First Products Verti-Cutter VC-60 User manual

Ser. 764 thru 794
Printed in U.S.A.
PBREV0510
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL & PARTS LIST
Verti-cutter
MODEL VC60
FIRST PRODUCTS INC.
164 Oakridge Church Road
Tifton, Georgia 31794 U.S.A.
Phone [phone]
1-800-363-8780
Fax [phone]
Web: www.1stproducts.com Email: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the First Products VC-60 Verti-cutter. This piece of equipment
has been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide years of reliable service.
The practice of verti-cutting (removing thatch) is a time proven practice in the turf main-
tenance industry. The First Products VC-60 verti-cutter is one of the most unique and
versatile pieces of equipment on the market today. Using a patented swing hitch, the VC-
60 allows the operator to turn around obstacles without lifting. This turning feature saves
valuable time allowing continuous operation over undulations. In addition a floating skid
shoe system offers consistent depth control over contours and allows easy depth adjust-
ments in the field without tools. The VC-60 versatility and performance is unmatched.
We recommend that you carefully read the owner’s and operator’s manual prior to opera-
tion. Also ensure that all future operators read this manual and become fully trained be-
fore allowing them to use or maintain this equipment. Time spent becoming acquainted
with the safe operation, performance, and maintenance of the VC-60 will add longer life
and greater satisfaction to your new purchase. Terminology: “right” or “left” as used in
this manual is determined by facing the direction the machine will travel while in use
unless otherwise specified.
This machine is designed with safety in mind. However, if the machine is handled care-
lessly and not as instructed, it can be a dangerous piece of equipment. Observe all safety
information in this manual and decals on the equipment.
The illustrations and data used in the manual were current at the time of printing. The
manufacturer reserves the right to make changes or add improvements to its products at
any time without incurring any obligation to make such changes to products manufac-
tured previously.
REMEMBER SAFETY IS ALWAYS FIRST !
ATTENTION:
• Read and understand the instructions and warnings carefully before using this
machine.
• Read the warranty located on page 16. Fill in the required information on the
warranty registration provided, and return it to the address on the front of this
manual. The warranty registration must be returned to validate warranty.
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2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................2
SAFETY SYMBOLS......................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY DECALS .........................................................................................................................................4
OPERATION SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................5
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................................6
TRACTOR SELECTION AND OPERATION ..........................................................................................6
UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SWING HITCH OPERATES (Prior To Hitching To Tractor) .............6
CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE HITCH TO THE TRACTOR..............................................................7
DEPTH GAGE ADJUSTMENT.................................................................................................................7
Full Swing Configuration:...........................................................................................................................8
FIELD OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................9
PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST................................................................................................................10
MAINTENANCE SAFETY..........................................................................................................................10
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................................11
SHOP MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................................12
Skid Shoe Replacement.............................................................................................................................12
Skid Shoe Alignment to Prevent Blade Interference.................................................................................12
Bearing and Blade Replacement................................................................................................................12
Blade Shaft Re-assembly...........................................................................................................................14
Blade Timing.............................................................................................................................................15
WARRANTY INFORMATION...................................................................................................................16
VC60 HITCH ................................................................................................................................................17
VC60 HITCH (Parts List) .............................................................................................................................18
VC60 MAIN FRAME...................................................................................................................................19
VC60 MAIN FRAME (Parts List) ................................................................................................................20
VC60 STANDARD BLADE SHAFT..........................................................................................................21
VC60 16 GA CARBIDE TIP BLADE SHAFT ...........................................................................................22
VC60 DEPTH GAGE ...................................................................................................................................23
DRIVE LINE COMPONENTS (28”) ...........................................................................................................24
DRIVE LINE COMPONENTS (14”) ...........................................................................................................25

SAFETY SYMBOLS
This is a standard safety alert symbol meaning ATTENTION ! BECOME
ALERT ! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED !
CAUTION Indicates hazardous situation, injury may
occur, used to alert against carelessness.
WARNING Indicates potentially hazardous situation.
Death or serious injury may occur if
proper procedures are not followed.
DANGER Indicates most hazardous situation. Death
orseriousinjurywilloccurifproper
procedures are not followed.
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OPERATION SAFETY
• Your Safety Is Always First! Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols and de-
cals on pages 3 and 4.
• All operators should read and understand the following sections of this manual
prior to adjusting, maintaining, hitching to, or operating the VC-60: OPERATION
SAFETY, OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS, PRE-OPERATION CHECKS,
MAINTENANCE SAFETY & OPERATOR MAINTENANCE.
• In addition, remove and read the driveline safety and maintenance manual taped to
the driveline shield. After reading the driveline manual, place it inside this manual
for reference.
• For the safety and instruction of all operators, keep this manual stored on the unit at
all times.
• Only attempt to adjust, maintain, or remove debris from VC-60 when the tractor en-
gine is not running.
• After operating, always disengage the power take off and switch the engine off prior
to dismounting from the tractor or other power source and approaching the unit.
• Prior to starting, always inspect operating area for any hazards such as large rocks,
steep slopes, low tree branches or wires. Flag objects difficult to see such as irriga-
tion heads and water meters.
• Instruct all people in the work area to stay clear of the operating unit at least 10 feet
on the sides and 20 feet on the rear.
• Consult your tractor Operator's Manual regarding operation on slopes. Do not lift the
unit while the tractor is moving (or parked) sideways on slopes above 5°. The swing
hitch may allow the unit to swing to the downhill side and cause the tractor to roll
over. On slopes from 5°to 15°always aim the tractor uphill before lifting the unit.
We do not recommend the unit being used on slopes above 15°.
• Use extreme care and maintain moderate ground speed when transporting or operat-
ing on slopes, over rough surfaces, or close to trees, ditches, and fences.
• Only operate during daylight hours or with good artificial light.
• The Verti-cutter is not equipped for highway use. Be careful of traffic when operat-
ing near or crossing roadways.
• Perform all pre-operation checks (page 10) prior to start up.
5

OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS
TRACTOR SELECTION AND OPERATION
• The VC-60 is designed to attach to a tractor with a category one three -point hitch,
540 PTO, and a minimum of 20 horsepower (depth of cut determines horsepower re-
quired for operation). Check the tractor owner and operator’s manual for lift capac-
ity. The weight of the VC-60 is 755 lbs.
• Before hitching to the VC-60 familiarize yourself with all of the tractors control func-
tions. Be prepared to stop the tractor movement, PTO operation, and the engine
quickly in an emergency.
UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SWING HITCH OPERATES (Prior To Hitching To Tractor)
With the swing stand lowered
and the swing mast rearward to
disengage the swing lock, grasp
the hitch pins and rotate the “A”
frame to simulate operation in a
sharp turn. Release the hitch
pins and slowly pull the swing
mast forward as it would be
pulled by the top link during lift-
ing. Notice how one mast chain
tightens causing the “A” frame
and unit to realign and the spring
on the lock link is compressed to
make the swing lock engage
upon alignment. Now push the
swing mast rearward against the
lock link tab to disengage the
swing lock and loosen the chains
to allow sharp turns again. This
demonstrates how the top link of
the tractor lift-system switches
the VC-60 between the trail and
lift modes.
"A" Frame
Hitch Pin
Swing Mast
Swing Lock
Swing Stand
Chains
Mast
Figure 1. Swing Hitch Operation
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7
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LARGER
NUMBERS
INDICATE
DEEPER
SETTING
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENTS
ARE 3/16"
DANGER
STOP ENGINE
AND SET BRAKE
BEFORE MAKING
ADJUSTMENTS
Depth Gage Decal
CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE HITCH TO THE TRACTOR
A category one hitch
tractor is required with
the lower links stabilized.
With the VC-60 swing
stand lowered connect
the lower lift links to the
“A” Frame and top link
to the swing mast. Push
the lift control lever on
the tractor to the com-
pletely lowered position.
Lengthen the adjustable
top link until the swing
mast closes tight against
the “A” Frame. This
causes the combined
weight of the VC-60 and
the tractor hitch compo-
nents to be transferred to
the skid shoes. When the
horizontal bar is level with the ground or slightly aft, the hitch is set properly, and insures
the unit will center when lifting, allowing gravity to assist the swing chains in aligning
the unit with the tractor. After hitch is properly adjusted, operate unit checking for
proper clearance between driveline and “A” frame. NOTE: Always shorten the top
link to lift the rear of the VC-60 before driving or backing a tractor and unit up or
down load ramps.
DEPTH GAGE ADJUSTMENT
Refer to the decal located on the
gage adjustments (seen right). The
decal shows ten hole positions
numbered 1-10. Hole 1 represents
the shallowest cutting depth and
the depth increases 3/16” with
each higher number.
To assemble pin in the desired lo-
cation, insert pin into outer tube
and slowly slide inner tube up or
down until holes align then insert
pin full depth through both
tubes.
Figure 2. Hitch Adjustment

LOCKOUT ADJUSTMENT
Full Swing Configuration:
This configuration, as seen in Figure 3, utilizes all seven chain links and is used under
most operating conditions. It allows the operator to maneuver around obstacles and lock
the Verti-cutter into position when being transported.
Figure 3. Full Swing Configuration
Limited Swing Configuration:
If turf conditions are hard and tough to penetrate, the limited swing configuration may be
used in order to prevent the VC-60 from overrunning the tractor. To adjust the Limited
Swing Configuration, pull the #6 hairpin cotter and remove the clevis pin. Take up two
chain links and pin the chain as seen in Figure 4. Note: Under the Limited Swing Con-
figuration, the VC-60 can not make turns.
Figure 4. Limited Swing Configuration
8

