KUHN EL53 User manual

KN172AGB C
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Rotary cultivators
EL53
KN172AGB C
- English - 11-2009

Dear Owner
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$Dear Owner
In buying a Kuhn machine you have chosen wisely. Into it have gone years of thought, research and
improvement. You will find, as have thousands of owners all over the world, that you have the best that
engineering skill and actual field testing can produce. You have purchased a dependable machine, but only
through 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. The
performance you get from this machine is largely dependent on how well you read and understand this manual
and apply this knowledge. Please DO NOT ASSUME YOU KNOW HOW TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN YOUR
MACHINE before reading this manual carefully. KEEP THIS MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE. Pass
it on to the next owner if you re-sell the 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.
About improvements
We are continually striving to improve our products. It therefore reserves the right to make improvements or
changes when it becomes practical to do so, without incurring any obligations to make changes or additions to
the equipment sold previously.
Designated use of the machine
The EL53 power tillers must only be used for the work for which they have been designed::
- Maintenance of green spaces.
- Gardening and market-gardening.
- Lawn seedbed preparation.
- Light operations in vineyards.
Document illustrations
The illustrations in this manual may be based on one type of machine only. However, all instructions apply to all
machines covered in this manual.

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Contents
$Contents
Dear Owner.....................................................................................................................1
Contents..........................................................................................................................2
Identification of the machine.........................................................................................4
Front view..........................................................................................................................................4
Rear view...........................................................................................................................................4
Model identification plate ................................................................................................................5
Optional equipment..........................................................................................................................5
Safety...............................................................................................................................6
Description of symbols used in this document.............................................................................6
Safety instructions...........................................................................................................................7
Location and description of safety decals on the machine .......................................................14
Road safety equipment and recommendations...........................................................................17
Machine specifications................................................................................................18
Description and glossary...............................................................................................................18
Technical specifications................................................................................................................19
Required equipment.......................................................................................................................20
Sound levels ...................................................................................................................................21
Putting into service......................................................................................................22
Coupling and uncoupling..............................................................................................................22
Instructions for transport............................................................................................32
Putting the machine into transport position................................................................................32
Conformity with the road regulations...........................................................................................32

Contents
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Instructions for work................................................................................................... 33
Putting the machine into work position.......................................................................................33
Adjustments in working position..................................................................................................34
Machine use....................................................................................................................................38
Optional equipment.....................................................................................................39
Skids................................................................................................................................................39
Wheels diameter 190 mm (7.5’’)....................................................................................................39
Wheels diameter 250 mm (10’’).....................................................................................................40
Category 1 ASAE 5279 Quick Hitch Compatible.........................................................................40
Maintenance and storage............................................................................................ 41
Frequency chart .............................................................................................................................41
Cleaning the machine....................................................................................................................42
Lubrication......................................................................................................................................42
Maintenance....................................................................................................................................45
Storage............................................................................................................................................48
Trouble shooting guide............................................................................................... 49
Limited warranty.......................................................................................................... 50

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EL53
Identification of the machine
$Identification of the machine
1. Front view
2. Rear view

Identification of the machine
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3. Model identification plate
Please write below the type and serial number of the
machine. This information is to be indicated to the dealer
for all spare parts orders.
Type: EL53
Serial no.:
4. Optional equipment
Tick box corresponding to the equipment fitted on your
machine:
Kit no. 1206970:Skids.
Kit no. 1206640: Wheels diameter 190 mm (7.5’’). Models 100/130/155/190.
Kit no. 1209280: Wheels diameter 250 mm (10’’). Models 100/130/155/190.
Kit no. 1209270: Category 1 ASAE 5279 Quick Hitch Compatible.

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EL53
Safety
$Safety
1. Description of symbols used in this
document
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that if not avoided, could result in serious bodily injury.
This symbol is used to identify special instructions or
procedures which, if not followed strictly, could result in
machinery damage.
This symbol is used to communicate technical
information of particular interest.

