Erskine Attachments 965RM User manual

Model 965RM-1085RM
Rear Mounted –CAT. II or III
3-Point Snowblower
For
Tractors 50-100 HP
Operator’s Manual
Set-Up Assembly
Maintenance
Parts Information
Read this Manual Before Use

2
NOTE: Erskine Attachments LLC 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS I
SAFETY
3-4
SERIAL NUMBER/DECAL LOCATION
5-6
SET-UP ASSEMBLY
7-11
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
12
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
13-14
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
15-20
BOLT TORQUE INFORMATION
21
PARTS INFORMATION
22-29
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
30
WARRANTY
31
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Write the serial number for your attachment in the spaces below. Always refer to this serial
number when calling for service or parts.
Serial Number………….._____________
YOUR ATTACHMENTS DEALER
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
CONTACT:

3
The signal words CAUTION, WARNING, or
DANGER are used to indicate hazards.
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

The word IMPORTANT is used in the text when
immediate damage will occur due to improper
technique or operation.

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 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.
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
attachment will not be damaged or made unsafe by
the procedures you choose.
Erskine Attachments LLC 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.
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.
SAFETY
DO NOT use or perform maintenance on this machine until this manual has been
read and understood. In addition, read the Operation and Maintenance
Manual(s) pertaining to the attachment and the attachment carrier (“Tractor”).

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SAFETY I
Improper operation can cause serious
injury or death.
Pre-operation
This attachment is designed for blowing snowonly.
NEVER use this attachment for any other purpose.
Read the operator’s manual for the “Tractor”.
NEVER allow untrained people to operate.
Operating instructions must be given to everyone
before operating this attachment and at least once
a year thereafter in accordance with OSHA
regulations.
NEVER exceed the maximum recommended input
power or speed specifications for the attachment.
Over-powering or over-speeding the attachment
may cause personal injury and/or machine
damage.
Keep all shields, guards, and covers in place.
Do not modify equipment or add attachments that
are not approved by Erskine Attachments LLC.
Use adequate safety warning lights and devices as
required by local regulations. Obey all local laws
and regulations regarding machine operation on
public property.
Operation
Avoid loose fitting clothing. Clothing or hair caught
in moving parts maylead to serious injury ordeath.
Hydraulic connections may be hot after use. Use
gloves if connecting or disconnecting after use.
To protect the operator from hearing loss, ear
protection is required unless the tractor is
equipped with a noise reduction cab that meets
OSHA 1910.95 standard.
Always wear eye protection that meets z87.1 or
use with an enclosure that provides similar
protection.
Check and be sure all operating controls are in
neutral before starting the engine.
Operation (continued)
Keep people at least 100 feet away from the
tractor, attachment, and discharge when in use.
This attachment sends objects flying and has
rotating parts. NEVER direct discharge toward
people –rocks and debris can be thrown.
NEVER operate near embankments or terrain that
is so steep that rollover could occur.
Always stay in the operator position when using
the attachment.
Before leaving the operator’s position, disengage
PTO drive, lower the snowblower to rest flat on the
ground, stop engine, set park brake, and wait for
all motion to stop.
NEVER place hands in the discharge chute or
clear debris while the engine is running.
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 servicing or performing maintenance on
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.
Maintenance
NEVER make adjustments, lubricate, clean, or
perform any service on the machine while it is in
operation.
Make sure the attachment is serviced on a daily
basis. Improper maintenance can cause serious
injury or death in addition to damage to the
attachment and/or your equipment.

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SERIAL NUMBER AND SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS
Serial Number Location:
It is important to refer to the serial number of the attachment 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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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 LLC (218-435-4045) for replacement decals.
SERIAL NUMBER AND SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS________
Small Brand Decal
Location: On each side of snowblower body
Quantity: 2
C
Part number: 200001
Location: Back right side of snowblower body
Quantity: 1
B
Part number: 103206
Location: On auger drive chain & chute rotation
Location: chain cover
Quantity: 2
D
Part number: 310820
Location: Back right side of snowblower body
Quantity: 1
A
Part number: 300794
Location: Back right side of snowblower body
Quantity: 1
E
Part number: 201415
Location: Top of gear drive cover
Quantity: 1

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SET-UP ASSEMBLY
Discharge Chute Installation
1. Remove the roller guide opposite the rotation
motor from the blower housing by removing the
bolt securing the roller guide to the snowblower.
2. Remove the chain cover from the blower housing
by removing the two bolts securing the cover to
the snowblower.
3. After unpacking the chute, slip the chute into the
grooves on the three remaining chute guides.
4. Reinstall the roller guide and bushing with bolt,
lock washer, and lock nut.
IMPORTANT: Torque each roller guide lock nut
to 75 ft.-lbs.
5. Rotate the chute to the straightforward position.
6. Loosen themotor mountbolts, and push the motor
all the way toward the chute.
7. Install the No. 40 roller chain around the motor
sprocket.
8. Pull the motor away from the chute until all slack
is removed from the roller chain, and tighten the
motor mount bolts to secure the motor in place.
IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten roller chains.
Tighten only enough to remove slack.
9. Reinstall the chain cover and two bolts.
Do not operate the
snowblower without the chain shield in
place. Moving parts may cause injury or
death. Always replaceguard after servicing.

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SET-UP ASSEMBLY
Cylinder and Hose Installation
The chute rotator hydraulic hoses (and optional chute
deflector hoses, if equipped) are shipped
preassembled from the factory. If the hoses are
disconnected for any reason, make sure that the
restrictor fitting is kept in the hydraulic orbit motor.
IMPORTANT: Properly route the hoses to prevent
them from being damaged when the snow blower is
raised and lowered. After installation, carefully raise
and lower the snowblower through the full range of
motion to check for interference.
IMPORTANT: Install the hydraulic chute deflection
hoses in such a way to allow the plenty of slack for the
chute to rotate fully in both directions.
Driveline Installation
1. Slide the splined yoke of the driveline onto the
snowblower gearbox shaft.
2. Install and tighten the 5/8” x 3-1/2” grade 8 bolts
and lock nuts.
Be sure the plastic driveline shield
is installed and operating properly. Never operate
the snowblower with missing driveline shields.

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SET-UP ASSEMBLY
Mounting and Adjusting the Snowblower
1. The snowblower mounting arms are designed to
be mounted on standard Category II and narrow
Category III 3-point hitch systems. They are also
quick hitch compatible. The arms are set at the
factory in the innermost position, which should
work for most 3-point quick hitch systems. If your
tractor does not have a 3-point quick hitch, it may
be necessary to use the second set of bolt holes
called out in the picture to the left.
NOTE: The positioning of the snowblower arms
allows use of the same driveline in both
applications. Determine and set the arms to the
correct position.
2. Mount the snowblower to the tractor using the
“Mounting Instructions” on page 12 of this manual.
3. The driveline angle should not exceed 20°, or the
driveline U-joints may exhibit shortened lifespans.
The driveline angle depends on the tractor PTO
location relative to the ground. If the driveline
angle exceeds 20°, tilt the snowblower away from
the tractor by lengthening the tractor’s 3-point top
link (refer to tractor’s operator’s manual for top link
adjustment instructions).
IMPORTANT: Operating the snowblower with
excessive driveline angle can cause premature
U-joint failure and is not covered under warranty.

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SET-UP ASSEMBLY
4. After the snowblower tilt is determined and set,the
driveline telescoping length must be checked.
5. With the snowblower resting on the ground,
connect the driveline to the tractor PTO shaft and
mark the location of the overlap on the driveline.
Also check that there is sufficient clearance
between the driveline and the tractor drawbar. If
there is not sufficient clearance, refer to the
tractor’s operator’s manual for instructions on
shortening or removing the drawbar.
6. 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 two
halves. If there is less than 5” of overlap, contact
your dealer.
7. Start the tractor, and slowly raise the 3-point arms,
checking to be sure that the driveline does not
bottom out before reaching the highest position or
at a position below ground level.
IMPORTANT: Severe damage to the tractor may
occur if the driveline bottoms out while raising the
snowblower. If the driveline bottoms out, it may
need to be shortened.
8. Connect the chute rotator hoses (and chute
deflector hoses, if equipped) to the tractor’s
remote hydraulic couplers (refer to the tractor’s
operator’s manual for remote hydraulic coupler
locations and connection instructions). Make sure
the hoses are routed so that they will not catch on
any part of the tractor or snowblower or contact
any moving parts during operation. Check hose
routing through the full range of intended motion
before operating the snowblower.
IMPORTANT: Hose routing is the responsibility
of the owner and/or operator. Pinched or
stretched hoses are not covered under warranty.

11
9. With the operator in the seat of the tractor and the
seat belt fastened, start the engine. With the
engine at an idle, check that the hydraulic
functions are working properly by rotating the
chute all the wayin both directions and anglingthe
chute deflector all the way up and down (if
hydraulic chute deflection kit is equipped).
10. With the engine at an idle, engage the tractor PTO
drive to start the snowblower turning. Slowly
increase the engine speed to working RPM. If
there is any excessive vibration or noise while
running the snowblower, throttle the engine down
to an idle, disengage thePTO drive, shut down the
engine, engage the park brake, and wait for all
motion to stop, then exit the tractor and inspect the
snowblower for the cause of the vibration or noise.
Adjust or replace parts as needed.
IMPORTANT: Do not engage or disengage the
PTO drive at full throttle.
11. Set-up assembly is now complete, and the
snowblower is ready for operation. See the
“Mounting Instructions” and “Operating
Instructions” sections of this manual for proper
mounting and operating techniques.
SET-UP ASSEMBLY

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MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
After the initial set-up is complete, use the following instructions to mount the snowblower to the tractor.
1. With the operator in the seat of the tractor and the
seat belt fastened, back the tractor up to the
snowblower, aligning the 3-point arms with the
snowblower arms. Apply the park brake and shut
down the engine.
2. Install the upper and lower pins and secure in
place with lynch pins.
3. Connect the driveline to the tractor PTO. Be sure
the retaining collar snaps into position on the PTO
shaft.
All appropriate hitch pins and
PTO driveline must be locked into place.
Failure to secure PTO shaft or pins can allow
the attachment to disconnect from the tractor
and cause injury or death.
The tractor must be equipped
with a working PTO shield. To avoid serious
injury or death, never adjust or move the
driveline when connected to the tractor and
the tractor’s PTO drive is engaged.
IMPORTANT: Maximum driveline extension is
17”. Extending beyond 17” can allow the driveline
to separate and cause equipment damage. Also
be sure that the driveline does not bottom out
when the snowblower is fully raised or lowered.
There must be at least 5” of shaft overlap for safe
operation.
4. Connect the chute rotator hoses (and chute
deflector hoses, if equipped) to the tractor’s
remote hydraulic couplers.
5. Mounting is now complete, and the snowblower is
ready for operation. Use the reverse order of
these instructions to dismount the snowblower
from the tractor.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Know your work area. Avoid
obstructions and debris.
1. Before starting the tractor engine, check that the
snowblower is either level or tilted slightly away
from the tractor. This creates a straighter driveline
angle, and can be accomplished by lengthening
the tractor’s 3-point top link (refer to tractor’s
operator’s manual for top link adjustment
instructions).
IMPORTANT: Keep the driveline angle as
straight as possible while the snowblower is under
load. This will maximize the life of the driveline
U-joints.
NOTE: The snowblower can be tilted in varying
degrees depending on the tractor size and PTO
shaft location.
2. Adjust the chute deflector to control snow
discharge angle and distance. To adjust: remove
the pin from the bottom of the deflector link, move
the deflector to the desired angle, and reinstall the
pin through the chute and deflector link.
NOTE: If the snowblower is equipped with
hydraulic chute deflection, the tractor remote
hydraulic control lever is used to adjust the
deflection angle.
NOTE: Snowblower will achieve maximum
casting distance with the deflector in the highest
position (as shown).
3. Skid shoes are used to control the cutting height.
To adjust the skid shoe height: raise the
snowblower off of the ground and block it in
position, remove the skid shoe retaining bolts,
adjust the skid shoes up or down to the desired
cutting height, and reinstall the retaining bolts.
The center skid shoes have retaining bolts that
slide up and down in slotted holes. To adjust:
loosen the retaining bolts, slide the skid shoes to
the desired height, and retighten the retaining
bolts. Make sure all four skid shoes are set to the
same height.
To avoid being crushed, never
work on raised attachment without using
additional support blocks or jack stands.

