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McCONNEL Publication 698 January 2012Part No. 22674.98 Revised: 08.09.22 PA5360 / PA5860 Series 60HP AGRICULTURAL RANGE HEDGECUTTERS 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.
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.
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.
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For best performance… USE ONLY GENUINE McCONNEL SERVICE PARTS To be assured of the latest design improvements purchase your ‘Genuine Replacements’ from the ‘Original Equipment Manufacturer’ McCON NEL LIMITED Through your local Dealer or Stockist Always quote: Machine Type ...
LIST OF CONTENTS General Information Features and Specifications Safety Information Tractor Requirements Vehicle/Tractor Preparation Closed Centre Conversion Kit for SI Models Stabilizer Initial Attachment to Tractor PTO Driveshaft Installation Flailhead Attachment Hydraulic Oil Control Unit Installation Running Up Procedure Pre-Work Preparation & Precautions Emergency Stopping Removal from Tractor Storage...
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 & SPECIFICATIONS PA5360 & PA5860 (all models) ‘Quick fit’ three point linkage mounted Right or left hand cutting Cast iron gearbox Operator guard Hydraulic breakaway 95° powered slew 180 litre hydraulic reservoir Choice of Flailhead. Under frame ‘pick up’ points PA5360 &...
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.
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.
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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’.
FITTING - Tractor requirements Minimum Tractor Weight - including ballast weight if necessary: All models: 3250kg. Minimum HP Requirements All models – 60HP 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...
CLOSED CENTRE CONVERSION KIT (8130059) – 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.
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INITIAL ATTACHMENT TO TRACTOR The machine will be delivered in a partially dismantled condition, secured with transport strap and banding. Choose a firm level site. Remove the transport strap, banding straps and loose items. Fill tank with oil from the chart or equivalent (see page 19).
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 NOTE: The drawings used here are for illustrative purposes and may differ in appearance to the actual machine but the general procedure is the same. With the machine positioned on a firm level site securely supported, manoeuvre the tractor squarely up to the...
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NOTE: The bolt on nose of the stabiliser is reversible in order to accommodate variations of tractor linkage designs. McConnel offer various versions of stabilizer noses for differing types and makes of tractors – contact your local dealer or McConnel Parts Department for further information.
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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 the PTO shaft and cut to the dimension shown below.
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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 – refer to page 20 for details.
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Ensure the Lift Ram tap and Slew Ram taps are open. Request assistance. Operate ‘lift up’ on machine controls sufficient only for the end of the dipper arm to clear the ground. Pivot out the dipper arm until the tension link can be connected. ...
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...
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 CAUTION! 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. 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.
IMPORTANT On the first day of use with a new flailhead, nuts should be checked for tightness every hour and retightened if required. Thereafter they should be checked on a daily basis prior to use of the machine. Torque nuts to the settings stated on previous page.
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, always seek assistance.
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 controls assembly, do not use plastic fertilizer bags as these can promote rapid corrosion.
OPERATION Operator Guard Preparation Read the book first and carefully practice operating the machine in an open space without the rotor running until you are familiar with its controls and operation. CAUTION! Care must be taken when working with the flail head close in as it can quite easily come into contact with the tractor and or tractor wheel.
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°...
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) ...
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.
SLEW & LIFT LOCKS Slew Lock The machine is fitted with a slew lock in the form of a ‘lock tap’ fitted to the slew ram. The slew function must be ‘locked’ at all times during transportation and storage of the machine and only unlocked for work.
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 their 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.
AUTO-RESET – Pressure Setting for Front Mounted Machines The procedure for automatically setting pressures for Auto-reset on Front Mounted models is as follows: Valve Tap location Manoeuvre flailhead to a horizontal position where it is close to the tractor and resting on the ground. ...
WIRE TRAP The flail head is equipped with a wire cutting edge welded into the underside. This is to ensure that the ends of any wire that may be entwined in the rotor are cut and fall within the confines of the flail head. This plate should not be interfered with in any way.
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 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 machine will fall within the region 3.45m of approximately 3.45m to 3.75m.
LIFT STOP KIT (Option) For additional machine and tractor protection an optional Lift Stop Kit (Part No. 22493.01) 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.
ROTOR OPERATING SPEED Rear Mounted Machines Front Mounted Machines Tractor Forward Speed The material being cut determines tractor forward speed. Forward speed can be as fast as that which allows the flail head sufficient time to cut the vegetation properly. Too fast a speed will be indicated by over frequent operation of the breakaway system, a fall off in tractor engine revs and a poor...
HAZARDS & DANGERS Adverse Slopes Never work the machine on When working with the flailhead high and reach adverse slopes with the fully in it is possible for the main arm balance to arms positioned such that go over centre and take the weight off the lift the tractor is unbalanced ram.
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.
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.
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. PTO Shaft Lubrication...
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PTO Gearbox Check gearbox oil level on new machines prior to first use, top up if required before using the machine. Replace gearbox oil after an initial 50 hours of use and thereafter at annual or 500 hour intervals; whichever occurs earliest. Gearbox Capacity (Machines ►11/13) 0.7 Litre SAE75W90 Fully Synthetic which meets the following minimum requirements;...
SERVICE SCHEDULE Every Day Grease machine fully prior to work (and prior to storage). NOTE: New machines must be fully greased before initial use. Check for broken or damaged flails. Check tightness of flail nuts and bolts. ...
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.
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.
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 –...
FRONT LIGHTING KIT INSTALLATION The Switchbox for the Front Lighting Kit should be located in a convenient position within the tractor cab. SWITCHBOX POWER SUPPLY Connect via 15 amp fused supply Switch 1 – Lights ON/OFF Switch 2 – Main Beam/Dip Beam L/H HEADLAMP CONNECTION R/H HEADLAMP...
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...
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