Bercomac 700219-2 User manual

OWNER’SMANUAL
ModelNumber
700219-2
BERCO
Subframe
for
JOHNDEERE
SERIES LX255,266,277,277AWS,279,288,LX172,173,176,178,188
SERIESGT225,235,242,245,262,275,325,335,345,355,GX325,335,345,355
SABRE
SERIES GT1842,1848,2048,2148,2254,2354,2554(GHorHV)
Tractors
103527 C-12
* ASSEMBLY * REPAIR PARTS
* OPERATION * MAINTENANCE
CAUTION:
READ & FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES & INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR EQUIPMENT

WARRANTY
LIMITED ONE YEAR ON BERCO TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS
For one year from date of purchase, Bercomac Limitée will repair or replace free of charge at Bercomac's option, any
parts which are defective as a result of defective materials or faulty workmanship.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Berco attachments used for commercial or rental purposes is limited to 90 days.
This warranty does NOT cover:
* Wear items, such as shear pins and belts.
* Repairs due to customer abuse or neglect.
* Pre-delivery set-up.
* In home service.
Warranty service is available by returning the "Berco" attachment to the authorized dealer.
BERCOMAC Limitée
46 Fortin N, Adstock, Québec, Canada, G0N 1S0

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY
Step 1: Subframe Preparation ................................................................................................................ 5
John Deere models: LX 255, 266, 277, 277AWS, 279, 288 and GT 225, 235 245
Subframe Installation ................................................................................................................. 7
Subframe Preparation ............................................................................................................... 8
John Deere models: LX 172, 173, 176, 178, 188, and GT 242, 262, 275
Subframe Installation ................................................................................................................. 10
Subframe Preparation ............................................................................................................... 11
John Deere models: 325, 335, 345, 355 and GX 325, 335, 345, 355
Subframe Installation ................................................................................................................. 13
Subframe Preparation ............................................................................................................... 14
Sabre models: GT1842, 1848, 2048, 2148, 2254, 2354, 2554 (GH or HV)
Subframe Installation ................................................................................................................. 16
.
Step 2: Snowblower Installation ............................................................................................................. 17
Rotary Broom Installation .......................................................................................................... 20
Utility Blade Installation .............................................................................................................. 23
MAINTENANCE & DISMOUNTING
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Belt Adjustment ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Subframe Dismounting ............................................................................................................................ 24
End of Season Storage ........................................................................................................................... 24
TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE ..................................................................................................................... 25
PARTS BREAKDOWN AND LISTS
Push frame ............................................................................................................................................... 26
Subframe .................................................................................................................................................. 28
OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
TROUBLESHOOTING
See attachment owner’s manual for this section. (Snowblower, Utility Blade, Rotary Broom)
PAGE
1

INTRODUCTION
2
TO THE PURCHASER
This new attachment was carefully designed to give years of dependable service. This manual has been provided to
assist in the safe operation and servicing of your attachment.
NOTE: All photographs and illustrations in the manual may not necessarily depict the actual models or attachment, but
are intended for reference only and are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication.
Familiarize yourself fully with the safety recommendations and operating procedures before putting the machine to use.
Carefully read, understand and follow these recommendations and insist that they be followed by those who will use
this attachment.
THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL IDENTIFIES AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE IN THIS MANUAL
THAT HELPS YOU AND OTHERS AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. DANGER,
WARNING, AND CAUTION ARE SIGNAL WORDS USED TO IDENTIFY THE LEVEL OF HAZARD.
HOWEVER, REGARDLESS OF THE HAZARD, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL.
DANGER: Signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious injury or death if recommended precautions are
not followed.
WARNING: Signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if the recommended precautions are not
followed.
CAUTION: Signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate injury if the recommended precautions are not
followed.
Record your attachment serial number and purchase date in the section reserved below (there is no serial number on
the subframe). Your dealer requires this information to give you prompt, efficient service when ordering replacement
parts. Use only genuine parts when replacements are required.
If warranty repairs are required please present this registration booklet and original sales invoice to your selling dealer
for warranty service.
This manual should be kept for future reference.
9
SERIAL NUMBER : ___________________________
PURCHASE DATE : ___________________________
In this manual, right and left sides are determined by sitting on the tractor seat facing forward.
In this manual, "attachment" means accessories that you install on the tractor, such as, snowblower, rotary
broom, blade, rotary tiller, cab, subframe, etc...

