Bush-whacker RDF 48 User manual

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2014 RDF 60, 72
Welcome
Thank you for selecting the Bush-Whacker RDF 48, 60, or 70 Finishing
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 im-
portant 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. WashingtonAve., P.O. Box Drawer 5638
North Little Rock, AR 72119

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2014. RDF 60, 72
Table of Contents
Introductory Page................................................................................................... 2
Mower Safety ......................................................................................................... 4-11
Safety Information........................................................................................ 4-6
Safety Decal Location.................................................................................. 7
Safety Decals............................................................................................... 8-11
Mower Introduction................................................................................................. 12-13
Mower Assembly.................................................................................................... 14-15
A-Frame Attachment.................................................................................... 14
Three-point Attachment................................................................................ 15
Caster Wheel Attachment............................................................................ 15
Driveline Attachment.................................................................................... 15
Mower Operation.................................................................................................... 16-23
Tractor Preparation...................................................................................... 16
Attaching Mower to Tractor.......................................................................... 16-17
Driveline Attachment to Tractor.................................................................... 17
Cutting Height Adjustment ........................................................................... 17
Starting and Stopping Cutter........................................................................ 17
Cutting Speeds ............................................................................................ 18
Cutting Tips.................................................................................................. 18
Detaching and Storing ................................................................................. 19
Front Gauge Wheel Interference Check ...................................................... 20
Driveline Length Check Procedure .............................................................. 20
Adjusting Driveline Length ........................................................................... 21
Troubleshooting........................................................................................... 22-23
Mower Maintenance............................................................................................... 24-30
Lubrication Information ................................................................................ 24
Gearbox....................................................................................................... 25
Gauge Wheel Assemblies............................................................................ 25
Driveline Lubrication .................................................................................... 26
Blade Spindle Lubrication............................................................................ 26-27
Blade Servicing............................................................................................ 27
Blade Sharpening ........................................................................................ 27
Blade Removal and Installation.................................................................... 27
Drivebelt Adjustment Procedure .................................................................. 28
Drivebelt Removal and Installation............................................................... 28
Storage ........................................................................................................ 29
Blade Spindle Service Instructions............................................................... 30
Replacement Parts................................................................................................. 31-45
Warranty Information.............................................................................................. 47-48

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2014 RDF 60, 72
Mower Safety
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of this mower.
Remember, the blades of this mower can throw objects at very high speeds.
Serious injury or death may occur unless care is taken to insure the safety of the
operator, bystanders or passer by in the area. Equipment should only be operated by
those who are responsible and have been instructed how to do so.
Never operate the tractor and mower until you have read and completely understand
this manual, the tractor operator’s manual and each of the safety messages found
on the tractor and mower.
Read this manual carefully to acquaint yourself with the finishing mower. Working with
unfamiliar equipment can lead to accidents. Never allow children to operate or
ride on tractor or mower.
Finishing rotary mowers are capable under some conditions of throwing objects for
great distances (100 yards or more) and can cause objects to inflict serious injury or
death. Follow safety messages carefully. Stop mowing if passersby are within 100
yards unless:
-Mower is running close to and parallel to the ground without exposed blades.
-Passersby are outside the existing thrown-object zone.
-All areas have been thoroughly inspected and all foreign material such as rocks, cans,
glass and other debris has been removed.
Note: Where there are grass and weeds tall enough to hide debris that could be struck
by the blades, the area should be inspected and large debris removed before cutting.
First mow at an intermediate height, inspect area closely and remove any remaining
debris. Mow again at the desired final height. This method will reduce the likelihood
of thrown objects, reduce the power required and wear on the mower’s power train,
spread the cut material better, and eliminate streaking.
The mower discharge deflectors, belt guards, driveline and gearbox shields should be
used and maintained in good working conditions. They should be inspected carefully
at least daily. Missing, broken or worn items must be replaced at once and before
operating mower to reduce the possibility of injury from thrown objects or
entanglement.
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such as gravel,
rocks, wire and other debris. Foreign objects should be removed from the site or
avoided to prevent damage to the mower and/or bodily injury or death.
Do not allow the blades to turn when the mower deck is raised for turning. This
exposes the cutting blades which creates a potentially serious hazard and could cause
serious injury or even death by objects thrown from the blades.
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
WARNING!
WARNING!

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2014. RDF 60, 72
Do not modify or alter, or permit anyone to modify or alter, this equipment or any of its
components or any equipment function without first consulting your equipment dealer.
The operator and all support personnel should wear hard hats, safety shoes and safety
glasses at all times for protection from injury and items thrown by the machine.
Before leaving the tractor seat, always engage the brake and/or set the tractor
transmission in parking gear. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, remove the key
and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the tractor shift lever into a low range or
parking gear to prevent the tractor from rolling. Never mount or dismount a moving
tractor. Operate the tractor controls from the tractor seat only.
Many other objects, such as wire, cable, rope or chains can become entangled in the
operating parts of the mower. These items in turn could swing outside the deck at
greater speeds than the blades. Such a situation is extremely hazardous. Inspect the
cutting area and remove any such objects before mowing. Never allow the cutting
blades to contact such items.
Be particularly careful while transporting the mower. Turn curves or go up hills at a low
speed and at a gradual steering angle. Make certain that at least 20% of the tractor’s
weight is on the front wheels to maintain safe steerage. Slow down on rough or
uneven surfaces.
Be certain that the “Slow Moving Vehicle”(SMV) sign is installed in such a way as to
be clearly visible and legible. Use flashing warning lights and follow all local traffic
regulations.
Periodically inspect all moving parts for wear and replace with authorized service parts
if an excessive amount of wear is present.
Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken parts, and leaky or loose fittings. Make sure
all pins have cotter pins and washers. Serious injury may occur from not maintaining
this machine in good working order.
Do not mount or dismount the tractor while the tractor is mowing. Mount or dismount
the tractor only when it is completely stopped.
Mower Safety continued
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
DANGER!
DANGER!

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2014 RDF 60, 72
Never leave the mower in the raised transport position. Mower could fall causing injury
to anyone who might inadvertently be under mower.
Never clean or adjust PTO driven equipment with the tractor engine running.
Never allow riders on either tractor or mower. Falling off either one can cause injury or
death. These are not toys. Do not carry children or play games with the mower or
tractor.
Operate the mower only with a tractor equipped with an approved “roll-over-
protective system”(ROPS). Always wear seat belts. Serious injury or even death
can occur from falling off the tractor, particularly during a turnover when the operator
could be pinned under the ROPS of the tractor.
Never allow children to operate, ride or come close to the mower or tractor while
in operation. Usually children 15-16 years old who are mature and responsible can
operate the mower with reasonable safety if they have read the operator’s manual, if
they have been trained in safe operation of the equipment and if they are physically
large and sufficiently strong to reach and operate controls with ease.
Never work under the mower deck, the framework or any lifted component unless the
mower is securely supported or blocked up to prevent sudden or inadvertent falling
which can cause serious injury or death.
Always maintain the safety decals in good readable condition. If a decal becomes torn,
painted over or otherwise illegible, order replacement decals immediately.
Make sure the PTO shield is installed when using PTO driven equipment and always
replace the PTO shields and safety decals if damaged.
Mower Safety continued
WARNING!
WARNING!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!

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2014. RDF 60, 72
ITEM PART NO. QTY. DESCRIPTION
1 1 DANGER—Rotating driveline
2 1 DANGER—Rotating blades
3 1 DANGER—Thrown object hazard
4 1 WARNING—To prevent serious injury
5 1 WARNING—Moving part hazard
6 1 IMPORTANT NOTICE
7 1 DANGER—Stay away minimum 160 ft
8 1 DANGER—Hand and foot injury
9 1 BUSH—WHACKER label

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2014 RDF 60, 72
Safety Decals

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Safety Decals

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2014 RDF 60, 72
Mower Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize and instruct the operator for the correct operating
procedures and safe procedures of the BUSHWHACKER finishing mowers. The assembly chapter
instructs the owner/operator in the correct assembly of the mower using standard and optional
equipment. The parts listing section is designed to familiarize the owner/operator with replaceable
parts on the mower. This chapter provides exploded assembly drawings of each mower component
illustrating each piece and the corresponding part number.
Safety is of primary importance to the owner/operator and to the manufacturer. The first chapter of this
manual includes a list of safety messages, that, if followed, will help protect the operator and
bystanders from injury or death. Many of the safety messages shown in chapter one, will be repeated
throughout this manual. The owner/operator should know these safety messages before assembly and
be aware of the hazards associated with operating this mower during assembly, use and maintenance.
The safety alert symbol combined with a signal word, as shown below, is intended to warn the owner/
operator of impending hazards and the degree of possible injury faced when operating this mower.
CAUTION! The lowest level of safety message. It warns the owner/operator of possible minor
injury. Decals located on the mower with this signal word are black and yellow.`
WARNING! Serious injury or possible death! These decals are black and orange.
DANGER! This message indicates imminent death or critical injury. Decals are red and white.
Your BUSHWHACKER finishing mower has been designed for light-duty cutting such as lawn mainte-
nance and weed and grass control. With reasonable preventive maintenance your mower will provide
years of dependable service.
DANGER! Never allow children to operate, ride or come close to the mower or tractor. Usually,
15-16 year old children who are mature and responsible can operate the mower wih
reasonable safety if they have read the operator’s manual, been trained in safe operation
of the machine and are physically large and strong enough to reach and operate the
controls easily.
DANGER! At least 20% of tractor’s weight must be on the front tires when the mower is lifted,
in order to provide adequate traction for safe steering under ideal conditions. Slow down
on hills, rough terrain and curves.

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2014. RDF 60, 72
DANGER! For non-agricultural applications, OSHA, ASAE SAE and ANSI standards require the
use of chain guards, deflectors or solid skirts at all times. The mower manufacturer
strongly recommends the use of chain guards or solid skirts for agricultural
applications as well, to reduce the risk of property damage, serious bodily injury
or even death from objects thrown or from contact with the cutting blades.
Front, rear, left and right are determined by the normal direction of travel, the same as when
driving an automobile.
Introduction continued