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

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In The Interest Of Safety - Do
The decals on the previous page should be located on your AT – Flail Mower. If any of the
above decals are not located on your AT or are damaged in damaged in any way contact for
some replacement decals before use.
The AT FLAIL MOWER is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to
instructions and intended use.
Read and understand this manual before operating the mower, as failure to do so could result
in injury.
When used with and A.T.V or compact tractor, ear defenders should be worn. Under normal
working conditions a noise level of 83 decibels would be usual, in the case protection is advised.
1) Make sure that all nuts, bolts and fittings are securely fixed, and that all packaging materials
e.g. wire bands, tape etc. have been removed. (Remove tape from the front stone deflectors
from the underside of the body)
2) Check that there is oil in the engine and petrol in the tank.
3) Check tyre pressures.
The drawbar attachment height of the towing vehicle can vary. To accommodate
adjustment, a screw link is located beneath the drawbar. This should be lengthened or
shortened so that the cutting deck is horizontal to level ground. (This ensures a better
cutting efficiency)
In The Interest Of Safety - Do
Initial Check
Drawbar Adjustment

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To Adjust
1) Unlock the locking nut (A)
2) Lengthen the link to lower the front of the deck or shorten to raise the deck
3) Once the deck is level, re-tighten locking nut (A)
Quick Offset Drawbar - Unlock the nut and screw slide the drawbar to the desired position and
release the screw into the securing hole then lock the nut, as shown.

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Mower Cutting Height
The main cutting height adjustment is achieved by using the screw jack, to raise or lower the
cutting deck as necessary.
Turn the handle to raise or lower as necessary
Observe all safety precautions; keep hands and feet away from rotor and other moving
parts. Keep spectators at a safe distance.
1) Make sure there is a gap between the blades and the ground / crop
2) Select an area clear of loose debris that could be picked up.
3) Set the engine choke, and suitable idling speed with the throttle.
4) Place one foot on top of the deck body to give a firm and balanced position. Pull
the starter cord firmly, allowing the cord to return to return to the housing slowly (one
or two strong pulls should start the engine).
5) After a few seconds warming up at idling speed, move the throttle
Cutting Height Adjustment
Start The Engine

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Start The Engine
NOTE If the throttle is altered to increase the engine R.P.M beyond the recommended level,
the guarantee may become invalid. In addition to this, cutting efficiency will be reduced, fuel
consumption will increase and excessive vibration could be caused, resulting in a potential
danger to personnel and damage to components.
Electric Start
Push button electric start engine options can be supplied if required. Simply hitch up the
mower, connect the electrical supply plug to the ATV socket and turn the ignition key to start
the mover. Observing all the precautions mentioned above in Starting.
Remote Throttle Control
When a remote throttle control option is fitted, normally to the rear carrier frame of an ATV
or other suitable site on the towing vehicle, it gives the operator the facility of controlling the
mower engine from the operating position.
The facility is most beneficial when moving from one cutting site to another close to it, by
reducing the engine revs to allow the mower flails to come to rest, no harm will be caused
to the mower or ground surface during transport, often over rough or difficult terrain when
stones and loose objects may be encountered.
Forward Speed
The amount of grass or weeds to be cut dictates the forward speed; slow forward speeds give
better results in most cases. Ensure you follow the procedure below. NORMAL FORWARD
SPEED (1 kph - very heavy use - 10 kph - 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)
Increase forward speed until the RPM of the engine starts to slow down (This is working the
engine 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 labour 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.

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Start The Engine
FAILURE TO DO THIS WILL RESULT IN CLUTCH SLIP AND ULTIMATELY SEVERE DAMAGE TO
THE CLUTCH AND DRIVE
When moving from normal working conditions to heavier cutting, it may be evident that the
engine dies 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.
1) Show caution to hot parts e.g. engine exhaust, belts etc. after engine is switched off.
2) Ensure the mower drawbar has been adjusted to allow the mower to run directly
behind the towing vehicle and is not in an offset position
3 )When the mower has cooled down (Min 1hr after last used) Ensure all grass has
been removed from engine cooling fins, drive belt area, and rotors before operating
again.
When the mower is being moved from one site to another it is advisable to raise the deck to
the highest position (Transport position, See section 5.3 “Mower cutting height”) The engine
must be stopped and the blades at a standstill before adjusting to the transport position.
Remove any crop debris from the deck before leaving the field.
Never move from one site to another with the engine running.
Please note the AT – Flail Mower is not road legal, and should not be used on public roadways
Stopping The Mower
Transport Position

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Anti-Scalping Rolling / Side Skids
The main purpose of the anti-scalping roller is to prevent damage. If a wheel drops into
a hole, or there is uneven ground between the wheels, the roller takes the weight of the
mower, avoiding the flails scalping the ground; combined with the side skids the mower
provides good protection to the rotor. The anti-scalping roller has the added advantage
of-enabling kerb side grass to be cut with no difficulty, by allowing the wheel to hang
over the kerb edge. The factor pre-set position of the anti-scalping roller and side skids
are suitable for most situations. However, if the mover is used in rough conditions or
regularly in heavy crops, the roller and side skids should be lowered, to increase the
clearance between the flail and the ground when the roller comes into use. In
circumstances where the mower is being used as a “Finishing Mower” and a striped
appearance is desired.
TO ADJUST THE ROLLER: Slacken pivot bolt “A”. Slacken and remove bolt “B”
(Repeat for both ends of the roller) Select another hole and Replace bolt “B”. Tighten
bolts “A” and “B” TO ADJUST THE SIDE SKIDS: Remove the bolt at the Front of the
skid and the rear of the skid (show as “C”) Select new setting, replace the bolts and
tighten. Repeat for the opposite skid; always ensure both skids are set to.

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Maintenance Schedule

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Maintenance Schedule
Refer to engine manufacturer’s manual, for servicing and maintenance of the engine.
Engine

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Excess Crop Build Up
Remove all crop deposits from the deck, and engine area. Build-up of crop deposits could
result in heat build and fires Disconnect the spark plug lead. Remove any crop that is wrapped
around the end of the rotor (A) or on the underside of the deck. Raise the deck to its max
height to assist access to the rotor shaft.
Make a visual check around the mower, check for missing / loose parts or damaged /
worn components. All-faults must be either repaired or replaced.
DO NOT exceed recommended tyre pressure
22 x 1100 - 8 7-10 PSI
16.5 x 6.50 -8 28 PSI (Max)
Visual Check
Tyre Pressure

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Rotor Bearing Inspection
Rotate rotor shaft by hand and feel for any roughness in the bearings. Also try to pull the shaft
from side to side to see if any movement is found. If symptoms persist strip down the
rotor-housing unit and inspect bearings.
Jack one side of the mower body up, so the wheel is just off the ground. Rotate the wheel by
hand, and check the wheel alignment. To check the bearing, try to move the
wheel from left to right and feel for any play in the bearings (A), ensure the wheel-locating
bolt is tight before you start and follow any jacking procedures. If any play is found remove the
wheel and inspect bearings. Replace any faulty bearings.
Check coupling for signs of damage or wear, swivel the coupling 36 degrees and check that
the bushes are not too worn. Replace any worn or damaged parts. Oil the coupling regularly as
shown below.
Wheel Bearing Inspection
Oil 500mm Coupling / Bush Wear