EVH MFG HARDEE LR50148 Installation instructions

MANUAL P/N 24550
OPERATOR’S AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
WITH PARTS LISTING
Long Reach Mower
Model: LR50148
DANGER
Read this manual and the manual for
your tractor carefully to acquaint yourself
with both machines before operating!
4895 RED BLUFF RD LORIS, SC 29569 [phone]
www.hardeebyevh.com [email protected]
FOR SERIAL #s STARTING
WITH 13511
RELEASED 08/14/17

MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
Customer Pre-Operation Check List Reference
Read, understand and follow the general safety rules listed in
this manual. Page 2
Check all shields and guards. Page 2
Cut driveshaft to the proper length for your tractor. Page 8
Add ballast to the rear tractor tires and space them six feet or
wider apart. Page 8
Add ballast and front weights to your tractor, if needed. Page 8
Check all fluid levels, tractor and mower. Page 11
Turn gate valve under the oil tank “on”. Page 12
Check all grease fittings. Page 15
Service Notice
Please take extra care while servicing the hydraulic system by keeping all openings properly
covered, thus preventing contamination of the hydraulic components. Contaminates in the oil WILL
cause faulty operation or
premature failure of components in the hydraulic control valve, pump,
and motor.
Disclaimer
THIS MOWER IS NOT DESIGNED TO CUT TREES FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (VERTICALLY)
WITH THE MOWER DECK IN THE HORIZONTAL POSITION (See Fig. 1). The mower is
designed to trim branches with the mower deck in the VERTICAL position while moving
the tractor forwards or backwards, repositioning the mower deck after each path (See Fig.
2).
The mower is also designed to cut tree trunks and branches up to 4” in diameter with the
“Hinged Gate” in the unlocked, secured raised position and the mower deck in the
HORIZONTAL position, perpendicular to the trunk and/or branch of the tree (See Fig. 3).
Any modes of operation other than the ones described above and shown below, while
cutting trees and/or branches are not permitted and shall void the warranty. Moreover,
HARDEE by EVH Manufacturing Company, LLC does not accept any liability to any
person and/or material when the mower is operated in violation of the above information.
P/N 24550

Hardee by EVH
Table of Contents
© Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved
Hardee by EVH provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Every precaution has been taken in the design of this manual, however Hardee
by EVH assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Hardee by EVH
reserves the right to revise and improve this product at any time. The illustrations in this manual are not intended for the safe and proper assembly or disassembly of this product, but for
parts ordering reference only.
LR50148 Long Reach Mower REVISED 12/5/14
Section 1 Introduction
1
To Our Customers
1
Owner’s Responsibility
1
Purpose Of This Manual
1
Safety-Alert Symbol
1
Signal Words
1
Customer Assistance
1
Section 2 Safety Information
2
General Safety Rules
2
Safety Decals
3-6
Section 3 Assembly And Installation
7
Component Identification And Terminology
7
Tractor Requirements
8
Driveshaft Installation
8
Driveshaft Installation On Pump Shaft
8
Tractor Hook-Up Procedures
8
Driveshaft Installation On PTO
9
Hydraulic System Setup
9
Working Safely With Hydraulic Lines
9
Description of Operation
9
Joystick Functions
9
Tethered Grip with Micro-Joysticks
10
Section 4 Operation
Instruction
11
Operation Instructions
11
During Operation
11
Daily Start-Up Checklist
11
Operating Environment
11
Application Do’s And Don’ts
11
Using Your Mower
12
Getting Started
12
Joystick Control
12
Boom Breakaway
13
Mowing In Reverse
13
Side Dressing Trees
13
Cutting Larger Brush And Trees
13
Unhook And Post Use Care
14
Unhooking The LR50148
14
Post Use Care
14
Section 5 Maintenance
15
Maintenance And Service Schedule
15
First Stage Boom
15
First Stage Boom To Second Stage Boom
15
Deck And Second Stage Boom
15
Hydraulic Motor Housing & Belting Extension
15
Greasing PTO Driveshaft To Pump
15
Inspection And Replacement Of Blades
16
Inspection And Replacement Of Blade Holder
16
Inspection
16
Replacement
16
Checking the Main Relief Valve
16
Cylinder Speed
17
Adjusting the Cylinder Control Valve
17
Individual Cylinder Counterbalance Valves
17
LR50148 Control Valve Port Listing
18
Control Valve Port Schematic
19
LR50148 Valve / Joystick Wiring Schematic
20
Routine Maintenance Checklist
21
Section 6 Troubleshooting
22
Troubleshooting Guide
22-23
Fault Codes for Status LED
24
Controller Diagram
25
LR50148 Electric Schematic
26
Oil Cooler Wiring Harness
27
Section 7 Specifications
28
Summary Of Specifications
28
Section 8 Replacement Parts
29
Parts Listing For Long Reach Cutter LR50148
29-36
Hydraulic Schematics
37-38
Hydraulic Motor Housing Assembly
39
Blade Holder Assembly Breakdown
40
Rear Belting Breakdown
41
Belting Extension Breakdown
42
Front Chain Guard Breakdown
43
Rear Chain Guard Breakdown
44
Logo/Decal Replacement
45
10601 Driveshaft Breakdown
46
11716 Driveshaft Breakdown
47
11717 Driveshaft Breakdown
48
Section 9 Reference
49
Bolt Torque
49
Checking Bolt Torque
49
Torque Specifications
50
Section 10 Warranty
51
Notes
52

Section 1
Hardee by EVH
Introduction
LR50148 Long Reach Mower
1
To Our Customers
We at Hardee by EVH Manufacturing Company thank
you for buying your new Long Reach Mower.
We have tried hard to build a mower to do the work
you have in mind. Many hours of engineering, field-
testing and improvement have gone into the design
and fabrication of your mower. We will strive to
continue this quality of manufacturing in the future,
always keeping the customer’s needs clearly in mind.
The best performance of your mower will depend on
you. Proper lubrication, maintenance, hookup,
adjustments and operation are essential for it to give
you long and dependable service. However, as with
any type of equipment, your mower is designed to
perform specific functions.
In this manual, you will find instructions on mower
features, maintenance and operation. If customer
service or repair parts are required, contact your local
Hardee dealer. Please specify model and serial
number when ordering parts.
Owner’s Responsibility
The manufacturer has no control over the ultimate use
of the mower and therefore assumes no responsibility
or liability for damage or injury resulting from the use
of this machine.
The upkeep of the hydraulic mower is the
responsibility of the user. This upkeep includes all
shielding, guards, and safety decals (OSHA
Regulation 1928.57). You can obtain replacement
parts from any authorized Hardee dealer.
Read this Operator's Manual before operating the
mower. Failure to do so could result in injury to the
operator or to others. Remember that most accidents
occur due to neglect or carelessness. The operator is
responsible for inspecting and making repairs as may
be necessary. Cleaning after each use and storage
under a shelter will extend the life of the mower.
Purpose of This Manual
This manual provides information on safety, operation,
adjustments, troubleshooting and maintenance of your
new mower. Please read and follow all the
recommendations to help ensure that you get many
years of service from your new Hardee mower.
If you need additional copies of this manual, please
contact your local Hardee dealer or download a copy
from our website at www.hardeebyevh.com.
Safety-Alert Symbol
This symbol is the safety alert symbol. It
appears throughout this manual to call your
attention to instructions involving your personal
safety and the safety of others. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in injury or death.
Signal Words
Safety signal words are words that call attention to the
safety sign and designate a degree or level of hazard
seriousness. The signal words used throughout this
manual are DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION.
Please read and follow all safety messages that have
these signal words shown for your protection.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury
Customer Assistance
The Hardee sales team would like you to be satisfied
with your new Long Reach Mower. If for some reason
you have any questions about the information in this
manual or have a problem with your mower, please
discuss the problem or question with the management
of your local dealership. If further assistance is
required, please contact:
Hardee By EVH Manufacturing Company, LLC
Sales Department
4895 Red Bluff Road
Loris, SC 29569
843-756-2555

Section 2
Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 2
General Safety Rules
This section of your manual will address the safe
operation of your new mower. We at Hardee strive to
produce a machine that is both a quality product and
safe to operate. Please take the time to read,
understand and follow the safety rules listed below
and throughout this manual.
Your safety also depends on you becoming familiar
with the basic operation of your new mower. You can
find complete instructions for this mower in the
Operation Instruction section of this manual. We
believe that using your mower safely, in a safe
environment will give you great results!
DANGER
This machine is designed for use on a closed cab
tractor only! If your tractor has an open cab, then it
MUST be equipped with operator protective equipment
in the form of shielding from thrown objects and Roll
Over Protective Structure (ROPS) to operate this
equipment safely.
DANGER
Rotary mowers have the inherent ability to throw
debris considerable distances when the blades are
allowed to strike foreign objects. The operator must
use caution or serious injury may result. Be sure by-
standers are at a safe distance at all times when the
cutter is in use.
WARNING
Always keep your tractor level as you reach over
ditches, etc. Be careful to keep ample distance
between the rear tire and the top of the ditch bank to
avoid a cave-in of the bank.
WARNING
Failure to keep the tractor level may result in loss of
traction, tipping, rollover, property damage, personal
injury or death.
WARNING
Never stand, or allow others to stand, under the boom
or mowerhead at any time. Never park the unit without
placing the mowerhead squarely and firmly on the
ground. Serious injury or death by crushing may occur
in case of hydraulic failure.
DANGER
Do not look under the mower deck or attempt to
remove objects or branches from under the mower
deck while the tractor is running. Serious injury, loss of
limb or death may result.
DANGER
Do not reach under the mower deck at any time.
Cutting blades may cause serious injury, loss of limb
or disfigurement.
WARNING
Never use the mower for a crane or lifting device of
any kind. It is not designed for this purpose. Serious
damage to unit may occur. Serious bodily injury may
be incurred from this misuse.
WARNING
Never use the mower for a man-Iift or personnel lift. It
is not designed for this purpose. Serious damage to
unit may occur. Serious bodily injury may be incurred
from this misuse.
DANGER
Never operate the mower within 10 feet of overhead
power lines or utility lines. Do not trim trees with power
lines running through them. Serious injury or death by
electrocution may occur.
WARNING
Never allow the mower to impact rock piles, piles of
gravel, steel guardrails or concrete abutments.
Contact with these objects could cause blade failure.
Serious machine damage, property damage or bodily
injury may occur. Check the area for these items
before mowing.
DANGER
Never attempt to use the mower to remove brush or
trees larger than 4 inches in diameter. Failure to use
caution when cutting trees, may lead to the tree falling
on the mower deck and tipping the tractor over.

