Erskine Attachments 960R User manual

1
Read the Operation & Maintenance Manual entirely. When you see this
symbol, the subsequent instructions and warnings are serious –follow
without exception. Your life and the lives of others depend on it!
Models 960R-1080R
Rear Mounted
Rotary Snow Blowers
Operator’s Manual
Set-Up Assembly and
Parts Information
D
Do o n no ot t u us se e o or r o op pe er ra at te e t th hi is s m ma ac ch hi in ne e u un nt ti il l t th hi is s
manual has been read and understood.

2
IMPORTANT
If this machine is used by an employee or is loaned or
rented to others, make certain that the operator(s) prior
to operating:
Is instructed in safe and proper use.
Reviews and understands the operation and
maintenance manual(s) pertaining to the machine.
Remember, the operator is responsible for the safe
operation and maintenance of the machine. Most
accidents can be prevented. Good safety practices not
only protect you, but also the people around you.
NOTE: Erskine Attachments, Inc. reserves the right to make
improvements in design or changes in specifications at any time
without notice and without incurring any obligations to install them on
units previously sold.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Write the correct information for YOUR Snow Blower in the spaces below. Always use
these numbers when referring to your Snow Blower.
Snow Blower Serial Number…………..
YOUR ERSKINE ATTACHMENTS DEALER
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
CONTACT:
FOREWORD
4
SAFETY
5
SERIAL NUMBER/DECAL LOCATION
6-7
USERS INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTING THE SNOWBLOWER
8
OPERATING THE SNOWBLOWER
9-10
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
11-16
SET UP ASSEMBLY OF THE SNOWBLOWER
17-21
PARTS INFORMATION
22-37
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
38
WARRANTY
39

4
Operation and Maintenance Manuals are written to
give the owner/operator instructions on the safe
operation and maintenance of the product. For your
safety and the safety of other persons, you must
not operate, service, inspect or otherwise handle
this equipment before you have reviewed and
understood the Operation and Maintenance
Manual(s) pertaining to the Erskine™ Rear
Mounted Snow Blower and the Prime Mover
(tractor).
Throughout this manual reference may be made to
the left hand (LH) or right hand (RH) side. These
terms are used as viewed from the operator’s seat
facing front.
In order to get the optimum performance and
efficiency that has been designed into the Snow
Blower, read this manual thoroughly before setting-
up, operating, or performing maintenance
procedures on the machine.
It is the responsibility of the user to read the
operator’s manual and comply with the safety
instructions, operating instructions and
maintenance guidelines set forth in this manual.
The user is responsible for inspecting the machine
daily, and for having parts repaired or replaced
when continued use of the machine would cause
damage, excessive wear to other parts or make the
machine unsafe for continued operation.
The signal words CAUTION, WARNING, or
DANGER are used to indicate degree of hazards
and to warn against unsafe practices that may
cause personal injury and are used with
appropriate safety instructions. These signal words
are not to be ignored; your safety is involved.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.

DANGER: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.


The word NOTE is used to convey information that
is out of context with the manual text; special
information such as specifications, techniques,
reference information, and other information of a
supplementary nature.
The word IMPORTANT, is used in the text when
immediate damage will occur to the machine due to
improper technique or operation. IMPORTANT will
apply to the same information specified by NOTE,
only of an immediate and urgent nature.
Erskine Attachments, Inc. cannot anticipate every
possible circumstance that might involve potential
hazard. The safety messages found in this manual
and on the machine are therefore not all inclusive.
If an operating procedure, tool device, maintenance
or work method not specifically recommended is
used; you must satisfy yourself that it is safe for you
and others. You must also ensure that the machine
will not be damaged or made unsafe by the
procedures you choose.
FOREWORD
To The Owner/Operator:
DO NOT use or operate this machine until this manual has been read and
understood. If you require additional information, contact your Dealer or Erskine
Attachments, Inc.