FIELD OPERATION
• The geometry of tractor lift linkages varies, and a trial run over uneven ground is rec-
ommended. Ideally the swing lock will not engage when operating over the crown of
a hill and the tractor hitch is always free to float upward at all times. The blades
should clear curbs etc., when lifted.
• When lowering the unit for operation reduce the engine speed and engage the PTO
prior to the blades contacting the ground otherwise damage to the drive components
may occur.
• When lowering for operation, lower slowly until the blades touch the ground. Then
swiftly push the lift control lever on the tractor to the completely lowered position to
instantly unlock the hitch. This is especially true when lowering the unit in a sharp
turn. Failure to do this may cause the swing hitch not to disengage, resulting in dam-
age to the machine and/or turf damage. In the event the unit should fail to unlock for
trail mode, stop the tractor and repeat the lowering procedure.
Do not turn the tractor with the Verti-cutter in the ground and
the swing lock engaged. Damage to equipment may occur!
• When operating diagonally downhill or transversely (sideways) on a hillside slope
above 5°the mast chains will not swing the unit uphill to center and lock on the trac-
tor when the unit is lifted. Occasionally the unit will swing farther to the downhill
side of the tractor creating the hazard of tractor roll over. If the tractor ever seems
unstable, immediately lower the hitch and steer the tractor uphill or on a more level
surface where it will center and lock when lifted.
• Do not back the unit up with the Verti-cutter touching the ground. Always raise the
unit, back to desired location, and then lower the machine.
• High tractor ground speeds with deep cutting may cause the VC-60 to overrun the
tractor thereby causing the "A" frame to tilt rearward engaging the swing lock.
Should this happen change to a lower gear and/or reduce cutting depth. If problem
persists, adjust the hitch to the Limited Swing Configuration as seen on page 8.
9

PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST
(With the Verti-cutter lowered and the tractor engine switched off...)
• Be sure that the implement is hitched to the tractor properly with all pins in place.
• Pin the swing stand in the up position.
• Be sure the driveline is correctly assembled. (The end stenciled as the tractor
end is connected to the tractor and not to the Verti-cutter). Check to see that the
end yokes are locked to the tractor PTO and gearbox shafts. Drive shields must turn
freely on the driveline.
• Be sure all safety shields and covers are correctly installed.
• Remove any debris caught in the blades and depth gage shoes.
• Select the desired depth gage setting.
• Check gearbox oil level before first operation and every 200 hours of operation there-
after. (Refer to operator maintenance section.)
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
• Read and understand all safety decals prior to performing any maintenance. Replace
any safety decals that are not legible.
• Never attempt to clean, adjust, lubricate or perform any maintenance on the Verti-
cutter while it is attached to the tractor or any other power source with the engine
running or while in the raised position unless safety blocks are inserted under the
frame.
• When not attached to the tractor, always use the lifting hook to hoist the machine
onto safety blocks for maintenance. (See Figure 5).
Figure 5. Lifting Hook/Lubrication
10

OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
• Check gearbox oil level before first operation and every 200 hours of operation there-
after. With frame level, remove oil level plug on front left side of gearbox using
5/16” x 6” allen wrench. If required, add 90w-gear oil through plug in top of box un-
til it appears at oil level plug. Replace both plugs securely.
• Grease driveline parts after the number of hours used as shown below (Fig. 6).
Figure 6. Drive Line Lube Chart
• The hitch flex joints at the top of the “A” frame and above the gearbox (Fig. 5)
should be lubricated before first operation and weekly thereafter.
• Check belt tension after 4 hrs. of operation and every 40 hrs. thereafter. A heavy
thumb (approx. 20 Lbs.) applied to mid-length of belt should deflect about ¼” to ½”.
• The VC-60 shaft bearings are sealed and permanently lubricated requiring no routine
maintenance.
GREASE DRIVE LINE AT
40 HR INTERVALS
CAUTION
BE SURE ALL SAFETY SHIELDS ARE INSTALLED PRIOR TO RETURNING
THIS MACHINE TO SERVICE.
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12
SHOP MAINTENANCE
Skid Shoe Replacement
1. Remove depth gage pin to drop out skid shoe assembly and remove hardware (Fig. 7).
2. Replace shoes and re-assemble with hardware.
Skid Shoe Alignment to Prevent Blade Interference
For minor adjustments in alignment, loosen the ½” flange lock nuts which bolt the depth
gage assembly to the main frame, and retighten after correcting misalignment (Fig. 7).
Bearing and Blade Replacement
NOTE: Clean the unit thoroughly with a pressure washer.
1. Connect unit to 3-point hitch tractor. DO NOT connect driveline. Lift & lower unit as re-
quired. KEEP HANDS CLEAR WHEN LIFTING & LOWERING.
2. With unit sitting on floor, remove belt
drive cover, A; drive line shield, B;
and Rear Shield, C (Fig. 8).
3. Remove Pins from Depth Gage As-
semblies, and allow Shoe Assemblies
to drop out with unit lifted (Fig 9).
4. Loosen the four flange locknuts
holding stub shaft in position; then
lower the spindle hub by turning
5/8” hex nut until top pulley has
lowered enough to remove belts
(Fig. 10).
5. Remove flange locknuts from end
bearings and intermediate plate (Fig
11). Note: Do not attempt to re-
move the carriage bolts fastening
the intermediate plate to the corre-
Figure 7. Skid Shoe Replacement
B
A
C
Figure 8. Shield Removal

