ATV ATVM120 User manual

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ATV Flail Mower
ATVM120 - Operator’s Manual

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Important - Read These Instructions Fully.
Important - Forward Speed & Cutting Height
The ammount of grass or weedsto be cut dictates the forward speed and cutting height and
should be adjusted accordingly.
A slow forward speed will give the best results and prolong the use of the drive clutch and
belts. Ensure you follow the procedures below:
Normal forward speed 1KPH for very heavy use
Normal forward speed 10KPH for very light use.
Start off in the slowest speed possible; ensure the mower is working efficiently with the engine
set at maximum RPM and not labouring.
If this is not possible due to very heavy cutting conditions, raise cutting height of blades and be
prepared to go over twice with machine set lower on 2nd pass, leave at least 24 hours in
between 1st and 2nd cut to allow grass to dry out.
Speed can gradually be increased until the RPM of the engine starts to slow down (When the
engine slows down it is an indication the engine and drive is working too hard for conditions) -
slow down, let the engine regain full RPM and go through the same process but stop short of
speed which made engine laboured previously. It is important always to listen to note of engine
to ensure engine and mower are working efficiently, slow down or stop once engine starts to
labour.
Failure to do this will result in clutch slip and ultimately severe damage to the clutch and
drive belts.
When moving from normal working conditions to heavier cutting, it may be evident that the
engine slows down and loses revs. SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY to allow the engine revs to
build up again to normal working speed. Follow the procedure detailed above in “Normal
Forward Speed”. Expected forward speed will be much lower in heavy conditions.
When stopping the mower after a period of heavy use. Run the machine at half working speed
in a stationary position, for at least 4 minutes, to allow the drive belts to cool down.

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Introduction
HSE Information Sheet ...........................................
In the interest of safety: Do Not ...........................................
In the interest of safety: Do ...........................................
Instruction & Warning Decals ...........................................
Operating Instructions & Adjustments ...........................................
Initial Check ...........................................
Drawbar Adjustment ...........................................
Mower Cutting Height ...........................................
Starting The Engine ...........................................
Forward Speed ...........................................
Stopping The Mower ...........................................
Transport Position ...........................................
Anti-scalping Roller / Side Skid’s ...........................................
Maintenance Schedule ...........................................
Engine .....................................
Excess Crop Build Up ........................................
Visual Check..........................................
Tyre Pressures......................................
Rotor Bearing Inspection...........................................
Wheel Bearing Inspection ............................................
Oil Coupling / Bush Wear................................................
General Inspection.....................................................
Rotor Flail Maintenance ...........................................
With the purchase of your FLAIL MOWER you have made an excellent choice. This machine
should give first class service for a long time, if used correctly, and maintained as described in
this manual. Fitted with an easy to start engine it has been designed to cope with a wi range
of conditions. The ATV - Flail mower incorporates easy height adjustment, range of engine
options and a full width anti-scalping roller to avoid damage to machine and sward.
The mower is constructed from 4mm steel for added strength; all fittings are of high quality to
ensure years of trouble free use. Different wheel options are available for the AT Flail Mower
Engines used may wary, but all are accompanied by the maker’s usual warranty.

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Selecting & Using Equipment For ATVs
Introduction
This information sheet gives advice to users on how to use all-Terrain vehicles (ATVs)
safely with towed and mounted equipment. Plan the use of an ATV carefully and take
particular note of ground conditions and slopes, as these may vary considerably,
depending on the terrain, weather conditions, ground surface and the crop under the
wheels.
Towed Equipment
Choose equipment which matches your ATV. Stability of towed equipment is affected
by:
Weight Ratios
1) The safe ratio between the trailed laden maximum weight and unladen weight of
the ATV must be assessed for each operation.
2) Always take note of information given in the manufacture’s handbook when
making this assessment.
3) As a guide research shows that on level ground, 4 x unladen weight of the ATV for
braked trailed equipment and 2 x unladen weight of the ATV for unbraked trailed
equipment are the appropriate maximum ratios.
Note: For work on slopes or uneven ground the ratio will need to be reduced.
Braking Fit
1) Brakes to trailed equipment. This helps prevent jack-knifing when braking or
traveling downhill;
2) Over-run brakes which come into action whenever the ATV brakes are applied;
3) A manually operated parking brake operable from the driving position. This
provides control for use when going up slopes.
Hitching & Loads
Stability is also improved if:
1) Some weight is transferred from the trailer onto the ATV draw-bar;
2) The draw-bar has a swivel hitch and the ATV a ball hitch having a large head to neck ratio.
This makes it easier for the draw-bar hitch to swivel and cope with undulating ground;
3) The load is positioned as near to the center of the trailer as possible.