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4. With the operator in the operator’s position, check
to be sure all operating controls are in neutral and
start the engine.
Keep people at least 100 feet
away from tractor, snowblower, and discharge
when in use. This attachment sends objects
flying and has rotating parts. Never direct
discharge toward people –rocks and debris
can be thrown.
5. With the engine idling, check the hydraulic remote
functions for the snowblower discharge chute
rotator and discharge chute deflector (if optional
hydraulic deflection kit is equipped).
6. Rotate the chute toward a clear area.
7. Lower the snowblower to rest on the skid shoes.
8. With the engineat an idle, engage thetractorPTO
drive (see tractor’s operator’s manual).
IMPORTANT: Do not engage or disengage the
PTO drive at full throttle.
IMPORTANT: Take special care if using an
imported tractor. Some tractors have multi-speed
PTO systems. The snowblower must be operated
with a PTO speed of 1000 rpm. Never exceed the
factory recommended PTO speed for the
snowblower.
9. Increase the tractor engine speed to full throttle.
Always operatethe snowblower with the engine at
full throttle for maximum efficiency.
10. Select the lowest tractor reverse gear, and slowly
drive the tractor backward into the snow. Blow
snow toward a clear area. When possible, direct
snow discharge downwind.
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the snowblower if
excessive vibration is present. Serious damage
can occur. Check auger and fan.
NOTE: The tractor reverse speed can be varied
according to snow depth and density. Always
operate the attachment with the loader engine at
full throttle for maximum snowblower efficiency.
NOTE: If the surface to be cleared has very
dense or compacted snow, the snowblower
should be resting on the skid shoes during
operation, with the 3-point arms fully lowered.
This will allow the snowblower to float along the
contour of the ground. If operating in soft snow
conditions, the snowblower can be carried slightly
above the ground with the 3-point arms to
minimize gouging.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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_____________________ROUTINE MAINTENANCE________________
Lower the attachment to rest flat on the ground, disengage the PTO drive, shut down the
engine, relieve hydraulic pressure to the attachment, set the park brake, and wait for all motion to stop
before leaving the operator’s position or approaching the attachment to perform service of any kind.
It is the operator’s responsibility to make daily inspections of the tractor and attachment 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 the first hour of operation check all
bolts and set screws. Continue to check for loose hardware every 10 hours of operation.
Use No. 2 lithium base grease gun when lubricating
all snowblower grease fittings.
Use clean engine oil or roller chain lubricant to
lubricate the auger drive chain every 8 hours of
operation.
Grease the PTO driveshaft U-joints and slide joint
every 8 hours of operation.
LUBRICATION
No. 2 Lithium
base gun grease
Clean engine oil
8
8

16
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Grease the auger drive shaft U-joint every 40 hours
of operation.
Grease each of the four roller guide zerks every
40 hours of operation.
Use clean engine oil or roller chain lubricant to
lubricate the chute rotator chain every 40 hours of
operation.
40
40

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ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Grease the bearings on each end of the augers every
80 hours of operation.
IMPORTANT: Do not over-grease the auger bearing
units. Excessive grease can cause premature
failure. Only add two pumps of grease to each
bearing at each greasing interval.
Grease the bearing on the end of the auger drive
shaft every 80 hours of operation.
IMPORTANT: Do not over-grease the drive shaft
bearing unit. Excessive grease can cause premature
failure. Only add two pumps of grease to the
bearing at each greasing interval.
80

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Add Plug
Vent
Fill Plug
Parallel GB
Vent
Right Angle GB
Gearbox Fluid Check and Fill
The gearbox is a combination gearbox consisting of
a parallel shaft gearbox that reduces the input speed
and a right angle gearbox that drives the fan and
auger. This gearbox is designed to be used with
1000 RPM input speed only.
Check the oil level in both gearboxes weekly.
The parallel shaft gearbox should be between 1/3
and 1/2 full of 80W-90 gear lube (approximately 32-
44 oz. or 1-1.4 Qt.). It is recommended to fill at least
o the “Add” plug shown.
The right angle gearbox should be between 1/3 and
1/2 full of 80W-90 gear lube (approximately 64-96 oz.
or 2-3 Qt.). A drain plug I located on the bottom of
the gearbox, and I accessible through the mounting
plate hole. Do not exceed 1/2 full (approx. 3 Qt.).
Drain and refill both gearboxes with new oil once
every 3 years or 200 hours, whichever comes first.
Whenever the gearbox oil is changed, remove and
clean the gearbox vent.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill gearboxes with oil.
Overfilling can lead to premature seal failure and can
cause oil to leak from the vents.
IMPORTANT: Fluids such as engine oil, gear lube,
and hydraulic fluid must be disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner. Some regulations
require that certain spills and leaks be cleaned in a
specific manner. Check local, state, and federal
regulations for correct disposal methods.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

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ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Auger Drive Chain Adjustment
A properly tensioned auger drive chain will extend the
roller chain life. To adjust the chain tension:
1. Loosen the locking bolt, and push the bolt down
to move the tension idler down until all slack is
removed from the chain.
IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten roller chains.
Tighten only enough to remove slack.
2. Tighten the locking bolt to secure the tension idler
in position.
NOTE: Make sure the bolt through the plastic
idler is tight. The idler is not intended to rotate.
NOTE: If the plastic idler appears excessively
worn, rotate it to a fresh wear side before
tightening the locking bolt.
Discharge Chute Rotator Adjustment
1. Remove the two bolts securing the chain cover to
the snowblower, and remove the cover.
2. Loosen both motor mount bolts. Pull the motor
mount away from the chute to remove all slack
from the roller chain.
IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten roller chains.
Tighten only enough to remove slack.
3. Tighten the motor mount bolts to secure the
motor mount in place.
4. Reinstall the chain cover.
Do not operate the
snowblower without the chain shield in
place. Moving parts may cause injury or
death. Always replace guard after servicing.

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ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Auger Shaft Shear Coupler
The auger drive is shear bolt protected in the event
that the auger should strike a solid object. The auger
driveshaft shear coupler is located on the left side of
the gearbox, under the shield. If sheared, align the
holes in the coupler flange and install a 5/16” x 2” NC
grade 5 bolt and lock nut.
IMPORTANT: Shear bolts are intended to protect
the snowblower from severe damage by shearing in
the event of a solid object strike. Never use grade 8
bolts in place of shear bolts.
PTO Driveline Shear Coupler
The PTO driveline shear coupler is located on the
tractor end of the driveline.
1. Align the holes in the coupler flange.
2. Install two 5/16” x 2” NC grade 5 bolts and lock
nuts.
IMPORTANT: Shear bolts are intended to
protect the snowblower from severe damage by
shearing in the event of a solid object strike.
Never use grade 8 bolts in place of shear bolts.