Brouwer RoboMax User manual

BROUWER
SOD
HARVESTER
Model: 4132506. New Holland
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Brouwer Turf
23324 Woodbine Avenue, Keswick Ontario Canada L4P 3E9
Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Web Site www.brouwerturf.com
[e-mail]
KM99173
April 2017
Revision D

Turf Harvester
Operator’s Manual
Contents
Foreword
Section 1. Safety
Section 2. Controls
Section 3. Operation
Section 4. Maintenance/Lubrication
Section 5. Adjustments
Section 6. Auto-Steer

Turf Harvester
Safety Precautions
IMPORTANT
The Owner and Operator, must assume responsibility for the safe operation of the machine, their own
safety, and the safety of others, by reading, understanding, and following, all of the safety instructions
and operating procedures as outlined in the machines Operator’s Manual.
Failure of the Owner or Operator to adhere to the recommended safety instructions and operating
procedures, indemnifies Brouwer Turf Equipment Inc. against any claims that may arise, due to accidents
resulting in personal injury or property damage.
It is not possible to list all situations that may affect the safety of the machine or the operator, and therefore
Brouwer cannot list all precautions, and identify all potential hazards, that may prevent accidents.
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND….ASK
BE A QUALIFIED OPERATOR BY ;
• Reading and obeying the instructions in this manual, the tractor manufacturers operator’s manual, and
the safety decals on the machine.
• Receiving operational training on the sod harvester.
• Asking your supervisor or equipment dealer to explain anything you do not understand.
• Explaining the written instructions in the operator’s manual and safety decals to user/operators who
cannot read or understand them.
WARNING
The Brouwer Robomax Turf Harvesters are designed for safe efficient operation and must not be used for any
purpose other than that for which they are designed.
Prior to being shipped from the manufacturer the machines are inspected to insure that all safety guards, shields
and warning/safety/operating decals are correctly positioned and secure
Before operating the machine the operator must check that all of the above items are correctly located.
The machine must not be used if any guards, shields or warning/operating decals are damaged or missing..
Your new Robomax Turf Harvester has been designed and built to give many years of outstanding performance.
The service and reliability you receive from this product will be affected by the proper maintenance and operation
of the machine.
Use only genuine Brouwer replacement parts. Parts not supplied by Brouwer may not meet Brouwer
specifications or standards of manufacture and may void warranty. The use of non-approved parts may result in
component failure and possibly cause in an accident to the operator or others.
IMPORTANT
MODEL NUMBER
The Model Number appears on sales literature
Technical manuals and price lists.
SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number applies only to the machine
to which it is allocated.
The serial number MUST be quoted when ordering
parts or calling for service or warranty

SAFETY
SECTION 1
SafetySymbols 1-1
Safe Operation 1-2
General Operating Safety 1-3/1-4
Maintenance Safety 1-4/1-6
Transport and Storage 1-7
Safe Service Procedure 1-7
TireService 1-7
Handling Chemicals 1-7
SafeWelding 1-8
Safety Warning Decals 1-9/1-11

WARNING
Unauthorized modifications may result in extreme
safety hazards to operators and bystanders, and
could result in damage to the machine.
Brouwer Turf Ltd. Warns against and strongly rejects
and disclaims against any modifications, add-on
accessories or product modifications that are not
designed, developed, tested and approved by
Brouwer Engineering Department.
Any Brouwer product that is altered or modified in
anyway that is not authorized, after original
manufacture, including after market accessories or
component parts that are not approved by Brouwer
Turf Ltd. will result in the machines warranty being
voided.
All liability for personal injury and/or property damage
caused by any unauthorized modifications, add-on
accessories or products not approved by Brouwer
Ltd. will be considered the responsibility of the
individual(s) or Company designing and/or making
such changes.
Brouwer Turf Ltd. will vigorously pursue full
indemnification and costs, from any party responsible
for unauthorized post manufacture modifications
and/or accessories, should personal injury and/or
property damage result from any of the above.
DANGER
TO PREVENT POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH :
Under no circumstances is any service or maint-
enance work to be performed on the machine
until :
• THE ENGINE IS SWITCHED OFF.
• THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED.
• THE CAB DOOR IS LOCKED.
SAFETY
This Symbol means :
• ATTENTION !
• BECOME ALERT !
Your safety and that of others is involved.
Signal word definitions.
The signal words below are used to identify levels of
‘hazard’ seriousness. These words appear in this
manual and on the safety decals that are placed on
the machine.
For your safety and that of others, read and follow the
information and instructions given with these signal
words and/or the symbol shown above.
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which if
not avoided WILL result in death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not
avoided COULD result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not
avoided MAY result in minor or moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices
or property damage.
CAUTION:
Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a
potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided
MAY result in property damage.
1-01

Safe Operation
Operator preparation and Training.
Read the RoboMax Operation and Safety Manual, and
also the tractor operating manual. They must be kept on
the machine at all times.
•If an operator or mechanic cannot read and
understand English, it is the owners respon-
sibility to explain the material contents to them.
•If any of the information or instructions in this
manual are not clear, contact your dealer or the
factory representative for clarification.
•Become familiar with the safe operation of the
machine, the operating controls and the safety
decals. If there are any questions concerning
safety, do not operate the machine until they are
clarified.
All safety guards and shields must be kept in
place and in good condition. All interlock switches
must be correctly adjusted.
•It is the owners responsibility to ensure that all
operators and service personnel are trained in
the proper operation and service procedures of
the machine.
•Wear appropriate work clothing, safety equipment
and work boots. Do not operate the machine with
loose clothing, long hair, or any jewelry, that may
get tangled in moving parts.
CAUTION
Wear suitable hearing protection such as
earmuffs or earplugs, to protect against hearing
impairment or hearing loss.
Operating equipment safely requires the full
attention of the operator. Do not wear radio or
music headphones while operating the machine.
•Never allow children or untrained persons to
operate this equipment. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
•Only the operator must be on the machine, never
allow riders on the machine. Riders can be
injured by foreign objects or can be thrown off the
machine. Also they may obstruct the ability of the
operator or the operators view resulting in unsafe
operation of the machine.
1-02
SAFETY
•The warning/safety decals must be kept clean,
legible, and undamaged. Do not operate the
machine if any decals are missing or damaged.
Obtain new decals from the factory.
•Do not operate the machine if drugs, alcohol or
medication are being used that can affect the
alertness or co-ordination of the operator.
Seek professional advice, before operating the
machine, if there is any doubt about the side
affects of any medication being taken that may
put your safety and that of others at risk.
•Keep animals and bystanders clear of the
machine, at a safe distance, when operating the
machine.
•The owner/operator is responsible for accidents
and/or injuries that may occur to themselves,
bystanders, or property that may occur as a result
of the operation of this machine.
Machine preparation
•Check the ‘operator presence’ interlock is
operating. Check tractor brake operation. Repair
or adjust any problem before operating the
machine.
•Do not tamper with or defeat safety devices.
Keep guards, shields and interlock safety devices
in place and in proper working condition. They
are for your protection.
•Check regularly that all fasteners, that is, nuts/
bolts, and retainer pins are secure.
•Check daily that the machine is in good working
condition. Check all tires for damage or excessive
wear.
•Use only accessories, attachments and
replacement parts that are approved by the
manufacturer.
WARNING
To prevent unauthorized persons having access
to the cab:
The cab door must be kept locked when in
service, and the key in possession of the
service person.
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND….ASK

General Operating Safety
• Ensure all persons are clear of the machine
before starting the tractor engine. Keep hands
and feet clear of the cutting unit and all moving
parts.
• Do not make sharp turns. Exercise care when
reversing and maneuvering. Look behind the
machine and downward when reversing.
• Keep all persons clear of the Robotic Arm
operating area and pallet cavity, it may move
suddenly and result in serious injury.
• Use counterweights or wheel weights only as
recommended in this manual.
• Exercise caution when approaching or crossing
roadways.
• Put the transmission in NEUTRAL and apply
the Parking Brake before dismounting. Leaving
the transmission in gear with the engine stopped
will not prevent the tractor from moving.
CAUTION
NEVER attempt to get on or off the machine
when it is moving.
Before leaving the operating position, place
the transmission in NEUTRAL, set the ‘park
brake’, lower the cutting heads and forks to
the ground, stop the engine and remove the
ignition key.
Starting the Tractor
WARNING
To avoid possible injury or death from a
runaway machine, DO NOTstart the engine
by shorting across the battery terminals.
The machine can start when in gear if the
normal safety circuitry is bypassed.
• Start only in accordance with the instructions in
this manual and also the tractor operators
manual.
• DO NOT use starting-aid fluid.
• Never start the engine from the ground. Start
only from the operator’s seat, with the
transmission in NEUTRAL and park brake ‘ON’.
SAFETY
Transporting
• Exercise caution when loading or unloading the
machine on or off a truck or trailer.
• Ensure that the machine is properly ‘blocked
and secured during transport.
Operating
• Do not change the engine governor setting,
or over-speed the engine.
WARNING
Work in a ventilated area, never operate
the engine without adequate exhaust
ventilation.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and
can be fatal if inhaled.
• Inspect the area to harvested and remove any
objects that may be hazardous or may cause an
injury.
• Operate with adequate light and avoid any holes
and other hazards.
Highway Operation
• To prevent collisions with other vehicles, slow
moving tractors with attachments, towed equip-
ment or self-propelled machines, frequently
check for traffic from the rear, particularly when
making turns, use turn signal lights.
• Slow down and exercise caution when making
turns and crossing roads and railway tracks.
• Use headlights, flashing warning lights and turn
signals day and night. Follow local regulations
for equipment lighting and marking.
Ensure that all lighting, signals and markings
are visible, clean and in good working order.
Repair or replace any lights, signals or marking
that is damaged or is missing.
• Couple brake pedals together for road travel.
To prevent Tipping
• Avoid holes, ditches, slopes, and obstacles that
may cause instability and the machine to tip.
1-03

SAFETY
WARNING
Never drive close to the edge of a gully or
steep embankment that may collapse and
cave-in, causing the machine to tip.
•Shift to a LOW gear before descending a
steep hill, to assist in braking and improving
your control of the machine.
Use engine braking to reduce speed before
applying the tractor brakes.
•Never coast down a hill, run-away machines
are liable to tip.
•Slow down and exercise caution when making
turns and changing direction on a slope.
Stopping Operation
•Before stopping the engine: Reduce the
engine speed to ‘SLOW’ and let it operate at
‘no load’ for five to ten minutes, to allow the
engine to cool down.
To safely park the machine:
•Stop it on level ground, move all controls to
the ‘OFF’ position. Lower the Cutter Head and
Forks to the ground. Put the transmission in
NEUTRAL, apply the brakes and stop the
engine. Before leaving the operator’s seat,
wait for the engine and moving/rotating parts
to stop. Remove the ignition key.
To free a ‘mired’ machine.
•Check that all towing devices are of adequate
size/strength to handle the load.
•Always attach to the Draw Bar of the towing
unit. Do not use the front attachment point.
Apply power smoothly to take up slack, a
sudden pull could ‘snap’ the towing device
causing it to ‘whip’ or ‘recoil’ dangerously.
Caution should be exercised when attempting to
free a machine that is stuck in mud. Hazards that can
occur when towing, and are to be avoided are:
•The towing tractor overturning.
•The tow chain failing and recoiling. (Use of a
cable is not recommended).
•Tow-bar failing.
•The harvester becoming unstable and tipping.
1-04
The following procedures are recommended;
•If possible reverse the machine out, if it is
‘mired’ in mud.
•Dig mud out from behind the wheels. Place
boards behind/under the wheels and reverse
out ‘slowly’. Keep bystanders clear of the
rear of the machine
•Dig mud out from in front of the wheels and
drive ahead ‘slowly’.
Maintenance Safety
WARNING
Do not service or repair this machine with
the attachments in the raised position, unless
they are securely blocked, or the safety
devices are engaged.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury
or death.
Do not enter the Forks/Piling Cavity area
when the engine is running.
•To attain maximum safety and the optimum
harvesting results, maintain your RoboMax
Harvester according to the recommended
schedules and instructions in this manual.
•When servicing or operating the machine do
not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can
entangle in machinery and cause personal
injury.
•Never allow untrained persons to operate or
service the machine.
•Allow the engine and rotating/moving parts to
come to a complete stop before attempting
any service or repair work.
•Disconnect the battery cables before making
any repairs, and before doing any welding on
the machine. Disconnect ‘negative’ first, then
‘positive’. Reconnect in the reverse order.
•Carefully release pressure from components
with ‘stored’ energy.
•Park the machine on smooth, firm, level
ground.
•Replace worn, damaged, or faulty parts with
parts supplied by the manufacturer.
•Before working on the machine, lower the
Cutter Head and Forks to the ground. If the
machine needs to be raised, use jack stands.
If left in a raised position hydraulic supports
can settle or ‘leak’ down.

Maintenance Safety
WARNING
Do not support the machine on cinder blocks,
hollow tiles, or props that may crumble under
continuous load.
Do not work under a machine that is supported
solely by a jack.
• To reduce fire hazards: Keep the engine,
muffler, battery compartment and fuel storage
area free of grass, leaves, debris or grease
build-up.
• Clean-up any fuel or oil spillage.
Handling Fuel
WARNING
• Exercise caution when refueling
Do not over-Fill. Fuels are flammable and
vapors are explosive. Avoid spillage. If using fuel
cans use only approved containers and
a funnel. Clean-up spills immediately.
• Do not smoke or allow naked flame
or cause sparks near the fuel.
Never drain or fill the fuel tank indoors.
• Never remove the Fuel Tank Cap or add
fuel when the engine is running or if it is hot.
• Never handle or store fuel containers near
an open flame or any device that may create
sparks and ignite the fuel or vapors.
• Ensure that the Closure Caps on the Fuel Tank,
and the containers, are replaced tight
and secure.
WARNING
To prevent sparks from static discharge:
• Do not fill containers in a vehicle, on a
truck, or a trailer bed that has a plastic liner.
Fill the containers on the ground, away from
the vehicle.
• Always keep the fuel dispenser nozzle in contact
with the rim of the fuel tank, or container
opening, until fueling is completed.
• Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Always be prepared in case of fire. Keep a first-
aid kit and fire extinguisher close to hand.
• Keep emergency numbers for fire, hospital,
ambulance services, and doctors close to your
telephone.
SAFETY
Hydraulic System
WARNING
The RoboMax Hydraulic System operates under
high pressure.
To prevent serious injury from hot, high pressure oil:
• Never check for leaks with bare hands.
Use cardboard, paper or wood.
• High pressure oil can penetrate the skin. If it is
injected into the skin it must be surgically
removed within a few hours, by a doctor familiar
with this type of injury. Failure to do so may
result in gangrene.
• Relieve high pressure before disconnecting
hydraulic lines or fittings.
• Fully tighten fittings and connections before
pressurizing the system.
• Lower Cutter Head and Forks to the ground,
disengage all drives, apply the park brake, stop
the engine and remove the ignition key, before
inspecting or disconnecting hydraulic lines or
fittings.
• Visually check daily all hydraulic hoses, tubes
and fittings for leaks. Replace any worn or
damaged hoses, tubes or fittings before
operating the machine.
• Replacement hoses or tubes must be routed in
the same location and path. Do not move
clamps, brackets or ties to new locations.
• Thoroughly inspect all hoses, tubes and fittings
every 300 hours.
IMPORTANT
To prevent serious damage to the hydraulic
system components, do not allow any contaminants to
enter the hydraulic system. Clean thoroughly around all
fittings and areas to be worked on. Cap and plug any
connections that are disconnected.
• Before disconnecting, tag or mark the location of
the connection.
• Check that ‘O-Rings’ are clean and hose fittings
are properly seated before tightening.
• Align the hoses without twisting. Twisted hoses
can cause couplings to loosen as the hose
flexes during operation, resulting in oil leaks.
• Kinked or twisted hoses can restrict the oil flow
causing the system to malfunction, the oil to
overheat and possible hose failure.
1-05

SAFETY
Cooling System
WARNING
To prevent serious injury from hot coolant
and steam, DO NOT remove the radiator
cap when the engine is running and/or hot.
Allow the engine and system to cool, and
use caution when removing the radiator cap.
• Do not operate the engine without the recom-
mended coolant mixture.
• Add top-up coolant into the recovery tank
NOT
directly to the radiator
• Ensure that the radiator cap is tight and
secure.
• If the radiator cap must be removed, stop the
engine and allow the cooling system to cool,
until the cap is cool to the touch. Loosen it
slowly to relieve pressure, before removing
completely.
Battery Service
WARNING
The sulfuric acid in the battery electrolyte is
poisonous. It can cause serious skin burns
and blindness if splashed in the eyes.
CAUTION
Always wear protective glasses/goggles,
and protective clothing and use insulated
tools when working with batteries.
Read, understand, and obey all battery manuf-
acturers instructions and warnings.
Battery posts, terminals and relate accessories
contain lead, lead compounds and chemicals,
wash your hands after handling them.
Avoid Hazards By:
• Fill/top-up batteries in a well ventilated area.
• Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.
• Avoid breathing fumes.
• Avoid spilling, splashing or dripping
electrolyte.
• Follow proper ‘jump-start’ procedure.
If acid is splashed on your person:
• Flush the affected skin with water.
• Apply baking soda, or lime, to help neutralize
the acid.
• Flush your eyes with water for 15 to 30
minutes. Get medical help immediately.
1-06
If acid is swallowed:
• Do not induce vomiting
• Drink large quantities of water or milk, but do
not exceed 2 liters (2 Quarts).
• Get medical help immediately.
Battery Charging
• Charge batteries in an open well ventilated
area, away from sparks or open flame.
• Unplug the charger before connecting or
disconnecting the battery.
Jump Starting
• Check that the Jumper cables are in good
condition.
• Turn the ignition and all electrical accessories
‘OFF’, on both machines.
• Position the machine with the ‘charged’
battery close to, but not touching, the
machine with the dead battery, to ensure that
the cables will easily reach.
Connecting the Cables
• Do not allow the cable clamps to touch any
metal parts except those intended.
• Never connect the positive ‘+’ (red) terminal
to the negative ‘-‘ (black) terminal.
• Ensure that the cables cannot get caught in
moving engine parts when starting.
• Connect one end of the positive ‘+’ (red)
cable to the positive ‘-‘ terminal on one
battery. Connect the other end to the
positive ‘+’ terminal on the other battery
• Connect one end of the negative ‘-‘ (black)
cable to the negative ‘-‘ terminal on the
‘charged’ battery. Connect the other end of
the cable to the engine block on the
machine with the ‘dead’ battery.
• Start the machine that has the ‘charged’
battery, then start the machine that has the
‘dead’ battery.
• Remove the jumper cables in the exact
reverse order of connecting. Do not allow the
cable clamps to touch any metal parts while
the other end is connected to a battery
terminal.
IMPORTANT
Keep the battery terminals clean. Smear them
with white grease to prevent corrosion.
The positive terminal (red) protective cover must
be kept in place.

