FLEMING TOP8SF Installation and operation manual

Register your New Fleming Product @
http://www.fleming-agri.co.uk/Products/product-registration.asp
EU CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
CONFORMING TO EC Machinery Directive 98/37 EC
We:
Fleming Agri-Products Ltd
Newbuildings Industrial Estate
Newbuildings
Northern Ireland
BT47 2SX
declare in sole responsibility, that the product
Type: TOP7SF 7’ SuperFloat Topper
TOP8SF 8’ SuperFloat Topper
to which this certificate applies, conforms to the basic safety
and health requirements of the EC Machinery Directive 98/37 EC,
and the Transposed Harmonised Standards:
BS EN 745 (1999)
BS EN 1553 (2000)
Jonathan Lecky
Production Director
TOP8SF & TOP7SF
7’ & 8’ SuperFloat Pasture Toppers
Operators Manual
& Parts List
Fleming Agri-Products Ltd
Newbuildings Industrial Estate
Newbuildings
Northern Ireland
BT47 2SX
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email:[e-mail]
www.fleming-agri.co.uk
‘Quality, Strength & Personal Service’

This manual is provided to assist you in getting the best results from your machine and
ensure that you do so safely. If you have any queries about the use of the machine
contact your dealer before use. Please keep this manual for future reference.
This topper has been designed to be easily and safely transported behind a tractor while
also giving an even and clean cut on uneven ground by being fully offset with bi-lateral
movement when in the topping position. The dual heavy-duty rotors with swinging blade
system allow the topper to withstand the excessive pressures of wet conditions and to
absorb small impacts without affecting performance.
A hydraulic breakaway system ensures that any damage to your machine following an
impact with a larger obstruction is dramatically reduced. The operating position is
quickly restored without hassle ensuring minimum operator inconvenience.
The cutting height is adjustable in convenient steps from the minimum depth of 30mm to
a maximum depth of 120mm. The depth is easily adjusted by altering the position of the
skids which are positioned at each side of the topper. These skids ensure that the
topper provides a uniform cut without grounding while on the most undulating pastures.
This topper will successfully operate in wet conditions and on heavy pasture such as
rushes, however it is unsuitable for topping set-aside. While this topper is primarily
designed for agricultural use it performs excellently when used for topping playing fields
or other local authority areas.
1.1 FUNDAMENTAL PRECAUTIONS
On delivery, your dealer gave you an explanation of the operation and maintenance of
this Fleming topper. Please read and understand these operating instructions before
operating the machine for the first time. It is essential that you observe all safety
instructions.
Incorrect use or mishandling of the machine can endanger:
•Life and Limb of the operator, other persons or animals standing within the vicinity of
the machine.
•The machine and other material assets of the owner or third persons.
•The performance of the machine.
Anyone who is involved in the commissioning, operation or maintenance of the topper
must read and understand the following instructions very carefully and observe them at
all times.
NEVER DISTRACT ANYONE WHO IS USING A MACHINE.
A SAFE DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 30M MUST BE OBSERVED BY ANYONE WITHIN
THE VICINITY OF THE TOPPER.
1.2 AUTHORISED OPERATORS
Youths under the age of 16 must not operate this implement. The owner of the machine
must provide the operator with the operating instructions and make sure they have read
and understood them. Only then may the topper be put into operation.
The owner must ensure that only authorised persons operate/work on this machine. He
is responsible for keeping any third persons or animals out of the working area of the
topper.

1.3 GENERAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION
REGULATIONS
•Ensure the implement is correctly and securely attached to the operating vehicle 3-
point linkage using the lift arm pins and locking lynch pins provided.
•NEVER attach to a tractor which would be rendered unstable when the implement is
operated at its full capacity. Take note of the maximum load permissible on the
linkage. The weight of the 7ft model is 616kg and the 8ft model is 650kg.
•Extra care must be taken as the implement can cause instability due to the projection
out the rear or the side of the tractor.
•Take extra care when operating machinery on sloping ground. NEVER operate on
ground on which there is a risk of the tractor becoming unstable.
•When detaching the implement from the tractor always ensure that it is stable and is
safely positioned on a level surface.
•WARNING: The attaching and detaching of the implement to a tractor must be carried
out by only one operator. There should not be any other people in the vicinity of the
implement or in the tractor.
•ALWAYS ensure that the rope attaching the locking mechanism to the tractor is
detached and safely stored before detaching the implement from the tractor.
•WARNING Extra care must be taken when operating or transporting the topper as it
extends significantly out the rear or side of the tractor.
•ENSURE that the topper is locked in the transport position when on a road and when
it is being attached and detached from the tractor.
•ONLY operate the locking mechanism from the cab and ensure that the area which
the topper will rotate into is clear before doing so.
•Before operation make yourself familiar with all elements and controls of the machine
as well as their functions.
•Under NO Circumstances should anyone attempt to use the topper or the three
point linkage as a means of personal transport. It is designed as a specialist purpose
farm implement and is unsuitable for the safe transportation of passengers. To avoid
personal injury do not allow hands or limbs to enter the area between the hitch and
main body.
•NEVER allow children to play on or around tractors and machinery.
•Operators should not wear loose fitting clothing when working close to PTO driven
equipment. Keep long hair tied back. NEVER be in the vicinity of a rotating PTO shaft.
•ALWAYS disengage the PTO before dismounting from the tractor.
•NEVER operate the topper unless all safety guards are fitted and are firmly in
position. ALWAYS ensure that all guards and covers are replaced after carrying out
maintenance or adjustments.
•ALWAYS disengage the PTO shaft, apply the hand brake, stop the tractor and
remove the key before carrying out any maintenance or adjustments to the topper.
The blades continue to rotate for some time after the tractor is stopped. ALWAYS
ensure that the blades have totally stopped moving before approaching the topper.

•NEVER attempt to adjust the skids without the topper being in a stable and safe
position.
•Take extra care when carrying out maintenance and adjustments, as this is when most
farm accidents occur.
•ENSURE the PTO shaft is the correct length to suit the tractor.
•ALWAYS ensure that the PTO tubes and universal joints have sufficient grease.
•Regularly check the PTO shaft and guard for damage and replace if any damage is
found.
•ALWAYS use 8mm shear bolts with a rating of 8.8 on the knuckle joint. Standard bolts
or shear bolts with a rating greater than 8.8 may cause undue stress to the topper and
risk life and limb.
•NEVER attempt to move this implement manually.
•NEVER change the release pressure on the Breakaway valve unless authorised to do
so by FLEMING AGRI-PRODUCTS.
1.4 GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
•This is a tractor-mounted implement. Attempts should not be made to attach the topper
to any other type of vehicle. If the topper is to be transported on a trailer then is should
be securely attached using suitable restraints.
•Never use incorrectly sized lift arm or top link pins when attaching the topper. Ensure
top link has sufficient adjustment to facilitate correct setting of the topper.
•Fit the topper to the three-point linkage in the normal way. Ensure that the PTO is
correctly connected before use.
•When the implement is attached to the tractor the stand should be raised to its highest
setting. When detaching from the tractor the stand should be set at a suitable height.
•Fit PTO shaft in the transport position to ensure the correct length.
•ENSURE the restraining chains on the PTO cover are attached to the holes provided
on the fixed guards and on the tractor PTO guard.
•Adjust the topping height by removing the 4 bolts on each skid and set to the required
height. Only adjust the height when the topper is in the topping position and is on
stable ground. ENSURE TRACTOR IS STOPPED, THE BLADES HAVE STOPPED
MOVING AND THE TOPPER IS SUITABLY SUPPORTED.
•DO NOT ENGAGE THE PTO WHEN IN THE TRANSPORT POSITION.
•Attach a suitable length of rope to the eye on the locking mechanism so that it can be
operated safely from the cab. Ensure that the length of the rope used allows the free
movement of the implement from the maximum to minimum heights and that there is no
possibility of the slack rope becoming entangled and risking life or limb.
•Ensure the working area is clear of stones or anything which may cause damage to the
topper or increase the danger to life and limb.
•With the PTO shaft, Hydraulic pipes and all safety guards in place and the topper in the
fully opened position it is safe to start topping.
•Begin to operate at a low RPM and gradually increase to 540 RPM before starting to
move forward.

1.5 HYDRAULIC SAFETY
•CAUTION The hydraulic system is under high pressure.
•Ensure that only high-pressure hoses are used to connect supply to the toppers
hydraulic cylinder. Check hoses regularly and renew any that are damaged or
worn. ALWAYS ensure that hydraulic hoses are long enough to facilitate rotation
of the topper body and are kept clear from the PTO shaft and 3 PL.
•Before working on the hydraulics lower the topper, ensure the locking mechanism
is securely closed, release the pressure from the system and stop the tractor
engine.
•When connecting hydraulic rams make sure that the hydraulic hoses are coupled
correctly. Pressure should be released from the system both on the tractor and on
the implement side prior to coupling the hoses to the tractor hydraulics.
•CAUTION Hydraulic oil forced out under pressure can break the skin and cause
severe injury. In the event of a hydraulic oil leak stop the tractor flow immediately.
DO NOT PUT HANDS NEAR A LEAKING PIPE.
1
Flail Carrier (750mm)
16
4
M14 x 50 Bolt
15
2
M24 x 50 Bolt
14
2
Flail
13
2
M24 Locknut
12
1
Carrier Housing Bushing
11
4
M14 Locknut
10
4
M16 x 50 Bolt
9
1
Main Chassis
8
1
Drive Shaft
7
1
Rubber Doughnut
6
6
M12 Locknut
5
2
Profiled Tripod
4
6
M12 x 80 Bolt
3
1
Gearbox
2
4
M16 Locknut
1
QTY
DESCRIPTION
ITEM

1.6 MAINTENANCE
•As a rule, disengage the driving system, apply the handbrake and stop the engine
prior to carrying out maintenance, servicing, cleaning or repair work. ALWAYS
remove the ignition key.
•Prop the topper with appropriate supports and ensure the blades have stopped
moving before carrying out any maintenance.
•The manufacturer will not be responsible for any damages or injuries caused by
unauthorised repair, alterations or mishandling of the product.
•Maintain product with care checking regularly for damage that would affect the safe
operation of the implement.
•ALWAYS use genuine Fleming parts.
•Check oil level in gearboxes before operating and at regular intervals
•Correct oil quantity is 0.8 litre in the rotor gearboxes and 1.2 litres in the L –
gearbox. Change oil after first 50 hours and every 500 hours after.
•Use SAE 90 Gear Oil.
•Fill oil by removing plugs at top and side of gearbox.
•CAUTION The gearboxes may become hot during use. Allow time for the housing
and the oil to cool sufficiently before carrying any maintenance.
•To ensure that all the sludge's and contaminants are removed during an oil change,
the oil should still be warm when it is drained.
•Grease PTO shaft tubes, universal joints and all other greasing points (marked with
a sticker) daily.
•Check holding bolts on gearbox after every 5 hours of use and tighten if necessary
for the first 20 hours and periodically afterwards.
•Regularly check that blades are kept sharp and free from damage. Replace if any
damage is apparent.
•When replacing the blades ensure only the correct FLEMING blades are used (see
figures for part numbers). Blades should be replaced in pairs to ensure that the rotor
remains balanced. ALWAYS replace the blade bolts with new genuine Fleming
bolts when the blades are changed.
•The bolts which attach the blades should be tightened fully and then slacked off
until the blade is free to rotate.
•Coat the chrome area of the hydraulic cylinder with grease before any prolonged
periods of inactivity
•ALWAYS ensure all warning stickers are kept clean and in good condition replacing
where necessary.
•CAUTION paintwork may be damaged if high-powered washers are used when
cleaning the topper.