KUHN FA 392 User manual

ASSEMBLY/ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
FA392
REAR MOUNTED MOWER
N° 95007 A.GB - 12.95

DEAR OWNER,
In buying a KUHN machine you have chosen wisely. Into it have gone years of thought,
researchandimprovements.Youwillfind,ashavethousandsofownersallovertheworld,that
you have the best that engineering skill and actual field testing can produce. You have
purchased a dependable machine, but only by proper care and operation can you expect to
receive the performance and long service built into it.
This manual contains all the necessary information for you to receive full efficiency from your
machine.Theperformanceyougetfromthismachineislargelydependantuponhowwellyou
readandunderstandthismanualandapplythisknowledge.PleaseDONOTASSUMETHAT
YOU KNOW HOW TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN YOUR MACHINE before reading this
manual carefully. KEEP THIS MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE.
YourKUHN dealerwillinstruct youonthegeneral operationofyourmachine. Heisinterested
that you get the best performance possible and will be glad to answer any special questions
that may arise regarding the operation of the KUHN machine.
Your KUHN dealer can offer a complete line of genuine KUHN service parts.
These parts are manufactured and carefully inspected in the same factory that builds the
machine to assure high quality and accurate fitting of any necessary replacements.
When ordering service parts it is important that you indicate the type of machine concerned
and its serial number.
Forthisreasonpleasecompletethemodelidentificationplatediagrambelowwiththerequired
information. This will provide you with an easy reference for future service parts orders.
ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS
KUHN iscontinuallystriving to improveitsproducts and,therefore,reserves the righttomake
improvements or changes when it becomes practical to do so, without incurring any
obligations to make changes or additions to the equipment sold previously.

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Contents Page
Safety 2
Safety decals 8
Technical specifications 9
Assembling cutterbar to the frame 10
Safety breakback 10
Fitting to the tractor 11
Lowering the cutterbar and adjustments for work :
1. Lowering the cutterbar 12
2. Cutterbar lead adjustment 12
3. Cutterbar offsett adjustment 12
4. Lifting mechanism adjustment 13
5. Angle of cut adjustment 13
6. Belt tension adjustment 14
7. Forward speed 14
Transport position and parking 14
Lubrication 16
General maintenance 16
Cutterbar maintenance and adjustment 17
Accessories 19
After-sales service 20
Limited warranty 22
Copyright1995 KUHN S.A.

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SAFETY
The symbol above is used throughout this manual every time recommendations are made concerning your
safety, the safety of others, or the good operation of the machine.
These recommendations must be made known to all machine operators.
DESIGNATED USE OF THE MACHINE
The FA 392 rear mounted mower must only be used for the work which it has been designed : mowing on the
ground of hay fields, grass silage fields and improved pastures for the purpose of harvesting fodder for feeding
livestock.
Themanufacturerisnotheldliableforanydamageresultingfrommachineapplicationsotherthanthosespecified
by the manufacturer.
Any use other than the designated operation is at the risk and responsibility of the operator.
Designated use of the machine also means :
- following operation, maintenance and repair recommendations given by the manufacturer ;
- using only genuine spare parts, equipment and accessories as designated by the manufacturer.
The FA 392 rear mounted mower must only be operated, maintained and repaired by competent persons who
are familiar with machine specifications and operation and are aware of any danger involved.
The operator must imperatively respect current legislation concerning :
- accident prevention,
- work safety,
- public traffic circulation.
All safety advice indicated on the machine must be strictly observed.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage resulting from machine modifications carried out by the
operator himself or by a third party without previous written agreement from the manufacturer.

