Bush Hog M146 User manual

BUSH HOG®
ASSEMBLY ● OPERATION ● MAINTENANCE
401 $4.00 50029373
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Front End Loaders
M146 / M246

CONGRATULATIONS!
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 performance and its service life. We urge a careful study of this manual to provide
you with a thorough 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, P. O. Box 1039, Selma, Alabama 36702-1039.
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 HOG DEALER
BECAUSE BUSH HOG MAINTAINS AN ONGOING
PROGRAM OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, WE
RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN
DESIGN OR CHANGES IN SPECIFICATIONS WITH-
OUT INCURRING ANY OBLIGATION TO INSTALL
THEM ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD.
BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME
PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS MANUAL WERE TAKEN OF
PROTOTYPE MODELS, PRODUCTION MODELS MAY
VARY IN SOME DETAIL. IN ADDITION, SOME
PHOTOGRAPHS MAY SHOW SHIELDS REMOVED
FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY. NEVER OPERATE
THIS IMPLEMENT WITHOUT ALL SHIELDS IN PLACE.

M146/M246 Front End Loader
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION/PARA PAGE
Warranty ............................................................2
Dealer Preparation Check List...........................3
Safety Alert Symbols..........................................4
Safety Precautions.............................................5
Federal Laws & Regulations..............................7
I INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION ..................8
1-1 Introduction..................................................8
1-2 Description...................................................8
II LOADER MOUNTING & DISMOUNTING........10
2-1 Preparing Tractors.....................................10
2-2 Mounting Loader........................................10
2-3 Dismounting Loader ..................................12
III OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........................13
3-1 General Safety...........................................13
3-2 Pre Operation ............................................13
3-3 Initial Loader Operation .............................13
3-4 External Loader and/or Tractor Valve........14
3-5 Loader Mounted or Tractor Mounted
Single Lever Control Handle............................14
3-6 Loader Mounted or Tractor Mounted Two
Control Handles...............................................14
3-7 Neutral Position .........................................14
3-8 Float Position.............................................14
3-9 Loader Sense Loader Valve......................14
3-10 Loader Operation.....................................15
3-11 Removing Air From Hydraulic System.......15
3-12 Hose Identification...................................15
1
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
UNDER THE BUSH HOG WARRANTY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator’s Manual, to operate, lubricate,
maintain and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures. Failure of the opera-
tor 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 covered 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.
3-13 Bucket Level Indicator Rod......................15
3-14 Transporting.............................................20
3-15 Fork Lift Operation...................................20
3-16 Quick Hitch Operation..............................21
IV MAINTENANCE...............................................22
4-1 Maintenance Check List............................22
4-2 Lubrication.................................................22
4-3 Hydraulic System
Pressure Requirements.............................23
4-4 Troubleshooting ........................................23
V ASSEMBLY......................................................25
5-1 Tractor Preparation....................................25
5-2 Tractor Ballast............................................26
5-3 Installation..................................................26
5-4 Hydraulic Hookup ......................................26
5-5 Valve Mounting M146 Small Valve............27
5-6 Valve Mounting M146 Series Valve...........28
5-7 Valve Mounting M246 Small Valve............29
5-8 Valve Mounting M246 Series Valve...........30
5-9 Power Beyond Kit......................................31
5-10 Mounting Bracket Eyebolt........................32
5-11 Standard Bucket & Level Indicator Rod...32
5-12 Skid Steer Quick Hitch.............................33
5-13 Fork Lift Option........................................33
Safety Decals...................................................34
Torque Specifications ......................................36
SECTION/PARA PAGE

BUSH HOG®
LIMITED WARRANTY
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Bush Hog warrants to the original purchaser of any new Bush Hog equipment, purchased from an
authorized 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. 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 warranty 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 equip-
ment 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 war-
ranties, implied or expressed, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR 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.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL 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 HOG IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THIS LIM-
ITED WARRANTY IN ANY WAY OR GRANT ANY OTHER WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH CHANGE IS MADE
IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY BUSH HOG’S SERVICE MANAGER, POST OFFICE BOX 1039, SELMA,
ALABAMA 36702-1039.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
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 REGISTRATION
CARD HAS BEEN FILED WITH BUSH HOG/
SELMA, ALABAMA
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF RETAIL SALE
2

DEALER PREPARATION CHECK LIST
M146 & M246 LOADERS
BEFORE DELIVERING MACHINE - The following check list should be completed.
Use the Operator’s Manual as a guide.
❏ Machine properly assembled.
❏ All safety decals readable. (See decal page)
❏ All bolts tightened to torque specifications given in torque chart.
❏ Machine operates properly.
❏ Customer has appropriate mounting kit for his tractor and loader.
❏ Customer has appropriate attachments for loader operations. ( Buckets for lifting loose
materials; bale spear for lifting round bales; fork lift for lifting palletized material)
❏ Operators manual has been delivered to owner and he has been instructed on the safe
and proper use of the front end loader.
Dealer’s Signature
THIS CHECK LIST TO REMAIN IN OPERATOR’S MANUAL
It is the responsibility of the dealer to complete the procedures listed
above before delivery of this implement to the customer.
CAUTION
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRACTOR BE
EQUIPPED WITH ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE SYS-
TEM (ROPS) AND SEAT BELT BE USED FOR ALL
LOADER OPERATIONS.
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
operator to avoid accidents. When you see this
symbol, carefully read the message that follows
and heed its advice. Failure to comply with safe-
ty precautions 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 safe-
ty precautions that should be followed by
the operator 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 death or serious bodily 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, transport, 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 this machine. 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.
THE TRACTOR
1. Read the tractor operator’s manual to learn how to operate your tractor safely. Failure to do so could result in seri-
ous injury or death and equipment damage.
2. It is recommended that tractor be equipped with Rollover Protective System (ROPS) and a seat belt be used for all
loader operations.
3. Add wheel ballast or rear weight for stability.
4. Move wheels to the tractor manufacturer’s widest recommended settings to increase stability.
5. For better stability, use tractor with wide front axle rather than tricycle front wheels.
6. Move and turn the tractor at low speeds.
7. Stop tractor engine, place transmission in park (or neutral), engage parking brake, lower loader arms to ground,
cycle all hydraulic controls to relieve pressure, allow machine moving parts to stop, remove ignition key to prevent
unauthorized person from starting engine before dismounting tractor or servicing, repairing, or making adjustments
to the equipment.
8. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as, but not limited to, protection for eyes, ears, lungs, head, hands
and feet when operating, servicing, or repairing equipment. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that may catch
and entangle on equipment moving parts.
THE LOADER
1. Read the loader operator’s manual to learn how to operate your loader safely. Failure to do so could result in seri-
ous injury or death and equipment damage.
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. Improper use of a loader can cause serious injury or death.
4. Do not lift or carry anybody on the loader or in the bucket or attachment.
5. Never allow anyone to get under the loader bucket or reach through the booms when the bucket is raised.
6. Do not walk or work under a raised loader bucket or attachment unless it is is securely blocked or held in position
7. Avoid overhead wires and obstacles when loader is raised. Contacting electrical lines can cause electrocution.
8. Make sure all parked loaders on stands are on a hard, level surface.
9. Use a piece of cardboard or wood rather than hands and wear eye protection when searching for hydraulic leaks.
Escaping hydraulic oil under pressure can penetrate skin. If oil is injected into skin, it must be surgically removed
within a few hours by a doctor or gangrene may result.
5