Safety
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2. Safety instructions
-
Read and follow the safety instructions
Before using the machine, carefully read all the safety
instructions in this manual and the warnings placed on
the machine.
Before starting work, the operator must be familiar with
all machine controls, handling devices and their
functions. It is too late to learn once work has been
started!
Never let anyone operate the machine who is not trained
to do so.
Should you have any difficulties in understanding certain
parts in this manual, please contact your KUHN dealer.
Precautions to be taken before carrying out
any operations on the machine
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop
and apply park brake.
Introduction
The machine must only be operated, maintained and repaired by competent persons who are familiar with
machines' specifications and operation and aware of safety regulations for preventing accidents.
The operator must imperatively respect safety instructions in this manual and in the warnings posted on the
machine. The operatoris also obliged to respect current legislation concerning accident prevention, work safety
and public traffic circulation.
Designated use of the machine also means following operation, maintenance and repair recommendations
given by the manufacturer, and using only genuine spare parts, equipment and accessories, as recommended
by the manufacturer.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage resulting from machine applications other than those
specified by the manufacturer. Any use other than the designated operation is at the risk and responsibility of
the operator.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage or accident 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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EL53
Safety
Precautions to take before using the
machine
Do not wear loose clothing which could become caught
up in moving parts.
Wear the appropriate protective clothing for the work in
hand (gloves, shoes, goggles, helmet, ear defenders,
etc.).
Ensure that all operating controls (ropes, cables, rods,
etc) are placed so as they cannot be operated
unintentionally and cause damage or injury.
Before operating the machine, check tightness of nuts
and bolts, particularly on fixing elements (tines, forks,
blades, knives, etc). Retighten if necessary.
Before operating the machine, ensure that all the safety
guards are firmly in place and in good condition.
Immediately replace any worn or damaged guard.
Precautions when driving
Tractor handling, stability, performance and braking
efficiency are all affected by weight distribution, trailedor
mounted implements, additional ballast and driving
conditions. It is therefore of great importance that the
operator exercises caution in every given situation.
Groundspeed must be adapted to ground conditions as
well as to roads and paths. Always avoid abrupt changes
of direction.
Be particularly cautious when turning corners, paying
attention to machine overhang, length, height and
weight.
Never use a narrow track tractor on very uneven or
steeply sloping ground.
Never leave the tractor seat while the machine is
operating.
Carrying people or animals on the machine when
working or in transport is strictly forbidden.

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Precautions when driving on public roads
Dimensions
Depending on the dimensions of the machine, contact
the relevant authorities to ensure that it can be legally
transported on public roads.
If the machine is over the maximum legal size, follow the
local regulations for special transportation of oversize
equipment.
Gross weight and weight per axle
Check that the tractor's authorized gross weight as well
as its lift capacity and maximum weight per axle are not
exceeded.
The front axle load (1) must never, under any
circumstances, be less than 20% of the tractor's unladen
weight. If necessary, add ballast weights to the front or
to the rear to preserve the steering and braking
efficiency.
Transport position
Before transporting the machine on public roads, place
the machine into its transport position, according to the
instructions in this manual.
Lights and indicators.
Before transporting the machine on public roads, ensure
that all legally required lightings and signallings are in
place.
Ensure that lightings and signallings are clean and in
good working order. Replace any missing or broken
equipment.
Maximum speed
Always keep to the legal speed limit for driving a tractor-
machine assembly on public roads.
Always obey current regulations for driving
on roads

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Safety
Precautions when coupling
Before attaching the machine, make sure that it cannot
accidentally start moving (chock the wheels) and that the
parking stand is in the right position.
Never stand between the tractor and the machine when
operating the three point linkage.
Do not stand between the tractor and the machine
without ensuring that the parking brake is applied.
PTO shaft
Use only PTO shafts supplied with the machine or
recommended by the manufacturer.
The protective shield of the tractor PTO stub, the PTO
shaft guards and the protective covering of the machine
input shaft must always be in place and in good
condition.
Make sure that the PTO shaft guards are secured with
the safety chains provided.
Any worn or damaged guards must be replaced
immediately. A worn guard or an unprotected PTO shaft
can cause a serious or even a lethal accident.
Do not wear loose clothing that could be caught in the
rotating PTO shaft.
Before attaching or removing a PTO shaft, or before
doing any work on the machine, disengage the PTO
drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and wait
for all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
If the primary PTO shaft is equipped with a slip clutch or
a free wheel, these must be fitted on the machine side.
Ensure that the PTO shaft is always correctly fitted and
locked into place.
Before connecting the PTO shaft, ensure that the PTO
speed (rotational frequency) and directions of rotation
are in line with manufacturer's recommendations.
Before engaging the PTO drive, make sure all people
and animals are clear from the machine. Never engage
the PTO drive when the tractor engine is stopped.
When uncoupling the machine, rest the PTO shaft on the
support specially provided, and replace protective cover
on the PTO stub of the tractor.
Read and follow the instructions in the operator's manual
provided with the PTO shaft.