Section 2
Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 3
Safety Decals
Your Hardee mower ships with all safety decals in
place. They are located in areas on the mower that
are potentially hazardous. Please locate, read and
follow the information you find on these decals.
By law, you must replace any safety decals that are
damaged or missing. You can order replacement
decals from any local Hardee dealer. Just ask for part
number 15845.
To apply the replacement decals:
 Clean the surface to place the new decal.
 Peel the decal away from the paper backing.
 Press firmly onto the clean surface.
 Squeeze out any air pockets using a straight
edge.
Deck
Danger – Thrown Object Danger – Rotating Driveline
Operating Safety and General
Instruction
Warning – Thrown Object
(PN 11005)
Weight Box

Section 2
Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 4
Safety Decals, continued
Deck
Warning – Rotating Components
Hitch Frame
Danger – Crushing Hazard
Hitch Frame
Warning – High Pressure Fluid
Hazard
Hitch Frame
Deck

Section 2
Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 5
Deck Linkage Deck Linkage 1
st
Stage Boom
1
st
Stage Boom
Warning – Pinch Point
Deck
Blade Rotation
Hitch Frame Danger – Crushing Hazard
Safety Decals, continued

Section 2
Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 6
Safety Decals, continued
Deck Danger – Keep Clear
Danger – Electrocution, Falling and Crushing Hazard
Hitch Frame
Deck Danger – Exposed Blades
15852 – Red Reflector, Rear
(Not Shown)
Deck – Front/Rear
Weight Box – Front/Rear
15853 – Yellow Reflector, Front

Section 3
Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 7
Component Identification and Terminology
A Weight Box M Deck
B Flow Ezy Breather N Motor Drive Housing
C Oil Tank O Rubber Shielding
D Return Filter P 2
nd
Stage (Reach) Boom
E Swing Cylinder Q 2
nd
Stage Cylinder
F Hitch Frame R Lift Break-Away
G Swing Post S 1
st
Stage Cylinder
H Hose Guard T Short Stand
I 1
st
Stage (Lift) Boom U Long Stand
J Deck Cylinder V Hydraulic Pump
K Deck Linkage W Oil Cooler
L Hydraulic Motor

Section 3
Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 8
Tractor Requirements
The Long Reach Mower you have purchased is
designed for use with 90 horsepower; 4-wheel drive or
100 horsepower; 2-wheel drive and above tractors,
equipped with a 540 RPM or 1000 RPM rear power
take-off (PTO).
Your tractor must also be equipped with a standard
hitch. A category 2 or 3 quick hitch can also be used
with this mower.
To insure stability of your tractor, the rear tires
should be spaced at their widest setting. We
recommend six feet or wider. You should also
add ballast to maintain proper steering control
and balance. In addition, unless your tractor is
4-wheel drive, you may also need to add front
weights. Please refer to the operator’s manual
for your tractor to determine the correct setup.
DANGER
This machine is designed for use on a closed cab
tractor only! If your tractor has an open cab, then it
MUST be equipped with operator protective equipment
in the form of shielding from thrown objects and Roll
Over Protective Structure (ROPS) to operate this
equipment safely.
Driveshaft Installation
The make of your tractor will determine the length of
driveshaft you require to connect from the end of the
pump shaft to the PTO connection of your tractor. This
step may require cutting the standard driveshaft
included with the Hardee mower. We recommend
contacting your local Hardee dealer for assistance.
Driveshaft Installation on Pump Shaft
Refer to Figure 1 for reference
 Verify that driveshaft is the proper length.
 Grease both pump shaft and driveshaft.
 Attach equipment end of driveshaft to pump.
Tractor end has a figure of a tractor stamped onto
the guard.
 Rotate driveshaft to line up holes for securing with
the bolt and nut provided.
 Fix shaft guard to the mower using anti-rotation
chain.
Figure 1
Tractor Hook-Up Procedures
 Hook Tractor 3-point hitch to mower hitch frame.
The LR50148 is designed to work with a standard,
category 2 or 3 quick hitch.
WARNING
Before leaving the tractor seat, always engage the
tractor brake and/or set the transmission of the tractor
in parking gear. Stop engine and remove key.
Always make sure that no one is between the tractor
and the mower when tractor is in motion.
 Attach driveline to tractor (PTO shaft). (See below
for instructions)
 Verify that the shaft is sufficiently lubed before
attachment.
 Verify that drive shaft is the proper length.
 Connect joystick to bulkhead connector on the
wire cover panel of the controller.
 Connect joystick to 12-volt system. (Cigarette
lighter plug provided with Joystick. Hardee dealer
can supply receptacle).
 Raise all jack stands before moving mower.