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
TRAINING
This symbol, "Safety Alert Symbol", is used
throughout this manual and on the attachment
safety labels to warn of the possibility of
personal injury. Please take special care in
reading and understanding the safety
precautions before operating the attachment
or the tractor.
1. Read this Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and proper use of the
attachment. Know how to stop the unit and
disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate attachment. Never
allow adults to operate attachment without proper
instructions.
3. No one should operate the unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting engine.
2. Handle fuel with care, it is highly flammable.
a) Use approved fuel container.
b) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot
engine
c) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors.
d) Replace fuel cap securely and wipe up spilled
fuel.
3. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
4. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repairs to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine.
OPERATION
1. Do not run engine indoors except when starting
engine and transporting attachment, in or out of
building. Do not operate or let motor run in a
storage area without ventilation because gas
contains carbon monoxide which is odourless,
colourless and can cause death.
2. Do not carry passengers on attachment or tractor.
3. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended. Lower the attachment, shift
into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove the key. Wait for all moving parts to
stop.
4. You must use manufacturer approved rear
counterweights, minimum 100 lbs., for better
traction and safety at all times when you have an
attachment installed in front.
5. Never operate the attachment without good visibility
or light.
3
Careful operation is your best insurance against an accident. Read this section carefully before operating the tractor
and attachment. All operators, no matter how experienced they may be, should read this and other manuals related to
the tractor and attachments before operating. It is the owner's legal obligation to instruct all operators in safe operation.
9

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check shear bolts, mounting bolts, etc..., at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure attachment is
in safe working condition.
2. Never store the machine with fuel in the tank inside a
building where ignition sources are present, such as
hot water tanks, space heaters, clothes dryers and
the like. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
3. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
4
WHENEVER YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL
9
IT MEANS:
WARNING!
BECOME ALERT !
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
9 WARNING 9
FOR YOUR SECURITY:
Read the attachment owner's manual for safety
precautions and rules.
Follow the assembly and operation instructions.

ASSEMBLY
STEP 1
SUBFRAME PREPARATION FOR THE
JOHN DEERE TRACTORS
MODELS: LX 255, 266, 277, 277AWS, 279, 288 and
GT 225, 235 245
IMPORTANT: TORQUE ALL BOLTS ACCORDING
TO TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE (SEE TABLE
OF CONTENTS) WHEN STATED: TIGHTEN
FIRMLY. REFER TO PARTS BREAKDOWN
SECTION FOR PARTS IDENTIFICATION.
NOTE: The mower deck must be removed to install
the subframe.
Remove the bolt that holds the left hand side mower lift
arm (item 1). Reinstall the lift arm by inserting as shown
the mounting pin (item 2), original sleeve (item 4) and
flat washer (item 3) from the tractor.
Secure with the original nut inside the tractor frame.
Do the same thing on the right side.
Tighten firmly.
5
View once unpacked
Install the mounting pins

ASSEMBLY
Unhook the helper spring (item 6).
Install the handle support (item 1) on the left hand side
with a 3/8 x 1 1/4" hex bolt (item 2) and flange nut
already in place, a 3/8 x 1" hex bolt (item 3) and flange
nut.
Tighten firmly.
Insert the plastic grommet (item 4) in the handle support.
Install the handgrip (item 5) as shown.
Remove the hair pin (item 1) and unhook the adjusting
rod (item 2) from the pivot support.
NOTE: In order to facilitate the subframe installation,
rotate the pivot support towards the front.
Make sure that the other end of the push tube (item 3) is
secured in the second hole (item 5) with a pin (item 4)
and in the bottom hole (item 6) of the lift lever (item 7).
Adjust the overall length of the push tube to 33.50" by
screwing or unscrewing the adjusting rod (item 2).
6
Install handle support
Adjust the length of push tube

