9(12)
5.4.
Storage of the rotary hoe
Store the rotary hoe in a way that it is not left on its blades or on its roller. Ensure that the hoe is properly
supported against any movement by placing it on appropriate means, such as on blocks of wood, for
example. Beware that the attachment could move unexpectedly and cause injuries if stored improperly.
Clean the attachment thoroughly before winter storage. Touch up the paint where needed and grease the
lubrication points to prevent rust damage.
6.
Using the rotary hoe
Check the attachment and the operating area once more before starting to work. Quick inspection of the
lawn mower before starting to use it is part of ensuring safety and the best performance of the equipment.
•
Before each use, check the general condition of the rotary hoe and of the loader. Ensure that the
blades are intact and can rotate freely, and that there is no string or other foreign material coiled
around the shaft of the rotary hoe.
•
Remove all obstacles from the operating area, such as large tree branches or rocks, before starting
the operation. Remember correct working methods and avoid leaving the driver’s seat
unnecessarily. Remove or mark also all hidden obstacles that could cause damages or risks of
injuries, and make sure that there are no electric cables, water or gas pipes at the reach depth of the
equipment.
•
Check regularly to ensure there are no hydraulic leaks. See maintenance instructions shown in
Chapter 7.
•
Ensure that the loader and the attachment are used in a safe manner and as intended. Do not allow
children to operate the machine.
•
Operate the attachment and the controls of the loader only when sitting at the driver's seat.
Before using the equipment, check that the attachment and the loader are intact and
that all protective covers are in place. Do not use the rotary hoe if the chain drive cover
at the side of the attachment or some other part of the protective cover is not in place.
Note that regardless of the protective housing of the rotary hoe, rocks, pieces of wood,
or other objects found at the operating area, may be ejected by the hoe. Stop the hoe if
there are others at a distance of less than 5 meters from the work site.
Clean the oil cooler core of the loader regularly; refer to the loader manual for more
instructions. Overheating of the oil decreases the power and affects the service life of the
hydraulic components of both the attachment and the loader.
To start the rotary hoe, turn the auxiliary hydraulics control lever of the loader to its locked position. The
rotary hoe is used with high engine rpm, and depending on the model of the loader and the hoe, one or two
auxiliary hydraulic pumps are used (where applicable). The rotary hoe is operated by reversing the loader,
so that the wheels of the loader will not press the cultivated soil.
The work is influenced by the following factors:
1. Driving speed
2. Loader engine revolutions, loader model, output power of auxiliary hydraulics
3. The type of soil being cultivated, its compactness and dampness
4. Cultivation depth
The denser the soil is, the more the rotary hoe requires hydraulic power from the loader. If the soil is loose,
slightly higher driving speed may be used, but on stiff and compact soil high engine revolutions must be
used and the driving speed must be relatively low. In some cases it may be beneficial to use low operating
depth to break the surface of the soil, and then till the soil more thoroughly with a second run.