Section 3
Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 9
Driveshaft Installation on PTO
WARNING
Never attempt any checks, repairs or adjustments with
the tractor engine running or the PTO engaged.
Adjustment of rotating parts with tractor engine
running may result in severe personal injury or death if
the PTO accidentally engages.
 Lift tractor PTO guard.
 Pull U-joint guard back along driveshaft.
 Press driveshaft yoke plunger in and slip
driveshaft U-joint yoke onto splined PTO shaft.
Ensure that yoke plunger returns to locked
position.
 Position U-joint guard over driveshaft U-joint.
 Lower tractor PTO guard.
 Fix shaft guard to tractor with anti-rotation chain.
Hydraulic System Setup
IMPORTANT
The hydraulic system setup information contained in
the following sections should be used only as a guide.
Consult your local Hardee dealer or mower
manufacturer for more detailed information.
Working Safely with Hydraulic Lines
Purge all air from hydraulic system before attempting
to raise or lower the mower boom and deck.
DANGER
Stand clear if lowering or raising deck, hydraulic deck
can fall suddenly from system failure.
DANGER
Do not use your hand or skin to check for hydraulic
leaks, use cardboard or wood. High-pressure oil leaks
can penetrate skin causing injury and gangrene.
Consult a doctor immediately. Always wear safety
goggles when working around high-pressure lines.
Description of Operation
The LR50148 is set-up at the factory as a self-
contained hydraulic system. This means that the
mower pump powers ALL hydraulic functions.
A Programmable Processor (Refer to Page 25)
controls four cylinder functions (swing, first stage
boom lift, second stage boom lift, and mower deck tilt)
and one motor function which drives the mower head.
A single tethered handheld grip serves as the operator
input. The grip includes a dead-man bar, a left two-
axis thumb controlled proportional joystick, a right two-
axis thumb controlled proportional joystick and a
momentary switch controlling a latching circuit turning
the mower head motor on and off. A proximity switch
is used to decelerate the swing velocity near both
stroke ends.
Joystick Functions
 Left X-axis (horizontal) controls Deck Down (W)
and Deck Up (E).
 Left Y-axis (vertical) controls First Stage Boom Up
(N) and Boom Down (S).
 Right X-axis (horizontal) controls Swing Left (W)
and Swing Right (E). Proximity switch decreases
output to Swing by 50% when actuated.
 Right Y-axis (vertical) controls Second Stage
Boom Up (N) and Boom Down (S).
 LED should be Red when mower head motor is
active and Green when the system is active but
the mower head is off. LED remains active if
dead-man is released until system hibernates.
 Push Button controls mower head motor. Motor
switches on when dead-man bar is depressed and
push button is held for two seconds. Motor
switches OFF when push button is instantly
depressed or fifteen seconds after the dead-man
bar is released.
 System becomes active when Dead-Man Bar is
depressed for two seconds. Bar must remain
depressed for all control functions to be active
except for the fifteen second motor off delay
mentioned above. System Hibernates after ten
minutes of inactivity on the Dead-Man Bar.
Refer to Figure 2 for joystick functions on Page 10.

Section 3
Hardee by EVH
Tethered Joystick
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 10
TETHERED GRIP WITH MICRO-JOYSTICKS
1W – DECK DOWN 2W – SWING LEFT
1E – DECK UP 2E – SWING RIGHT
1N – 1
ST
STAGE BOOM UP 2N – 2
ND
STAGE BOOM UP
1S – 1
ST
STAGE BOOM DOWN 2S – 2
ND
STAGE BOOM DOWN
JOYSTICK RECALIBRATION
TWO (2) MICRO-JOYSTICKS
ONE (1) DUAL COLORED LED
RED: CUTTER HEAD MOTOR IS
ACTIVE
GREEN: SYSTEM IS ACTIVE, BUT
CUTTER HEAD MOTOR IS
OFF
DEAD-MAN BAR
(FAR SIDE)
ONE (1) MOMENTARY
PUSH BUTTON FOR
CUTTER HEAD MOTOR
TETHER
CLEAR CURRENT CALIBRATION
1.0 - POWER UP THE CONTROLLER BOX WITH JOYSTICK CONNECTOR (
ENGINE SHOULD BE SHUT OFF
).
2.0 - PULL “DEAD-MAN BAR” UNTIL GREEN LED COMES ON, THEN RELEASE “DEAD-MAN BAR”.
3.0 - HOLD DOWN THE CUTTER HEAD SWITCH (
ENGINE SHOULD BE SHUT OFF
) WHILE PUSHING THE
LEFT JOYSTICK (1) UP AND THE RIGHT JOYSTICK (2) DOWN FOR 5-SECONDS.
THE GREEN LED WILL BEGIN TO FLASH, INDICATING THE CALIBATION HAS BEEN RESET.
CALIBRATE JOYSTICK
4.0 -WITH JOYSTICK (1): PUSH AND HOLD IN EACH DIRECTION FOR 5 SECONDS EACH. N, S, W AND E
5.0 -WITH JOYSTICK (2): PUSH AND HOLD IN EACH DIRECTION FOR 5 SECONDS EACH. N, S, W AND E
6.0 -AFTER THE CALIBRATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED THE GREEN LED WILL STOP FLASHING.
7.0 -POWER DOWN THE CONTROLLER FOR 10 SECONDS AND THEN POWER UP THE SYSTEM AGAIN.
PULL THE DEAD-MAN BAR FOR 2 SECONDS TO VERIFY THAT CALIBRATION WAS ACCEPTED (THE
LED WILL BE A STEADY GREEN).
NOTE: THE BOOM AND SWING FUCTIONS WILL NOT WORK UNTIL ALL POSITIONS OF THE JOYSTICKS
ARE CALIBRATED.

Section 4
Hardee by EVH
Operation Instruction
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 11
Operation Instructions
During Operation
WARNING
Ensure that all bystanders are clear of the mower
before starting tractor engine. Objects thrown by the
mower blades can cause severe personal injury or
death.
Before any operation of the mower, be familiar with
the locations and functions of the unit's controls. Being
familiar with the mower and its controls will increase
efficiency and reduce the possibility of serious injury
or damage to the unit.
The operator should work slowly and carefully until he
feels comfortable with the mower. Speed and skill will
be attained much more easily if the necessary time is
spent to familiarize yourself with the mower and its
operation.
Get into the habit of completing a walkaround
inspection before use. This procedure is a simple
method of inspecting your unit's condition by walking
around and looking at each component of the unit,
including the tractor. This procedure has been used by
airline pilots for many years as a final inspection
before flight and is also used by long distance ground
transportation drivers on buses and trucks. During the
walkaround, you will visually search your units tire
condition, look for hydraulic leaks, fuel leaks, inspect
hose condition and condition of hydraulic cylinders.
Look for loose or worn components, see that all
guards are in place, check blade condition, look for
broken or inoperative lights and determine that it is or
is not operable before use. We recommend that you
follow this procedure before start up.
Daily Start-Up Checklist
Check Section
Check All Fluid Levels,
Tractor & Mower, For best
results, use Hardee hydraulic
oil – part number 23333
-
Grease Points Page 15
PTO Shaft, Check Grease Page 15
Blade Tightness Page 16
Operating Environment
Application Do's and Don'ts
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in
operating this mower. REMEMBER! This machine is
often operated in rough terrain conditions that include
gullies, holes, slopes and hidden obstructions. Serious
injury or even death may occur unless care is taken to
assure the safety of the operator and bystanders in
the area.
Included here is a list of safety messages, which
should be followed. Observing these messages and
using common sense learned from experience help
eliminate the hazards of operating this and other
machinery.
DANGER
Read this manual and the manual for the tractor
carefully to acquaint yourself with both machines
before operating. REMEMBER, power-driven
equipment should be operated only by those trained
and familiar with the operation and instructed to do so.
Working with unfamiliar equipment or in unfamiliar
conditions can lead to accidents.
WARNING
Before leaving the tractor seat, always engage the
tractor brake and/or set the transmission of the tractor
in parking gear. Stop engine and remove key.
DANGER
Never allow riders on tractor or equipment. Falling off
can cause serious injury or death.
WARNING
Worn or dull mower blades can cause excessive
mower vibration resulting in damage to the gearbox
and structural damage to the mower. You should
replace or sharpen blades in pairs. Excessive
vibration can cause rotating parts to break and fly off
the mower, causing serious injury or death to the
operator or bystanders.
DANGER
Do not modify or alter this machine or any of its
components or any equipment function without
consulting HARDEE BY EVH Manufacturing
Company.