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GENERAL SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Before operating the machine, always ensure that tractor and machine are in accordance with work safety and
road traffic regulations.
BASIC PRINCIPLES
1. Inadditiontotherecommendationsgiveninthismanual,legislationonworksafetyandaccidentprevention
must also be respected.
2. Advice is indicated on the machine, specifying safety recommendations in order to prevent accidents.
3. Before travelling on public roads, the operator must ensure that the machine conforms to road traffic
regulations.
4. Before starting work, the operator must be familiar with all machine controls, handling devices and their
functions. Once at work, it is too late to do so !
5. Do not wear loose clothing which could become caught up in moving elements.
6. Useatractorequippedwithasafetycab.Keepwindowsandroofhatchclosedforreducedsoundlevelwhile
operating the PTO driven implement.
7. Beforestartingupthemachineandbeginningwork,checkthesurroundingarea(bewareofchildren!).Make
surethereissufficientvisibility.Keepallpeopleandanimalsawayfromthedangerzoneofthemachine(risk
of projection!)
8. Carrying people or animals on the machine when working or in transport is strictly forbidden.
9. Machine must only be attached to tractor using means provided and in accordance with current safety
standards.
10. When attaching or removing the machine, place the parking stand into the corresponding position.
11. Special care should be taken when attaching or removing the machine from the tractor.
12. Before attaching the machine, ensure that the front tractor axle is sufficiently ballasted.
Ballastistobe placed on thesupportsprovidedinaccordancewithinstructionsofthetractor manufacturer.
13. Do not surpass the maximum axle load or the overall transport weight as prescribed by the tractor
manufacturer.
14. Do not surpass the maximum transport width authorized by road traffic regulations.
15. Before transporting the machine on public roads, ensure that all legally required guards and indicators
(lights, reflectors ...) are in place and in good operation.
16. All operating controls (cords, cables, rods ...) must be positioned so that they cannot be set off accidently,
risking accident or damage.
17. Beforetransportonpublicroads,locatethemachineintoitstransportpositionasinstructedinthisoperator’s
manual.
18. Never leave the tractor seat while the machine is operating.

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19. Drive speed must be adapted to ground conditions as well as roads and paths.
Always avoid abrupt changes of direction.
20. Precision steering, tractor adherence, road holding and efficient braking are influenced by the type of
implement, weight, ballast of front axle, ground or road conditions. It is therefore of utmost importance to
be cautious in every given situation.
21. Be particularly cautious when turning corners, paying attention to machine overhang, length, height and
weight.
22. Beforeoperatingthemachine,ensurethatallsafetyguardsarefirmlyinplaceandingoodcondition.Ifworn
or damaged, replace immediately.
23. Beforeoperatingthemachine,checktightnessofnutsandbolts,particularlyontoolfixingelements(blades,
tines, knives, spades ...). Retighten if necessary.
24. Keep clear of the machine operating area.
25. WARNING ! Danger of crushing and shearing can exist when components are operated by hydraulic or
pneumatic controls.
26. Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting, maintaining or repairing the machine, turn off the engine,
removeignition key and wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
27. Do not stand between the tractor and the machine unless the hand brake is tight and/or stops have been
placed under the wheels.
28. Beforeanyadjustments,maintenanceorrepairsarecarriedout,ensurethatthemachinecannotbestarted
up accidentally.
ATTACHMENT
1. When attaching or removing the machine from the tractor, position hydraulic lift control lever in such a way
that it cannot be set off accidentally.
2. When attaching the machine to tractor 3-point linkage, ensure that diameter of link pins corresponds to
diameter of ball joints.
3. WARNING ! Danger of crushing and shearing can exist in the lifting zone of the 3-point linkage !
4. Donotstandbetweenthetractorandthemachinewhenoperatingtheoutercontrolleveroftheliftmechanism.
5. In transport, the machine lift mechanism should be stabilized by tractor tie rods to avoid floatation and side
shifting.
6. When transporting the machine in the raised position, lock the lift control lever in place.
7. Donotoperatethemachinewithnarrowwheeltracktractorswhenworkingortransportingonunevenorsloping
terrain.

