Evh HARDEE DB4048 Installation instructions

MANUAL P/N 22699
OPERATOR’S AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
WITH PARTS LISTING
Ditch Bank Cutter
Model: DB4048/DB4060
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 007866
RELEASED 08/19/10

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
The Hydraulic and operational System Setup. Page 9
Working safely with hydraulic lines. Page 10
Check all fluid levels, tractor and cutter. 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 CUTTER IS NOT DESIGNED TO CUT TREES FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (VERTICALLY) WITH THE
CUTTER DECK ON THE HORIZONTAL POSITION (SEE FIG. 1). The cutter is designed to trim branches with the
cutter deck in the VERTICAL position while moving the tractor forward or backwards, repositioning the cutter deck after
each path (see fig. 2).
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 and
liability to any person and/or material when the cutter is operated in violation of the above information.

DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTER 4/3/09
Table of Contents Hardee by EVH
Section 1 Introduction 1Hydraulic Motor Housing Assembly 13
To Our Customers 1Greasing PTO Driveshaft To Pump 13
Owner’s Responsibility 1Inspection And Replacement Of Blades 13
Purpose Of This Manual 1Inspection And Replacement Of Blade Holder 13
Safety-Alert Symbol 1Inspection 13
Signal Words 1Replacement 14
Customer Assistance 1Checking The Cutter Head Relief Valve 14
Section 2 Safety Information 2Routine Maintenance Checklist 15
General Safety Rules 2Section 6 Troubleshooting 16
Safety Decals 3-6 Troubleshooting Guide 17
Section 3 Assembly And Installation 7Section 7 Specifications 18
Component Identification And Terminology 7Summary Of Specifications 18
Tractor Requirements 8Section 8 Replacement Parts 20-24
Driveshaft Installation 8Logo Decal Replacement 24
Driveshaft Installation On Pump Shaft 8Section 9 Reference 37
Tractor Hook-Up Procedures 8Bolt Torque 37
Hydraulic Hose Hook - Up 9Checking Bolt Torque 37
Driveshaft Installation On PTO 9Section 10 Warranty 39
Hydraulic System And Operational Setup 9
Working Safely With Hydraulic Lines 10
Section 4 Operation Instruction 11
During Operation 11
Daily Start-Up Checklist 11
Operation Environment 11
Application Do’s And Don’ts 11
Using Your Cutter 12
Getting Started 12
Side Dressing Trees 12
Unhook And Post Use Care 12
Unhooking The DB4048 & DB4060 12
Post Use Care 12
Section 5 Maintenance 13
Maintenance And Service Schedule 13
© Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved
Hardee by EVH provides this publication “as is” with out warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Every precaution has been taken in the design of this manual,
however EVH assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. 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.

Hardee by EVH
Introduction
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTER 1 4/3/09
To Our Customers
We at Hardee by EVH Manufacturing Company thank
you for buying your new Hydraulic Rotary Cutter.
We have labored hard to build a cutter 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 cutter. 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 cutter 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 cutter is designed to
perform specific functions.
In this manual, you will find instructions on cutter
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 cutter and therefore assumes no responsibility
or liability for damage or injury resulting from the use
of this machine.
The upkeep of the hydraulic cutter 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
cutter. 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 cutter.
Purpose of This Manual
This manual provides information on safety, operation,
adjustments, troubleshooting and maintenance of your
new cutter. Please read and follow all the
recommendations to help ensure that you get many
years of service from your new Hardee cutter.
If you need additional copies of this manual, please
contact your local Hardee dealer or download a copy
from our website at www.evhmfg.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 Cutter. If for some reason
you have any questions about the information in this
manual or have a problem with your cutter, 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

Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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General Safety Rules
This section of your manual will address the safe
operation of your new cutter. 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 cutter. You can
find complete instructions for this cutter in the
Operation Instruction section of this manual. We
believe that using your cutter 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 cutters 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
cutterhead at any time. Never park the unit without
placing the cutterhead 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 cutterhead or attempt to remove
objects or branches from under the cutterhead while
the tractor is running. Serious injury, loss of limb or
death may result.
DANGER
Do not reach under the cutterhead at any time. Cutting
blades may cause serious injury, loss of limb or
disfigurement.
WARNING
Never use the cutter for a 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 allow the cutter 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.
Safety Decals
Your Hardee cutter ships with all safety decals in
place. They are located in areas on the cutter 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.
•Peal the decal away from the paper backing.
•Press firmly onto the clean surface.
•Squeeze out any air pockets using a straight
edge.

Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
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Weight Box
and on Top of Deck Danger – Thrown Object Danger – Rotating Driveline
Operating Safety and General
Instruction
Warning – Thrown Object
(PN 11005)
Weight Box Danger – Keep Away
USE “DB4048” Rotating Blades
&
“DB4060” DECALS

Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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Safety Decals, continued
Warning – Rotating Components
Hitch Frame
Danger – Crushing Hazard
Hitch Frame
Warning – High Pressure Fluid
Hazard
Hitch Frame Deck

Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
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4/3/09
Safety Decals, continued
Blade Rotation
Deck
Hitch Frame Danger – Crushing Hazard
Hitch Frame Warning – Pinch Point

Hardee by EVH
Safety Information
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Safety Decals, continued
Deck Danger – Keep Clear
Deck – Front/Rear
15852 – Red Reflector, Rear
(Not Shown)
15853 – Yellow Reflector, Front
Weight Box – Front/Back

Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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AWeight Box IExtension Cylinder
BDipstick JHydraulic Motor
COil Tank KDeck
DReturn Filter LLift Chain Weldment
EHitch Frame MMotor Drive Housing
FDeck Cylinder NRubber Shielding
GLift Arm Assembly OStand Weldment
HExtension Arm PHydraulic Pump

Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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Tractor Requirements
The Hydraulic Rotary Cutter you have purchased is
designed for use with 45 horsepower; 4-wheel drive or
60 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 cutter.
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 cutter. We recommend
contacting your local Hardee dealer for assistance.
Driveshaft Installation on Pump Shaft
Refer to Figure 1 for reference
9Verify that driveshaft is the proper length.
9Grease both pump shaft and driveshaft.
9Attach equipment end of driveshaft to pump.
Tractor end has a figure of a tractor stamped onto
the guard.
9Rotate driveshaft to line up holes for securing with
the bolt and nut provided.
9Fix shaft guard to the cutter using anti-rotation
chain.
Figure 1
Tractor Hook-Up Procedures
9Hook tractor 3-point hitch to cutter hitch frame.
The DB-4048 is designed to work with a standard
1 or 2 category quick hitch. The DB-4060 works
with a category 2 quick hitch only!
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 cutter when tractor is in motion.
9Attach 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.

Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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HYDRAULIC HOSE HOOK - UP
DANGER
Never use hands or skin to check for hydraulic leaks,
use cardboard or wood. High-pressure oil leaks can
penetrate skin causing injury and gangrene. Always
wear safety goggles when working around high-
pressure lines.
•Attach hoses to the cylinders and tractor
remotes
9Raise jack stand before moving cutter.
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.
9Lift tractor PTO guard.
9Pull U-joint guard back along driveshaft.
9Press driveshaft yoke plunger in and slip
driveshaft U-joint yoke onto splined PTO shaft.
Ensure that yoke plunger returns to locked
position.
9Position U-joint guard over driveshaft U-joint.
9Lower tractor PTO guard.
9Fix shaft guard to tractor with anti-rotation chain.
Hydraulic System and Operational Setup
IMPORTANT
The hydraulic system setup information contained in
the following pages should be used only as a guide.
¾ Tractor lift should be in good working order.
¾ Check for moisture accumulation in hydraulic oil tank
(item 81 on 22700 and 22720) before operating cutter
by draining a small amount of oil into a container
through the drain pipe located on the underside of the
oil tank ( loosen pipe cap).
¾ Check oil level with sight gauge located on the side of
hydraulic oil tank. If oil is needed, HARDEE special
hydraulic oil, part No. 23333, is recommended.
¾ PTO coupler should be tight and secure.
CAUTION
¾Be sure cutoff valve (item 33, on drawings 22700 and
22720) is open before operating cutter.
¾Adjust telescoping stand (item 13, on 23162) to desired
height for easy reach of control valve (item 7 on 23162)
from tractor seat.
¾Before cutting, run cutter a short time at a low speed to
warm oil. Operate cutter head in all cutting positions to
make sure all moving parts are operating normally.
¾Cable-Tension – Occasionally, it will be necessary to
remove slack cable on DB-4048 and DB-4060. With
arm fully retracted, loosen lock nut (Item 15, on 22700
and 22721) and tighten tension nut (Item 12, on 22700
and 22721) until taut. Be sure to retighten lock nut.
(Item 15).
¾To extend or retract cutter extension arm Models
DB4048 & DB4060. Activate extension cylinder (I) on
page (7) to desired position. (Counter weight moves
automatically on Models DB4048 and DB4060).
¾To adjust cutter head angle, activate deck cylinder (F)
on page (7).
¾Operate tractor PTO speed between 500 – 600 RPM’s
for best cutting results.
¾Refrain from fast speeds over rough terrain.
¾If cutter stalls on heavy cutting, raise head to clear
obstruction, and allow it to regain cutting speed.
¾When cutter is not in use, turn off oil flow valve (Item
33, on 22700 and 22721).
¾To prolong life of cutter, store under shelter, to protect it
from the weather.
¾A stand weldment (page 7) is mounted to frame so
cutter may be stored with cutter head in a down
position.