Transporting and Storage
• If the machine should become disabled, and
cannot be moved under its own power, it
should not be towed, as it would be extremely
difficult to steer and stop it.
• It is recommended that it be transported on a
flat-bed carrier or a truck/trailer. Use chains to
secure the machine on the carrier.
Storage
IMPORTANT
If the Harvester is to be stored ‘inside’ keep the
doors open to ensure good ventilation until the
procedure below is complete.
• Stop the engine and allow it to fully cool down.
• Drain the fuel tank into an approved container
and shut off the fuel. Store the fuel in a cool dry
location.
• Disconnect the battery cables.
• Keep the Harvester and fuel containers in a
locked, secure storage place, to prevent
tampering, and children from playing in the
area.
• Do not store the Harvester of fuel containers
close to heating appliances with an open flame,
such as a water heater with a pilot light.
Safe Service Procedures
• Do not service the harvester when it is moving
or the engine is running.
• When servicing a four wheel drive machine,
when necessary raise front and rear wheels
off the ground. This is to prevent the machine
being pulled of the jack stands if power is
applied to the wheels.
• Tighten the wheel lug nuts to the correct torque
as specified in the maintenance section.
• Refit all safety guards and shields that may
have been removed during service.
Tire Service
WARNING
Do not operate the harvester if any of the tires are
badly worn or damaged.
The left rear wheel/tire assembly is loaded with a
Calcium Chloride solution and is extremely heavy
(934 lb). Exercise caution when removing or
replacing it. Use suitable tools and equipment and
hoist equipment with adequate lift capacity.
It is recommended that only experienced and
qualified personnel dismantle wheel assemblies.
SAFETY
CAUTION
Operating the machine with loose wheel lug nuts
will result in damage to, and require the replace-
ment of, wheel assembly components.
• Always maintain the correct tire pressures. Do
not inflate tires above the recommended oper-
ating pressure shown on the side wall.
WARNING
Never weld or heat a wheel/tire assembly. The heat
can cause increased air pressure and result in the
tire exploding. Explosive separation of tire and rim
components can result in serious injury or death
• When inflating tires use a clip-on chuck, and a
air hose that is long enough to allow you to
stand to one side of the wheel, not in front or
over it. Use a safety cage if one is available.
Handling Chemical Products
CAUTION
To prevent serious personal injury avoid direct
exposure to hazardous chemicals. Potential
hazardous chemicals include : fuels, lubricants,
coolants, paints and adhesives.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Material Safety Data Sheets provide specific details on
chemical products that affect:
• Physical and personal health hazards.
• Safety procedures.
• Emergency response techniques.
It is recommended that the MSDS data is checked
before a job is started that involves a hazardous
chemical. This informs of the possible risks and the
safest way to proceed. Follow carefully the recom-
mendations.
Proper Waste Disposal
• Improper disposal of waste material is harmful
to the environment. Some potentially harmful
products used on machines are: oil, fuel, filters
coolant, brake fluid, and batteries.
• Use leak proof containers when draining fluids.
Do not use food or beverage containers that
someone may mistakenly drink from.
• Do not pour waste fluids onto the ground,
down a drain or into any natural water source.
• Air conditioning refrigerants are harmful to the
atmosphere. Government regulations may
require a certified technician to service and
properly recover and recycle refrigerants.
1-07

SAFETY
• Before disposing of waste material, enquire at your local environmental or recycling facility
for instructions on proper waste disposal.
Welding on Painted Areas
CAUTION
Hazardous fumes are generated when paint is heated when welding, soldering, or using a torch.
The use an approved respirator is recommended when welding, sanding or grinding on painted
areas, to avoid the inhalation of fumes or dust.
• It is recommended that paint be removed a minimum of 4 inches (100mm) from around
the area to be affected by heating.
• If solvent or stripper is used, wash them off with soapy water before doing any welding.
Remove any stripper or solvent containers and other flammable material from the area.
Allow a minimum of 15 minutes for fumes to disperse before welding.
• Do not use chlorinated solvent in areas where welding will be done. Do all work in an area
that is well ventilated to allow fumes and/or dust to disperse.
CAUTION
Do not weld, solder or use a torch close to pressurized fluid lines, that may cause them to burst.
Flammable spray can be generated by burst fluid lines resulting in severe burn injury to
yourself and bystanders.
CAUTION
Exercise extreme caution when removing/installing
controller connections and verify proper locations.
1-08

D001-222