10. Before disconnecting hydraulic lines, relieve all hydraulic pressure.
11. Do not tamper with the relief valve setting. The relief valve is pre-set at the factory. Changing the setting can
cause overloading the loader and tractor and serious operator injury may result.
12. Always wear safety goggles when repairing or servicing machine.
13. When servicing or replacing pins in cylinder ends, buckets, etc., always use a brass drift and hammer. Failure to
do so could result in injury from flying fragments.
14. Replace damaged or illegible safety decals. See decal page for required decals.
15. Do not modify or alter or permit anyone else to modify or alter the loader, any of its components or any loader
function without first consulting your local dealer.
OPERATING THE LOADER
1. It is the loader owner’s responsibility to instruct and have a person read operator’s manual, safety decals and
become familiar with machine controls before allowing them to operate loader.
2. Do not allow children to operate the loader.
3. Before starting or operating the equipment, make a walk around inspection and check for loose or damaged
components. Correct any deficiency before starting.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children. The operator should cease operation
whenever anyone comes within the operating area.
5. Operate the loader from the “Operator’s Seat Only.”
6. Exercise caution when operating the loader with a raised loaded bucket, fork, or large round hay bale handling
attachments.
7. Avoid loose fill, rocks and holes. They can be dangerous for loader operation or movement.
8. Be extra careful when working on inclines.
9. Allow for the loader length when making turns.
10. Stop the loader arms gradually when lowering or lifting.
11. Use caution when handling loose or shiftable loads.
12. Carry loader arms at a low position during transport.
13. Lower loader arms, stop engine, and lock brakes before leaving the tractor seat.
14. Operate the loader controls only when properly seated at the controls.
15. Do not use loader for handling large, heavy objects such as logs, oil drums, etc.
16. Handling large, heavy objects is dangerous due to:
*Possibility of rolling the tractor over.
*Possibility of upending the tractor.
*Possibility of the object rolling or sliding down the loader arms onto the operator.
17. Use large round hay bale handler attachment with bale retaining devices (grapples, bale spears, clamps, etc.) to
handle large round hay bales. Failure to use retaining devices could allow round hay bales to roll or fall down
loader boom arms onto the operator causing serious injury or death and equipment damage.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONTINUED
6

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.
OSHA 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.
7

SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION
1-1 INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to have you as a Bush Hog cus-
tomer. Your Front End Loader has been carefully
designed to give maximum service with minimum
down time. This manual is provided to give you the
necessary operating and maintenance instructions
for keeping your front end loader in top operating
condition. Please read this manual thoroughly.
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 this implement. If any assistance or
additional information is needed, contact your autho-
rized Bush Hog dealer.
1-2 DESCRIPTION
Model M146 & M246 Front End Loaders are
designed for two wheel and four wheel drive trac-
tors. They come equipped with parking stands to
support the loader so the tractor can be “driven in”
for quick attachment and a bucket level indicator that
allows the operator to gauge bucket position when
the bucket cannot be seen. Available attachments
include buckets for lifting loose materials and a fork
lift (M246 Models only) for palletized material. All
operations should be conducted within the loader
limits specified in Table 1-1.
8
Figure 1-1 Major Components
Bucket Cylinder Mainframe Boom
Cross Tube
Bucket
Subframe
Boom Cylinder
Parking Stands Stored

Table 1-1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
G
E
JC
BA
H
F
D
XX
ZZ
WX
YZ
UV
VV
9
SERIES LOADER M246 M146
A. Maximum Lift Height - Measured at Pivot Pin 103 in. 86 in.
B. Maximum Lift Height - Under Level Bucket 96 in. 81 in.
C. Clearance with Attachment Dumped 45° 77 in. 67 in.
D. Reach at Maximum Height 22 in. 23 in.
E. Maximum Dump Angle 40° 45°
F. Reach with Bucket on Ground 62 in. 54 in.
G. Maximum Rollback Angle 25° 25°
H. Digging Depth 5 in. 5 in.
J. Overall Height in Carry Position 56 in. 48 in.
U. Lift Capacity to Maximum Height - At Pivot Pin 1530 lbs. 825 lbs.
V. Lift Capacity to Maximum Height - 31.5” (M246), 880 lbs. 570 lbs.
19.7” (M146) Forward of Pivot Pin
W. Lift Capacity to 59” Height - At Pivot Pin 1730 lbs. 940 lbs.
X. Lift Capacity to 59” Height - 31.5” (M246), 1195 lbs. 710 lbs.
19.7 (M146) Forward of Pivot Pin
Y. Breakout Force - At Pivot Pin 2370 lbs. 1335 lbs.
Z. Breakout Force - 31.5” (M246), 1530 lbs. 965 lbs.
19.7 (M146) Forward of Pivot Pin
VV. Rollback Force at Maximum Height - 1625 lbs. 1935 lbs.
31.5” (M246), 19.7 (M146) Forward of Pivot Pin
XX. Rollback Force at 59” Height - 31.5” (M246), 2020 lbs. 2300 lbs.
19.7 (M146) Forward of Pivot Pin
ZZ. Rollback Force at Ground Level - 31.5” (M246), 1680 lbs. 1700 lbs.
19.7 (M146) Forward of Pivot Pin
Raising Time - Ground Level to Full Height 4 sec. 3.5 sec.
Lowering Time - Full Height to Ground 2 sec. 2.5 sec.
Bucket Dumping Time - Full Rollback 3 sec. 4.0 sec.
to Full Dump
Bucket Rollback Time - Full Dump 2 sec. 3.0 sec.
to Full Rollback
Tractor HP Range 20 - 30 15 -25
2 & 4 WD 2 & 4 WD
Based On Tractor Hydraulic System:
Pressure 2000 psi 1875 psi
Flow 10 gpm 6.0 gpm

SECTION II
LOADER MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING
TRACTORS THAT HAVE MOVABLE AXLES
MUST BE SET FORWARD IN THE LONG WHEEL-
BASE POSITION AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 2-1 TO
PREVENT EXCESSIVE LEVERAGE BEING
EXERTED ON THE TRACTOR FRAME. FAILURE
TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY
AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE. REFER TO TRAC-
TOR OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR ABOVE PRO-
CEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR YOUR
TRACTOR.
2-1 PREPARING TRACTOR
CAUTION
2-2 MOUNTING LOADER
To aid in mounting and dismounting loader, apply a
small amount of grease, if needed, to each loader
bracket in area of top receiver and guide. Figure 2-2.
A. Slowly drive tractor to a position where the
hoses can be connected to the quick couplers. Stop
the engine. (Figure 2-3) Connect the loader hydraulic
hoses to the correct couplers.
B. Retract Loader Lift Cylinders.
A. Check air pressure in tractor tires to be sure it
is adequate for heavy loads.
B. Add rear wheel weights, fluid in tires, or equiv-
alent to provide sufficient tractor stability.
C. It is recommended that tractor wheels be
moved to the widest settings.
D. Check tractor hydraulic oil reservoir to be sure
it is full.
E. Refer to your tractor operator’s manual for
above procedures and specifications for your tractor.
Figure 2-1
Short Wheelbase
Long Wheelbase
10
Figure 2-2 Apply Grease To These Areas
Figure 2-3 Drive In Close Enough To Alllow
Connecting Hydraulic Hoses To Tractor Outlets

C. Check that lift cylinders are fully retracted.
Figure 2-3. Then drive tractor forward. Use bucket
cylinders to position height of outer pedestal top pin.
Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-4 Outer Pedestal Top Pin
Clamp And Pins In Stored Position
D. Align outer pedestal top pin with mounting
bracket guide post on both sides.(Figures 2-2, & 2-4)
Make sure loader is centered right to left on both
brackets.
E. Extend the bucket cylinders to lower the
pedestal top pins into mounting bracket receivers on
both sides. Figure 2-5
Figure 2-5 Loader Installed With All
Pins In Working Position
Figure 2-7
Clamp Installed In
Working Position
11
F. Extend lift cylinders slowly making sure loader is
seated completely in mounting bracket top and bot-
tom receivers. Retract bucket cylinder until bucket is
approximately 1/2” off ground.
G. Remove lockwasher, quick attach nut, and
self storing tool from holder. Remove quick pin and
clamp from storage position. Place clamp and quick
pin in working position. Install quick attach nut and
lockwasher to eyebolt using self storing tool. Store
self storing tool in holder. Figures 2-6 & 2-7.
Tightening Quick Attach Nut
Using Self Storing Tool
Figure 2-6 Eyebolt
Quick Attach Nut Lockwasher