Hardee by EVH
Assembly and Installation
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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10 4/3/09
Hydraulic System and Operational Setup,
continued…
If you have any questions, consult your local Hardee
dealer.
Working Safely with Hydraulic Lines
Purge all air from hydraulic system before attempting
to raise or lower the cutter deck, and extending or
retracting the extension arm.
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.

Hardee by EVH
Operation Instruction
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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Operation Instructions
During Operation
WARNING
Ensure that all bystanders are clear of the cutter
before starting tractor engine. Objects thrown by the
cutter blades can cause severe personal injury or
death.
Before any operation of the cutter, be familiar with the
locations and functions of the unit's controls. Being
familiar with the cutter 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 cutter. Speed and skill will
be attained much more easily if the necessary time is
spent to familiarize yourself with the cutter 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 unit’s 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 & Cutter, For best
results, use Hardee hydraulic
oil – part number 23333
-
Grease Points Page 13
PTO Shaft, Check Grease Page 13
Blade Tightness Page 13
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 cutter blades can cause excessive cutter
vibration resulting in damage to the gearbox and
structural damage to the cutter. You should replace or
sharpen blades in pairs. Excessive vibration can
cause rotating parts to break and fly off the cutter,
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 EVH Manufacturing Company.

Hardee by EVH
Operation Instruction
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRALUIC ROTARY CUTTE
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Using Your Cutter
Getting Started
You will need to spend some time getting the “feel” of
your new cutter. Spend time reviewing the following
steps before using your cutter for the first time. The
time that you take will greatly enhance your ability to
get the desired results when you begin mowing.
9Attach the cutter to the tractor, see the hook-up
procedures on page 8 for complete instructions.
After you have the cutter attached, double check
to ensure that no part of the tractor is in contact
with the cutter.
9Next, follow the instructions for installing the
driveshaft on page 8 of this manual. Check to see
that all PTO guards are in place correctly.
9Check 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 cutter 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 cutter!
9With all controls in neutral, the tractor in park, the
throttle in idle position and the PTO off… Start the
tractor engine.
9Carefully engage the tractor’s hydraulic system to
detent position, leaving the tractor PTO off.
9Now with the cutter under power, practice using
control valve levers to control the movement of the
cutterhead, the boom arm, and the cutter head.
After you feel comfortable with the basic cutter control,
the next step is to start the blades.
9Slowly increase the tractor throttle to a high idle
speed and slowly engage the PTO.
Danger
Do not change the blade rotation direction! Blades
must rotate in the clockwise direction indicated by the
rotation decal on the mowing deck.
9After the cutter is running smoothly, increase the
tractor to 540 PTO RPM and adjust the cutterhead
to the mowing position.
9Release the tractor from park and put the
transmission in low range. You are now in mowing
mode and are underway.
Caution
You will do severe damage to your cutter if you allow
the boom arm to reach the bottoming-out point.
Side Dressing Trees
The design of your heavy-duty brush cutter will allow
you to “side dress” trees if needed. Approximately 58”
above ground level with the DB-4048, and 70” above
ground level with the DB-4060. To do this tilt the
cutterhead to the vertical position. With the blades
“on” move forward slowly, removing only
approximately 12 inch depth of material per pass.
Unhook and Post Use Care
Before unhooking the tractor from your mower, always
clean the unit thoroughly to remove and grass, mud or
debris, this mower should always be stored on a hard
level surface.
Unhooking the DB-4048 & DB-4060
9To unhook from your unit, first lower the jack
stand to the storage position.
9Lower the deck so that it rests firmly and evenly
on the ground.
9Lower the tractor lift arms so that the mower will
rest firmly on the jack stand.
9Be sure to relieve all hydraulic pressure on the
extension arm and deck before unhooking.
9Unhook tractor hitch from 3-point frame on
mower.
Post use care
•Never leave driveshaft hanging down and
touching the ground.

