AP FL 1000 User manual

MANUAL AP SILAGE BLOCK CUTTER, TYPES:
FL 1000, FL 1200, FL 1400, FL 1600,
FL 1800, FL 2000, FL 2200, FL 2400

Manual AP silage cutter FL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION: ............................................................................................1
2. GREASING PARTS AND MOST IMPORTANT PARTS:.................................2
3. PRODUCT INFORMATION:............................................................................3
3.1 General: ................................................................................................3
3.2 Precautionary measures:......................................................................3
3.3 Explanation symbols and warnings:......................................................5
3.4 Technical specifications:.......................................................................6
3.5 Customer service:.................................................................................6
4. INSTALLATION:..............................................................................................7
4.1 Transport instructions:...........................................................................7
4.2 Assembly instructions: ..........................................................................7
4.3 Hydraulic connections in combination with front loader /
mini loader: ...........................................................................................7
5. USE OF THE AP SILAGE CUTTER IN COMBINATION WITH FRONT
LOADER / MINI LOADER:...............................................................................8
5.1 Coupling:...............................................................................................8
5.2 Using the AP silage cutter:....................................................................8
5.3 Uncoupling:.........................................................................................10
6. MAINTENANCE:............................................................................................11
6.1 Maintenance of the hydraulic system:.................................................11
6.2 Lubrication: .........................................................................................11
6.3 Damages:............................................................................................11
6.4 Cleaning the AP silage cutter: ............................................................12
6.5 How to keep the knives sharp :...........................................................12
6.6 Wear of the knife protectors:...............................................................12
6.7 Readjustment pivot points cutting blade: ............................................12

Manual AP silage cutter FL
AP Machinebouw B.V. - 1 -
1. INTRODUCTION:
Before using the AP silage cutter, please read this manual carefully. Get
acquainted with the regulations. Operating an AP silage cutter you are not
acquainted with can result in accidents.
For the purposes of safety AP Machinebouw B.V. recommends the silage
block cutter to be operated by skilled personnel only. In addition to this aspect
the following regulations must be observed :
A youthful person, younger than 18 years, cannot perform any labor
consisting of :
- the coupling or uncoupling of trailers or attachments to a towing
vehicle,
- the driving of tractors.
In case you have, after reading this manual, questions considering safety,
operating or maintenance instructions, please contact your AP dealer or AP
Machinebouw B.V.
Provide this manual to anyone who operates the AP silage cutter.
AP Machinebouw B.V. reserves the right to carry out adjustments in design
and implementation to any of the by AP to produce silage block cutter, without
any obligation to adjustment regarding formerly delivered AP silage block
cutters.

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2. GREASING POINTS AND MOST IMPORTANT PARTS:
1 Cutting frame
2 Hydraulic cylinder
3 Front knife
4 Left side knife
5 Tines
6 Rear frame
7 Right side knife
8 Knife protector
3. PRODUCT INFORMATION:
3.1 General:
The AP silage block cutter is developed to take out all sorts of silage
roughage and by-products like corn and grass. It can also be used to take out
manure from deep stables. The FL series is developed for use with front
loader, provided that the tractor has a power of at least 50 kW. (also see
‘technical specifications', page 7). AP Machinebouw B.V. strongly advises to
only use the AP silage block cutter with a four-wheel drive tractor.

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3.2 Precautionary measures:
General regulations:
*It is strictly forbidden to transport persons or animals with the AP silage
block cutter.
*Never climb into the AP silage block cutter.
*The user of the AP silage block cutter must keep all bystanders out of
the working area of the combination.
*This manual should be available to every person who operates the AP
silage block cutter; the owner is responsible.
*The owner of the AP silage block cutter is responsible for the tractor or
wheel loader and the AP silage cutter to meet the standing regulations
during transport on public roads.
* Follow all regulations and instructions in the manual of your tractor and/
or wheel loader / mini loader.
* Before leaving the tractor / mini loader always make sure it is in neutral
position with the parking brake engaged.
* Be careful when you work on sloping surfaces and / or on uneven
terrain and make sure you maintain sufficient stability.
* When driving on public roads with the AP silage block cutter the
general traffic regulations apply. Make sure that the cutting frame of the
AP silage cutter is completely closed and that the lifting arms of the
wheel loader / mini loader are adjusted at a low enough level that the
sight is not obstructed (see image 1).
* It is not allowed to use the AP silage cutter on public roads for
transportation purposes.
Image 1 :
Position when driving on public roads

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* If oil leakage in the hydraulic system appears the oil can penetrate the
skin and cause severe injuries. Never attempt to close a leak by hand.
Immediately contact a physician when someone gets hurt.
* It is strictly forbidden to alter the setting of the relief / safety valve (if
present), this can i.a. lead to damaging of the system and / or personal
injury.
* Couple the AP silage cutter only with the regulated means. Be careful
during coupling and uncoupling of the AP silage cutter.
*In the absence of a quick attachment system must switch off the
engine and engage the parking brake during coupling and uncoupling
of the AP silage block cutter to the three point linkage, the front loader
or the lifting arms of the wheel loader.
* If you are not using the combination tractor / mini loader and AP silage
block cutter, always place the AP silage block cutter horizontally on a
flat surface, the cutting frame closed, also see image 2.
Image 2:
Combination in idle state