Section 4
Hardee by EVH
Operation Instruction
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 12
Using Your Mower
Getting Started
You will need to spend some time getting the “feel” of
your new mower. Spend time reviewing the following
steps before using your mower for the first time. The
time that you take will greatly enhance your ability to
get the desired results when you begin mowing.
 Locate the tethered grip mounted on the right side
of the tractor and move the two joysticks through
the positions shown on the instruction decal.
 The next step is to attach the mower to the tractor,
see the hook-up procedures on page 8 for
complete instructions. After you have the mower
attached, double check to ensure that no part of
the tractor is in contact with the mower.
 Next, follow the instructions for installing the
driveshaft. Check to see that all PTO guards are
in place correctly.
 Connect joystick cable to the bulkhead connector
on the wire cover box. Make sure that all hoses
and the joystick connection cable will not contact
the PTO shaft. Use velcro straps to tie pendant
cable to top link.
 Check the blades for sharpness. Check the blade
carrier castle nut and both blade bolts for
tightness. Verify that the gate valve under the oil
tank is “on”. The mower is shipped with the gate
valve in the “off” position.
Danger
Before proceeding, make sure that no other persons
are in close proximity to the mower!
 With all controls in neutral, the tractor in park, the
throttle in idle position and the joystick power
switch off… Start the tractor engine.
 Slowly engage the PTO shaft.
 Now with the mower under power, practice using
the joystick to control the movement of the
mowerhead and boom arms.
Joystick Control
 Turn “Power On” switch located to the right of the
joystick control handle, “on”.
After you feel comfortable with the basic mower
control, the next step is to start the blades.
 Hold lower left-hand button for (2) two seconds or
unit LED turns red.
Danger
Do not change the blade rotation direction! Blades
must rotate in the clockwise direction indicated by the
rotation decal on the mower deck.
 After the mower is running smoothly, increase the
tractor to 800 PTO RPM (Max.1000 RPM) and lift
the mowerhead off the ground. Swing the
mowerhead to the mowing position, which is three
‘o clock on the right side of your tractor. (If moving
in reverse, swing deck back 15°).
 Release the tractor from park and put the
transmission in low range. You are now in mowing
mode and are underway.

Section 4
Hardee by EVH
Operation Instruction
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 13
The terrain and the kind of material being cut will
determine your ground speed. Remember that you will
need to raise and lower the mowerhead to follow the
ground contour you are cutting.
Boom Breakaway
The LR50148 is designed with an automatic
breakaway system to protect the mower booms. This
works when the mowerhead contacts a solid
obstruction or the mowerhead is “grounded” while the
tractor is in motion. The breakaway is activated
through the hydraulic valve and will function mowing
both forward and backward.
When the mowerhead strikes a solid object the booms
will begin to break back, IMMEDIATELY stop your
tractor and adjust the position of the booms to clear
the object.
If you “ground” the mowerhead and the booms begin
to break back, simply lift the boom slightly to free the
mowerhead, then swing the boom back into normal
mowing position. See figure 2
Figure 2
Mowing in Reverse
Your Hardee unit can cut as easily when the tractor is
moving in reverse as forward. The breakaway
protection works in the same way. The only difference
being you must swing the booms to the rear 10 – 15
degrees. This will allow for more boom breakaway
travel. This space is critical so as not to bottom-out the
boom arm. See figure 3
Caution
You will do severe damage to your mower if you allow
the boom arm to reach the bottoming-out point!
Figure 3
Caution
You must allow for the extra boom travel when
mowing in reverse. See figure 3. If you have any
questions about these instructions, please ask your
local Hardee dealer immediately! Warranty claims for
equipment used improperly will not be accepted.
Side Dressing Trees
The design of your heavy-duty brush mower will allow
you to “side dress” trees if needed. To do this, raise
the booms to the desired height and tilt the
mowerhead to the vertical position. With the blades
“on” move forward slowly, removing only
approximately 12 inches of material per pass.
DANGER
Never operate the mower within 10 feet of overhead
power lines or utility lines. Do not trim trees with power
lines running through them. Serious injury or death by
electrocution may occur.
Cutting Larger Brush and Trees
A unique feature on the LR50148 is the mowerhead
“HINGED GATE”. The “HINGED GATE” is used when
you need to remove trees as large as 4 inches in
diameter. This is accomplished in the following
manner:
 Be sure that the mower blades and tractor are
turned “OFF”.
 Unlock the “HINGED GATE” by removing the two
bolts. Refer to Figure 5 & 6 on Page 14.
 Replace one bolt on the main deck for storage
and use the second bolt to lock the gate in its
raised up position.
Maximum Travel
Normal Mowing
Position
Available
Breakaway
Breakaway
Normal Mowing
Position
Direction of
Travel
Direction of
Travel