Hardee by EVH
Maintenance
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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Maintenance and Service Schedule
This section is dedicated to the maintenance of the
DB-Series Machines. 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.
Extension Arms
Inject with heavy multi-purpose grease. There are 4
grease fittings on the arms.
Hydraulic Motor Housing Assembly
Locate fitting on motor housing. Inject with 90W gear
oil..
Greasing PTO Driveshaft to Pump
Remove PTO shaft from cutter 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.
Inspection and Replacement of Blades
The cutting blades on the Hardee cutter 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 (1/2") and deterioration of
blades. Replace as necessary.
When the replacement of cutter 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
9First, completely extend deck. Rotate cutter deck
all the way up. Switch off tractor, secure parking
brake and remove key.
9When 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 blade holder must be
replaced.
9Blade and spindle bolts and nuts should be
checked daily.

Hardee by EVH
Maintenance
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
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Replacement
9Remove cotter pin and castle nut from blade
holder shaft.
9With an assistant, carefully remove the blade
holder.
9Then position the new blade holder in place.
9Replace the castle nut and cotter pin.
See parts breakdown drawing on page 7 for
reference.
Checking the Cutter Head Relief Valve
The DB-4048 & DB-4060 are equipped with a cutter-
head relief valve that comes pre-set from the factory.
This valve is attached to the top of the pump (Item 37
on 22700 and 22721) 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 cutter-
head relief is as follows:
9Start the tractor and with the tractor in park, place
the cutter-head on the ground. Engage the tractor
PTO to power the cutter-head and increase
engine speed until 540 PTO RPM is reached.
Allow the mower to run at this speed for 3 to 5
minutes.
9Disengage the PTO and stop tractor engine.
9Remove the pump pressure line. Install a 3000 or
5000 psi pressure gauge into the 12-M-JIC outlet.
The gauge should block off the pump outlet
downstream of 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!
9Start 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 2500 psi or less, you may proceed.)
9Increase tractor engine speed to 540 PTO RPM.
Engage tractor PTO and immediately observe the
pressure reading and disengage tractor PTO.
The correct pressure setting is 2500 psi. If the
reading is less than 2000 or more the 2500, 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.
9Now you can remove the cap and gauge, and re-
install the pressure line.
CAUTION
Never vary from the 2500-psi cutterhead pressure.
Failure to comply with this specification will cause
severe hydraulic heat, loss of power and damage to
components.
DANGER
Exceeding 2500 psi will cause premature hose failure
(rupture), and possible bodily injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Hydraulic cylinder lines are under high pressure. Make
sure that the deck rests firmly in the ground, all
hydraulic pressure is relieved, and tractor engine is off
before removing hydraulic lines.