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3.3 Explanation symbols and warnings:
WARNING:
Before using the AP
silage block cutter
first read the
instructions and
precautionary
measures in the
manual and observe
these.
WARNING:
Keep at a safe
distance from the AP
operating silage block
cutter; there is danger
of injury to limbs by
sharp parts.
WARNING:
Keep at a safe
distance from the AP
operating silage block
cutter.

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3.4 Technical specifications:
Type
Width
(cm.)
Height
(cm.)
Depth
(cm.)
Capacity
(m³)
Weight
(kg)
FL 1000 (DB)
100
70
65
0,46
480 (510)
FL 1200 (DB)
120
70
65
0,55
540 (560)
FL 1400 (DB)
140
70
65
0,64
600 (610)
FL 1600 (DB)
160
70
65
0,73
650 (660)
FL 1800 (DB)
180
70
65
0,82
700 (710)
FL 2000 (DB)
200
70
65
0,91
705 (760)
FL 2200 (DB)
220
70
65
1,00
750 (810)
FL 2400 (DB)
240
70
65
1,09
860 (860)
Every type is suitable for use in combination with tractor, mini loader and skid steer
loader.
Regarding the hydraulic system of the tractor or mini loader the following
requirements apply :
- Minimum required hydraulic pressure= 180 Bar
- Maximum permitted hydraulic pressure = 250 Bar
3.5 Customer service:
Customer service is a responsibility of the AP dealer. You can turn to him for
spare parts, complaints, wishes and imperfections. The AP dealer is in contact
with AP Machinebouw B.V. (the manufacturer).
The complete address of AP Machinebouw B.V. is:
AP Machinebouw B.V.
Ambachtstraat 21
8313 AV RUTTEN
Netherlands
Telephone : [phone]
Telefax : 0031 527 698 760
AP Machinebouw B.V. constantly aims to improve her products and therefore
appreciates suggestions and remarks of the user which can lead to an
improvement of her assortment.

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4. INSTALLATION:
4.1 Transport instructions:
If the AP silage block cutter is transported detached from tractor / mini loader,
the cutting frame always must be closed. This is a precautionary measure to
avoid injuries to limbs by the tines and / or knives of the AP silage block cutter
and to avoid damaging to the hydraulic cylinders. Make sure that the parts of
the hydraulic system (including the hoses) cannot be damaged.
If you want to transport the AP silage block cutter on a lorry or similar there
are two possibilities:
1: You place the AP silage block cutter on a pallet, lash it and move it with
a forklift truck on the lorry.
2: You lift the AP block silage cutter with the help of a hoist on the lorry.
WARNING: Use solid hoisting equipment and always attach the
hoisting belts in a way, that the AP silage block cutter
remains stable.
During transport on the road the customer must pay particular attention to the
lighting of the AP silage block cutter (see safety regulations).
4.2 Assembly instructions:
The AP silage block cutter is delivered fully operational by AP Machinebouw
B.V.,including quick attachments for your front loader or mini loader. There
are no further specific assembly regulations.
AP Machinebouw B.V. denies all responsibilities for replacement of spare
parts by the user and as a result warranty will no longer apply. Replacing of
spare parts must be exclusively done by the AP dealer.
4.3 Hydraulic connections in combination with front loader / mini loader :
To operate the AP silage cutter your front loader / mini loader only requires
one double functioning control valve.

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5. USE OF THE AP SILAGE BLOCK CUTTER IN COMBINATION WITH
FRONT LOADER / MINI LOADER:
5.1 Coupling:
Because coupling systems for front loaders and mini loaders are not uniform it
is not possible to completely describe the action “coupling” in this manual.
For safety and general instructions with regard to the coupling of the AP silage
block cutter we refer to the manual of your tractor, front loader or mini loader.
We do mention some general important safety and operating instructions :
WARNING: Always couple the AP silage block cutter to the front
loader before you connect the hydraulic hoses.
WARNING: Never stand between the tractor / mini loader and the
AP block silage cutter without having switched off the
engine and having engaged the parking brake.
WARNING: Make sure that the hydraulic system of the AP silage
block cutter cannot be damaged in any position of the
front loader / lifting arms of the mini loader.
5.2 Using the AP silage cutter:
For using the AP silage cutter the following instructions must be followed
accurately and in chronological order :
1 Start position: closed cutting frame,
2 Put the tines of the AP silage cutter horizontally at the height at which
you want to take out the silage,
3 Once the cutting frame has reached the highest position put the vehicle
in neutral position and open the cutting frame completely,
4 Make sure the silage block cutter is positioned in such a way the
horizontal front knife overshoots the silage, see image 3,
WARNING: If you want to take out feed from the
floor, make sure the tines cannot grab in
the ground or in any other way can get
stuck behind obstacles.
Image 3:
Height during take out