ASSEMBLY
SUBFRAME INSTALLATION:
7
Slide the subframe under the tractor between the
front and back wheels on the left side.
Lift the back part of the subframe and hook the
supports (item 1) by the back slot (as shown) on the
mounting pins (item 2).
Lift the front part of the subframe between the tractor
supports (item 3).
Secure in place in the square holes (item 7) with two
0.50 x 1.25" pins (item 4) and two 3 mm hair pins
(item 5).
NOTE: If the holes are not aligned, loosen the
supports, install the pins and retighten the support
bolts tightly.
If the tractor supports (item 3) are too narrow, loosen
the heat shield bolts.
Reinstall the adjusting rod (item 6) and secure in
place with a 3 mm hair pin.
Adjust the mower’s cutting height knob to "0". Push
the tractor’s lift arm completely towards the front in
order to lower the mower’s suspension arms.
Secure the lift lever (item 1) as shown to the mower
lift arm with a 0.38 x 1.00 pin (item 2) and a 2 mm hair
pin (item 3).
Do the same operation on the other side.
9 WARNING 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Stop the motor.
Apply parking brake.
Remove the ignition key.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s) and
keep away from spark plug(s) to prevent accidental
starting.
Install the subframe
Install the lift lever

ASSEMBLY
8
SUBFRAME PREPARATION FOR THE
JOHN DEERE TRACTORS
MODÈLS: LX 172, 173, 176, 178, 188, and
GT 242, 262, 275
IMPORTANT: TORQUE ALL BOLTS ACCORDING
TO TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE (SEE TABLE
OF CONTENTS) WHEN STATED: TIGHTEN
FIRMLY. REFER TO PARTS BREAKDOWN
SECTION FOR PARTS IDENTIFICATION.
NOTE: The mower deck must be removed to install
the subframe.
Replace the front supports (item 1 & 2) by the other
supports (items 3 & 4) that are in the box.
Reinstall in the same fashion as the supports you
removed, the bend towards the outside.
Insert the bolts (item 5) in the holes as shown.
Tighten the bolts firmly.
Remove the bolt that holds the left hand side mower lift
arm (item 1). Reinstall the lift arm by inserting as shown
the mounting pin (item 2), original sleeve (item 4) and
flat washer (item 3) from the tractor.
Secure with the original nut inside the tractor frame.
Do the same thing on the right side.
Tighten firmly.
Replace the front supports
Install mounting pins

ASSEMBLY
9
Remove the helper spring (item 6).
Install the handle support (item 1) on the left hand side
with a 3/8 x 1 1/4" hex bolt (item 2) and flange nut
already in place, a 3/8 x 1" hex bolt (item 3) and flange
nut.
Tighten firmly.
Insert the plastic grommet (item 4) in the handle support.
Install the handgrip (item 5) as shown.
Remove the hair pin (item 1) and unhook the adjusting
rod (item 2) from the pivot support.
NOTE: In order to facilitate the subframe installation,
rotate the pivot support towards the front.
Make sure that the other end of the push tube (item 3) is
secured in the third hole (item 5) with a pin (item 4) and
in the bottom hole (item 6) of the lift lever (item 7).
Adjust the overall length of the push tube to 33.81" by
screwing or unscrewing the adjusting rod (item 2).
Install handle support
Adjust push tube

ASSEMBLY
Slide the subframe under the tractor between the
front and back wheels on the left side.
Lift the back part of the subframe and hook the
supports (item 1) by the front slot (as shown) on the
mounting pins (item 2).
Lift the front part of the subframe between the tractor
supports (item 3).
Secure in place in the square holes (item 7) with two
0.50 x 2.52" pins (item 4) and two 3 mm hair pins
(item 5).
NOTE: If the holes are not aligned, loosen the
supports, install the pins and retighten the support
bolts tightly.
If the tractor supports (item 3) are too narrow, loosen
the heat shield bolts.
Reinstall the adjusting rod (item 6) and secure in
place with a 3 mm hair pin.
Adjust the mower’s cutting height knob to "0". Push
the tractor’s lift arm completely towards the front in
order to lower the mower’s suspension arms.
Secure the lift lever (item 1) as shown to the mower
lift arm with a 0.38 x 1.00 pin (item 2) and a 2 mm hair
pin (item 3).
Do the same operation on the other side.
10
SUBFRAME INSTALLATION:
9 WARNING 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Stop the motor.
Apply parking brake.
Remove the ignition key.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s) and
keep away from spark plug(s) to prevent accidental
starting.
Install subframe
Install lift lever