Hardee by EVH
Maintenance
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
R
1
5
4/3/09
Routine Maintenance Checklist
Interval Item
Check
Lube
Change
Comments
Pump Drive Shaft •
Pivot Points •
Grease Fittings •
Blades •Change If Damaged (In Pairs)
Blade Bolts (Blade To Disk) •Change With Damaged Blades ( In Pairs)
Blade Holder Nut •Change With Damaged Blades (In Pairs)
Spindle Bolts (Spindle To Deck) •
Main Frame And Deck Bolts •
Daily Or 10
Hours
Rubber Shielding •Change If Damaged
Hydraulic Return Filter •Change After 1st 50 Hours, Then Every 500
Hours
Weekly Or 50
Hours Hydraulic Fittings •
Tank Breather •
Monthly Or 150
Hours Hydraulic Fluid Level •
Seasonal Or 500
Hours
In Tank And Return Hydraulic
Filters •

Hardee by EVH
Troubleshooting
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
R
16 4/3/09
Troubleshooting Guide
Hydraulic System, Blade System, Pump, Motor, Fluid Lines
Problem Possible Cause Solution / Correction
Cylinder Will Not Operate Oil Flow Restricted
(Flow – Contained System)
Open Gate Valve on Bottom of Hydraulic
Oil Tank
Worn Pump
(Self – Contained System)
Replace Pump
Tractor Remotes not engaged Engaged Remote
Tractor Remote engaged In Reverse Engage Remotes Opposite Way Or
Switch Hydraulic Lines In Tractor
Remotes.
Improper Relief Valve Setting Adjust Relief Valves To Specifications
(Refer To Pages 14)
Head Drifts Back When In
Operation
Cylinder Leakage Repair / Replace Cylinders
Leaking Motor Motor Seal Blown Repair / Replace Seal And Check Filter
For Blockage (Repair / Replace Filter)
Blades Loose Speed In Cutting Improper Relief Valve Setting Check Relief Valve Setting (Refer To
Page 14)
Repair / Replace Relief Valve
Pump Whines Worn Or Damaged Pump Repair / Replace Pump
Improper Oil In System Replace Oil
Requires Hardee Oil Part NO 23333 Or
Comparable Oil With Proper Viscosity
Pressure Setting On Relief Valve Too
Low
Check Relief Valve Setting (Refer To
Page 14)
Motor Whines Worn Or Damaged Motor Repair / Replace Motor
Improper Oil In System Replace Oil
Requires Hardee Oil Part NO 23333 Or
Comparable Oil With Proper Viscosity
Pressure Setting On Relief Valve Too
Low
Check Relief Valve Setting (Refer To
Page 14)
Motor Seal Continually Blows Out Internal Popit Valve Damaged Replace Popit Valves
Unit Vibrates Severely Broken Blade Replace Blades, Blade Bolts And Nuts
(Refer To Page 13)
Blade Holder Loose Repair / Replace Blade Holder (Refer To
Page 13)
Loose Output Shaft Repair / Replace Shaft's Bearings In
Cutter Head Housing
Cutter Head Grinds And Roars
When Operating
Worn Bearings Or Improper Lubrication In
Cutter Hydraulic Motor Housing
Repair / Replace Components (Bearing,
Seals And Housing) As Required

Hardee by EVH
Troubleshooting
DB4048 & DB4060 HYDRAULIC ROTARY CUTTE
R
1
7
4/3/09
Troubleshooting Guide, continued
Hydraulic System, Blade System, Pump, Motor, Fluid Lines
Problem Possible Cause Solution / Correction
Individual Cylinders Leak Down Blown Or Worn Cylinder Packing Repair / Replace Cylinder
Defective Or Worn Valve Seat Repair / Replace Relief Valve And Adjust
To Specifications
Hydraulic Valve Cracked Internally Repair / Replace Valve
Relief Valve Will Not Adjust To
Specifications
Improper Oil Repair / Replace Oil (Use Hardee Oil Part
No. 23333)
Filter Restricted Repair / Replace Filter
Bad Gauge Repair / Replace Gauge
Filter Gauge Is In The Red At All
Times
Hydraulic Oil Too Heavy For Region Or
Climate
Replace Oil
PTO Shaft Not Lubed Properly Lube Driveshaft (Per Daily Routine Check
Sheet On Page 13)
PTO Shaft Won't Telescope
Bent Shaft Replace PTO Shaft
Open Gate Valve
Repair / Replace Hydraulic Lines
Blades Won't Start-Up Oil Flow Restricted
Replace In-Tank Filter