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5 Carefully drive the AP silage block cutter into the silage. Do not insert
the tines completely in the silage but keep a 50 mm space from the
tubular frame to the silage. Push the tines or the closed bottom down
on the silage. This prevents possible bending of the tines or closed
bottom,
WARNING: It is very important that the cutting frame is always
loaded evenly, to avoid twisting of the machine! With
regard to this follow the correct order during cutting
of the blocks : divide the width of the silage always in
an uneven number blocks to cut and keep the system
in the cutting sequence as indicated in image 4. In
this image 'A' stands for the working width of the AP
silage block cutter and 'B' for the width of the AP
silage block cutter minus a certain distance!
6 Close the cutting frame of the AP silage block cutter completely,
7 Tilt the AP silage cutter slightly back,
WARNING: Keep the filled AP silage cutter low during transport
with regard to the stability.
8 Manoeuvre the filled AP silage block cutter to the location on which you
want to place the cut silage block,
9 Open the cutting frame completely,
10 Drive backwards slowly, to avoid spilling,
11 At the filling of an auger bucket or feed mixer :
Slightly tilt the AP silage cutter forwards and slowly open the cutting
frame so that the feed slides gradually from the tines into the mixer,
WARNING: Never use the AP silage block cutter to slide feed
blocks over the feed passage.

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5.3 Uncoupling:
Because coupling systems for front loaders and mini loaders are not uniform it
is not possible to completely describe the action “uncoupling” in this manual.
For safety and general instructions with regard to the uncoupling of the AP
silage block cutter we refer to the manual of your tractor, front loader or mini
loader.
We do mention some general important safety and operating instructions:
For a safe uncoupling of the AP silage cutter please follow the instructions
accurately and chronologically:
1 Make sure the surface is flat,
2 Lower the AP silage cutter with a cutting frame that is nearly closed,
then switch off the engine of the tractor / mini loader, completely lower
the cutting frame until the hydraulic system is completely
depressurized,
3 Uncouple the hydraulic hoses between the tractor / mini loader and the
AP silage block cutter,
4 Place the dust hoods on the quick-connectors,
5 Remove the coupling pins with which the AP silage cutter is attached to
the front loader / mini loader,
WARNING: Make sure that the hydraulic hoses of the AP silage cutter
cannot get caught on parts of the tractor / front loader

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6. MAINTENANCE:
The AP silage block cutter requires low maintenance. During maintenance
always observe the following safety measure :
* Do not perform any type of maintenance work on the AP silage block
cutter while it is coupled to the tractor / wheel loader or when the
hydraulic system can be activated in any other way.
6.1 Maintenance of the hydraulic system:
Maintenance of the hydraulic system should only be done by the AP dealer.
AP however commends the user to regularly check the hydraulic system for
leaks.
WARNING: When leakage appears : stop immediately and contact the
AP dealer.
6.2 Lubrication:
All hinged parts of the AP silage cutter must be lubricated weekly with an
universal lubricant. For all greasing parts see Chapter 2, Greasing and most
important parts.
6.3 Damages:
The coupling pins for attachment of the AP silage block cutter to the front
loader or the tractor / mini loader must be checked for damages periodically
(at least once per quarter, more often when used frequently). Although the AP
silage block cutter is a solid construction, the rest of the machine should also
be checked for damages and possible loose coming bolts and nuts. Particular
attention is required to the nuts with which the tines are attached to the AP
silage block cutter.
Damaged parts must be replaced by your AP dealer.

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6.4 Cleaning of the AP silage cutter :
Animal feed (and natural manure) often obtain aggressive substances which
can damage the AP silage block cutter. AP therefore recommends to
thoroughly clean the entire AP silage block cutter after use, extending the
service life. When using a high-pressure cleaner take care that it does not
spray on parts of the hydraulic system.
WARNING: Do not use cleansers that may harm the health of persons
and / or animals.
If you will not use the AP silage cutter for a longer period then lubricate the
parts that turned blank with a protective oil. Store the AP silage block cutter
with a closed cutting frame and make sure the chrome parts of the hydraulic
cylinders are oiled properly.
6.5 How to keep the knives sharp:
Although the knives are made of tempered steel, they can become blunt due
to intensive use. In that case it is more difficult to cut the feed. Have your AP
dealer sharpen the knives in time.
6.6 Wear of the knife protectors:
The knife protectors protect the front and side knives against wear and
damages when the cutting frame is being completely closed on the ground.
Replace the knife protectors in time.
6.7 Readjustment pivot points cutting blade:
The pivot points of the AP silage cutter can be readjusted. The AP silage
cutter is most effective when the mutual distance of the pivot points between
the rear frame and the cutting frame is minimized.