IMPORTANT
Each time after mounting the loader, operate
loader for a short period of time, then retighten
the quick attach nuts. Check nuts for tightness
during normal maintenance
H. Remove parking stands from the parked posi-
tion and return them to their storage positions in the
cross tube. Secure parking stands in the storage
position by using pins. Figure 2-8.
Figure 2-8 Parking Stands
I. Lower loader to ground and secure loader
hydraulic hoses in a protected area.
IMPORTANT
To avoid hydraulic hose damage, be alert and
make sure hoses do not catch on tractor and/or
loader during mounting or dismounting.
2-3 DISMOUNTING LOADER
CAUTION
ALWAYS PARK LOADER WITH MATERI-
AL BUCKET OR AUTHORIZED BUSH
HOG ATTACHMENT ATTACHED TO THE
LOADER.
CAUTION
BEFORE LEAVING THE TRACTOR SEAT,
LOWER ATTACHMENT OR LOADER
BOOM TO GROUND, STOP ENGINE,
LOCK BRAKES, RELIEVE HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE, AND REMOVE KEY.
DO NOT STAND, WALK, OR WORK UNDER
A RAISED LOADER OR ATTACHMENT
UNLESS IT IS SECURELY BLOCKED OR
HELD IN POSITION. ACCIDENTAL MOVE-
MENT OF A CONTROL LEVER/LEVERS OR
LEAKS IN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
COULD CAUSE THE LOADER TO DROP,
OR ATTACHMENT TO DUMP, CAUSING
SEVERE INJURY.
CAUTION
CAUTION
DO NOT ALLOW BYSTANDERS IN LOADER
AREA.
IMPORTANT
Never allow weight of tractor to be placed on
parking stands when mounting or dismounting
loader.
A. Position the loader on a hard level surface.
The more level the surface, the easier the loader is
to mount and dismount.
B. Raise loader, dump bucket over, and then
lower loader so that bucket cutting edge is approxi-
mately 1/2” off of ground.
C. Remove parking stands from their storage
positions in the boom crosstube as shown in Figure
2-8.D. Position parking stands in attaching brackets
on inside of each loader arm and secure. Figure 2-9.
Figure 2-9 Parking Stands Installed
Attaching Bracket
12
Preparing To Store Stands Stands In Stored Position
Pin Through Cross Tube
Will Secure Stands In
Place
Parking Stands With Flat Side Down
E. Dismounting procedures will be the reverse of
the mounting procedure. Refer to Figures 2-3 -- 2-7.
Remove self storing tool from holder. Remove quick
attach nut and lockwasher from eyebolt using self
storing tool. Remove quick pin and clamp from work-
ing position. Place clamp and quick pin in storage
position. Store lockwasher, quick attach nut, and self
storing tool in holder.

F. Rollback bucket slightly while lowering loader
boom down until the parking stands make firm con-
tact with ground. Dump bucket until bucket touches
the ground. NOTE
Driving the tractor forward slowly while position-
ing loader will allow parking stands to contact
ground firmly.
G. Retract loader lift cylinders
H. Slowly rollback bucket while driving slightly
forward with tractor. Doing this will allow mounting
brackets to guide loader as loader is being parked
off of tractor.
I. Rollback bucket completely. Make sure all loader
components clear tractor. Stop the tractor engine and
then work valve control lever/levers to relieve hydraulic
fluid pressure in lines. Refer to tractor operator manual
for additional information.
MAKE SURE PARKED LOADER IS ON A
HARD LEVEL SURFACE. ENGAGE ALL
SAFETY DEVICES TO PREVENT LOADER
FROM FALLING AND BEING DAMAGED
OR INJURING SOMEONE. DO NOT REPAIR
LOADER IF IT IS NOT MOUNTED ON THE
TRACTOR. LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID
OR REMOVAL OF PARTS COULD CAUSE
LOADER TO COLLAPSE RESULTING IN
INJURY.
Figure 2-10 Backing Tractor Away From Loader
J. Disconnect loader hoses from quick couplers.
Start tractor and slowly back tractor away from loader.
Figure 2-10.
IMPORTANT
To avoid hydraulic hose damage, be alert and
make sure hoses do not catch on tractor and/or
loader during mounting or dismounting.
WARNING
SECTION III
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 GENERAL SAFETY
Only qualified people familiar with this operator’s
manual should operate this machine. Operator
should wear hard hat, safety glasses, and safety
shoes. The operator should read, understand and
practice all safety messages shown on the caution,
warning and danger decals affixed to the loader to
avoid serious injury or death. It is recommended that
tractor be equipped with Rollover Protective System
(ROPS) and a seat belt be used. Check for ditches,
stumps, holes or other obstacles that could upset
tractor or damage loader. Always turn off tractor
engine, set parking brake, and lower loader to
ground before leaving tractor operator’s seat.
3-2 PRE-OPERATION
IMPORTANT
Do not extend bucket cylinders without bucket
or quick hitch attachment installed on loader.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
bucket cylinder damage and will void loader war-
ranty.
NOTE
Check the tractor hydraulic fluid reservoir and
fill, if required.
3-3 INITIAL LOADER OPERATION
NOTE
Keep engine speed at low idle during the initial
loader operation.
13