Section 4
Hardee by EVH
Operation Instruction
______________________________________________________________________________________
LR50148 Long Reach Mower
14
Figure 6 shows the two sets of bolts, nuts and
washers that go on the “HINGED GATE”. Bolt A is
used to lockdown the hinged gates to the LR50148
DECK when cutting trees and bolt B is tightened onto
the deck for storage during the tree-cutting process.
DANGER
Never attempt to use the cutter to remove brush or
trees larger than 4 inches in diameter. Failure to use
caution when cutting trees, may lead to the tree
falling on the cutter deck and tipping the tractor over.
We recommend removing small sections at a time,
no more than two or three feet in length per pass.
See fig. 5.
Unhook and Post Use Care
Before unhooking the tractor from your mower, always
clean the unit thoroughly to remove any grass, mud or
debris. This mower should always be stored on a hard
level surface.
Unhooking the LR50148
 To unhook from your unit, first lower all jack stands
to the storage position.
 Lower the tractor lift arms so that the mower will rest
firmly and evenly on all jack stands.
 Lower the boom arms and mower deck so that they
too rest firmly on the ground.
 Be sure to relieve all hydraulic pressure on the boom
arms and deck before unhooking.
 Disconnect driveshaft from tractor.
 Disconnect joystick cable at the bulkhead connector
on the wire cover box.
 Unhook tractor hitch from 3-point frame on mower
POST USE CARE
 Never leave the driveshaft hanging down and
touching the ground.
Figure 5
Figure 6

Section 5
Hardee by EVH
Maintenance
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 15
Maintenance and Service Schedule
This section is dedicated to the maintenance of the
LR50148. As with any piece of equipment, the
performance and life span depends on the proper
operation and maintenance.
DANGER
Never attempt any checks, repairs or adjustments with
tractor engine running or the power take-off engaged.
Adjustment of rotating parts while the tractor engine is
running can result in serious personal injury or death if
the PTO accidentally engages.
First Stage Boom
Inject with heavy multi-purpose grease. There are five
grease fittings on the swing post.
First Stage Boom to Second Stage Boom
Inject with heavy multi-purpose grease. There is a
grease fitting at every hinge point.
Deck and Second Stage Boom
Inject with heavy multi-purpose grease.
Hydraulic Motor Housing Assembly
Locate fitting on motor housing. Inject with 90W gear
oil.
Greasing PTO Driveshaft to Pump
Remove PTO shaft from mower before greasing. Use
heavy multi-purpose grease at all grease fitting and on
shaft. Remember to grease the shield grease fittings
as well as the u-joints.

Section 5
Hardee by EVH
Maintenance
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 16
Inspection and Replacement of Blades
The mowing blades on the Hardee mower are
designed and made to exact specifications and should
be replaced with only original Hardee parts. Always
replace blades in pairs to retain balance on the blade
holder. Never weld the blades, as this will change the
temper of the steel. Never modify the blades. Check
for cross sectional thickness (5/8") and deterioration of
blades. Replace as necessary.
When the replacement of mower blade is required, a
few rules should be followed:
 Replace blades in pairs.
 Inspect bolt holes.
 If bolt holes are elongated, replace blade holder.
See instructions below.
 Cutting heavy brush causes excess stress on the
blade bolts, because of this they will require
inspection that is more frequent.
 When replacing blades always replace bolts and
nuts. Never reuse blade bolts and nuts.
Inspection and Replacement of Blade Holder
Inspection
 First, completely extend boom. Rotate mower
deck all the way up; drop boom until deck rests on
ground. Switch off tractor, secure parking brake
and remove key.
 When inspecting, pay particular attention to any
small hairline cracks between spindle bolt hole
and blade bolt holes. This indicates metal fatigue
from severe abuse and holder must be replaced.
 Blade and spindle bolts and nuts should be
checked daily.
Replacement
 Remove cotter pin and castle nut.
 With an assistant, carefully remove the blade
holder.
 Then position the new blade holder in place.
 Replace the castle nut and cotter pin.
See parts breakdown drawing on page 37 for
reference.
Checking the Mower Head Relief Valve
The LR50148 is equipped with a mowerhead relief
valve that comes pre-set from the factory. This valve
is installed in the side of the manifold and identified
with the number "3“. Before checking the pressure on
the valve, make certain that a clean filter is installed
and that the reservoir contains the correct amount of
hydraulic oil.
The procedure to check the pressure on the mower
head relief is as follows:
 Start the tractor and with the tractor in park, place
the mowerhead on the ground. Engage the tractor
PTO to power the mower head and increase
engine speed until 800 (Max. 1000) PTO RPM is
reached. Allow the mower to run at this speed for
3 to 5 minutes.
 Disengage the PTO and stop tractor engine.
 Remove the motor pressure line (“MP”) and plug
it. Install a 5000 psi pressure gauge into the 4-M-
SAE outlet (“GP”) adjacent to the relief valve.
Place the loose pressure line in a clean container
to catch any spillage.
Caution
Be sure all fittings are tight before proceeding!
 Start the tractor engine and increase engine
speed to 1200 ENGINE RPM. Engage tractor
PTO and immediately observe the pressure
reading and disengage tractor PTO. (If pressure
reads 2700 psi (+/- 150 psi), you may proceed.)
 Increase tractor engine speed to 800 (Max.1000)
PTO RPM. Engage tractor PTO and immediately
observe the pressure reading and disengage
tractor PTO.
The correct pressure setting is 2700 psi. If the
reading is less than 2550 or more the 2850, contact
your local Hardee dealer for assistance.
Caution
Never let the unit operate in the capped position for
over 5 seconds. A reading can be obtained accurately
in this amount of time.
 Now you can remove the cap and gauge, and re-
install the pressure line.

