Bigham Brothers Hipper Chopper HC40FX User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Hipper Implement
Hipper Chopper®
Hipper Tumbler®
Hipper Roller®
1220 E Durkee Street, Carlisle, AR 72024
870-552-7517
870-552-3303
BighamAg.com
Publication # Date: 5/31/2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY…………………………………………………………………………………….……….
1
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………..…
2
SAFETY………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
3
SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS…………………………………………………………………………….
3
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES…………………………………………………………………....
4
SAFETY SIGN LOCATIONS………………………………………………………………………......
5
SAFETY DECAL CARE……………………………………………………………………………...…
8
TIRE SAFETY……………………………………………………………………………………………
8
LIGHTING AND MARKING………………………………………………………………………….…
9
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT……………………………………………………………
10
BEFORE OPERATION…………………………………………………………………………………
10
DURING OPERATION………………………………………………………………………………….
11
HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS……………………………………………...
12
FOLLOWING OPERATION…………………………………………………………………………….
13
PERFORMING MAINTENANCE………………………………………………………………………
14
LINKAGE ASSEMBLY …………………………………………………………………………………
16
CHOPPER BASKET ASSEMBLIES…………………………………………………………………..
17
TUMBLER BASKET ASSEMBLIES…………………………………………………………………...
18
ROLLER DRUMS……………………………………………………………………………………….
19
REAR TUMBLER BASKET ASSEMBLIES…………………………………………………………..
21
PLOW ASSEMBLIES…………………………………………………………………………………...
25
GAUGE WHEEL ASSEMBLY………………………………………………………………………….
31
HYDRUALIC FLUID AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY…………………………………………………..
32
QUICK REFERENCE PARTS LIST…………………………………………………………………...
35

1
BIGHAM AG EQUIPMENT
A MESSAGE TO THE OWNER AND OPERATOR:
This machine was carefully designed and manufactured to give you dependable service. To keep it running
efficiently, read the instructions in this Operator’s Manual. Check each item and acquaint yourself with the
adjustments required to obtain efficient operation and maximum performance. Remember, the machines
performance depends on how you operate and care for it.
After the operating season, thoroughly clean your machine and inspect it. Preventive maintenance saves time and
pays dividends. Your dealer has original equipment parts which assure proper fit and best performance. Record
the model number, serial number and date of purchase in the space provided on this page. Your dealer needs this
information to give you efficient service when you order parts or attachments. The model number and serial
number appear on the identification plate on the front left side of the tool bar mast.
The Warranty on your machine is included with this manual. Your dealer will review both this manual and the
warranty with you when you take delivery of your machine.
Manufactured By
Bigham Brothers Inc. –Carlisle, AR
Model # ________________________
Serial # _________________________

2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Bigham Hipper tillage implement. We hope you will get many years of productive
use from it. The Hipper can simultaneously prepare seed beds, shape furrows, and form drainage or irrigation
in a single pass.
This implement is designed to be pulled by a ROPS protected tractor of proper size.
All product users must read and understand this manual prior to equipment operation. This manual is
considered part of your machine and should always remain with the machine. Do not allow anyone to operate
or maintain this equipment who has not fully read and comprehended this manual. Failure to follow the
recommended procedures may result in personal injury or death or equipment damage.
Information in this manual is designed to help owners and operators to obtain the best results and safe
operation from their investment. The life of any machine depends largely on the care it is given and we
suggest that the manual should be read and understood and referred to frequently. If for any reason you do
not understand the instructions and safety requirements, please contact your authorized dealer. The intent of
this manual is to provide guidelines to cover general use and to assist in avoiding accidents and injuries.
There may be times when circumstances occur that are not covered in the manual. At those times it is best to
use common sense and contact your authorized dealer or our factory.
The requirements of safety cannot be emphasized enough in this publication. We urge you to make safety
your top priority when using and maintaining the equipment. We strongly advise that anyone allowed to
operate this equipment be thoroughly trained and tested, to prove they understand the fundamentals of safe
operation.
Some photographs, diagrams or illustrations in this manual may show doors, guards and shields opened or
removed to aid in clarity and understanding of a particular procedure. All guards, shields and safety devices
must be in their proper position prior to operation.

3
SAFETY
Read and understand this manual and all safety signs before operating and maintaining. Review the safety
instructions and precautions annually.
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL IS USED TO CALL
YOUR ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF
OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal word for each has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations typically for machine
components which, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING: 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. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
NOTICE is used to address safety practices not related to personal safety.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

4
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Safety of the operator and any bystanders is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a new
piece of equipment. Designers and manufacturers build in as many safety features as possible. However,
every year many accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more
careful approach to handling equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the
following precautions in this section. To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those
working with you, or for you, follow them.
Replace any CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER or instruction safety decal that is not readable or is missing.
Location of such decals is indicated in this booklet.
Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not use the equipment is
alertness or coordination is impaired.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should be a
responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow
persons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a
thorough understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
Do not read, eat, drink, talk or text or use a mobile phone while using this equipment.
To prevent injury or death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protective System (ROPS). Do not paint
over, remove or deface any safety signs or warning decals on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and
practice the instructions on them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question –DO
NOT TRY IT.
Stay clear of any moving parts, such as shafts, couplings and universal joints.
Do not allow anyone to ride on any part of the equipment for any reason.
Assure that all bystanders are at a safe distance before operating or maintaining this equipment.

5
SAFETY SIGN LOCATIONS
Safety Sign location is shown below.
Front of Toolbar, End of LH Wing
Front of Toolbar, LH Hinge

6
3-Point Hitch
Front of Toolbar, RH Hinge

7
REMEMBER: If Safety Signs have been damaged, removed, become illegible or parts replaced without
decals, new decals must be applied. New decals are available from your authorized distributor or factory.
Front of Toolbar, End of Wing & Center
Rear of Toolbar, End of Wing & Center
399-303
Reflector, Yellow 2”x9”
399-304
Reflector, Red 2”x9”
399-300
Sign, SMV 2-Hole Galvanized
Rear of Toolbar, Center Frame

8
SAFETY DECAL CARE
•Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
•Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
•Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current sign.
•Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
How to Install Safety Signs:
•Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry.
•Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
•Remove the smallest portion of the split backing paper.
•Align the decal over the specified area and carefully press the small portion with the exposed sticky
backing in place.
•Slowly peel back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion of the decal in place.
•Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using the piece of decal backing paper.
TIRE SAFETY
•Failure to follow proper procedures when mounting a tire on a wheel or rim can produce an explosion
which may result in serious injury or death.
•Do not attempt to mount a tire unless you have the proper equipment and experience to do the job.
•Inflating or servicing tires can be dangerous. Whenever possible, trained personnel should be called to
service and/or mount tires.
•Always order and install tires and wheels with appropriate capacity to meet or exceed the anticipated
weight to be placed on the equipment.
•Tire changing can be dangerous and should be performed by trained personnel using the correct tools and
equipment.

9
•When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side NOT
in front of or over the tire assembly. Use a safety cage if available.
•When removing and installing wheels, use wheel handling equipment adequate for the weight involved.
•The rims and tires should be mounted on the feeder with the valve stem to the inside. We use reverse disc
rims as a protection that livestock do not step on the valve stems and break them off. Be sure you have
proper tire pressure and the lug nuts are properly tightened. Check wheel bearings on a regular basis and
grease semiannually.
LIGHTING AND MARKING
•It is the responsibility of the customer to know the lighting and marking requirements of the local
highway authorities and to install and maintain the equipment to provide compliance with the
regulations. Add extra lights when transporting at night or during periods of limited visibility.
•Lighting kits ship standard with each unit from the Bigham factory.
•An SMV emblem ships standard on each unit from the Bigham factory. Always ensure the emblem is in
place when transporting on public roadways. Keep it clean and bright.