ASSEMBLY
11
SUBFRAME PREPARATION FOR THE
JOHN DEERE TRACTORS
MODELS: 325, 335, 345, 355
GX 325, 335, 345, 355
IMPORTANT: TORQUE ALL BOLTS ACCORDING
TO TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE (SEE TABLE
OF CONTENTS) WHEN STATED: TIGHTEN
FIRMLY. REFER TO PARTS BREAKDOWN
SECTION FOR PARTS IDENTIFICATION.
NOTE: The mower deck must be removed to install
the subframe.
Replace the front supports (item 1 & 2) by the other
supports (items 3 & 4) that are in the box. Reinstall in
the same fashion as the supports you removed, but the
bend towards the inside and insert a shim (item 5)
between the supports and the subframe flat bars.
Insert the bolts (item 6) in the holes as shown.
Tighten the bolts firmly.
Remove the bolt that holds the left hand side mower lift
arm (item 1). Reinstall the lift arm by inserting as shown
the mounting pin (item 2), original sleeve (item 4) and
flat washer (item 3) from the tractor.
Secure with the original nut inside the tractor frame.
Do the same thing on the right side.
Tighten firmly.
Replace front supports
Install handle support

ASSEMBLY
12
Unhook the helper spring (item 6).
Install the handle support (item 1) on the left hand side
with a 3/8 x 1 1/4" hex bolt (item 2) and flange nut
already in place, a 3/8 x 1" hex bolt (item 3) and flange
nut.
Tighten firmly.
Insert the plastic grommet (item 4) in the handle support.
Install the handgrip (item 5) as shown.
Remove the hair pin (item 1) and unhook the adjusting
rod (2) from the pivot support.
NOTE: In order to facilitate the subframe installation,
rotate the pivot support towards the front.
Make sure that the other end of the push tube (item 3) is
secured in the second hole (item 5) with a pin (item 4)
and in the top hole (item 6) of the lift lever (item 7).
Adjust the overall length of the push tube to 33.68" by
screwing or unscrewing the adjusting rod (item 2).
Install handle support
Adjust push tube

13
ASSEMBLY
Slide the subframe under the tractor between the
front and back wheels on the left side.
Lift the back part of the subframe and hook the
supports (item 1), by the front slot (as shown) on the
mounting pins (item 2).
Lift the front part of the subframe between the tractor
supports (item 3).
Secure in place in the holes (item 7) with two 0.50 x
2.52" pins (item 4) and two 3 mm hair pins (item 5).
NOTE: If the holes are not aligned, loosen the
supports, install the pins and retighten the support
bolts tightly.
If the tractor supports (item 3) are too narrow, loosen
the heat shield bolts.
Reinstall the adjusting rod (item 6) and secure in
place with a 3 mm hair pin.
Adjust the mower’s cutting height knob to "0". Push
the tractor’s lift arm or the hydraulic lever completely
towards the front in order to lower the mower’s
suspension arms.
Secure the lift lever (item 1) as shown to the mower
lift arm with a pin 0.38 x 1.00 (item 2) and a 2 mm hair
pin (item 3).
Do the same operation on the other side.
SUBFRAME INSTALLATION:
9 WARNING 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Stop the motor.
Apply parking brake.
Remove the ignition key.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s) and
keep away from spark plug(s) to prevent accidental
starting.
Install subframe
Install lift lever

ASSEMBLY
SUBFRAME PREPARATION FOR THE
SABRE TRACTORS
MODELS:GT1842, 1848, 2048, 2148, 2254, 2354,
2554 (GH or HV)
IMPORTANT: TORQUE ALL BOLTS ACCORDING
TO TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE (SEE TABLE
OF CONTENTS) WHEN STATED: TIGHTEN
FIRMLY. REFER TO PARTS BREAKDOWN
SECTION FOR PARTS IDENTIFICATION.
NOTE: The mower deck must be removed to install
the subframe.
Replace the front supports (items 1 & 2) by the other
supports (items 3 & 4) that are in the box. Reinstall in
the same fashion as the supports you removed, the
bend towards the outside.
Insert the bolts (item 5) in the holes as shown.
Tighten the bolts firmly.
Remove the bolt that holds the left hand side mower lift
arm (item 1). Reinstall the lift arm by inserting as shown
the mounting pin (item 2), original sleeve (item 4) and
flat washer (item 3) from the tractor.
Secure with the original nut inside the tractor frame.
Do the same thing on the right side.
Tighten firmly.
14
Replace front supports
Install mounting pins

