Section 4: Maintenance & Lubrication
OFM3678, OFM3690 & OFM3698 Offset Flail Mowers 333-149M
6/11/21
49
Check & Replace Blades
DANGER
!
To prevent serious injury or death:
•
The implement and its components must be immobilized
and supported with suitable supports.
•
Do not replace the blades while the machine is held off the
ground by the tractor hydraulics only.
•
Do not attempt to tip the machine over by hand as you may
be crushed under the machine itself.
•
To replace the blades, lift the machine with suitable lifting
equipment, taking all safety precautions necessary.
•
If suitable lifting equipment is not available, the blades may
also be replaced with the machine resting on the ground.
•
To facilitate replacement, set the roller at the maximum
working height.
WARNING
!
To prevent serious injury or death:
•
Always shut tractor down using “Tractor Shutdown
Procedure” provided in this manual before servicing,
adjusting, cleaning, or maintaining this implement.
•
The rotor must always be correctly balanced.
•
Do not operate an out-of -balance rotor.
Check Blades
Check and replace blades before each use and when
necessary.
1. Clean the blades and blade fasteners before
inspecting them.
2. Always inspect blades before using the machine. A
thorough and regular inspection is vital for cutting
quality and, above all, for the safety of the machine,
operator, and bystanders.
3. Blades should be replaced if:
•
They are damaged.
•
They are very worn.
•
The hole in the blade is worn.
•
The fastener bolts and/or nuts are worn.
4. To ensure the rotor is balanced:
•
Always replace blades with new blades of the same
type.
•
Always replace blades on the opposite sides of the
rotor in pairs.
•
It is best to always replace all blades as a set.
•
If the rotor is out-of-balance, replace rotor with a
new rotor.
Figure 4-4
Replace Blades
Refer to Figure 4-4:
1. Remove nut (B), bolt (A), and old blade arrangement.
2. Replace bolt (A) if original bolt is worn. Always use a
new nut (B).
3. Install new hammer blade arrangement with the
cutting edge leading in rotation. Secure blade with
bolt (A), flat washers (C), and nut (B).
4. Tighten nut (B) to the correct torque.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all blades are replaced with
new blades.
76018
IMPORTANT:
Do not mix used blades with new
blades, mix used mounting hardware with new
mounting hardware, or sharpen blades. Doing any of
the above can cause the rotor to be out-of balance
and damage bearings, rotor, and other components.
NOTE:
Use a bolt of the same size as the worn bolt
removed. If spacer washers are fitted, check for
wear and, if necessary, replace with new washers,
fitting them correctly.
