Bush Hog 3715 User manual

OPERATION ll MAINTENANCE
06/09 Rev.1 $4.00 50029874
Model 3715/3710
Flex-Wing Rotary Cutter
Operator’s Manual
BUSH HOG®

CON RATULATIONS!
You have invested in the best implement of its type on the market today.
The care you give your Bush Hog implement will greatly determine your satisfaction with its per-
formance and its service life. We urge a careful study of this manual to provide you with a thor-
ough understanding of your new implement before operating, as well as suggestions for
operation and maintenance.
If your manual should become lost or destroyed, Bush Hog will be glad to provide you with a
new copy. Order from Bush Hog, 2501 riffin Ave., Selma, Alabama 36703. Most of our man-
uals can also be downloaded from our website at www.bushhog.com
As an authorized Bush Hog dealer, we stock genuine Bush Hog parts which are manufactured
with the same precision and skill as our original equipment. Our trained service personnel are
well informed on methods required to service Bush Hog equipment,and are ready and able to
help you.
Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact us.
YOUR AUTHORIZED
BUSH HO DEALER
BECAUSE BUSH HO MAINTAINS AN ON OIN PRO RAM
OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, WE RESERVE THE RI HT
TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN DESI N OR CHAN ES IN
SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT INCURRIN ANY OBLI ATION
TO INSTALL THEM ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD.
BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME PHOTO-
RAPHS IN THIS MANUAL WERE TAKEN OF PROTOTYPE
MODELS, PRODUCTION MODELS MAY VARY IN SOME DE-
TAIL. IN ADDITION, SOME PHOTO RAPHS MAY SHOW
SHIELDS REMOVED FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY. NEVER
OPERATE T IS IMPLEMENT WIT OUT ALL S IELDS IN
PLACE.

3715/3710 ROTARY CUTTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION/PARA PAGE
Warranty ................................................2
Dealer Preparation Check List...............3
Safety Alert Symbols..............................4
Safety Precautions.................................5
Federal Laws and Regulations ..............6
I. INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION ......7
1-1 Introduction......................................7
1-2 Description.......................................7
II. PREPARATION FOR USE....................8
2-1 Attaching To Tractor .......................8
2-2 Optional Valve Mounting
Bracket Installation..........................8
2-3 Pitch Adjustment..............................8
2-4 Wing Adjustment..............................9
III.OPERATIN INSTRUCTIONS............10
3-1 eneral Safety...............................10
3-2 Transporting...................................10
3-3 Operation.......................................10
SECTION/PARA PAGE
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
UNDER T E BUS OG WARRANTY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator’s Manual, to op-
erate, lubricate, maintain and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety
procedures. Failure of the operator to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this equipment.
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to inspect the product and to have any
part(s) repaired or replaced when continued operation would cause damage or excessive wear
to other parts or cause a safety hazard.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized Bush Hog
Dealer, from whom he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are cov-
ered by warranty. Repairs to be submitted for warranty consideration must be made within
forty-five (45) days of failure.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or
hauling of the product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.
1
IV.MAINTENANCE..................................11
4-1 Maintenance Check List ................11
4-2 Lubrication.....................................11
4-3 Blade Replacement .......................13
4-4 Slip Clutch Operational Check.......13
4-5 Slip Clutch Adjustment...................13
4-6 Troubleshooting.............................13
V.ASSEMBLY..........................................17
5-1 Model 3715 Assembly ...................17
5-2 Model 3710 Assembly ...................21
5-3 Safety Chain Installation................21
5-4 Band Installation............................22
5-5 Front Belting ..................................22
Hydraulic Diagrams.....................23 & 24
Safety Decals ..............................25 & 26
Torque Specifications ..........................27