ASSEMBLY
Unhook the helper spring (item 6).
Install the handle support (item 1) on the left hand side
with a 3/8 x 1 1/4" hex bolt (item 2) and flange nut
already in place, a 3/8 x 1" hex bolt (item 3) and flange
nut.
Tighten firmly.
Insert the plastic grommet (item 4) in the handle support.
Insert the handgrip (item 5) as shown.
Remove the hair pin (item 1) and unhook the adjusting
rod (item 2) from the pivot support.
NOTE: In order to facilitate the subframe installation,
rotate the pivot support towards the front.
Make sure that the other end of the push tube (item 3) is
secured in the fourth hole (item 5) of the push tube with
a pin (item 4) and in the bottom hole (item 6) of the lift
lever (item 7).
Adjust the overall length of the push tube to 33.75" by
screwing or unscrewing the adjusting rod (item 2).
15
Install handle support
Adjust push tube

ASSEMBLY
SUBFRAME INSTALLATION:
16
Slide the subframe under the tractor between the
front and back wheels on the left side.
Lift the back part of the subframe and hook the
supports (item 1), by the front slot (as shown) on the
mounting pins (item 2).
Lift the front part of the subframe between the tractor
supports (item 3).
Secure in place in the square holes (item 7) with two
0.50 x 2.52" pins (item 4) and two 3 mm hair pins
(item 5).
NOTE: If the holes are not aligned, loosen the
supports, install the pins and retighten the support
bolts tightly.
If the tractor supports (item 3) are too narrow, loosen
the heat shield bolts.
Reinstall the adjusting rod (item 6) and secure in
place with a 3 mm hair pin.
Adjust the mower’s cutting height knob to "0". Push
the tractor’s lift arm completely towards the front in
order to lower the mower’s suspension arms.
Secure the lift lever (item 1) as shown to the mower
lift arm with a 0.38 x 1.00 pin (item 2) and a 2 mm hair
pin (item 3).
Do the same operation on the other side.
9 WARNING 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Stop the motor.
Apply parking brake.
Remove the ignition key.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s) and
keep away from spark plug(s) to prevent accidental
starting.
Install subframe
Install lift lever

ASSEMBLY
Install the snowblower to the subframe as shown.
Make sure the snowblower is pushed in until locked
into place by the springs (item 1).
Insert the handle (item 1) into the support (item 2) as
shown.
Install the hook (item 3) on the rotation worm (item 4).
Insert the hook in the handle (item 1) and secure with
a 2.5 mm hair pin (item 5).
17
STEP 2
SNOWBLOWER INSTALLATION:
Refer to snowblower owner’s manual, parts
breakdown section for parts identification.
9 WARNING 9
FOR YOUR SECURITY:
Read the snowblower owner's manual for safety
precautions and rules.
Follow the assembly and operation instructions.
9 WARNING 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Stop the motor.
Apply parking brakes.
Remove the ignition key.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s) and
keep away from spark plug(s) to prevent accidental
starting.
Install the double pulley support as shown on the
male hitch by using two 5/16 x 1" bolts (item 1) and
flange nuts. Tighten the bolts firmly.
9 CAUTION 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Always raise the attachment to reduce the
tension on the spring before applying or
releasing tension on the helper spring. Firmly
hold the handle when you release the tension
because the arm will kick back due to the tension
on the spring.
Install pulley support
Install the snowblower
Install handle

ASSEMBLY
Remove the belt guard from the back of snowblower.
Move the tension arm (item 5) towards the back to
facilitate installation.
Install the belt on the snowblower by inserting it between
the two flat pulleys (item 1) and around the snowblower
pulley (item 2).
Install the belt under the tractor as shown and make
sure the bottom strand (item 3) between the snowblower
pulley and the left hand side pulley is not twisted.
18
NOTE: Do not hook the helper spring (item 4) to the lift
lever (item 9) right now. The belt must be adjusted
before installing the spring.
Apply tension on the belt by moving the tension arm
(item 5) towards the front
Check the tension on the belt and adjust if necessary.
See maintenance section for adjustment instructions.
Raise the snowblower in order to install the helper
spring.
Move the tension arm (item 5) towards the back.
Hook the helper spring (item 4) in the eyelet (item 6) that
is welded to the lift lever (item 9).
Apply tension on the belt by moving the tension arm
towards the front.
Secure in the hole (item 8) with a 3 mm hair pin (item 7).
9 CAUTION 9
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Always raise the attachment to reduce the
tension on the spring before applying or
releasing tension on the helper spring. Firmly
hold the handle when you release the tension
because the arm will kick back due to the tension
on the spring.
Install belt
Install helper spring
9 CAUTION 9
Never use the snowblower without the belt guard.