McConnel ECON HEDGEMASTER Mk3, Operator'S Manual

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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 his responsibility to drive
carefully – always 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. In these instances tractor forward motion may be
maintained with care.
Where breakaway has occurred as a result of contacting a post or tree etc. the tractor
must be halted and the controls of the machine utilised to manoeuvre the head away from
the obstacle.
Never continue forward motion to drag the head around the obstacle in
‘breakback’ position.
NOTE
The force required to activate the breakaway system will vary dependent upon the
gradient of work – It will require less force when working uphill and vice versa.
The breakaway geometry will cause the head to initially move outwards in addition to
rearwards, therefore be aware that the breakaway action will be impeded if the outer end
of the head is working against a steep bank, In these circumstance extra care must be
taken during operation to avoid this occurrence.
Re-setting the head into the work position is carried out manually by operation of the
breakaway ram (Ram 5) using the control unit.
EASY DRIVE SYSTEM (EDS)
The Easy Drive System (EDS) is an optional extra on proportional machines with v3 or 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.
The system comprises of sensors that measure rotational movement of the rocker pin and
pressure variations in the lift ram circuit these are processed and forwarded to the
hydraulic system which then regulates the optimum lift ram pressure to allow the arm and
head to ‘float’ over changing ground contours. With readings taken and processed every
30 milliseconds the lift ram pressure is constantly and rapidly re-evaluated and adjusted.
Any movement of the joystick in the lift plane will automatically de-activate EDS, on
release of the joystick the system will immediately be reverted back to EDS mode -
This is
particularly useful feature for manoeuvring the machine around obstructions.
The EDS system has 3 user settings available for differing operating conditions – these
are soft, medium and hard. For machines where EDS is installed refer to the specific
control section for details of operation.