5
SAFETY
Whenever you see this symbol, it means Attention!
Become Alert! Your Safety is involved.
Failure to obey warnings or instructions can cause
personal injury or death.
Operating instructions must be given to everyone before operating this machine and at least once a year
thereafter in accordance with OSHA regulations.
General Safety Instructions
Read the operators manual for the Prime Mover
(tractor) to become totally familiar with the
controls and instruments. Know how to stop all
equipment operation in case of emergency.
Avoid the possibility of personal injury and/or
machine damage. NEVER exceed the maximum
recommended input power or speed
specifications for the Snow Blower.
Check and be sure all operating controls are in
neutral before starting the engine.
Disengage PTO drive, lower the Snow Blower to
rest flat on the skid shoes, stop engine, set park
brake, and wait for all motion to stop before
leaving the operators seat for any reason.
WARNING: Before adjusting, or
servicing the unit, stop the engine
and relieve all hydraulic pressure by
opening the control valve.
Keep all shields, guards, and covers in place.
Stay clear of the Snow Blower when unit is in
operation.
NEVER make adjustments, lubricate, or perform
any service on the machine while it is in
operation.
Keep people at least 10 feet (3m) away from
machine when machine is in operation.
NEVER operate near embankments or terrain
that is so steep that rollover could occur.
NEVER allow children or untrained persons to
operate.
DO NOT permit riders on equipment.
Use adequate safety warning lights and devices
as required by local regulations.
Obey all local laws and regulations regarding
machine operation on public property.
The machine is designed for snow removal only.
NEVER use this machine for other materials.
Do not modify equipment or add attachments that
are not approved by Erskine Attachments, Inc.
Remember, YOU are responsible for the safe
operation and maintenance of the equipment.
Most accidents can be prevented. Good safety
practices not only protect you, but also the
people around you.
Wear Protective Equipment
Protective clothing and equipment should be
worn.
Wear clothing and equipment appropriate for the
job. Avoid loose fitting clothing.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
hearing impairment or hearing loss. Wear
suitable hearing protection such as earmuffs or
earplugs.
Operating equipment safely requires the full
attention of the operator. Avoid wearing radio
headphones while operating equipment.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids Hazard
Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the
skin causing serious injury.
Avoid the hazard by relieving the pressure
before disconnecting hydraulic lines.
Use a piece of paper or cardboard, NOT BODY
PARTS, to check for suspected leaks. Wear
protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles
when working with hydraulic systems.
If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately.
Any fluid injected into the skin must be
surgically removed within a few hours or
gangrene may result.

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SERIAL NUMBER AND SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS
Serial Number Location:
It is important to refer to the serial number of the Snow Blower when making repairs or ordering parts. Early or
later models (identification made by serial number) may use different parts, or it may be necessary to use
different procedures in doing a specific operation.

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SERIAL NUMBER AND SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS_______
A
C
D
B
E
Part number: 102935
Location: On each side of blower assembly
Quantity: 2
Part number: 102946
Location: On front of chute assembly
Quantity: 1
Part number: 102957
Location: On each side of chute
assembly
Quantity: 2
Part number: 103206
Location: Chute rotation chain cover.
Quantity: 2
Part number: 200001
Location: Rear of blower body
Quantity: 1
Erskine™ Snow Blower Safety Decals Locations:
The locations of the safety decals are shown. If these decals are missing, damaged, or painted over they
must be replaced. Call Erskine Attachments, Inc. (218-687-4045) for replacement decals.
Part number: 201415
Location: Auger drive cover
Quantity: 1
F
G
Part number: 201176
Location: Back of fan housing
Quantity: 1

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1. Back the tractor up to the snow blower
aligning three point hitch to the blower arms.
Apply the park brake and shut off engine.
Install the upper and lower pins and secure
with the lynch pins.
2. Connect the drive line to the tractor PTO.
Be sure the retaining pin snaps into position
on the PTO shaft.
IMPORTANT: Maximum driveline
extension is 10 inches (256mm). Extending
beyond 10 inches (256mm) will allow
driveline separation and damage will occur.
Also, be sure the driveline does not bottom
out when the blower is fully raised.
3. Connect the chute rotator hoses to the
couplers.
4. Mounting is now complete and you are
ready to blow snow. Use the reverse order
of the above instructions to dismount the
snow blower from the tractor.
CAUTION: read the operating
and safety instructions in this
manual before using the snow
blower.
USERS INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTING THE SNOW BLOWER
After the initial set-up assembly is completed, use the following procedure to mount the Erskine™ Snow Blower
to the Tractor for user operation.

9
OPERATING THE SNOW BLOWER______________
WARNING: DO NOT operate from any position except seated in the operator’s seat
with the seat belt fastened. DO NOT permit riders.
1. Before starting the tractor, check to see that
the blower is tilted somewhat forward. This
creates a straighter driveline angle and can
be accomplished by lengthening the tractor’s
upper 3-point arm.
NOTE: The blower can be tilted forward in
varying degrees depending on the tractor size
and PTO shaft location.
CAUTION: It is extremely
important to keep the driveline
angle as straight as possible
while the blower is under load.
2. Skid shoes are used to control the minimum
desired cutting depth. If necessary to adjust
the skid shoes, raise and block the snow
blower. Remove the two skid shoe retaining
bolts and adjust the shoes up or down
equally to the desired cutting depth. Reinstall
and tighten the retaining bolts.
WARNING: To prevent personal
injury, never work on a raised
implement without using
additional support blocking or
jack stands.
3. Before starting the tractor, to control snow
discharge angle and distance, adjust the
discharge chute deflector to the desired
angle. To adjust, remove the lock pin, slide
the adjusting strap up or down to the desired
deflector angle and reinstall the strap lock pin
and retainer clip.
NOTE: Blower will obtain the best casting
distance with the deflector in the up most
position.

10
OPERATING THE SNOW BLOWER_______________
8. Engage the tractor PTO system (see tractor
operating manual)
IMPORTANT: To prevent the possibility of
damage, always idle the engine when engaging
or disengaging the PTO.
9. Select the lowest tractor reverse gear and
operate the engine at full throttle. Start the
tractor moving rearward into the snow. Blow
the snow toward a clear area. When possible
direct snow discharge downwind.
NOTE: Tractor reverse speed can be varied
according to tractor power, snow depth and
density. Always operate at full throttle for
maximum snow blower efficiency.
CAUTION: Know your work area.
Avoid obstructions and/or other
debris.
NOTE: If surface to be cleaned is very dense or
compacted snow, the blower should be resting
on the skid shoes during operation with the 3-
point hitch in the “float” position. If operating in
soft snow conditions, the blower can be carried
slightly above the ground with the 3-point hitch to
prevent gouging.
WARNING: Disengage PTO shaft,
lower blower to rest on skid shoes,
stop engine, set the park brake, and
wait for all motion to stop before
leaving the operators seat for any
reason.
.
4. Check to be sure all tractor operating controls
are in the neutral position and start the
engine.
CAUTION: Be careful if using
imported tractor. Some have multi-
speed PTO systems. The PTO
speed must NEVER exceed 1000
rpm.
5. With the engine idling, slowly raise the blower
with the tractor 3-point hitch and check to see
that the driveline does not bottom out when in
the fully raised position or has less than 5
inches of telescoping overlap when in the
fully lowered position. See picture below.
6. With the engine idling, check the hydraulic
remote functions for the discharge chute
rotator. Rotate the chute toward a clear area.
7. Lower the snow blower to rest on the skid
shoes.