3-6 LOADER MOUNTED SERIES CON-
TROL VALVE EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE
LEVER CONTROL HANDLE
If your loader utilizes a loader mounted series con-
trol valve equipped with single lever control handle,
it will function as shown in Figure 3-2.
3-4 EXTERNAL LOADER AND/OR TRAC-
TOR VALVE. NOTE
When properly installed, the tractor remote valve
or external valve control lever/levers will control
the loader hydraulic circuits as described below.
Refer to tractor Operator’s Manual for further
explanation of tractor remote control
lever/levers.
IMPORTANT
Contaminants in hydraulic fluid can cause valve
spools to stick. BE ALERT when operating
loader and follow your tractor Operator’s Manual
hydraulic fluid maintenance schedule.
3-5 LOADER MOUNTED CONTROL
VALVE EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE LEVER
CONTROL HANDLE OR TRACTOR
REMOTE VALVE EQUIPPED WITH SIN-
GLE LEVER CONTROL HANDLE
If your loader utilizes a loader control valve equipped
with single lever control handle or tractor remote
valve equipped with single lever control handle, it will
function as shown in Figure 3-1.
3-7 NEUTRAL POSITION
The loader external valve provided by Bush Hog has
a “neutral position” which prevents movement of the
loader or attachment. When the control handle is
manually released from the work position, the valve
spool will return to the neutral position.
3-8 FLOAT POSITION
The loader external valve provided by Bush Hog has
a “float position” incorporated into the lift cylinder cir-
cuit which allows the loader to float. This float fea-
ture is important for satisfactory operation when
scraping, sweeping, leveling, or any job where it is
necessary to follow the contour of the surface. To
activate the float position, lower the bucket or attach-
ment and push the control handle all the way for-
ward into detent. The valve will stay in float detent
position until the operator manually pulls the control
handle out of detent position to deactivate float.
3-9 LOAD SENSE LOADER VALVE.
IMPORTANT
If your loader is equipped with a load sense type
control valve it may demonstrate the following
operation characteristic. Attempting to raise the
boom by finely feathering the control lever may
actually allow the boom to lower very slowly. To
prevent this from happening, move the control
lever far enough to ensure that the boom raises.
14
ESCAPING HYDRAULIC FLUID UNDER
PRESSURE CAN HAVE SUFFICIENT FORCE
TO PENETRATE SKIN, CAUSING SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY. BEFORE APPLYING
PRESSURE TO SYSTEM, BE SURE ALL
CONNECTIONS ARE TIGHT AND THAT
LINES, TUBES, AND HOSES ARE NOT DAM-
AGED. FLUID ESCAPING FROM A VERY
SMALL HOLE CAN BE ALMOST INVISIBLE.
USE A PIECE OF CARDBOARD OR WOOD,
RATHER THAN HANDS, TO SEARCH FOR
SUSPECTED LEAKS. IF INJURED BY
ESCAPING FLUID, SEE A DOCTOR AT
ONCE. SERIOUS INFECTION OR REACTION
CAN DEVELOP IF PROPER MEDICAL
TREATMENT IS NOT ADMINISTERED IMME-
DIATELY.
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2
WARNING

3-10 LOADER OPERATION
Before operating the loader, fully raise and lower the
boom three or four times. Then raise the loader
bucket approximately four (4) feet above the ground
and cycle the bucket two or three times. Lower the
bucket or attachment to the ground. Check the trac-
tor hydraulic fluid level and fill as required. Refer to
the tractor Operator’s Manual for the proper
hydraulic fluid and the correct hydraulic fluid level.
IMPORTANT
Always keep the cylinders in a retracted position
when the loader is not in use to guard against
rust and contamination which may cause dam-
age to the cylinder rods and hydraulic system.
3-11 REMOVING AIR FROM HYDRAULIC
SYSTEM
Repeat raising and lowering the loader boom and
bucket operations until all the air is removed from
the system and the system responds properly.
CAUTION
BEFORE LEAVING THE TRACTOR SEAT,
LOWER ATTACHMENT OR LOADER BOOM
TO GROUND, STOP ENGINE, LOCK
BRAKES, RELIEVE HYDRAULIC PRES-
SURE, AND REMOVE KEY.
15
3-12 HOSE IDENTIFICATION
Metal lines on the loader are color coded. Check
loader functions. Refer to instruction sheets for
hydraulic valve option on your loader.
3-13 BUCKET LEVEL INDICATOR ROD
A bucket level indicator rod (Figure 3-3), located on
the loader frame, can be used to determine bucket
angle. Before beginning work, observe the position
of indicator rod with the bucket flat on the ground.
Raise boom to several different positions and oper-
ate the bucket cylinders. Observe the indicator rod.
Once familiar with the indicator rod positions, opera-
tion of the loader will be easier and more efficient.
The text and illustrations on the following pages
offer suggested loader and tractor operating
techniques.
Figure 3-3
Bucket Level Indicator Rod
Guide Tube