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POWER TAKE-OFF
1. Only use PTO shaft supplied with the machine or recommended by the manufacturer.
2. PTO guards must always be in place and in good condition.
3. Check for correct PTO overlap when at work and in transport.
4. Before attaching or removing the PTO shaft, disengage PTO shaft, turn off engine and remove ignition key.
5. If a primary PTO shaft is equipped with a slip clutch or a free wheel, these must be fitted on the machine
PTO.
6. Ensure that PTO shaft is always correctly fitted and locked into place.
7. Make sure guards are correctly in place and secured with the safety chains provided.
8. Before engaging PTO, ensure that PTO speed and direction are in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations.
9. Before engaging PTO, keep all people and animals clear from the machine.
10. Never engage PTO shaft when tractor motor is turned off.
11. Never surpass PTO angle recommended by the manufacturer.
12. WARNING! Rotating elements can continueturning momentarily afterPTO is disengaged.Keep clearuntil
all rotating elements are at a standstill.
13. When removing the machine, locate PTO shaft on the supports provided.
14. Fit safety cap on tractor PTO.
15. Replace any worn or damaged PTO guards immediately.

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HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
1. WARNING ! Hydraulic system is under pressure.
2. When fitting hydraulic motors or cylinders, ensure that connections have been made correctly, as per
manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Before connecting hoses to the tractor hydraulics, ensure that tractor and machine circuits are not under
pressure.
4. It is strongly recommended that the operator marks the hydraulic connections between tractor and machine
to avoid making a wrong connection. WARNING ! Functions could be reversed (for example : lift/lower).
5. Check hydraulic hoses regularly ! Worn or damaged hoses must be replaced immediately.
Replacement parts must be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations concerning specifications
and quality.
6. Should a leak be found, take all necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
7. Any liquid under pressure (particularly oil from hydraulics) can penetrate the skin and cause severe injury. If
injured, see a doctor immediately, there could be danger of infection.
8. Beforeany adjustments, maintenanceorrepairsare carried out,lowerthemachine, depressurize the circuit,
turn off the engine and remove ignition key.
MAINTENANCE
1. Before checking any machine malfunction and before adjusting, maintaining or repairing the machine,
disengage PTO, turn off engine and remove ignition key.
2. Check tightness of nuts and bolts regularly. Retighten if necessary.
3. If the machine is raised, prop it up in a stable position before carrying out any maintenance work.
4. When replacing a working part, wear protection gloves and only use standardized tools.
5. It is forbidden to discard any oil, grease or filters. These must be given to waste disposal organisations to
protect the environment.
6. Disconnect power source before any work is done on the electric system.
7. Check safety guards regularly, particularly those that are subject to wear. Replace immediately if damaged.
8. Spare parts used must be in accordance with specifications and standards as defined by the manufacturer.
Use only genuine KUHN parts !
9. Before any electric welding is carried out on tractor or attached machine, disconnect generator and battery
terminals.
10.Repairs on elements under pressure or tension (springs, accumulators etc.) must only be carried out by
competent persons with standardized equipment.

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SPECIAL SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Stay a safe distance away from the mower when discs are rotating.
2. Crushing and shearing zones which could cause serious bodily injury when changing the machine from
transport to work position and vice versa may exist. To prevent possible injury, be extra careful when
maneuvering and ensure that everyone is at a safe distance away from the machine.
3. PTOdrivetothemowermustneverbeengagedunlessthecutterbarskidshoesareincontactwiththeground.
4. Ground of the pastures to be mown must be free of foreign objects.
5. Even when the machine is used in accordance with it purpose, objects may be projected. It is therefore
imperativethateveryonebekeptawayfromthedangerzone,thatextracareistakenandthatextra precaution
(such as safety indicators) be taken when mowing pastures alongside roads or near public areas (parks,
schools etc.).
6. When disengaging the PTO drive, moving parts continue to run for some time. Wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop before approaching the machine.
7. Ifanobstructionishit,stopthetractorimmediately,disengagePTOdrive,turnoffengine,removeignitionkey
and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
Check the entire machine for any damage before resuming work.
8. Before transporting the machine fit the knive guard in place.
9. Itisstronglyrecommendedtohaveyourmachinecheckedbyyourdealeraftereachseason,especiallyblades
and discs and their fixing devices (nuts, bolts etc.).

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SAFETY DECALS
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PICTORIALS HAVE BEEN PLACED ON YOUR MACHINE IN THE
AREAS INDICATED. THEY ARE INTENDED FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND FOR THE
SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE WORKING WITH YOU. THE TEXT SHOWN ON THEM GIVES THEIR
PRECISE MEANING. KEEP THE PICTORIALS LEGIBLE. IF THEY ARE NOT, REPLACE THEM.

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LOWERING THE CUTTERBAR AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR WORK
1. Lowering the cutterbar
To lower the cutterbar from the transport position to the
working position, first fit linchpin (D) into hole (H) and
pull cord (X) to release latch (G). Then manually lower
bar and remove knive guard.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT PTO SHAFT
FROM THE TRACTOR PTO BEFORE
LOWERING THE CUTTERBAR INTO
THE WORKING POSITION.
2. Cutterbar lead adjustment
To compensate for rearward thrust on the cutterbar when
in work, the cutterbar has been set with a forward lead
on the outer finger of 2 3/8" (6 cm). To ensure this posi-
tion is maintained, the linkage arms of the tractor must
be stabilised.
When measuring a 90° angle between the side of the
tractor wheel and the cutterbar, there must be a distance
of 60 mm between the set square and the inner finger.
Adjustment can be made by changing the position of the
left pin (P) (see photo on page 7). Three positions are
then obtainable.
3. Cutterbar offset adjustment
The cutterbar can be positioned to clear the tractor wheel
by moving the main mower drive assembly through the
3-point hitch frame.
A = Wheel centres minimum 3’8" (1136 mm)
B = Wheel centres minimum 4’10" (1456 mm)
The hitch frame (shown black) remains fixed. The main
mower drive assembly (shown grey) has a variable posi-
tion.

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4. Lifting mechanism adjustment
The mower can be raised by the tractor 3-point linkage.
As the mower is raised, the cutterbar is automatically
locked in the horizontal position.
Adjustment to secure this horizontal position is made by
set screw (V) which should always be secured by lock
nut (E).
When the mower is in the working position, the cutterbar
can float at an angle up to 20° above and below the
horizontal.
Plate (C) limits the amount of angle raised to avoid
damage to the pitman.
The total angle of movement of the cutterbar through
40° enables this to follow wide differences of ground con-
tours.
5. Angle of cut adjustment
This adjustment is made by lengthening or shortening
the tractor top link. Should the hay occasionally block
the cutterbar, do not hesitate to adjust the fingers down
towards the soil.
For certain tractors, a short top link is required. This is
available as optional equipment (part No. 100 6020)
In work, the tractor hydraulics should be in the free
floating position.

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6. Belt tension adjustment
First loosen the 4 screws (Y) which secure the pulley
housing then loosen jam nut (T). Tighten belts using bolt
(Z) until tension is sufficient to prevent belts from slipping
during operation.
Do not overtighten belts as they also act as a safety device
and should slip in case the machine becomes blocked.
After adjustment, retighten all bolts (Y) and jam nut (T).
7. Forward speed
Operate with a forward speed of 6.4 km/hr (4 mph) and a PTO speed of 540 rpm. This allows 9-10 revolutions of the final
drive pulley for every 3 ft of travel. Maintain the PTO speed and adjust tractor speed by gear selection, not by acceleration.
TRANSPORT & PARKING POSITION
To change the machine from the working position to the
transport position, proceed as follows :
- Fit the finger guard (T) in place and secure with 2 screw
springs (R).
- Pull cord (X) to free stop (C).
- Manually raise the cutterbar (P) until it is automatically
secured by latch (G).
- Secure cutterbar in the vertical position by fitting
linchpin (D) in transport hole (F).