LIMITED WARRANTY
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Bush Hog warrants to the original purchaser of any new Bush Hog equipment, purchased from an au-
thorized Bush Hog dealer, that the equipment be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
one (1) year for non-commercial, state and municipalities’ use and ninety (90) days for commercial use from date
of retail sale. Model 3715 / 3710 gearboxes are covered by a five (5) year limited warranty period. The obligation
of Bush Hog to the purchaser under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of defective parts.
Replacement or repair parts installed in the equipment covered by this limited warranty are warranted for
ninety (90) days from the date of purchase of such part or to the expiration of the applicable new equip-ment war-
ranty period, whichever occurs later. Warranted parts shall be provided at no cost to the user at an authorized Bush
Hog dealer during regular working hours. Bush Hog reserves the right to inspect any equipment or parts which
are claimed to have been defective in material or workmanship.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES & CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Bush Hog’s obligation under this limited warranty, to the extent allowed by law, is in lieu of all warranties, implied
or expressed, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERC ANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTIC-
ULAR PURPOSE and any liability for incidental and consequential damages with respect to the sale or use of the
items warranted. Such incidental and consequential damages shall include but not be limited to: transportation
charges other than normal freight charges; cost of installation other than cost approved by Bush Hog; duty; taxes;
charges for normal service or adjustment; loss of crops or any other loss of income; rental of substitute equipment,
expenses due to loss, damage, detention or delay in the delivery of equipment or parts resulting from acts beyond
the control of Bush Hog.
T IS LIMITED WARRANTY S ALL NOT APPLY:
1. To vendor items which carry their own warranties, such as engines, tires, and tubes.
2. If the unit has been subjected to misapplication, abuse, misuse, negligence, fire or other accident.
3. If parts not made or supplied by Bush Hog have been used in connection with the unit, if, in the sole judge-
ment of Bush Hog such use affects its performance, stability or reliability.
4. If the unit has been altered or repaired outside of an authorized Bush Hog dealership in a manner
which, in the sole judgement of Bush Hog, affects its performance, stability or reliability.
5. To normal maintenance service and normal replacement items such as gearbox lubricant, hydraulic fluid,
worn blades, or to normal deterioration of such things as belts and exterior finish due to use or
exposure.
6. To expendable or wear items such as teeth, chains, sprockets, belts, springs and any other items that in the
company’s sole judgement is a wear item.
NO EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF BUSH HO IS AUTHORIZED TO CHAN E THIS LIMITED WAR-
RANTY IN ANY WAY OR RANT ANY OTHER WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH CHAN E IS MADE IN WRITIN
AND SI NED BY BUSH HO ’S SERVICE MANA ER, 2501 RIFFIN AVE., SELMA, ALABAMA 36703.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Record the model number, serial number and date
purchased. This information will be helpful to your
dealer if parts or service are required.
MAKE CERTAIN THE WARRANTY INFORMATION
HAS BEEN FILED ONLINE WITH BUSH HO
SELMA, ALABAMA
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF RETAIL SALE
2

DEALER PREPARATION CHECK LIST
3715 / 3710 ROTARY CUTTER
BEFORE DELIVERIN MACHINE — The following check list should be completed.
Use the Operator’s Manual as a guide.
r1. Assembly completed.
r2. earbox filled with oil.
r3. All fittings lubricated.
r4. All shields in place and in good condition.
r5. All fasteners torqued to specifications given in Torque Chart.
r6. Slip clutches have been checked for proper operation.
r7. All decals in place and readable. (See decal page.)
r8. Overall condition good (i.e. paint, welds)
r9. Operators manual has been delivered to owner and he has been instructed
on the safe and proper use of the cutter.
r10. Warranty information has been filed online with Bush Hog.
r11. Purchaser or dealer elects to delete deflectors. (front belting, rear bands, front
and rear chains)
Explanation:
r12. Purchaser or dealer elects to delete tow chain.
Explanation:
Dealer’s Signature
Purchaser’s Signature
T IS C ECKLIST TO REMAIN IN OWNER’S MANUAL
It is the responsibility of the dealer to complete the procedures listed
above before delivery of this implement to the customer.
WARNING
For Non-Agricultural use, OSHA, ASAE, SAE and ANSI standards require the use of Chain uards or
other protective guards at all times. Bush Hog strongly recommends the use of such guards for Agricul-
tural uses as well, to reduce the risk of property damage, serious bodily injury or even death from objects
thrown out by or from contact with the cutting blades.
3

Safety Alert Symbol
This Safety Alert Symbol means: “ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!”
This symbol is used to call attention to safety
precautions that should be followed by the oper-
ator to avoid accidents. When you see this sym-
bol, carefully read the message that follows and
heed its advice. Failure to comply with safety pre-
cautions could result in death or serious bodily
injury.
Safety Signs Signal Words
The signal words DANGER, WARNING, AND CAUTION are used on the equipment safety signs. These words
are intended to alert the viewer to the existence and the degree of hazard seriousness.
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
White letters on RED
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Black letters on ORANGE
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation exist
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Black letters on YELLOW
4

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This symbol is used to call attention to safety
precautions that should be followed by the op-
erator to avoid accidents. When you see this
symbol, carefully read the message that follows
and heed its advice. Failure to comply with
safety precautions could result in serious bod-
ily injury.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are
dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training of personnel in the operation, trans-
port, maintenance and storage of equipment. Lack of attention to safety can result in accident, personal injury,
reduction of efficiency and worst of all—loss of life. Watch for safety hazards and correct deficiencies promptly.
Use the following safety precautions as a general guide to safe operations when using thismachine. Additional
safety precautions are used throughout this manual for specific operating and maintenance procedures. Read this
manual and review the safety precautions often until you know the limitations.
1. Read the Operator’s Manual. Failure to read the Operator’s Manual is considered a misuse of this equip-
ment.
2. Become familiar with all the machine’s controls and all the caution, warning and danger decals affixed to the
machine before attempting to start or operate.
3. Before starting or operating the machine, make a walk around inspection and check for obvious defects
such as loose mounting bolts and damaged components. Correct any deficiency before starting.
4. Do not allow children to operate the cutter. Do not allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.
5. Do not carry passengers.
6. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. The operator should
cease mowing whenever anyone comes within the operating area.
7. Clear the work area of objects which might be picked up and thrown.
8. Use a piece of cardboard or wood rather than hands to search for hydraulic leaks. Escaping hydraulic oil
under pressure can penetrate skin. If fluid is injected into the skin, it must be surgically removed within a
few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may result.
9. Do not operate without all guards and shields in place and in good condition.
10. Lower implement to ground, stop tractor engine, apply parking brake, and allow blades to completely stop
before leaving the tractor.
11. Keep hands and feet away from blades.
12. This cutter is not to be operated along highways or in any area where people may be present unless all
sides of the unit are enclosed by permanent bands, safety chains or other factory approved safety shields that
are in good repair.
13. Wear personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, protection for eyes, ears, feet, hands and
head when operating or repairing the equipment. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that may catch on
equipment moving parts.
14. When performing adjustments or maintenance on the cutter, first lower it to the ground or block it securely at a
workable height.
15. Never stand between tractor and cutter while tractor is being backed to the cutter hitch.
16. Reduce speed when transporting cutter to avoid bouncing and momentary loss of steering.
17. Use tractor flashing warning lights, day or night, when transporting cutter on road or highways unless prohibit-
ed by law.
18. Stand clear of wing(s) when raising or lowering.
19. Purge air from hydraulic system before attempting to raise or lower wings.
20. In the event that someone other than yourself will operate this equipment we firmly suggest that all SAFETY
references be discussed prior to operation.
21. It is recommended that tractor be equipped with Rollover Protective System (ROPS) enclosed cab, and a
seat belt. 5

IMPORTANT FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS* CONCERNING
EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS.
*(This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of the following federal laws and
regulations. It is not intended as a legal interpretation of the laws and should not be considered as such).
U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA
This Act Seeks:
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working
conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer—
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment
which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under
this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards
and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are
applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OS A Regulations
Current OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter,
the employer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which
the employee is, or will be involved.” These will include (but are not limited to) instructions to:
Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;
Permit no riders on equipment;
Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before
servicing, adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be
running to be properly serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees
as to all steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.
Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating
the machine.
Child Labor Under 16 Years Old
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your
responsibility to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of
Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)
EMPLOYEE TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a
ROPS.
2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near
ditches, embankments, and holes.
3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and
on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces.
4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at row
ends, on roads, and around trees.
6. Do not permit others to ride.
7. Operate the tractor smoothly - no jerky turns,
starts, or stops.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recom-
mended by tractor manufacturers.
9. When tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and
use park lock if available.
6

1-1 INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to have you as a Bush Hog
customer. Your Model 3715/3710 Flex Wing Rotary
Cutter has been carefully designed to give maximum
service with minimum down time. This manual is pro-
vided to give you the necessary operating and main-
tenance instructions for keeping your rotary cutter in
top operating condition. Please read this manual thor-
oughly. Understand what each control is for and how
to use it. Observe all safety precautions decaled on
the machine and noted throughout the manual for safe
operation of implement. If any assistance or additional
information is needed, contact your authorized Bush
Hog dealer.
NOTE
All references made in this manual to right, left, front,
rear, top or bottom are as viewed facing the direction
of forward travel with implement properly attached to
tractor.
1-2 DESCRIPTION
The Model 3715 Rotary Cutter (Figure 1-1) consists
of a center unit with two variable position wings to-
gether having a cutting width of 15 feet (4.6m). The
Model 3710 Rotary Cutter consists of a center unit
with one variable position wing together having a cut-
ting width of 10 feet (3m). Wing operating angles and
machine cutting height are independently controlled
using hydraulic cylinders. A self-leveling linkage main-
tains a level cutter at all cutting heights. Power from
the tractor PTO is split at the power divider gearbox
and supplied to each of the blade gearboxes. Each
blade gearbox has two free-swinging uplift blades de-
signed to cut grass, corn stalks and brush. Free-
swinging blades reduce the shock of impact when a
stationary object is hit. Slip clutches are installed on
each gearbox for additional protection. Front and rear
discharge shields are included as standard equip-
ment. (Note: Dealer or purchaser may elect to
delete at their option). Machine specifications are
given in Table 1-1
TABLE 1-1 SPECIFICATIONS
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188 in. (477.5 cm)
Transport Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96 in. (243.8 cm)
Transport Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 in. (208.3 cm)
Working Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186 in. (472.4 cm)
Cutting Height . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14 in. (5.1 - 35.6 cm)
Cutting Capacity . . . .Through 3-1/2 in. (89 mm) dia.
Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1/2 x 4 in.
(12.7 x 101.6 mm) uplift
Blade Overlap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 in. (15.2 cm)
Blade Tip Speed . . . .16,289 RPM @ 540 PTO RPM
16,000 RPM @ 1000 PTO RPM
earbox Horsepower . . . . . . .Power divider 235 HP
Center & Wing earbox 190 HP
Minimum Required
Tractor Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 HP
Wing Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90° up to 22° down
7
Figure 1-1 Major Components
Hose Holder Rod
Jackstand
(Mount is adjustable to allow vertical po-
sitioning of jackstand - See Fig. 5-8)
Power Divider earbox Wing Lift Cylinder Height Adjustment Cylinder
Blade earbox
Axle
Spindle Assembly
Laminated
Tire
Replaceable
Wing Skid
Driveline Retainer
Discharge Shield
Wing Hinge
Safety Decal
Location
Wing Transport
Lock
Replaceable
Skid
Tongue
Self Leveling
Clevis Hitch
Driveline
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION

2-2 OPTIONAL VALVE MOUNTING
BRACKET INSTALLATION (Figure 2-2)
A. Place bottom bracket at desired mounting loca-
tion. Mark 2-4 holes (as needed) for drilling using
bracket as pattern. Drill holes using 13/32 drill bit.
B. Mount lower bracket using four 3/8 x 1-1/2” bolts,
nuts, flatwashers and lockwashers.
C. Attach valve to top bracket using three 3/8” x 2-
1/2” bolts, nuts and lockwashers.
D. Mount top bracket to bottom bracket using quar-
ter turn fasteners. Insert quarter turn fastener into clip-
on receptacle and turn 90 degrees.
Figure 2-1
Tractor Drawbar Adjustment
8
E. Connect hydraulic lines to tractor auxiliary out-
let(s).
F. Unpin wing lift cylinders at rod end. Fully ex-
tend cylinders by pulling on clevis. Retract cylin-
ders using hydraulic valve. This removes most of
the air from cylinder. Repin cylinders.
. Attach driveline on tractor and cutter with constant
velocity joint at tractor. Pull on each driveline section to
be sure yokes lock into place. Make certain driveline
shielding is in place and in good condition.
H. If optional pillow block driveline assembly is used,
slide spacer bushing onto end of jackshaft before in-
stalling driveline. This will insure proper space will be
maintained between the bearing and the driveline yoke.
(Figure 5-15)
I. Attach driveline shield chains from both ends of dri-
veline shielding to stationary location. NOTE: The
shield around the constant velocity joint should not
be chained in place.
J. Remove jackshaft and pin in storage position on
deck.
B. Raise cutter using jackstand until tongue is at
drawbar height.
C. Connect cutter to tractor using 1-inch (25.4mm)
diameter approved pin with lynch pin retainer or equiv-
alent.
D. If optional valve is used, mount as desired. If op-
tional valve mounting bracket is used with valve, at-
tach to tractor as described in paragraph 2-2.
2-1 ATTAC ING TO TRACTOR
A. IMPORTANT - Adjust tractor drawbar length
to dimension shown in Figure 2-1. Incorrect draw-
bar length will change angle of driveline causing
possible damage to constant velocity joint. Do
not use PTO adapters. Use of PTO adapters will
invalidate your warranty. See operator’s manual for
drawbar adjustment procedures.
CAUTION
USE A PIECE OF CARDBOARD OR WOOD RAT ER
T AN ANDS AND WEAR EYE PROTECTION W EN
SEARC ING FOR YDRAULIC LEAKS. ESCAPING Y-
DRAULIC OIL UNDER PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE
SKIN. IF OIL IS INJECTED INTO SKIN, IT MUST BE SUR-
GICALLLY REMOVED WIT IN A FEW OURS BY A
DOCTOR OR GANGRENE MAY RESULT.
2-3 PITC ADJUSTMENT
The pitch of the cutter (front to rear) is controlled by
adjusting the linkage rods (Figure 2-3). Shortening
the linkage rod assemblies will raise the front of
the cutter. Lengthening the linkage rod assem-
blies will lower the front of the cutter. The pitch
adjustment is primarily for compensating for the dif-
ferent height of tractor drawbars. It should be noted
that altering linkage rod length requires the cutting
height to be reset also. As described in the following,
it can also be used to alter the cutting performance.
Note that operating the cutter at any pitch other than
parallel to the ground will produce a slightly uneven
cut.
Figure 2-2
Valve Bracket
Installation
3/8” ex Nut
3/8” Lockwasher
ydraulic
Valve
Valve Plate
3/8” x 2-1/2” Capscrew
(3 Furnished)
Base
Plate
Tractor Fender
3/8 x 1- 1/2” Capscrew
3/8” Flatwasher
3/8” Lockwasher
3/8” ex Nut
SECTION II
PREPARATION FOR USE