor to ground, disengage P.T.O.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Debris Blower Excel 323 Hydraulically driven fan from tractor external services please quote tractor oil flow when ordering maximum 40lt per min. The return oil must go to a free flow connection i.e. filler plug. Operating the Debris blower The fan is suitable for clearing cuttings off the highway;...
Excel 323 Reach Mower All the following grease points Need to be greased daily. Lubrication Chart Rotor shaft bearings P.t.o. shaft bearings P.t.o. shaft tubes Pivot pins Roller bearings Oil tank Gearbox Motor drive Flail head Check = ...
Excel 323 Reach Mower Greasing/Lubrication Washing your machine Grease all your machine and optional parts after each time you wash your machine. Gearbox Before first use check gearbox oil level, thereafter check every 8 hours. After the first 50 hours drain and replace the gearbox oil, thereafter annually. Replace with EP90.
Hoses with damaged metal braid should be replaced. • When replacing hoses quote number stamped on fitting at one end. The Spearhead hydraulic system works at very high pressure, when replacing hoses use only genuine hoses, a burst hose could be very dangerous. •...
Excel 323 Reach Mower Oil Supply • Daily before starting up check oil level in tank reservoir. • It is a good practice to constantly keep an eye on the tank level gauge, (this can be seen from the tractor seat) as a pipe burst could empty the tank within minutes.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Flail Head • Grease all bearings daily. • Check there is no wrapping of string, plastic, grass or other debris on rotor shaft and rear roller bearings • Check the condition of flails and ensure all retaining bolts are tight. When flails are replaced care must be taken to maintain balance of rotor shaft, do not change to a different type.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Pins & Bushes All main pivot points are furnished with replaceable bushes. If there are any signs of wear, these must be replaced. All bushes are available from Spearhead Parts Department. Warning Do not use grease containing Molybdenum disulphide on nylon bushes and wear pads.
Excel 323 Reach Mower Pump & Motor Failure Care & Attention Adhere to the following points: • Never run out of oil. • Never run a cold machine straight up to speed, first ensure engine revolutions are low then engage/disengage the head motor.
This warranty does not extend to parts, materials or equipment not manufactured by Spearhead, for which the Buyer shall only be entitled to the benefit of any such warranty or guarantee given by the manufacturer to Spearhead.
Page 37
The Spearhead warranty may be transferred to a subsequent owner of the machinery (for use within the UK) for the balance of the warranty period subject to all of the warranty conditions and provided that the Change of Owner form is completed and sent to Spearhead within 14 days of change of ownership.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Excel 323 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers