Bad Boy GroundHog MAX User manual

Introduction ii
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before operating your GroundHog MAX by Bad Boy Mowers The information presented will
prepare you to do a better and safer job. Keep this manual handy for ready reference. Require all
operators to read this manual carefully and become acquainted with all the adjustment and operating
procedures before attempting to operate. Replacement manuals can be obtained from your selling
dealer.
The equipment you have purchased has been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide
dependable and satisfactory use. Like all mechanical products, it will require cleaning and upkeep.
Lubricate the unit as specified. Observe all safety information in this manual and safety decals on the
equipment.
Use only genuine GroundHog MAX by Bad Boy Mowers service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and
may not meet standards required for safe and satisfactory operation. Record the model number of your
equipment in the spaces provided located at the end of the Warranty section.
Provide this information to your dealer to obtain correct repair parts.
Throughout this manual, the term IMPORTANT is used to indicate that failure to observe can cause
damage to equipment. The terms CAUTION,WARNING and DANGER are used in conjunction with the
Safety-Alert Symbol, (a triangle with an exclamation mark), to indicate the degree of hazard for items
of personal safety.
The owner must complete the Warranty Registration located at the end of the Warranty section of this
manual. Mail the registration to: GH MAX Registration, PO Box 390007, Snellville, GA, 30039.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
NOTE
This Safety-Alert Symbol indicates a hazard and means ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards
are removed.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
Indicates that failure to observe can cause damage to equipment.
Indicates helpful information.

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
SPECIFICATIONS / GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SAFETY DECALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
COMPATIBILITY ASSEMBLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 12
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 14
PARTS CATALOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
WARRANTY FOR PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

1 Specifications
The purpose of this manual is to assist you
in operating and maintaining your
GroundHog MAX by Bad Boy Mowers. Read
it carefully. It furnishes information and
instructions that will help you achieve
years of dependable performance.
These instructions have been compiled
from field experience and engineering
data. Some information may be general in
nature, due to unknown and varying oper-
ating conditions. However, through expe-
rience and these instructions, you should
be able to develop procedures suitable to
your particular situation.
The illustrations and data used in this
manual were current at the time of print-
ing. However, due to possible inline pro-
duction changes, your machine may vary
slightly in detail. We reserve the right to
redesign and change the machines as
may be necessary without notification.
Throughout this manual, references are
made to right and left direction. These are
determined by standing behind the ATV
facing the direction of forward travel.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
Working Width 21”
Shipping Weight
GroundHog MAX 68 pounds
(2) Outside 8 inch high strength 1060 grade
notched disc blades
(2) Middle 9 inch high strength 1060 grade
notched disc blades
(2) inside 10 inch high strength 1060 grade
notched disc blades
¾" stress proof steel round disc axle
Taper roller bearing (bolted on to disc with anti-
slide bolts)
Heavy 2” steel tube adjustable frame

Safety Decals 2
SAFETY & INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH
Replace Decals Immediately If Damaged!
Part # 15337

3 Safety Rules
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Safety is a primary concern in the design and
manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our
efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped
out by an operator’s single careless act.
In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident preven-
tion are dependent upon the awareness, con-
cern, judgement, and proper training of person-
nel involved in the operation, transport, mainte-
nance and storage of equipment.
It has been said “The best safety device is an
informed, careful operator.”We ask you to be
that kind of operator.
TRAINING
• Safety instructions are important! Read all
attachment and power unit manuals; follow all
safety rules and safety decal information.
(Replacement manuals are available from sell-
ing dealer.) Failure to follow instructions or
safety rules can result in serious injury or
death.
• If you do not understand any part of this man-
ual and need assistance, see your dealer.
• Operators must be instructed in and be capa-
ble of the safe operation of the equipment, its
attachments, and all controls. Do not allow any-
one to operate this equipment without proper
instructions.
• Never allow children or untrained persons to
operate equipment.
• Train all new personnel and review instruction’s
frequently with existing workers. A person who
has not read and understood all operating and
safety instructions is not qualified to operate the
machine. An untrained operator exposes himself
and bystanders to possible serious injury or
death.
PREPARATION
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing to
avoid getting caught in moving parts.Wear sturdy,
rough-soled work shoes and protective equip-
ment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and head;
and respirator or filter mask where appropri-
ate.
• Make sure attachment is properly secured,
adjusted, and in good operating condition.
TRANSPORTATION
• Always comply with all state and local laws
governing highway safety and lighting and
marking requirements.
• Never allow riders on power unit or attach-
ment.
• Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
• Use extreme care and reduce ground speed
on slopes and rough terrain.
• Do not operate or transport equipment while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consult
your doctor about operating this machine while
taking prescription medications.
OPERATION
• Never go underneath equipment (lowered to
the ground or raised) unless it is properly
blocked and secured. Never place any part of
the body underneath equipment or between
moveable parts even when the engine has
been turned off.
• Always comply with all state and local laws
governing highway safety and lighting and
marking requirements.
• Operate only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Keep bystanders away from equipment.
Safety Rules continued on next page.

Safety Rules 4
SAFETY RULES CONTINUED FROM
PREVIOUS PAGE.
OPERATION (cont’d)
• Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away
from equipment while engine is running. Stay
clear of all moving parts.
• Never allow riders on power unit or attach-
ment.
• Always sit in power unit seat when operating
controls or starting engine. Securely fasten
seat belt, place transmission in neutral, engage
brake, and ensure all other controls are disen-
gaged before starting power unit engine.
• Look down and to the rear and make sure
area is clear before operating in reverse.
• Use extreme care when working close to fences,
ditches, other obstructions, or on hillsides.
• Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
• Do not stop, start, or change directions sud-
denly on slopes. Always operate down slopes;
never across the face.
• Use extreme care and reduce ground speed
on slopes and rough terrain.
• Keep alert and watch the front as well as the
rear when operating.
• Stop power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine,
remove key, inspect, and repair any damage
before resuming operation.
• Before leaving operator’s seat engage brake,
stop engine and remove key.
MAINTENANCE
• Always wear relatively tight and belted cloth-
ing to avoid getting caught in moving parts.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and pro-
tective equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hear-
ing, and head; and respirator or filter mask
where appropriate.
• Never go underneath equipment (lowered to
the ground or raised) unless it is properly
blocked and secured. Never place any part of
the body underneath equipment or between
moveable parts even when the engine has
been turned off.
• Make sure attachment is properly secured,
adjusted, and in good operating condition.
• Before leaving operator’s seat engage brake,
stop engine, remove key, and remove seat
belt.
• Never perform service or maintenance with
engine running.
• Keep all persons away from operator control
area while performing adjustments, service, or
maintenance.
• Tighten all bolts and nuts before each use on
both your power source (ATV) and the
GroundHog MAX.
• Verify that the GroundHog MAX is properly
attached to the power source and bolts and
nuts are tight.
• Verify that the GroundHog MAX is in safe con-
dition before putting the unit into service by:
1. Visually check the castle-nut on each end
of the axle assembly for tightness.
2.Visually check discs. (some side-to-side
play on discs is normal)
3.Make sure the axle keeper pin is in place
properly.
4.Make sure the 5/8 bolt and nut is tight on
the up and down adjustment tube.
5.Make sure tractor pins are secured in
place.
STORAGE
• Store in a safe dry area
• Block equipment securely for storage.
• Keep children and bystanders away from stor-
age area.
CAUTION

Assembly for GroundHog MAX
Figure 1 is completed (assembled at factory)
Slide part (H) onto axle assembly (I). Insert 5/8”
bolt (J) through part (H) and axle assembly (I).
Add 5/8” lock washer (K) and 5/8 inch nut (L)
and tighten.
Note: where H slides onto I (axle assembly)
the “play” here is intentional. This allows
“float” for uneven terrain.
5 Assembly
Slide male T assembly(M, Fig. 3) onto height
adjustment bar(H) as in Figure 3. Insert tractor
pin(O) and secure with a cotter pin(N).
In the next section will show different ways to
use these parts to make your GroundHog MAX
compatible with your ATV.
WARNING: We recommend that you initially
plow lighty (you have numerous up and down
adjustment holes). Observe your ATV hitch and
assembly. Then gradually you can get more
aggressive on your settings. You can determine
how your paticular ATV works best. Once deter-
mined, then your can set right each subsequent
time you use it.
WARNING: Use of this product could cause
damage to your ATV if not used properly. This
product will necessarilly put some strain on your
ATV. You should ensure that your ATV is in good
mechanical condition before using this product.
Bad Boy Mowers is not responsible for any
damage to your ATV as a result of your use
of this product.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

Bearing Replacement
Note: Replacement bearing (Part 6) will fit all
.ylevitcepser)hcni01-9-8(sedalbcsidfosezis
The bearing will work installed either way.
Note: If necessary use a rubber hammer to
knock off the disc blades. Normally you do not
need to. Lubricating axle and bearings make it
slide on/off easier.
1. Determine which side you need to replace a
bearing on. Be sure to take note as to how the
axle assembly is put together before you take it
apart. Pay attention to the way the spacer is
placed.
2.Remove the keeper pin and loosen and
remove the castle nut.
3.Slide the blades and spacers off until you get
to the disc blade that needs to be replaced.
4.Once the bad disc blade is off… carefully
loosen and remove the anti-slide bolts and nuts
from the bearing, disc, and bearing protectors.
This allows you to remove the bad bearing and
the bearing protector at the same time.
5. Put the new bearing in place on the disc blade
and align it with the bearing protector on the
other side of the disc blade. Make sure tapered
bearing is facing in the proper direction (see
Axle and Bearing Assembly drawing).
6. Re-install the 6 (six) anti-slide nuts and bolts
through all but do no tighten for now. Slide the
disc blade back onto the axle and gradually
tighten nuts in a diagonal sequence until all are
completely tightened. This step and its proce-
dure are very important. Tightening bolts improp-
erly may cause bearing to not seat correctly to
disc and bearing protector.
7. Slide the disc blades/spacers back on in their
proper order. (10-inch inside, 9-inch middle,
8-inch outside). Note: The small inside spacer
for the 10-inch blade is welded in place and can
not be removed.
8. Re-install the castle nut and tighten down
completely then back it off ¼ turn or so (what-
ever the minimum is to be able to re-insert the
keeper pin).
9. Re-insert the keeper pin. Bend this pin out
properly so that it stays in place.
6egarotSdnaecnanetniaM
Storage
When handling The GroundHog MAX always
be extremely careful. There are sharp edges
and moving parts. Failure to use caution may
reult in serious injury.
Store your GroundHog MAX by:
Remove the plow from your ATV
Visually inspect the plow
Tighten and lubricate if necessary
Place in a safe storage area.
7
6D 6A 5B
6A
46D 6A
65A 6A
6C
46B 6A
656C
3A 3
21

Compatibility Assemblies
The GroundHog MAX has the following 3 basic
options to be compatible:
• Any 4x4 or 4x2 ATV/UTV or other power
source with a strong factory 2 inch receiver.
4x2 ATV’s may not be able to plow as
aggressively.
• The GroundHog MAX comes complete with
a heavy-duty receiver system. This receiver
system allows your GroundHog MAX to
attach to your ATV based on year, make and
model. NOTE: SEE drawings and details
of several attachment methods in this
compatibility section.
• After market 2 inch receivers that are
strong and forward-braced are also an
option. After market receivers may be found
at www.atvplowsplus.com or by calling
800-566-1691.
The 3 options above allow the GroundHog MAX
to work with approximately 90 percent of Work /
Ranch type ATV / UTV’s.
Honda and Similar
GroundHog MAX Receiver System
Installation Instructions
These instructions will work for most Honda and
other ATV’s that have either of the two utility
hole assemblies pictured in the next column. All
necessary hardware is provided.
1. Place the 21-inch receiver tube (part 25)
underneath the factory utility hole assembly.
Secure it to the ATV by placing a ¾-inch bolt
(part 15) through (part 25) and the factory utility
hole. Place lock washer (part 23) and nut (part
24) onto bolt (part 15) and tighten loosely for
now filling any voids with washers as needed.
2. Place the 1 1/2-inch spacer (part 22) on top of
the 21-inch receiver tube (part 25) at the point
where the ATV has a left to right cross brace. To
make part 25 as level as possible fill any voids
with other spacers (parts, 20, 21) or washers if
needed. In some cases, where voids are large,
you may use the 5-inch receiver tube (part 17)
as a spacer.
3. Use the four tongue straps (part 18) and four
5/8-inch bolts (part 16), nuts (part 10) and lock
washers (part 9) to secure the 21-inch receiver
tube (part 25) to the frame of the ATV. Be sure
that the bottom tongue straps go left to right and
the top tongue straps go front to back. Also,
insure that bolts are installed with threads point-
ing upward toward the bottom of the ATV.
7 Compatibility Assemblies

Compatibility Assembly(cont.)
Polaris pre-2006 and Similar
GroundHog MAX Receiver System
Installation Instructions
These instructions will work for most pre-2006
Polaris and other similar ATV’s. All necessary
hardware is provided.
1. Place 5/8-bolt (part 28-medium length or
part 8 short length depending upon space)
through the 9-inch extension tube (part 25A).
Utilize an existing hole in the frame of your
ATV. Install the bolt going upwards through
the frame and add a washer on top of the
frame for strength if possible. Fill any voids
with a washer between extensions tube and
the frame. Now put the nut on loosely at this
point.
2. Slide 21-inch receiver tube (part 25) into
9-inch extension tube (part 25A). Now install
a ¾ bolt (part 15) through the 21-inch receiv-
er tube (part 25) and the utility hole (fill any
voids with spacers/washers as necessary so
you can tighten down against the washers
for strength). Install lock washer (part 23)
and nut (part 24).
3. Gradually tighten all nuts securely on both
21-inch receiver tube (part 25) into 9-inch
extension tube (part 25A) tube assembly.
4. Place GroundHog MAX plow head (part
12) into the 21-inch receiver tube (part 25)
and secure with provided tractor pin (part 13)
and cotter (part 14).
Compatibility Assemblies 8

Compatibility Assembly(cont.)
Polaris 2006 and Newer and Similar
GroundHog MAX Receiver System
Installation Instructions
These instructions will work for most 2006 and
newer Polaris and other similar ATV’s. All nec-
essary hardware is provided.
1. Place 5/8-bolt (part 28-medium length or
part 8 short length depending upon space)
through the 9-inch extension tube (part 25A).
Utilize an existing hole in the frame of your
ATV. Install the bolt going upwards through
the frame and add a washer on top of the
frame for strength if possible. Fill any voids
with a washer between extensions tube and
the frame. Now put the nut on loosely at this
point.
2. Slide 21-inch receiver tube (part 25) into
9-inch extension tube (part 25A). Hold the
assembled tube up to the bottom of the ATV.
3. Place 1 tongue strap (part 16) under the
21-inch tube (part 25) and place another
tongue strap (part 16) on top of the existing 1
¼ -inch Polaris receiver hitch.
4. Install (2) long 5/8 inch bolts (part 16) up
through the bottom tongue strap (part 18) and
the existing triangular holes on the ATV and
the top tongue strap (part 18). Install lock
washers (part 23) and nuts (part 24). SEE
PICTURE TO THE RIGHT.
5. Gradually tighten all nuts securely on both
21-inch receiver tube (part 25) into 9-inch
extension tube (part 25A) tube assembly.
6. Place GroundHog MAX plow head (part
12) into the 21-inch receiver tube (part 25)
and secure with provided tractor pin (part 13)
and cotter (part 14).
NOTE: Polaris 550 and 850 Razor’s and
some others will need an aftermarket receiver
kit. View them at www.atvplowsplus.com
9 Compatibility Assemblies

Compatibility Assembly(cont.)
Suzuki, Kawasaki and Similar
GroundHog MAX Receiver System
Installation Instructions
These instructions will work for most ATV's that
has this rear end. All necessary hardware is
provided.
1. Place 5-inch receiver tube (part 17) on top
of the factory utility hole platform.
2. Place one tongue strap (part 18) on top of
the 5-inch receiver tube (part 17).
3. Place second tongue strap (part 18) on
bottom of the factory utility hole platform.
4. Place 5/8-inch bolt (part 16) up through the
second tongue strap (part 18), the factory util-
ity hole platform, the 5-inch receiver tube (part
17), and the top tongue strap (part 18).
5. Install lock washers (part 23) and nuts (part
24) and tighten securely.
This process braces, secures, and strength-
ens the assembly and restricts left to right
movement.
Compatibility Assemblies 10

Compatibility Assembly(cont.)
Bombardier/CanAm and Similar
GroundHog MAX Receiver System
Installation Instructions
These instructions will work for most Bombardier/
CanAm and other similar ATV’s. All necessary
hardware is provided.
1. Place 5-inch receiver tube (part 17) on top
of the factory utility hole platform.
2. Install the ¾-inch bolt (part 15) going
upwards through the existing factory utility
hole platform and the 5-inch receiver tube
(part 17). Tighten loosely for now using lock
washer (part 23) and nut (part 24).
3. Place two tongue straps (part 18) on each
side of the 5-inch receiver tube (part 17) and
down to an existing hole on the ATV.
4. Install two 5/8-inch bolts (part 16) through
tongue straps (part18), the 5-inch receiver
tube (part 17), and the existing holes on the
ATV.
5. Install lock washers (part 23) and nuts (part
24) and tighten securely.
This process braces, secures, and strength-
ens the assembly and restricts left to right
movement.
11 Compatibility Assemblies

Compatibility Assembly(cont.)
The following parts can be used in different
ways to make your GroundHog MAX compati-
ble:
Male T Connector (Fig. 4)
All models
A) One side of the plow head fits into a standard
2-inch receiver.
B) The other side of the plow head fits into your
21-inch and 5-inch receiver tubes.
Note: This part can also be turned upside
down. This allows the up and down (height
adjustment) to be more flexible. One way
give you more length for height adjustment
for large ATV's with higher ground clear-
ance. The other way minimizes the height for
ATV's with less ground clearance.
5 Inch Receiver Tube(Fig.5)
A) It can be used as a 5-inch receiver tube on
many ATV's and other power sources.
B) In a few GroundHog MAX receiver installa-
tions it can be used as a spacer.
Tongue Straps(Fig.6) – 4 included
A) These parts can be used to secure the
21-inch receiver tube to the ATV.
B) They can be used as braces.
C) They can be used as spacers.
Note: They may not have to be used at all for
your particular receiver installation.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Compatibility Assemblies 12

Owner should check and tighten all hardware after
the first hour of operation. The break in stage of
your new GroundHog MAX can cause minimal
loosening of hardware.
• Never allow children or untrained persons to
operate equipment.
• Keep bystanders away from equipment.
• NEVER GO UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT.
Never place any part of the body underneath
equipment or between moveable parts even
when the engine has been turned off.
• Service work does not require going under-
neath.
• Read Manual for service instructions or have
service performed by a qualified dealer.
• Stop ATV and implement immediately upon
striking an obstruction. Turn off engine, remove
key, inspect, and repair any damage before
resuming operation.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing
to avoid entanglement in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing, and
head.
Owner/Operator Pre-Operation Checklist
(Owner’s/Operator’s Responsibility)
____ Review and follow all safety rules and
safety decal instructions on page 2 through
page 4.
____ Check that equipment is properly and
securely attached to tractor.
____ Check that all safety decals are installed
and in good condition. Replace if damaged.
____ Check that all hardware is properly
installed and secured.
____ Do not allow riders.
Operation
WARNING
Transport Position
When handling The GroundHog MAX always
be extremely careful. There are sharp edges
and moving parts. Failure to use caution may
result in serious injury.
Placing the GroundHog MAX in transport
position by:
• Turn off your ATV.
• Set parking break.
• Chock your wheels.
• Remove the tractor pin holding the plow
into the plow head.
• Slide the plow all the way into the head.
• Replace the tractor pin.
• Remove the tractor pin holding the plow to the
receiver tube.
• Flip the plow into transport position (blades
up).
• Replace the tractor pin.
Note; On some ATV’s Transport position may
not work properly… according to how the back
end of your year/make/model of ATV is
designed.
SETTING YOUR PLOWING POSITION
Remember, when handling the GroundHog
MAX always be extremely careful. There are
sharp edges and moving parts. Failure to use
caution may result in serious injury.
Option 1:
13 Operation
CAUTION

When you arrive at your food plot place the
GroundHog MAX in plowing position by:
Park your ATV in a spot where you can get
the rear of the ATV up slightly (around 4-inch-
es). See above drawing.
• Turn off your ATV
• Set parking break.
• Chock your wheels.
• Remove the tractor pin holding the plow to
the receiver tube.
• Flip the plow into plowing position.
• Replace the tractor pin.
• Remove the tractor pin holding the plow on
the plow head.
• Drop the plow down until it touches the
ground.
• Replace the tractor pin.
You are ready to plow.
Option 2
When you arrive at your food plot place the
GroundHog MAX in plowing position by:
Park your ATV in a level spot where you can
utilize a set of wide and strong 4-inch ramps to
back up on. See above drawing.
Carefully back onto the ramps.
Turn off your ATV
Set parking break.
Chock your wheels.
Remove the tractor pin holding the plow to the
receiver tube.
Flip the plow into plowing position.
Replace the tractor pin.
Remove the tractor pin holding the plow on the
plow head.
Drop the plow down until it almost touches the
ground.
Replace the tractor pin.
You are ready to plow.
Do not attempt to physically lift the rear of the
ATV to put the plow into the plowing position.
Possible injury to you and/or your helpers could
occur. This rear-end lifting method will not work
as the shocks and the suspension stretch out
and do not allow a proper plow setting.
Plowing with The GroundHog MAX
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of
this equipment. The operator must be properly
trained in the operation of their ATV. Operators
should be familiar with the plow, the ATV, and all
safety practices before starting operation. Read the
safety rules and safety decals on pages 2-4.
Owner should check and tighten (if necessary) all
hardware after the first half-hour of operation. The
break in stage of your new GroundHog MAX can
cause minimal loosening of hardware. Retighten
the 3/4 " castle nut as necessary.
The GroundHog MAX optimal plowing speed is
approximately 5 mph. Go slow when using
reverse. Only use reverse when ever necessary
for maneuverability. Plowing forward in oblong
circles and figure 8’s is much faster and more
productive. You do not have to waste time stop-
ping and shifting. When using reverse the discs
are backwards so it does not plow that well going
in reveres anyway. Note: Sometimes in certain
soils, soft dirt, and if elevation is present reverse
is not very useable. Be sure to slow down when
making turns with the GroundHog MAX engaged.
If you have to use reverse the plow will track with
your ATV. Use reverse to obtain maximum
maneuverability.
The GroundHog MAX will plow to approximately
4-inches deep. Based on soil conditions, it may
take several passes to achieve this depth.
The GroundHog MAX can be adjusted to a shal-
low depth setting to cover seeds.
After the first use, be sure to check the blades for
side-to-side movement. Some side-to-side move-
ment is normal. If there is excessive movement be
sure to retighten the 3/4” castle nut and replace the
keeper pin. You should continue to check this after
each use to get the longest life out of your
GroundHog MAX.
WARNING
Operation 14
WARNING

GroundHog MAX
Plow and Receiver Kit
Assembly Schematic
Figure 7
15 Parts Catalog *Prices subject to change without notice.
Note: Loose "play" is intentional where
part #11 slides into part #7. This allows
"oat" on uneven terrain.
Axle assembly is pre assembled at the
factory.

GroundHog MAX
Parts
No. Part No. Description QTY *FOB Price
Each
*FOB Price
Total
1 15185 Hair Pin 2 $0.21 $0.42
2 T-567 Castle Nut M18*1.5 ¾’ 2 $1.30 $2.60
3 T-10 Lock Washer ¾” 2 $0.48 $0.96
3A T-723 Flat Washer 18 4 $0.32 $8.84
4 15177 3" Outer Spacer 4 $2.21 $2.52
5 15179-1 8" Notched Blade 2 $14.70 $29.40
5A 15179-2 9" Notched Blade 2 $18.25 $36.50
5B 15179-3 10" Notched Blade 2 $21.00 $42.00
6 15179-4 Bearing 6 $6.00 $36.00
6A 15179-5 Bearing Cover 10 $3.25 $32.25
6B 15179-6 Screw Rod M8*15MM 12 $0.56 $6.72
6C 15179-7 Nut 36 $0.25 $9.00
6D 15179-8 Screw Rod M8*20MM 24 $0.48 $11.52
7 15171 Axle Assembly 1 $43.63 $43.63
8 9973 M16*80 Hex Bolt 5/8” 1 $1.96 $1.96
9 T-24-1 M16 Lock Washer 5/8” 5 $0.32 $1.60
10 T-24-2 M16 Hex Head Nut 5/8” 5 $0.48 $2.40
11 15170 10 1/2" Adjustment Tube 1 $17.60 $17.60
12 15167 Male Hitch (T-Head) 1 $35.15 $35.15
13 9690 Tractor Pin 2 $3.50 $7.00
14 9979 Cotter Pin 2 $0.53 $1.06
15 11550 M18*130 Hex Head Bolt ¾” 1 $2.22 $2.22
16 T-751 M16*190 Hex Head Bolt 5/8” 4 $1.85 $7.40
17 15180 5": Receiver Tube 1 $12.23 $12.23
18 15166 Tongue Strap 4 $3.26 $13.04
20 15161 1/4" Flat Spacer 1 $1.10 $1.10
21 15162 1/2" Flat Spacer 1 $1.96 $1.96
22 15163 Spacer Block 1 $4.83 $4.83
23 T-31 M18 Lock Washer ¾” 1 $0.36 $0.36
24 T-27 M18 Hex Nut ¾” 1 $0.77 $0.77
25 15160 21" Receiver Tube 1 $44.46 $44.46
25A 15160-1 9" Extension Tube 1 $12.35 $12.35
26 15337 Safety Warning Label 1 $1.00 $1.00
27 15338 Owners Manual (not shown) 1 $3.00 $3.00
28 T-724 M16*105 Hex Bolt 5/8” 2 $1.74 $3.48
*Prices subject to change without notice. Parts Catalog 16

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the GroundHog MAX plow in reverse?
A: Yes, but not as well as going forward. Reverse
gives you the maneuverability to plow in tight places
like Pulpwood roads, firebreaks, and between pine
rows. Only use reverse if necessary.
2. Does the GroundHog MAX work on hard and / or
rough ground?
A: Yes. If your terrain is "difficult" the GroundHog
MAX will work. It just takes more passes. The
GroundHog MAX works well on hard, dry, rocky,
grassy or any Combination terrain. For best results
plow in a combination of oblong circles, figure eights,
and straight rows back and forth.
3. Does the plow work in wet bottomland?
A: Yes. The GroundHog MAX will not bog down like
a typical pull behind plow. The ATV controls the
plowing depth. Remember the old saying, “Too wet
to plow?” Certain types of soil may clog the plow
when wet. However, as a rule if your ATV can go
through it the GroundHog MAX can plow it.
4. Can I use the GroundHog MAX if my ATV has a
strong factory or after-market 2-inch receiver?
A: Yes. The GroundHog MAX is all you need.
5. Can I use the GroundHog MAX if my ATV only has
a factory utility-hole assembly?
A: Yes. Most makes and model ATV’s can use the
GroundHog MAX heavy-duty receiver hitch assem-
bly.
There are also receivers that can be ordered spe-
cific to ATV year, make, and model. For more infor-
mation visit www.atvplowsplus.com or call
1-800-566-1691.
6. Can I use the GroundHog MAX if my ATV has a
light-weight factory receiver?
A: Yes. Most make and model ATV’s can use the
GroundHog MAX heavy-duty receiver hitch assem-
bly.
There are also receivers that can be ordered spe-
cific to ATV year, make, and model. For more infor-
mation call 1-800-566-1691.
7. How well is the GroundHog MAX made?
A. The groundhog Max is made of high intensity
heavy gauge steel. Each disc has it’s own high
speed tapered bearings with bearing protectors.
The discs are installed with anti-slide bolts and nuts
for easy replacement of bearings if necessary. All
bearings are the same size so they will fit either the
8, 9, or 10-inch blade interchangeably. The
Groundhog MAX does not have ratchets to go bad.
There are no tires to go flat and dry rot. The
GroundHog Max is practically maintenance free.
Replacement parts including discs are available.
www.atvplowsplus.com or call 1-800-566-1691.
8. Is the GroundHog MAX just for food plots?
A: No. In addition to food plots the GroundHog MAX
is used for landscaping, preparing and maintaining
fire breaks and weed control, grooming horse are-
nas and dirt tracks. If you need to till the ground the
GroundHog MAX will do it. In many cases it can be
used to replace a tractor especially for smaller jobs.
9. Can I leave the GroundHog MAX on my ATV while
driving to my food plot site?
A: Yes you can in most instances. We call this fea-
ture "transport position." However, every ATV is a
little different and on a few ATV’s you may not be
able to use transport position due to the design of
the read-end. See the Transport Position page in
this manual.
10. Does the receiver hitch assembly have to be
perfectly level?
A: No. However, we do provide spacers. You should
use them to get as close to level as possible.
11. Will I use all of the parts in the receiver hitch
assembly?
A: No, according to your specific ATV some parts
may be left over.
12. If I use the receiver hitch assembly can I still use
a trailer ball and leave the receiver on permanent-
ly?
A: Yes, after market Reese-type ball adapters are
available and some will work fine. On others, the
male part is too long and may have to be shortened
or another hole drilled.
13. Will the GroundHog MAX work on my 2 x 4
ATV?
A: The GroundHog MAX will work on most 2 x 4
ATV’s, but you can not plow as aggressively due to
traction loss. The GroundHog MAX is designed for
and works best on 4 x 4 ATV’s. Note: Sometimes
with a 4 x 4 ATV you may take it out of 4 wheel drive
(use 2 wheel drive) this allows easier steering.
14. Will the GroundHog MAX work on both indepen-
dent rear suspension and straight axle ATV’s?
A: Yes. We have tested it on both.
17 Frequently Asked Questions