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Precautions during manoeuvres
When moving the machine from the transport position to
the working position and vice versa, make sure that
nobody is within the machine pivoting area.
Remote controlled components
Danger of crushing and shearing can exist when
components are operated by hydraulic or pneumatic
controls. Keep away from these danger zones.
Safety decals
Safety warning decals are placed in pictorial form on
various parts of the machine. They are there to warn you
of potential dangers and to tell you how to avoid
accidents.
Always keep the safety decals clean and readable, and
replace them when they are worn, damaged, missing or
illegible.

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EL53
Safety
Waste disposal
Respect the environment! Never spill pollutants (oil,
grease, filters, etc.) on the ground, never pour them
down the drain and never discard them in any other
place where they could pollute the environment. Never
throw away or burn a tyre. Always take waste to
specialized recycling or waste disposal centers.
Precautions for maintenance and repair
work
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop
and apply park brake.
Rest the machine on the ground, release the pressure
from the hydraulic circuit and leave the machine to cool
down.
Make sure that the parts of the machine that need to be
lifted for maintenance or repair work are firmly propped
up.
Before any work is done on the electric circuit or before
any electric welding is carried out on the attached
machine, disconnect the machine from the tractor
electrical circuit. Also disconnect alternator and battery
terminals.
Repairs on elements under pressure or tension (springs,
pressure accumulators, etc.) must only be carried out by
competent persons with regulation equipment.
Wear the appropriate protective clothing for the work in
hand (gloves, shoes, goggles, helmet, ear defenders,
etc.).
Do not solder, weld or use a blow torch near fluids under
pressure or inflammable products.
For your own safety and for correct machine operation,
only use original manufacturer parts.
It is strongly recommended to have your machine
checked by your Kuhn dealer after each season,
especially tools and their attaching hardware.

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Precautions for machine use
Before each use, check the soil preparation implements
and their attachment hardware in accordance with the
instructions given in this manual. Replace any worn,
damaged or missing soil preparation implement or
fastener immediately. For your safety, only use genuine
parts !
Check the guards regularly. Immediately replace any
damaged or missing elements.
Before engaging the PTO drive, lower the machine on
the ground. Make sure all the guards are in place. Keep
all persons and animals away from the danger zone.
Stay a safe distance from the machine when the cutting
tools are in movement.
Never work in reverse.
After disengaging the PTO drive, the rotor can continue
rotating for some time. Stay away from the machine until
all moving parts have come to a complete standstill.
If an obstacle is hit, disengage the PTO drive, stop the
tractor engine, remove the ignition key and wait for all
moving parts to come to a complete standstill. Check the
entire machine for any damage before resuming work.

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EL53
Safety
3. Location and description of safety
decals on the machine
Location of safety decals

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Description of safety decals
Operating instructions (1)
The operators' manual contains all the information
necessary for using the machine safely. It is imperative
to read and comply with all instructions.
Working on the machine (2)
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop
and apply park brake.
Projections (3)
Stones and other debris projected by the moving parts
cantravela longdistance.Always stayata safedistance
from the machine.

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Safety
Do not step on the machine (4)
Do not step on the machine : Risk of falling or damaging
the protection device.
Rotary tools (5)
Keep away from rotating elements and from the machine
all the time the engine is running, the PTO drive is
engaged and the rotors are turning.

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4. Road safety equipment and
recommendations
The road safety equipment is mounted in the factory or
by your authorized Kuhn dealer according to current
safety regulations. Always keep to the legal speed limit
for driving a tractor-machine assembly on public roads.
The rear safety device comprises:
- 2 red reflectors (1).
The front safety device comprises:
- 2 white reflectors (1) .
The side device comprises:
- 1 amber reflector (1) on each machine side.

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EL53
Machine specifications
$Machine specifications
1. Description and glossary
0
1 : Three point frame 2 : Hitch pin
3 : Upper coupling yoke 4 : Drive shaft guard
5 : Side gearbox 6 : Gearbox
7 : Rear hood 8 : lower links
9 : Rotor 10 : Front guard