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sponding bearing located between
the blades.
6. Gently raise the frame just enough to
shift the frame away from the pulley
on the blade shaft (Fig. 11).
7. In order to remove the nut from the
end of the shaft, a ¾” drive pull han-
dle and heavy pipe wrench is used to
break the 600 ft-lb of torque (a three
foot extension is recommended for
both the pull handle and the pipe
wrench).
a) Locate the spacer between
the pulley and the first
blade. It is broached in
order to key the shaft
(Fig. 12).
b) Use the heavy pipe
wrench to grip this spacer.
c) Use a 2 7/16” socket in
conjunction with the pull
handle and extensions in
order to remove the nut.
8. Commence removal of bearings, spac-
ers, and worn blades. Note for Re-
Assembly: Observe how blades are
timed (teeth are staggered) and use the
blade shaft parts list on page 21 to
help reassemble shaft.
Figure 9. Skid Shoe Removal
Figure 10. Belt Removal
Fi
g
ure 11. Sha
f
t/Frame Disassembl
y

Fi
g
ure 12. Broached S
p
acer
Blade Shaft Re-assembly
1. Wipe down blade shaft and begin shaft reassembly by installing new blades and spac-
ers with teeth staggered for timing. See Blade Timing, pg. 15.
2. Locate the broached spacer as in the disassembly with the pipe wrench, and use the
pull handle to torque the shaft to 600 ft-lb.
3. Reinsert the shaft back into the frame, and fasten the bearings to the end plates and
the intermediate plate to the frame.
4. Install belts, tighten pulley, and fasten all shields previously removed in step two of
Blade Shaft Removal.
14

15
Blade Timing
Blade Part # VC50-007:
1. Stack two blades together so that they match exactly. Take the top and rotate it to its
other side as seen on Figure 13.
2. Note as you align the hex holes that the blades are now out of phase. This pattern is
repeated throughout the shaft assembly.
Blade Part # VC50-040 &049 (VC50-040 Blade Shown):
1. Stack all the blades so that they all match the same timing mark and blade direction.
2. Once the first blade has been placed on the shaft, note the orientation of the timing
mark and rotate the next blade one flat on the hex shaft (Fig. 14).
3. Continue this timing procedure until the shaft is complete.
Fi
g
ure 13. VC50-007 Timin
g
IF THE BLADES ARE NOT TIMED PROPERLY,
THE VERTI-CUTTER WILL NOT OPERATE SMOOTHLY.
Figure 14. VC50-040 & 049 Timing

WAR R A N TY INF O R M AT I O N
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
FIRST PRODUCTS INC. WARRANTS THIS PRODUCT TO BE FREE OF DEFECTS IN
MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS FROM THE
ORIGINAL DELIVERY DATE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER PARTS CAUSED TO
BE DEFICIENT DUE TO NORMAL WEAR, MISUSE, ACCIDENTS, OR LACK OF PROPER
AINTENANCE.
M
ANY PARTS THOUGHT TO BE DEFECTIVE MUST BE RETURNED TO THE
DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR FOR WARRANTY CONSIDERATION JOINTLY WITH FACTORY
REPRESENTATIVES. A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER MUST BE OBTAINED
AND CLEARLY MARKED ON ALL PACKAGES OF PARTS REQUIRING RETURN TO THE
FACTORY.
THE OBLIGATION OF FIRST PRODUCTS INC. UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE
EXCLUSIVELY LIMITED TO REPLACEMENT OF PARTS DETERMINED TO BE
DEFECTIVE BY FIRST PRODUCTS INC. WITH FREIGHT PREPAID. IN NO EVENT SHALL
FIRST PRODUCTS INC. BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.
FIRST PRODUCTS INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES OR ADD
IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS PRODUCTS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT OBLIGATION TO MAKE
SUCH CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS ON PRODUCTS SOLD PREVIOUSLY.
16