8999118EN: v1.1 21/12/2020
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Original instructions (ENGLISH)
Website: www.spearheadmachinery.com
7.5
Basic Control
Before commencing work each day conduct a ‘daily pre-work inspection’ and record the findings on a copy of the
‘Machine Inspection Record’. File this report safely as part of the ‘Machine ownership record’.
Check that the tractor is equipped to deliver the correct rpm and rotation direction at the PTO shaft. There is a
speed decal located adjacent to the gearbox input spline which will indicate the required rpm. The machine is
designed to run at this speed. Check also that the machine is firmly and safely mounted.
WARNING!
Under no circumstances must the PTO be run at speeds more than 5% higher than
indicated.
See Section 1; ‘Machine general specification’.
WARNING!
Increasing the PTO speed will directly increase the flail rotation speed. This can damage
the rotor shaft and break flails prematurely. If the PTO speed is higher than recommended,
then the flails will not be cutting at their optimum rate. This will also shorten the life of the
machine.
7.5.1
Machine Pre-Start Check
At every opportunity and before getting into the cab and starting the engine perform the following inspections;
Check that the rotor is free from obstructions especially pieces of wire.
Check that all flails are in good condition and securely attached to the rotor.
Check that all guards are in their correct place and in good condition (see Safety chapter).
Check the oil level in the gearbox before starting.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVERFILL
. Most oils increase in volume as they warm up and aerate and can
then spill out through the breather. (Refer to chapter; Gearbox oils and grease.)
7.5.2
Start Up
CAUTION!
Do not start the rotor while it is under load. Always free the rotor from any obstructions first.
Adjust the cut height to suit the type of work to be done and the material to be cut. See section;
‘Adjustments and settings’.
Ensure the PTO is disengaged.
Start the tractor unit.
With the tractor engine at tick-over speed engage the PTO.
Slowly increase engine speed to flail mower operational PTO speed. This can be found in Section 1;
‘Machine general specification’.
Select forward working speed to suit the material to be cut and the degree of mulching required. The
optimum forward speed range is 3 to 8 km per hour.
CAUTION!
When executing tight turning manoeuvres, in field margins or at headlands lift the machine
off the ground to avoid damaging the machine.
CAUTION!
When reversing lift the machine off the ground to avoid damaging the machine.
7.6
Stopping
Lower the cutting head on to the ground
Put the PTO out of gear
Apply the hand brake and if the ground is sloping, wedge the tractor securely
Stop the tractor engine, remove and pocket the starting key.
DANGER! Be aware:
Even when drive is disengaged from the PTO the rotor shaft may continue to
rotate under its own inertia for some time.