10
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
•Wear protective clothing and equipment appropriate for the job, such as safety shoes, safety glasses,
hard hat and ear plugs.
•Clothing should fit snug without fringes or pull strings to avoid entanglement with moving parts.
•Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing impairment or hearing loss. Wear suitable hearing
protection such as ear muffs or earplugs.
•Operating equipment requires the operator’s full attention. Avoid wearing radio headphones or earbuds
while operating equipment.
BEFORE OPERATION
•Carefully study and understand this manual.
•Do not wear loose-fitting clothing which may catch in moving parts.
•Always wear protective clothing and substantial shoes.
•Keep wheel lug nuts or bolts tightened to specified torque.
•Assure that agricultural implement tires are inflated evenly.
•Give the unit a visual inspection for any loose bolts, worn parts or cracked welds, and make necessary
repairs. Follow the maintenance safety instructions included in this manual.
•Be sure that there are no tools lying on or in the equipment.
•Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially children and animals.
•Don’t hurry the learning process or take the unit for granted. Ease into it and become familiar with your
new equipment.
•Practice operation of your equipment and its attachments. Completely familiarize yourself and other
operators with its operation before using.

11
•Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protective System (ROPS) and fasten your seat belt prior to
starting the engine.
DURING OPERATION
•Children should never be allowed on the equipment.
•Never carry riders or allow children to operate equipment.
•Clear the area of small children and bystanders before moving the equipment.
•Securely attach equipment to towing unit, using a hardened 3/4” pin, a metal retainer, and safety chains if
required. Shift towing unit to a lower gear before going down steep downgrades, thus using the engine as
a retarding force. Keep towing vehicle in gear at all times. Slow down for corners and rough terrain.
•Make sure you are in compliance with all local and state regulations regarding transporting equipment on
public roads and highways. Lights and slow moving signs must be clean and visible by overtaking or
oncoming traffic when feeder is transported.
•SAFETY CHAIN - If equipment is going to be transported on a public highway, a safety chain should be
obtained and installed. Always follow state and local regulations regarding a safety chain and auxiliary
lighting when towing farm equipment on a public highway. Be sure to check with local law enforcement
agencies for your own particular regulations. Only a safety chain (not an elastic or nylon/plastic tow strap)
should be used to retain the connection between the towing and towed machines in the event of separation
of the primary attaching system.
•Install the safety chain by crossing the chains under the tongue and secure to the draw bar cage or hitch or
bumper frame.
•Beware of bystanders, particularly children! Always look around to make sure that it is safe to start the
engine of the towing vehicle or move the unit. This is particularly important with higher noise levels and
quiet cabs, as you may not hear people shouting.
•NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED - Do not carry passengers anywhere on, or in, the tractor or equipment,
except as required for operation.
•Keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
•Always keep all shields and guards in place and securely fastened.

12
•Do not clean, lubricate or adjust your equipment while it is moving.
•When halting operation, even periodically, set the tractor or towing vehicle brakes, disengage the PTO,
shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
•Be especially observant of the operating area and terrain - watch for holes, rocks or other hidden hazards.
Always inspect the area prior to operation.
−DO NOT operate near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
−DO NOT operate on steep slopes as overturn may result.
−Operate up and down (not across) intermediate slopes. Avoid sudden starts and stops.
HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORT OPERATIONS
•Adopt safe driving practices:
−Keep the brake pedals latched together at all times. NEVER USE INDEPENDENT BRAKING WITH
MACHINE IN TOW AS LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR UPSET OF UNIT CAN RESULT.
−Always drive at a safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your speed is low enough for
an emergency stop to be safe and secure. Keep speed to a minimum.
−Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid the risk of overturning.
−Avoid sudden uphill turns on steep slopes.
−Always keep the tractor or towing vehicle in gear to provide engine braking when going downhill. Do
not coast.
−Do not drink and drive!
•Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of farm machinery on public
roads.
•Use approved accessory lighting flags and necessary warning devices to protect operators of other
vehicles on the highway during daylight and nighttime transport. Various safety lights and devices are
available from your dealer.
•The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most localities. However, some localities prohibit their
use. Local laws should be checked for all highway lighting and marking requirements.
•When driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 40 kph (20 mph) at night or during
the day, use flashing amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem.
•Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
•Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations, including narrow bridges,
intersections, etc.
•Be observant of bridge loading ratings. Do not cross bridges rated lower than the gross weight as which
you are operating.

13
•Watch for obstructions overhead and to the side while transporting.
•Always operate equipment in a position to provide maximum visibility at all times. Make allowances for
increased length and weight of the equipment when making turns, stopping the unit, etc.
•Pick the levelest possible route when transporting across fields. Avoid the edges of ditches or gullies and
steep hillsides.
•Be extra careful when working on inclines.
•Maneuver the tractor or towing vehicle at safe speeds.
•Avoid overhead wires or other obstacles. Contact with overhead lines could cause serious injury or death.
•Avoid loose fill, rocks and holes; they can be dangerous for equipment operation or movement.
•Allow for unit length when making turns.
•Operate the towing vehicle from the operator’s seat only.
•Never stand alongside of unit with engine running or attempt to start engine and/or operate machine while
standing alongside of unit.
•Never leave running equipment attachments unattended.
•As a precaution, always recheck the hardware on equipment following every 100 hours of operation.
Correct all problems. Follow the maintenance safety procedures.
FOLLOWING OPERATION
•Following operation, or when unhitching, stop the tractor or towing vehicle, set the brakes, disengage the
PTO and all power drives, shut off the engine and remove the ignition keys.
•Clean, inspect, service and make necessary repairs to the equipment when parking it for long periods of
time or at the end of a working season. This will help ensure that the unit will be ready for use the next
time you hook up to it.
•Store the unit in an area away from human activity.
•Do not park equipment where it will be exposed to livestock for long periods of time. Damage and livestock
injury could result.
•Do not permit children to play on or around the stored unit.
•Make sure all parked machines are on a hard, level surface and engage all safety devices.
•Wheel chocks may be needed to prevent unit from rolling.

14
PERFORMING MAINTENANCE
•Do not allow anyone to perform maintenance on this equipment who has not been properly trained in its
safe operation.
•Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble. Proper servicing
and adjustments are key to the long life of any implement. With careful inspection and routine
maintenance, costly downtime and repairs can be avoided.
•Some parts and assemblies can be quite heavy. Before attempting to unfasten any part or assembly,
arrange to support it by means of a hoist, by blocking or by use of an adequate arrangement to keep it
from falling, tipping, swinging or moving in any manner which may hurt somebody or damage the
equipment.
•Always use lifting equipment that is adequately rated to do the job. Never lift equipment over people.
•Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate the engine of the towing vehicle in a closed
building. The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
•Before working on the equipment, stop the towing vehicle, set the brakes, disengage the PTO and all
power drives, shut off the engine and remove the ignition keys.
•Be certain all moving parts on attachments have come to a complete stop before attempting to perform
maintenance.
•Always use a safety support and block the wheels. Never use a jack to support the equipment.
•Always use the proper tools or equipment for the job at hand.
•Use extreme caution when making adjustments.
•Never replace hex bolts with less than grade five bolts unless otherwise specified.

15
•After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed.
•Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine factory
replacement parts must be used to restore your equipment to original specifications. The manufacturer
will not claim responsibility for use of unapproved parts and/or accessories and other damages as a
result of their use.
•If equipment has been altered in any way from original design, the manufacturer does not accept any
liability for injury or warranty.
•Do not alter the equipment or replace parts with other brands. Doing so can cause the equipment to
perform improperly and may lead to breakage causing bodily injury or death.
•If repairs require the use of a torch or electric welder, be sure that all flammable and combustible
materials are removed.
•Do not weld or cut on any tank containing oil, fuel or their fumes or other flammable material, or any
container whose previous contents are unknown.
•Cleaning solvents should be used with care. Petroleum based solvents are flammable and present a
fire hazard. Don’t use gasoline. All solvents must be used with adequate ventilation and their vapors
should not be inhaled.

