Spearhead TWIGA
120
12
12
12
12
VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION
VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION
VEHICLE / TRACTOR PREPARATION
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 using the hooks
provided. Shape the mesh to cover
all vulnerable areas. Remember the driver must be
looking through mesh and/or polycarbonate glazing
when viewing the cutterhead in any working position - unless the vehicle/ cab
manufacturer can demonstrate that the penetration resistance is equivalent to, or higher
than, that provided by mesh/polycarbonate glazing. If the tractor has a roll bar only, a
frame must be made to carry both mesh and polycarbonate glazing. The operator should
also use personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of serious injury such as; eye
protection (mesh visor to EN1731 or safety glasses to EN166), hearing protection to
EN352, safety helmet to EN297, gloves, filter mask and high visibility clothing.
Vehicle Ballast
It is imperative when attaching ‘third-party’ equipment to a vehicle that the maximum
possible stability of the machine and vehicle combination is achieved – this can be
accomplished by the utilisation of ‘ballast’ in order to counter-balance the additional
equipment added. Front weights may be required for rear mounted machines to place 15%
of total outfit weight on the front axle for stable transport on the road and to reduce
‘crabbing’ due to the drag of the cutting unit when working on the ground. Rear weights
may be required to maintain a reasonable amount of rear axle load on the opposite wheel
from the arms when in work; for normal off-ground work i.e. hedge cutting this should be
20% of rear axle weight or more for adequate control, and for ground work i.e. verge
mowing with experienced operators, this can be reduced to 10%. All factors must be
addressed in order to match the type and nature of the equipment added to the
circumstances under which it will be used.
Factors that affect stability
• Centre of gravity of the tractor/machine combination.
• Geometric conditions, e.g. position of the cutting head and ballast.
• Weight, track width and wheelbase of the tractor.
• Acceleration, braking, turning and the relative position of the cutting head during these
operations.
• Ground conditions, e.g. slope, grip, load capability of the soil/surface.
• Rigidity of implement mounting.