11
Use No. 2 lithium base gun grease when lub-
ricating all Snow Blower grease fittings.
Grease the bearings on each end of the auger
after every 30 hours of operation.
WARNING: These are
requirements. It is the
responsibility of the
owner/operator to make sure
the attachment is serviced on a
daily basis. Improper
maintenance can cause
extensive damage to the
attachment and/or your
equipment.
Grease the bearing on the end of the auger
driveshaft after every 30 hours of operation.
ROUTINE SNOW BLOWER MAINTENANCE ________
It is the operator’s responsibility to make daily inspections of the blower and tractor for damage, loose bolts, fluid leaks, or
anything else that could cause a potential service or safety problem. Preventive maintenance is the easiest and least
expensive type of maintenance.
IMPORTANT: Bolts and set screws can loosen after initial usage. After first hour of operation check
all bolts and set screws.
WARNING: Lower the snow blower to rest on the skid shoes, shut down the engine, wait for
all motion to stop, and set park brake before leaving the operator’s seat to perform service
of any kind.
LUBRICATION
30
30
No. 2 Lithium
base gun grease
Clean engine oil

12
ROUTINE SNOW BLOWER MAINTENANCE
Grease the gearbox splined coupler after every
30 hours of operation.
Use clean engine oil to lubricate the auger drive
chain daily.
Grease the PTO driveline U-joints and
telescoping slide daily.
Lubrication (continued)
30

13
ROUTINE SNOW BLOWER MAINTENANCE_____________
LUBRICATION (continued)
Grease the auger drive shaft assembly and the
gearing on the end of the auger drive shaft,
after every 30 hours of operation.
Grease each of the (3) roller guides daily.
Use clean engine oil to lubricate the chute
rotator chain after every 30 hours of operation.
30
30

14
ROUTINE SNOW BLOWER MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION (continued)
FILL
ADD
VENT
Check the gearbox oil level weekly.
Two plugs are located on the side of the gearbox,
fill and add.
To check oil level, remove the add plug. Oil
must drain from the plug. If necessary to add
oil, remove the upper fill plug. Add oil until the
oil level is at or near the lower level of the “ADD”
plug hole. Use SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Gearbox oil capacity is approx. 2 quarts.
Drain and refill the gearbox with new oil once
a season (12 months).
Whenever the gearbox oil is changed, remove
and clean the gearbox vent.

15
ROUTINE SNOW BLOWER MAINTENANCE
A properly tensioned auger drive chain will
extend the roller chain life.
To adjust the chain tension, loosen the set
screw that secures the idler sprocket
assembly. Screw the threaded adjusting bolt
in to increase chain tension until all slack in the
chain is removed or out to decrease chain
tension. After adjustment tighten the set
screw.
IMPORTANT: Do not over tighten roller
chains. Tighten only enough to remove slack.
To adjust the discharge chute roller chain:
1. Remove the two screws securing the chain
shield. Remove the shield.
2. Loosen the bolt and nut securing the orbit
motor mounting bracket. Using a wrench
on the welded nut, take all of the slack out
of the chain by moving the bracket
outward. Tighten the bolt and nut.
3. Reinstall the chain shield.
IMPORTANT: Do not over tighten roller chains.
Tighten only enough to remove slack.
AUGER DRIVE CHAIN ADJUSTMENT
DISCHARGE CHUTE ROTATOR ADJUSTMENT

16
ROUTINE SNOW BLOWER MAINTENANCE_____________
The auger drive is shear bolt protected in the
event the auger should strike a solid object.
The auger driveshaft shear coupler is located
on the right side of the gearbox, under a shield.
Align the holes in the coupler flange. Install a
5/16” x 1-1/2” NC grade 5 bolt and nut.
The PTO drive shaft shear coupler is located on the
tractor PTO coupler.
1. Align the holes in the coupler flange.
2. On models 1080R & 960R with tractor end
shear yoke, use (2) 3/8” x 1-1/8” NF grade 8
shear bolts w/locknuts.
NOTE: A higher grade shear bolt may be
substituted if constant shearing occurs.
PTO DRIVE SHAFT SHEAR COUPLER
AUGER DRIVE SHEAR BOLT REPLACEMENT
SHEAR BOLT
SHEAR BOLT

17
SET UP ASSEMBLY
Remove one of the roller guides from the blower
housing by removing the bolt securing the roller
guide.
Remove the chain shield from the blower housing.
After unpacking the chute, slip the chute into the
grooves on the two remaining roller guides.
Install the roller guide and bushings with bolt, lock
washer, and lock nut.
IMPORTANT: Tighten each lock nut to 75 ft. lbs.
Rotate the chute to the straightforward position.
DISCHARGE CHUTE INSTALLATION

18
DISCHARGE CHUTE ROTATOR ADJUSTMENT (continued)
SET UP ASSEMBLY_______________________
Loosen the rotation mount bolts. Push the
rotation mount all the way towards the chute.
Install the No. 40 roller chain around the
sprocket.
Tighten the rotation mount by moving it
outward to remove all slack in the chain.
Tighten the rotation mount bolts and install the
chain shield.
CAUTION: Do not operate the
snow blower without the chain
shield in place.
Install the chain shield and retaining bolts.
NOTE: To remove the chute, use the reverse
order of the above.
Install the chute rotator hydraulic hoses (not
supplied). Make sure that the restrictor is kept in
the hydraulic orbit motor.
NOTE: The chute rotator hoses should be 3 to 4
feet longer than the lift cylinder hoses.
If required, optional chute deflector cylinder or
electric actuator may be installed at this time.
Remove the linkage strap that sets the chute
deflector angle and replace with a standard 2 x 8
cylinder or electric actuator (optional package).
NOTE: Install hydraulic hoses or wire harness
allowing plenty of length for the chute to rotate
fully in both directions.
CYLINDER AND HOSE INSTALLATION

19
SET UP ASSEMBLY
Install the splined yoke of driveline onto snow
blower gearbox shaft. Secure with 3/8” grade 8 bolt
and tighten set screw.
WARNING: Be sure the PTO master
shield is secured in its operation
position.
1. The mounting arms are designed to be used on
the standard category II or category III narrow
3-point hitch and with or without a 3-point Quick
Hitch.
The arms are set at the factory in the outer
most position which is the correct position for
standard 3-point hitch systems. If your tractor
has 3-point Quick Hitch, one of the other two
positions will be appropriate depending on the
thickness of the Quick Hitch.
NOTE: The positioning of the blower arms allows
use of the same driveline in both applications.
Determine and set arms to correct position. The
snow blower is now ready to be mounted on the
tractor.
2. Mount the snow blower to the tractor. See user
instructions on page 8.
3. The snow blower must be tilted somewhat
forward which creates a straighter driveline
angel from the tractor PTO shaft to the snow
blower gearbox. This can be accomplished by
lengthening the tractor upper 3-point arm. The
degree of forward tilt depends on the tractor
size and PTO location.
EXAMPLE: The higher the PTO shaft from the
ground, the more forward tilt is required.
DRIVE LINE INSTALLATION
MOUNTING AND ADJUSTING BLOWER TO TRACTOR

20
MOUNTING AND ADJUSTING BLOWER TO TRACTOR
SET UP ASSEMBLY______________________
CAUTION: It is extremely important
to keep the driveline angle as straight
as possible while the blower is under
load as this reduces heat build up
and the chance of bearing failure in the
driveline U-joints.
4. After the snow blower forward tilt is
determined and set, the driveline telescoping
length must be checked.
First, with the blower on the ground, connect
the driveline coupler to the tractor PTO shaft
and mark the location of overlap on the
driveline.
Then, disconnect the driveline from the PTO
shaft and slide the two driveline halves apart.
Using the mark on the shield as a reference,
check to be sure there is at least 5” of overlap
between the driveline shaft and the slide. If
there is less than 5” of overlap, the snow
blower arms must be adjusted accordingly.
5. Start the tractor and slowly raise the 3-point
system, checking to be sure the driveline
does not bottom out before reaching the
highest position.
CAUTION: Severe damage to the
tractor may occur if the driveline
bottoms out while raising the snow
blower. If the driveline bottoms out,
the snow blower arms must be
adjusted accordingly, keeping in
mind this will also affect driveline
overlap in the lowest 3-point
position.
5” MINIMUM OVERLAP
BOTTOMS OUT HERE