Bush-whacker SSM-72 User manual

2017 SSM-72

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2017 SSM-72
Welcome
Thank you for selecting the Bush-Whacker SSM-72 Rotary Mower. Your machine
has been carefully inspected by both the factory and the dealership prior to being
received by you to ensure that it is ready for operation.
This manual explains the proper operation of your machine. It is very important that
you read and understand these instructions before operating or maintaining the
machine. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or even death to you or
passersby. Consult your Bush-Whacker dealership if you do not understand the
instructions in this manual or need additional information.
Hall Manufacturing, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time without
notice or obligation. Additional copies of the manuals are available from your local
Bush-Whacker dealer.
Hall Manufacturing, Inc.
3706 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box Drawer 5638
North Little Rock, AR 72119
[phone]

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2017 SSM-72
Table of Contents
Introductory Page ………………………………………………………...…………..2
Safety Section ….………………………………………………………………………4-11
General Safety Instructions and Warnings……………………………………..4
Decals Placement…………………..…………………………………………...5
Operations………………………………………………………………………6-7
Attaching/Detaching Cutter…………………………………………………….8
Rollover………………………………………………………………………...8-9
Rotating Blades………………………………………………………………...9
Hydraulics……………………………………………………………………...10-11
Maintenance...………………………………………………………………………….12-14
General Maintenance……………………………………………………….......12
At Least Twice Daily……………………………………………………….......12-13
Daily…………………………………………………………………………….13-14
Every 1,000 Hours or Annually. .…………………………………………….....14
Pre-Start Checklist............................…………………………………………………...15
Mowing Instructions........................................................................................................16
Parts book……………………………………………………...……………………….17-23
Warranty Information......................................................................................................25-26
Warranty Registration Card…………………………………………………………….27

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2017 SSM-72
Attention
Important Safety Information
Read and Study this safety information BEFORE operating this
equipment.
The use of common sense and reasonable safety precautions are a must in the operation
of this equipment. Think Safety –Accident prevention is dependent upon the personnel
involved in the operation, transport, and maintenance of the equipment. To minimize the
chance of accidents, serious injury, or even death; Safety Precautions Must Be Fol-
lowed! FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILURE TO
USE COMMON SENSE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR
DEATH TO THE OPERATOR, BYSTANDERS, PASSERSBY, OR ANIMALS IN
THE AREA.
General Safety Instructions and Warnings
Safety Decals Information
· Always keep the area around safety decals clean and free of debris so that they can be easily
seen and read.
· When installing new components to the equipment, it is necessary to obtain new safety de-
cals from your Bush-Whacker dealer and adhere them promptly and properly.
· Always keep safety decals clean, using soap and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners be-
cause they could cause damage to the decals.
· If the safety signs get damaged, or are missing, contact your local Bush-Whacker dealer to
order replacements for them.
· In order to replace the safety decals, the equipment must be clean and dry. Then remove the
adhesive backing and place it on the equipment.

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2017 SSM-72
Safety Decals
SSM-72 Master Decal Sheet - 6270

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2017 SSM-72
NEVER operate a rotary mower with a person or animal in the
area. The blades may throw objects for great distances and can
strike a person, passersby, or animal causing serious injury or
death.
Stop operation of the machine for a passerby or if someone appears to be approaching the ar-
ea. Objects can be thrown for hundreds of yards at great speed.
ALWAYS inspect the deflector shields and/or chain guards daily to ensure
that they are in proper working order and that no chains are missing. If the
deflector shields or chain guards are not operating correctly, chain links are
missing, or the complete deflector shields or chain guards assembly is
missing, do not operate the mower. NEVER OPERATE THE MOWER
WITHOUT CHAIN GUARDS OR DEFLECTORS IN PROPER
Operations
Rocks, gravel, wire, rope, bricks, or similar objects are potential hazards for
rotary mowers operation. These items can cause damage to the machine; but
more importantly, they can be ejected from underneath the mower at very high
speeds, resulting in property damage, injury or even death. Always inspect the
mowing area prior to the operation of any rotary mower. If any of these objects
or similar objects are found, remove them immediately before operation.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT—Make sure all hydraulic shields are in place and tightened
before operating the mower. If one works loose, stop mowing and tighten immediately. NEV-
ER OPERATE THE MOWER WITHOUT ALL HYDRAULIC SHIELDS PROPERLY
INSTALLED. OPERATION WITHOUT SAFETY SHIELDS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE ON THE MOWER OR
THE SKID-STEER. This equipment, if not operated properly, could
be potentially dangerous; therefore, NEVER ALLOW A CHILD TO
OPERATE A ROTARY MOWER.
Avoid hitting hard solid objects such as large rocks, concrete culverts, guard
rails, etc. This could cause serious damage to the machine. Broken machine
parts or pieces of the object can be thrown at very high speeds. This could
result in serious injury or death to persons at a considerable distance from
the rotary mower.
Safety Warnings

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2017 SSM-72
Safety Warnings
Operations
Always inspect the area before mowing for potential mower hazards.
Remove or avoid all foreign objects such as wire, cable, metal objects, and
all other foreign material. Failure to do so could result in serious injury
to the operator or passerby from foreign material being thrown from
the mower.
Thoroughly examine the rotary mower each day before operating. Tighten
loose bolts, nuts, and hydraulic fittings. Replace all damaged or broken parts,
including hydraulic hoses. If rotary mowers are not kept in proper working
order, they could be damaged and this could result in serious injury.
NEVER engage in repair work under the mower deck or any other
part of the mower that is raised off the ground until the mower is
safely and securely supported in the raised position. Inadequate
support can result in the mower falling, which could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
Use proper signage around working area. This will help the operator
have a safe place to work, and help passers by to take appropriate
precautions.
Use the proper reflective devices on the equipment to help prevent
accidents.
Make sure that all rules of the road are followed, and Slow Moving
Vehicle (SMV) rules are also observed

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2017 SSM-72
Safety Warnings
Attaching/Detaching Cutter
NEVER WORK ON THE ROTARY MOWER WITH
THE POWER ON.
Care must be taken when operating on uneven terrain, ditches, or em-
bankments. The chances of the skid-steer and/or mower rolling over are
increased. Also, the chance of objects being thrown by the blade are in-
creased when operating under these adverse conditions.
Rollover
Before approaching any rotary mower or before dismounting the machine,
always make sure of the following:
The transmission is in the parking gear, and the parking brake is set to keep
the machine from moving while unattended.
The skid-steer auxiliary hydraulic flow is off.
The engine has stopped, the key is out of the ignition, and all moving parts
(both skid-steer and mower) have completely stopped. The rotating parts
of the rotary mower may continue to rotate after the auxiliary
hydraulics have been turned off.
THE OPERATOR SHOULD REMAIN SEATED UNTIL ALL
MOVEMENT HAS CEASED!
Never use equipment around railroad tracks without direct railway
supervision. Inexperience in railway operations may cause loss of
communications, loss of signals, rail and tie damage or derailment.
NEVER cross railway tracks anywhere other than at normal traffic crossings.
Unauthorized machinery on railways are in extreme danger of being struck
by locomotives and railway machinery resulting in damaged equipment,
serious injury or death.
If operating along roadway, keep equipment within the lane closest to the
work area. Never operate equipment against the flow of traffic, which
could possibly result in a head-on collision causing serious injury or death.

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2017 SSM-72
OPERATE CAREFULLY! It is important to slow down when
turning and when going down slopes. Doing so could result in a roll
over and injury, or possibly death, to the operator.
Safety Warnings
Never operate the equipment without the Roll-Over Protective
Structure (ROPS) and without a seat belt. These items prevent
injury in a roll-over accident. It is also highly recommended to
wear protective equipment such as a hard hat, safety glasses,
safety shoes, and ear plugs.
Rollover
Stay away from rotating blades. Keep hands and feet clear
of rotating blades and discharge areas at all times. Never
get close to the blades until all motion has stopped and
machine is turned off.
Never operate equipment with loose blades. Retighten after the first
8 hours of use and after blade replacement.
Never allow rotating blades to contact solid objects like rocks, posts, curbs
or guard rails. Only operate if all guards and deflectors are in place and
in good working condition.
Rotating Blades
· Never operate with mower deck raised if bystanders or traffic
are in the area. This helps to prevent injury or death from
objects thrown by the blades.
· Stop cutting if someone comes within 300 feet. DO NOT
operate equipment with bystanders in the area! Rotary
mowers have the ability to throw debris considerable
distances when blades are allowed to strike foreign objects.
Operator must exercise caution or serious injury or even
death could result.

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2017 SSM-72
Safety Warnings
Hydraulics
Relieve all pressure in the hydraulic lines by setting the mower deck on the
ground, shutting the skid-steer off, and actuating lift valve handles before
disconnecting hoses. This relief of pressure will reduce possibility of serious
injury from spewing hydraulic fluid.
Frayed, torn, or crimped hoses may rupture and spray boiling oil onto
Operator and cause serious bodily injury from scalding.
Failure to inspect and repair or replace hoses may cause worn hoses
to rupture suddenly and violently resulting in serious bodily injury
from scalding or fire with resulting burn injury or death.
Inspect hoses daily and repair or replace when needed. Stop all leaks.
Repair or replace hoses as indicated to prevent unexpected failure and
possible serious injury to operator or bystander.
Boiling oil may spray onto hot parts and catch fire causing severe burn injury or death.
Use paper or cardboard to check for leaks. Never use your hand.
If oil penetrates skin, gangrene or other serious injury could occur.
If skin is penetrated by hydraulic fluid, get immediate medical
attention.
Under no circumstances should any adjustments be made to the hydraulic system on the
cutter. Adjustments could result in severe injury or death!
*Hydraulic system flow rate is preset at 18 or 25 gpm and is non-adjustable
*Hydraulic relief valve set at 3000 psi and should not be adjusted
*If flow valve requires service, contact Bush-Whacker for factory authorized replacement parts
*******Under no circumstances should the hydraulic flow valve be adjusted. Changing
relief valve pressure could damage equipment and result in severe injury or death*******

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2017 SSM-72
Safety Conclusion
Now that the operator has read the information provided in this manual; he or she should now
be aware of how dangerous a rotary mower can be if operated improperly. It is important that
the operator of this equipment should be cautious, conscientious, and use common sense when
operating this equipment in order to avoid serious injury and or death to the operator, support
personnel, passersby, or animals.
Safety
Depends on You!
Safety Warnings
Care must be taken to ensure that the hydraulic lines are connected correctly and the auxiliary
hydraulic reverse is locked out. The cutter hydraulic system is not designed to operated in re-
verse. Operating the hydraulic system in reverse will not produce a satisfactory cut and can
cause overheating of the skid steer machine, causing damage to the equipment and cause in se-
vere burns.
Hydraulics

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2017 SSM-72
General Maintenance
Refer to skid-steer’s service manual for proper skid-steer maintenance.
NEVER service the mower with the power on, except where otherwise stated.
Before working on a mower always check to see that:
· The skid-steer’s transmission is in the parking gear and the parking brake is set to keep the
skid-steer from moving while unattended.
· The skid-steer auxiliary hydraulic system is turned off.
· The engine is off and all moving parts (both skid-steer and mower) have completely
stopped.
The rotating parts of the skid-steer and mower continue to rotate after the auxiliary
hydraulics have been disengaged. The operator should remain seated until all movement has
ceased.
Never engage in repair or service work under the mower deck or any other part of the mower
that is raised off of the ground until the mower is safely and securely supported in the raised
position.
Use extreme caution when working on a mower. Many of the parts are heavy and sharp and
can cause serious injury if they are dropped or fall on the operator or bystander.
The blades are very sharp and can pivot. Use extreme caution when performing maintenance
on them. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or possibly even death.
Always use genuine Bush-Whacker replacement parts, available through the network of
authorized dealers. The use of non-OEM parts will void the warranty of this machine.
Non-OEM parts, specifically blades and blade bolts, may not meet Hall Manufacturing
Inc. specifications and could lead to serious injury or death.
At Least Twice Daily
Rotor Bar Assembly, Blades, Blade Bolts, and Nuts
· Check blades for any signs of cracking or damaged cutting surfaces. If a blade is cracked,
replace the set at once. DO NOT operate the mower at any time with a cracked or severely
damaged blade! If a blade breaks, it could cause severe injury or possibly death.
· Check if blade cutting surfaces are dull. If they are, re-sharpen or replace blades.
· Check if blade bolts and nuts are loose, cracked or damaged. DO NOT operate the mower
with any of those characteristics. Any of these conditions could allow the blade to come
loose and could cause injury or possibly death. Always keep the blade bolts and nuts
tightened to 350 ft. lbs. of torque.
· DO NOT operate the mower with just one blade.

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2017 SSM-72
At Least Twice Daily
Rotor Bar Assembly, Blades, Blade Bolts, and Nuts
· Make sure rotor bar assembly is securely attached with castle nut and cotter pin to the
output shaft. There should be no bearing play when rocking the blade bar.
· Always make sure to replace the blades in sets.
NOTE: When mowing at low cutting heights or on uneven terrain, the blades can come in
contact with the ground frequently. When this happens, the blade tips can be pushed upwards
causing the blade to bend. By pushing upwards on the blade tip, the rear of the blade (at the
bolt hole) is forced downward away from the rotor bar assembly. This causes the bolt to be
pulled through the bar and can cause it to shear. When the bolt shears, it will throw a blade.
When operating in these conditions, the operator must check the blade bolts more frequently
than normal, at least four times a day.
Always use genuine Bush-Whacker replacement blades, bolts, and nuts. Other blades may not
meet Hall Manufacturing specifications and could lead to serious injury or death.
Daily
Shields
· Make sure ALL shields are in place and tightened before operating the mower. If one
works loose, stop mowing and tighten immediately.
· Replace shields if there is any damage or excessive wear.
Hydraulics
· Inspect the Hydraulic Shields, making sure that they are installed and working properly. If
shields become damaged or loose during operation, stop immediately and fix or replace
them.
· Inspect output shaft for vines, wire, rope, etc. that may collect around the shaft and tear up
the output seal. If a seal is leaking, replace it, or risk overheating and severe damage to the
hydraulic motor.
· Check the mounting bolts and nuts to be sure that they are correctly secured. If left
unchecked, it could cause excessive vibrating which could damage the equipment.
· Check the hydraulic hoses for damage and tightness. If a hose is leaking, replace it, or
damage to the hydraulic system on the mower and the skid-steer could occur.
· Hydraulic flow manifold has no serviceable parts. If hydraulic problems occur, contact
Bush-Whacker for replacement parts.

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2017 SSM-72
Daily
Pins, Bolts, and Nuts
· Inspect all pins, bolts, and nuts, making sure that they are all in place and secure. Look for
loose fasteners and tighten to the proper torque, as required.
Skid Shoes
· Check for any wear or damage, replace if required.
Frame
· Look for any structural cracks, damage and wear.
· Keep the equipment clean. Inspect for debris caught in the machine, especially at all pinch
points.
Every 1,000 Hours or Annually
It is recommended to do annual, pre-season maintenance at the end of each operating season,
rather than at the beginning.
The mower should be stored in the off-season cleaned, inspected and repaired. This will help
prevent any rust forming on the mower’s surfaces and contaminants damaging the hydraulic
components.

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2017 SSM-72
Pre-Start Check List
The pre-start check lists are provided to the operator to ensure that minor problems do not turn
into major ones. Failure to perform these check lists may cause injury to both the operator and
bystanders as well as extensive damage to the machine. If a problem is discovered it must be
fixed immediately before continuing operation.
Before Machine is Turned On
1. Check fluid levels
2. Look for any pinched or worn hoses
3. Inspect mower discharge guards for excessive wear
4. Look for any structural cracks
5. Inspect for debris caught in the machine.
6. Inspect blades and blade bolts for excessive wear
7. Check all bolts and nuts are tightly secured
8. Make sure the hydraulic shields are securely fastened
9. Ensure the auxiliary hydraulics reverse function is locked out.
After Machine is Turned On
1. Look for hydraulic fluid leaks.
2. Check hydraulic fluid temperature (periodically)
3. Ensure that the machine and skid-steer are stable
Refer to Maintenance section in this manual for more details.

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2017 SSM-72
Mowing Instructions
IMPORTANT: Please refer to the safety section for important
warnings concerning the operation of this equipment.
It is normal to encounter various road side terrains and obstacles during any mowing
operation. This can be compensated simply by manipulating the mower to move the machine
out of the way of these obstacles.
It is important to note that the skids of the mower should lightly skim the ground. Never let
the mower deck drag heavily on the ground. This will cause scarring and rutting of the ground
as well as damage to the machine.
When mowing roadside, always keep the discharge chute of the mower facing away from
all traffic to prevent injury from thrown objects.
When mowing roadside grasses, it is important to select a suitable ground speed for the
various types of grasses. Coarse, tall grasses will require a slower ground speed than fine, short
grasses.
When mowing along roadsides it is important that you should not unnecessarily impede the
flow of traffic. This could cause injury or even death to the operator or passers by. On narrow
roads where there are not sufficient shoulders to drive on, pull over at regular intervals to let
traffic pass. If this is not possible a front and rear flagman or escort is strongly recommended.
The operator should be on alert for hidden obstacles such as fence posts, guide wires, and
water hydrants hidden by vegetation overgrowth anytime while operating equipment. It is
important that all trash and debris be removed from the mowing site prior to mowing. Failure
to do this could cause serious injury or even death.
The cutting down of small unwanted trees can be accomplished in two ways. The first way
is to place the skid-steer in neutral with the brakes applied and lower the cutter slowly onto the
tree. This process shatters the stump which prevents future growth. The larger pieces can be
mulched up by moving the cutter over the debris path.
The second way to mow down small saplings is to simply raise the cutter and mow while
the skid-steer is moving slowly. This method might require the operator to mow in reverse to
clean up any uncut debris. It is important to remember that passers by should not be within 300
feet of the mower during operation.
Vines and large patches of bushes can be cut using the strategy similar to that of cutting
saplings. Raise the cutter above the mass of vines and bushes and lower it into the mass. It is
important to watch for possible debris hidden within the vines and bushes. This procedure
should be repeated until the desired amount of vegetation has been removed.

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2017 SSM-72
PARTSBOOK
This part of the manual contains part numbers and illustrations based on the latest information
available at the time of print.
Hall Manufacturing, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice or
obligation. Additional copies of the manuals are available from your local Bush-Whacker
dealer. Hall Manufacturing, Inc.
3706 East Washington
P.O. Box Drawer 5638
North Little Rock, AR 72119
[phone]
Always use genuine Bush-Whacker replacement parts, available through the network of
authorized dealers.
Explanation of the terms in the Partsbook
Ref. No.—Refers to the numbered parts in illustration
Part No.—Refers to the part number of the part. This is what you use when ordering new parts
as well as description and quantity.
Description—Gives the description of the part
Qty—Quantity listed for each component on the illustration, not the total quantity of that part
used on the entire machine.
SSM-72 ASSEMBLY BREAKDOWN
Ref. No. Description Page Number
1 Safety Decals 5
2 Deck Assembly 18
3 Overhung Load Adapter 20
4 Hydraulic System 22
041022

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Deck Assembly

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2017 SSM-72
Deck Assembly
Parts List
Ref. No. Part No. Description Qty
1 6170 Deck Assembly 1
2 6599 Blade Bar Assembly 1
3 6172 Skid Shoe Assembly 2
4 4329 Blade 2
5 6170-32 Guard Right 1
6 6606/6607 Hydraulic Motor - Low or High Flow 1
7 6290 Overhung Load Adapter 1
8 6622 Hex Nut TopLock 6
9 5164 Lock Washer 6
10 2513 Hex Nut Nylock 2
11 3415 Flat Washer 2
12 3083 Blade Inspection Plate 1
13 2105C Hex Nut TopLock 2
14 5803 Lock Washer 2
15 3095 Blade Bolt 2
16 6302 Castle Nut 1
17 6303 Cotter Pin 1
18 6170-33 Guard Top 1
19 6285 Lynch Pin 12
20 6170-32L Guard Left 1
21 6612 Grommet 2
Remarks
p. 20
22 6613 Hex Nut TopLock 4
23 2733 Lock Washer 6
27 6614 Hex Bolt 4
25 2733 Lock Washer 6
24 6255/6291 Hydraulic Manifold 1
30 2335 Hex Bolt 14
26 4256 Hex Bolt 2
29 2337 Flat Washer 14
28 2336 Hex Nut Nylock 14

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2017 SSM-72
Overhung Load Adapter
041022