16
Linkage Assembly
Adjusting Tumbler Basket Height
The rear tumbler basket is set for most field conditions from the factory. There are three height adjustments you
may set according to your needs. The height can be set by removing the 5/8 x 4 hex bolts and sliding the linkage
bracket up or down on the mount tube.
Adjusting Spring Tension
Each tumbler linkage assembly is equipped with a heavy-duty spring that can be adjusted for vertical basket
flexibility.
Grease linkage arms daily.
Item Part # Description
1 H685-331 Linkage Arm Weldment, 40 Deg.
2 H685-206 Spring Bushing Weldment, Tall
3 H633-400 Spring, Top Auger
4 H685-205 Spring Bushing Weldment, Tumbler Short
5 616-1200Z Washer, Flat 3/4” ZP
6 611-1201Z Nut, 3/4” Hex Nylock
7 617-105 Click Pin, 7/16 x 2.0”
8 602-1016Z Bolt, HCS 5/8 x 4.0” GR5 ZP
9 613-1005Z Nut, Hex Nylock ZP 5/8"
10 602-1240Z Bolt, HCS 3/4” x 10.0” GR5 ZP
11 617-164 Pin, Clevis CAT2 Top Link
12 602-0818Z Bolt, HCS 1/2” x 4-1/2” GR5 ZP
13 613-0800Z Nut, 1/2” Hex Nylock ZP
14 H685-302 Bracket, 40 Deg. Linkage Arm
15 H309-001 Plate, Tumbler Mount, 4 Hole

17
Hipper Chopper®Basket Assembly
Item Part # Description
1 H622-212 2.25” Flange Bearing
1 Alternate H622-212-3 Bearing, Flange 2.25”4-Bolt Triple Seal
2 613-1001Z Nut, 5/8-11 Center Lock
3 602-1006Z Bolt, Hex 5/8-11 x 1.5”
4 See Table 1 Chopper Blade
5 613-1000Z Nut, 5/8 –11 Nylock
6 602-1010Z Bolt, Hex 5/8-11 x 2.5”
7 616-1000Z Washer, 5/8” Flat
Table 1 –Chopper Blades
Center
Wing
HC40FX
H287-109 (106.00”)
H287-121 (118.00”)
HC36FX
H287-100 (100.00”)
H287-100 (100.00”)
HC32FX
H287-085 (82.00”)
H287-085 (82.00”)
HC27FX
H287-083 (67.00”)
H287-081 (78.00”)
HC26X
H287-152 (152.00”)
--
HC21X
H287-120 (121.50”)
--
Table 2 –Chopper Basket Assemblies
Center
Wing
HC40FX
H687-106
H687-118
HC36FX
H687-100
H687-100
HC32FX
H687-082
H687-082
HC27FX
H687-068
H687-078
HC26X
H687-152
--
HC21X
H687-121
--

18
Hipper Tumbler®Basket Assembly
Item Part # Description
1 H622-212 2.25” Flange Bearing
1 Alternate H622-212-3 Bearing, Flange 2.25”4-Bolt Triple Seal
2 See Table 3 Tumbler Basket Assembly
3 602-1010Z Bolt, Hex 5/8-11 x 2.5”
4 616-1000Z Washer, 5/8” Flat
5 613-1000Z Nut, 5/8 –11 Nylock
Table 3 –Tumbler Basket Assemblies
Center
Wing
HT40FX
H684-104 (104.00”)
H684-116 (116.00”)
HT36FX
H684-100 (100.00”)
H684-100 (100.00”)
HT32FX
H684-082 (82.00”)
H684-082 (82.00”)
HT27FX
H684-068 (68.00”)
H684-078 (78.00”)
HT26X
H684-150 (150.00”)
--
HT21X
H684-120 (120.50”)
--