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ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PTO
SHAFT FROM THE TRACTOR PTO
WHEN PUTTING THE MACHINE INTO
THE TRANSPORT POSITION.
When parking the machine, secure the triangular stand
(B) on the left-hand side into the lower position with
handle (V) as shown in the photo opposite. The mower
can than be lowered on the tractor hydraulics where it
can stand level while uncoupling from the tractor.
ALWAYS PARK THE MACHINE ON A FLAT, HORIZONTAL SURFACE
When transporting machine in the field, swath board stick
can be pivoted towards the front.
Fixation of swath board for transport on public roads
Hook spring (1) onto swath board (2) (fig.A). Block swath
board (2) against the vertical cutterbar (3) and slide it
down until it butts against inner
shoe and pivoting area as shown in fig.A. Hook spring
handle (4) onto the
cutterbar (3) (fig.A & B).
When detaching swath board from this transport posi-
tion, secure spring (1) as shown in fig.C.

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LUBRICATION
Grease with SHELL RETINAX A :
- Every 10 hours of use the PTO shaft and all moving parts.
- Once every season the main drive shaft, the final drive pulley and the pitman head bearing.
- Every 3 hours of use the knife head ball joint.
For protection against rust, use SHELL ENSIS 30 oil.
To obtain maximum durability from KUHN machines, we recommend the use of SHELL LUBRICANTS.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
- Regularly check tightness of nuts and bolts.
- Replace parts when they are worn.
- Ensure knife sections are always sharp.
- Follow the lubrication instructions carefully.
- Check belt tension after the first 5 hours of work and then every 25 hours.
- Adjust shoe soles according to working conditions. In general, cutting grass very low does not improve the regrowth
and increases wear on the cutterbar. Do not overtighten the fixing bolt of the swath board, which should always be free
to follow the ground contours.
- Clean the cutterbar before storing and cover with an antirust protector.

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CUTTERBAR MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
A well guided knife and sharp sections are essential for a good cut. A blunt knife requires more power. It is preferable that
the sections be sharpened using a blade sharpener though it is possible to use abrasive disc grinders.
Wearing parts like knife guides, knife clips, wear plates or knife heads are made of heat treated steel and are very resistant
to wear. Nevertheless, if after a long period of use there is play between the knife and its guides proceed as follows :
1) FINGERS (1)
The bevelled edges are made of heat treated steel so that they remain sharp for longer and, because of this, they are
harder than the guiding area. As the central surface is not as hard as the bevelled edge, after long and intense use the
bevelled edges can become jagged. The fingers can thus be resharpened perfectly. It is possible to use a disc grinder
to get the bevelled edge back to the level of the guide surface. This means that buying new fingers can be put off.
2) THE GUIDE SECTIONS (2) are subject to all the cutting force. They should be changed when the raised surface is worn.
True up the knife after this operation.
THE SECTIONS do almost all the work so they wear out first. They must be well sharpened. Any broken or jagged
sections must be replaced. It is essential that the knife be trued up after any repairs as all sections must be perfectly in
line.

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3) KNIFE CLIPS (3) must be correctly fitted over the
top of the raised section. Ensure they are not set at the
back or at the front only, for that would increase the
wear. Screw (V) can be adjusted to lower the knife
clip and give good support to the knife on the surface
of the finger (1). Carefully regulate screw (V) :
- to set all knive clips evenly,
- to avoid clamping the knife.
4) WINGS (4) guide the side of the knife and must contact each other without slack. They are used to line up the fingers
on their top side and back edge.
5) WEAR PLATES (6) under the knife clips have ob-
long holes to adjust the side play on the blade. It is
advisable to set the play between the knife back and
the wear plates between 1 and 1.5 mm and to set all
the wear plates at the same level.
6) KNIFE HEAD GUIDE : Excessive play is counteracted by removing shims located underneath the knife head guide.
7) THE KNIFE must always have well sharpened sections with an angle as near as possible to the original one. An angle
smaller than 20° gives a better cut, but makes the sections more easily jagged. An angle larger than 25° gives a bad cut.
The sections have been tempered to a width of 10 mm from the edge, so they should not be ground beyond this width
as the bevelling would not hold. When replacing a section, do not crush the rivets, for should they get compressed on
their whole length, they might distort or burst the edge. Ensure the knife is always straight and the sections well in line
with each other.
When replacing sections, study illustrations below :
When sharpening blades, always maintain the original angle.
Never rivet a section while the blade is in the cutterbar.