Section 5
Hardee by EVH
Maintenance
LR50148 Long Reach Mower 17
CAUTION
Never vary from the 2700-psi mowerhead pressure.
Failure to comply with this specification will cause
severe hydraulic heat, loss of power and damage to
components.
DANGER
Exceeding 2700 psi will cause premature hose failure
(rupture), and possible bodily injury or property
damage.
Cylinder Speeds
The LR50148 is equipped with a “Proportional
Control” feature in the main control valve that allows
the operator to control the piston speed of individual
cylinders with the amount of movement on the thumb
actuated joysticks.
Adjusting the Cylinder Control Valve
The LR50148 comes from the factory with the cylinder
control valve pre-set at the proper pressures. There is
a main relief (Item P), and seven individual cylinder
counterbalance valves (Items 5D2; 5D1; 5C2; 5C1;
5B2; 5B1; 8A2; 8A1). The chart on page 18 lists the
proper settings for these valves.
The procedure for checking the pressures on the
cylinder control valve is as follows:
Cylinder Relief Valve (ITEM P)
 Rest the deck of the LR50148 on the ground to
relieve all pressures on the hydraulic lines.
 With the tractor engine off and parking brake set,
remove the hydraulic test port plug (see page 19
for gauge port locations). Install a 5000 psi
pressure gauge with a SAE 4-M-ORB fitting into
the hydraulic test port and place the gauge where
you can easily see it from a safe distance.
 Start the tractor and bring the engine up to
operating speed 800 (Max.1000) PTO RPM.
Activate the joystick, raise the mower deck off the
ground, and swing the boom so that it is straight
behind the tractor.
 Activate the joystick in the “HEAD UP” position
until the deck cylinder fully retracts. Continue to
hold the joystick in this position for not more than
5 seconds at a time, and have someone read the
pressure on the gauge.
WARNING
While reading the gauge, be careful not to stand in an
area where inadvertent movement of the booms could
trap or crush you. If you fail to heed this warning,
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
The correct pressure setting for the cylinder relief is
2500 psi.
To increase or decrease pressure, insert a 1/4” allen-
wrench into the adjusting stem at the top of the valve.
Loosen the 3/4” lock nut at the base of the stem
slightly, and then turn the adjusting stem to make your
pressure change. Re-tighten the stem lock nut
Note: The allen-head adjusting stem increases
pressure when turned clockwise and decreases
pressure when turned counterclockwise. Pressure
increases or decreases rapidly with only a slight
movement. Move adjusting stem in increments of 1/4
turn or less.
CAUTION
NEVER attempt to adjust the valve when in the “on”
(loaded) position. Always make adjustments in the
“off” (neutral) position with the tractor engine turned
off.
When 2500 psi is obtained, retighten the jam nut.
Then re-test the pressure to be sure 2500 psi is
retained.
 When the adjustment is complete, rest the cutter
deck back on the ground to relieve pressure in the
hydraulic lines. Remove the pressure gauge and
re-install the hydraulic test port plug.
Individual Cylinder Counterbalance Valves
(
5D2;
5D1; 5C2; 5C1; 5B2; 5B1; 8A2; 8A1;)
Each cylinder has counterbalance valves that provide
both work port relief and load control. These valves
are 100% inspected and pre-set from the factory to
ensure the proper settings. Do not alter the settings on
these valves.
If you need assistance, contact your local Hardee
dealer.