16
NOTE: Do not be concerned if the bucket is not com-
pletely filled during each pass. Maximum productivi-
ty is determined by the amount of material loaded in
a given period of time. Time is lost if two or more
attempts are made to fill the bucket on each pass.
FILLING THE BUCKET
Approach and enter the pile with a level bucket. The lift and rollback of the bucket will increase
efficiency because...
DO THIS
... a level bucket throughout the lifting cycle resists
bucket lift and increases breakaway effort.
NOT THIS
Ease lever back and toward you to lift and rollback
the bucket.
1-LEVER CONTROL
ROLLBACK LIFT
The text and illustrations that follow offer suggested loader and tractor
operating techniques.

LIFTING THE LOAD
WARNING
DO NOT LIFT OR CARRY ANYONE IN THE
BUCKET OR ON ANY OTHER POSITION
OF THE LOADER OR LOADER ATTACH-
MENT. INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF
THE LOADER OR ATTACHMENT COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
FROM FALLING OR CRUSHING.
CAUTION
MAKE SURE MATERIAL IN BUCKET CAN-
NOT ROLL OUT AND DOWN ON TRACTOR
WHEN BUCKET IS RAISED TO FULL
HEIGHT. KEEP CLEAR OF OVERHEAD
OBSTRUCTIONS SUCH AS TREES, LIMBS
OR POWER LINES WHEN RAISING THE
BUCKET.
When lifting the load, keep the bucket positioned to
avoid spillage.
CARRYING THE LOAD
Position the bucket just below the level of the tractor
hood for maximum stability and visibility, whether the
bucket is loaded or empty.
Use extreme caution when operating the loader on a
slope and keep the bucket as low as possible. This
keeps the bucket and tractor center of gravity low
and will provide maximum tractor stability.
CAUTION
OPERATING THE LOADER ON A HILLSIDE
IS DANGEROUS. EXTREME CARE IS
RECOMMENDED.
DO THIS NOT THIS
When transporting the load, keep the bucket as low
as possible to avoid tipping in case a wheel drops
into a rut.
NOT THIS DO THIS
DUMPING THE BUCKET
Lift the bucket high enough to clear the side of the
vehicle. Move the tractor in as close to the side of
the vehicle as possible, then dump the bucket.
LOWERING THE BUCKET
After the bucket is dumped, back away from the
vehicle while lowering and rolling back the bucket.
FLOAT POSITION
LOWER DUMP
1-LEVER
CONTROL
ROLLBACK RAISE
17

OPERATING WITH FLOAT CONTROL
During hard surface operation, keep the bucket level
and put the lift control in the float position to permit
the bucket to float on the working surface. If
hydraulic down pressure is exerted on the bucket, it
will wear faster than normal.
FLOAT
The float will also prevent the mixing of surface
material with stockpile material. The float position
will reduce the chance of surface gouging when
removing snow or other material.
FLOAT
SURFACE MATERIAL
LOADING FROM A BANK
Choose a forward gear that provides sufficient
ground speed for loading.
Exercise caution when undercutting high banks. Dirt
slides can be dangerous. Load from as low as possi-
ble for maximum efficiency. Loader lift and breakaway
capacity diminish as loading height is increased.
It is important to keep the bucket level when
approaching a bank or pile. This will help prevent
gouging the work area.
Another method for large dirt piles is to build a ramp
approach to the pile.
If the pile sides are too high and liable to cause
cave-in, use the loader to break down the sides until
a slot can be cut over the top.
Sidecutting is a good technique for cutting down a
big pile.
18