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Selecting & Using Equipment For ATVs
Tyres and Wheels
Check tyre pressures regularly with a pressure gauge capable of reading low
pressures accurately;
1) Check tyres regularly for damage and wear;
2) Select equipment which has tyres and wheels that can cope with speeds over
20mph and occasional higher speeds;
3) Use wheels with bead locks on the rims if the main use is going to be on sloping
ground. This prevents tyre run-off on side slopes.
Maximum Towed Weight
Follow the advice given by manufacturers on the maximum trailed weight. This will be
found on the equipment or in the instruction handbook.
Note: Universal road going trailers will normally have the maximum gross weight
stated on a separate notice.
Mounted Equipment
ATVs using mounted equipment are safer if the equipment has:
1) A low centre of gravity. This improves stability.
2) A gross weight within the limits approved by ATV manufacturer.
3) No dangerous projections to injure the operator or bystanders;
4) No forward projections which stop head protection being worn;
5) Controls which are easy to work and which do not create a hazard to the operator;
Instructions For Mounted & Trailed Equipment
Take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on:
1) Operating on slopes;
2) Where to place loads so as to give fore/aft and lateral stability;
3) The risks of using equipment with negative drawbar nose weight, i.e. loss of traction;
4) The maximum operating speed;
5) The effect that equipment carried on front and/or rear racks will have on longitudinal and
lateral stability;
6) Securing loads;
7) The use of ballast, if any, to improve stability
8) The need to select and use safe routes.

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Selecting & Using Equipment For ATVs
Using an ATV
Read the manufacturer’s instruction book and take note of the safety advice given;
Choose an ATV with enough power for the work you want it to do. Four-wheel drive
will give better traction and mobility and may provide a margin of safety;
Choose a safe route;
Be aware that increased speed greatly increases the risk of instability and risk of and overturn;
Training
Train everyone who has to use an ATV whether with mounted or trailed equipment or as a solo
machine. The training should emphasise the factors affecting stability, the need for care and
concentration, and how to recognise the conditions which may affect the safety of operation,
it is important for trainees to familiarize themselves with the handing and control of the
machine on level open ground before tackling rough hill terrain. Suitable training courses are
run by bodies such as ATB Land base and the forestry Authority.
Helmets
Wear head protection which protects the head and neck. Helmets are suitable. Some
users find open faced helmets more suitable than full face helmets.
This symbol means WARNING or CAUTION Personal safety or damage will be at risk if these
instructions are ignored. Most accidents are caused by neglect of carelessness;
Avoid needless accidents by following the safety precautions listed below.

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In The Interest Of Safety - Do Not
1) DO NOT - Operate the mower without all the correct guards fitted.
2) DO NOT - Alter engine settings unless stated by Engine manufacturer.
3) DO NOT -Touch any moving or rotating parts, during working conditions.
4) DO NOT - Stop the engine immediately after heavy use, (See section 5.6).
5) DO NOT - Operate the mower without suitable ear and eye protection.
6) DO NOT - Allow passengers.
7) DO NOT - Leave machine un-attended while operating
8) DO NOT - Run the engine in an enclosed area, exhaust gases contain Carbon
Monoxide and are fatal if inhaled.
9) DO NOT - Operate the mower on excessively steep slopes.
10) DO NOT - Operate the mower unless all safety features are fitted to the mower and are
used correctly
11) DO NOT - Operate the mower until you have read and understood the entire operators
manual
12) DO NOT - Wear loose fitting clothing, to avoid catching on parts of the machine
13) DO NOT - Try to remove blockages while the engine is running. Ensure engine is stopped
and the rotor has finished rotating, before any servicing takes place to your
mover.
14) DO NOT - Operate the mower in Dark conditions unless suitable artificial light is
used.
15) DO NOT - Operate if excessive vibration occurs, stop the machine immediately and
view maintenance chart.
16) DO NOT - Climb on the mower.

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In The Interest Of Safety - Do
1) DO - Follow Engine manufactures guideline.
2) DO - Ensure all spectators are a safe distance away when operating.
3) DO - Carry out regular servicing and checks before use.
4) DO - Clear cutting area from potential damaging components.
5) DO - Reduce speeds when working on hillsides or rough terrain
6) DO - Be aware components can be hot after operation
7) DO - Follow any towing guidelines stated by ATV manufacturer.
8) DO - Show some caution when filling the tank with petrol, especially if engine components
are hot.
9) DO - Ensure all safety decals are in good condition, replace any that are damaged.
10) DO - Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades

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Instruction / Warning Decals
Keep wheel nuts tight, check daily refer to the operations manual for correct tyre inflation
pressure observe towings vehicle max towing limits or trailer max weights
Attention
Your responsibilities before operating this machine are:
Read Understand and Follow the safety procedures manual.
Train operators before using & review safety procedures regularly.
Ensure that all guards are in place before operating · Keep Hand, Feet, Hair and Clothing away
from all moving parts
Avoid wearing loose clothing whenever possible
Maintain as per schedule in the safety procedures. Especially Blades and Securing Hardware,
due to hazard they present should any part break loose during operation
During maintenance, use suitable support stands
DO NOT allow any persons to ride on the equipment

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In The Interest Of Safety - Do
1) DO - Follow Engine manufactures guideline.
2) DO - Ensure all spectators are a safe distance away when operating.
3) DO - Carry out regular servicing and checks before use.
4) DO - Clear cutting area from potential damaging components.
5) DO - Reduce speeds when working on hillsides or rough terrain
6) DO - Be aware components can be hot after operation
7) DO - Follow any towing guidelines stated by ATV manufacturer.
8) DO - Show some caution when filling the tank with petrol, especially if engine components
are hot.
9) DO - Ensure all safety decals are in good condition, replace any that are damaged.
10) DO - Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades