LOFTNESS 61G4 Series User manual

Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
N38517 (61" Double Carbide)
N38518 (61" Quadco)
N101958 (61" Double Carbide)
N101960 (61" Quadco)
N38440 (71" Double Carbide)
N38516 (71" Quadco)
Carbide Cutter
61G4 • 71G4
Owner’s Manual and Parts Book
(Originating w/Serial Number 42-1666)
N38489 Rev. F 07.23.18

Carbide Cutter OM
Table of Contents
Warranty
Table of Contents
Introduction
Owner Information ............................................................1
Warranty Policy ..............................................................1
Serial Number Location ........................................................1
Manual Storage ..............................................................1
Carbide Cutter Features .......................................................2
Safety Instructions
Safety First..................................................................3
Owner’s Responsibility ........................................................3
Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure .............................................4
Safety Rules.................................................................4
Hydraulic Safety...........................................................5
Carbide Cutter Identification ....................................................6
Safety Decal Locations ........................................................7
Set-up Instructions
Pusher Bar Assembly ........................................................11
Installing the Carbide Cutter to the Loader ........................................12
Checking Rotor Rotation ......................................................13
Checking Rotor Speed .......................................................13
Skid Adjustment ............................................................14
Cutter Bar Adjustment ........................................................14
Operating Instructions
Getting Started .............................................................15
Operation ..................................................................15
Log Moving ................................................................16
Hydraulic Hose Storage.......................................................16
Maintenance
General Maintenance.........................................................17
Maintenance Schedule .......................................................17
Lubrication.................................................................18
Grease Point Location .....................................................18
Overhung Load Adapter....................................................19
Removing Belt Cover.........................................................20
Removing Motor Cover .......................................................20
Belt Adjustment .............................................................20
Tooth Removal and Installation .................................................21
Double Tooth ............................................................21
Quadco Teeth............................................................21
Tooth Sharpening (Quadco Option Only)..........................................22

Carbide Cutter OM
Table of Contents
Maintenance (Cont’d)
Storage ...................................................................23
End of Season ...........................................................23
Beginning of the Season ...................................................23
Troubleshooting .............................................................24
Parts Identification
Carbide Cutter Body Assembly .................................................26
Carbide Cutter Body Assembly (Cont’d) ..........................................28
Belt and Sheaves............................................................30
Motor Shield w/Gauge (N70770) ................................................31
Hydraulics .................................................................32
Hydraulics (Cont’d) ..........................................................34
Valve, Open Loop CW (N21669) ................................................36
Hydraulic Motor, Variable 80cc to 110cc (N38488) ..................................37
Overhung Load Adapter (N51193)...............................................38
Rotor (w/Double Carbide Teeth) 61" (N38536), 71" (N47831) ..........................39
Rotor (W / Quadco Planer Teeth) 61" (N78331), 71" (N38522) .........................40
Tooth Assembly, Quadco Planer (N24281) ........................................41
Rear Cutter Bar 61" (N20281), 71" (N21908).......................................42
Manual Holder ..............................................................43
Machine Decals and Signs ....................................................44
Appendix
Specifications ..............................................................47
Dimensions ................................................................48
Torque Specifications ........................................................49
Inches Hardware and Lock Nuts .............................................49
Metric Hardware and Lock Nuts .............................................50

1Carbide Cutter OM
Owner Information
Thank you for your decision to purchase a Carbide Cutter
from Loftness. To ensure maximum performance of your
machine, it is mandatory that you thoroughly study the
owner’s manual and follow its recommendations. Proper
operation and maintenance are essential to prevent injury
or damage and to maximize machine life.
The Loftness Carbide Cutter is an effective, reliable
machine used for maintaining grass, weeds, brush and
trees. Efficiently cuts and mulches up to 6" diameter
material. Intermittently cuts larger diameter material. For
best results, operate the machine as low to the ground
as possible without the teeth striking ground or other
obstructions. Lifting or tilting the carbide cutter increases
the risk of flying debris. Because of the high speed of the
teeth, the life of the teeth will be reduced if it is operated
in rocky terrain or in areas where many obstacles are
present. Areas to be mowed should be free of debris
such as rocks, bottles, large branches etc. The teeth cut
and pulverize the grass, weeds and brush. The carbide
cutter deposits cut material over the entire width-of cut,
which eliminates bunching or windrowing behind the
machine.
Operate and maintain this machine in a safe manner and
in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal
codes, regulations and/or laws, and in compliance with
on-product labeling and these instructions.
Make sure that all personnel have read this owner’s
manual and thoroughly understand safe and correct
operating, installation and maintenance procedures.
Continuous improvement and advancement of Loftness
products may result in changes to your equipment
that may not be reflected in this publication. Loftness
reserves the right to make product improvements to the
machine at any time. Although great care has been taken
to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Loftness does
not assume any liability for errors or omissions.
Warranty Policy
Be sure to read and understand the Warranty Policy at
the beginning of this manual. It is also important that you
fill out the Warranty Registration form(s) completely with
your dealer so as not to void the warranty.
Serial Number Location
The arrows above indicate the location of the serial
number tag (1) and the location of the serial number
stamped into the frame (2).
Always use your model and serial number when
requesting information or when ordering parts.
Manual Storage
Keep the owner’s manual and the entire documentation
packet in the storage compartment provided on your
carbide cutter. The owner’s manual must be available for
all operators.
Introduction

2Carbide Cutter OM
Introduction
Carbide Cutter Features
• Downward Rotation Design
• Premium Strength Steel Body & Rotor
• Front Mounted
• Hydraulic Driven
• Universal Skid-Steer Mount
• Adjustable Tree Pusher
• Claw Hooks On Tree Pusher
• 17 In. (43 cm) Diameter Rotor (1600 – 2200 RPM)
• 2 3/16 In. (56 mm) Rotor Bearings
• Anti Wrap Bearing Protection
• Heavy Duty Bearing Block
• Variable Displacement Piston Type Motor
• Dual Cross-Over Relief Protection
• Pressure Gauge
• Steel Chain Deflectors
• Synchronous Belt
• Tapered-Lock Sheaves
• Skid Shoes - Adjustable +.5 in. to -1.5 in. (+12.7 to
-38.1 mm)
• Hydraulic Hoses and Hose Holder
• Adjustable Shear Bar
• Double Carbide or Quadco Planer Teeth (sharpenable)

3Carbide Cutter OM
Safety First
In the owner’s manual and on decals used on the
machine the words DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION,
IMPORTANT, and NOTE are used to indicate the
following:
DANGER: This word warns of immediate hazards which,
if not avoided, will result in severe personal injury or
death. The color associated with Danger is RED.
WARNING: This word refers to a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in severe
personal injury or death. The color associated with
Warning is ORANGE.
CAUTION: This word refers to a potentially hazardous or
unsafe situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices. The color associated with Caution is
YELLOW.
IMPORTANT: Highlights information that must be
heeded.
NOTE: A reminder of other related information that needs
to be considered.
If Safety Decals on this machine are ISO two panel
pictorial, decals are defined as follows:
• The first panel indicates the nature of the hazard.
• The second panel indicates the appropriate
avoidance of the hazard.
• Background color is YELLOW.
• Prohibition symbols such as and STOP if used,
are RED.
Be certain all machine operators are aware of the
dangers indicated by safety decals applied to the
machine, and be certain they follow all safety decal
instructions. Contact Loftness for safety decal
replacement.
Loftness cannot anticipate every possible
circumstance that may involve a potential hazard. The
warnings in this owner’s manual are not all inclusive.
Owner’s Responsibility
Due to the potential danger of flying debris, it is the owner’s
responsibility and is “ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that
IMPACT-RESISTANT SHIELDING” be installed on the
machine to protect the operator.
It is ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that all personnel read
and follow all safety precautions before operating the
machine and attachment.
Make sure that all personnel have read this owner’s
manual, and thoroughly understand safe and correct
installation, operation, and maintenance procedures.
Operate and maintain this machine in a safe manner and
in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal
codes, regulations and/or laws; and in compliance with
on-product labeling and this owner’s manual instructions.
Make sure that all personnel know how to stop the
machine and attachment by disengaging all controls.
See “Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure” on page 4.
Make sure the attachment is installed on the machine
correctly before being placed in service. At regular
intervals thereafter, the attachment should be serviced
in accordance with procedures outlined in this owner’s
manual.
Safety Alert Symbol
This message alert symbol identifies
important safety messages on the machine
and in the owner’s manual. When you see this
symbol, be alert to the possibility of personal
injury and carefully read the message that
follows.
Safety Instructions

4Carbide Cutter OM
Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure
• Stop the machine and attachment on a level surface
and lower the attachment to the ground.
• Move throttle to idle position.
• Disengage all power to the attachment.
• Shut off engine and remove the key.
Wait until the rotor has stopped completely before
inspecting the attachment.
Safety Rules
These are general safety considerations. Additional
precautions may be necessary to operate your
machine in a safe manner. Be certain you are operating
your machine in accordance with all safety codes,
OSHA rules and regulations, insurance requirements
and local, state, and federal laws.
• Read and observe all warnings decals on the machine
before attempting to operate the attachment. Do not
attempt to operate this attachment unless all factory
devices and decals are in place. Keep safety decals
clean of dirt and grime. Keep all guards, shields and
decals in place.
• Remove from area of operation all foreign objects
such as bottles, rocks, wire, etc., that might become
tangled in the rotor, causing damage to the machine
or be thrown striking other objects.
• Do not allow any people and animals within 300 feet
of the machine and attachment during operation.
• Do not allow anyone to operate the attachment
until he or she has read the owner’s manual and is
completely familiar with all safety precautions. Keep
the work area clear of all unauthorized personnel.
• Do not allow persons under the influence of alcohol,
medications, or other drugs that can impair judgment
or cause drowsiness to operate or maintain the
machine.
• Always use an approved roll bar and seat belt for
safe operation. Overturning a machine without a roll
bar and seat belt can result in injury or death.
• Use the handholds and step plates when getting on
and off the machine to prevent falls. Keep steps and
platform cleared of mud and debris.
• Always have an operator in the machine while the
attachment is in operation. Never leave the machine
and attachment running and unattended.
• Operate the attachment only from the operator’s
seat.
• Keep your feet on the pedals, (floor plates) seat belt
fastened snuggly and seat bar lowered, (if equipped),
when operating the attachment.
• The adjustable push bar could contact the machine
in some positions. Before starting the power unit,
set the push bar in the most forward position, then
slowly rotate the attachment back while an assistant
checks for clearance. Repeat this process in the
other settings to determine which positions are
usable with your machine.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
attachment is running or the key is in the “ON”
position in the machine. Before leaving the operator’s
position, disengage power to the attachment, shut
off engine and remove ignition key.
• Disengage auxiliary hydraulics and place all machine
controls in neutral and engage the parking brake
before starting the engine.
• Become familiar with and know how to operate all
safety devices and controls on the machine and
attachment before attempting to operate. Know how
to stop the machine and attachment before starting
it.
• Repeated impact of the knives with hard objects can
cause excessive wear and damage to the skid-steer
or attachment. Be sure to maintain recommended
ground clearance as specified in this manual.
• Should excessive vibration occur, disengage the
auxiliary hydraulics immediately and shut off engine.
Do not continue to operate the attachment until the
problem has been determined and corrected.
• Do not start, operate, or work on this attachment until
you have carefully read and thoroughly understand
the contents of this manual and the operator’s
manual for your machine.
Safety Instructions

5Carbide Cutter OM
Safety Rules (Cont’d)
• Keep children, bystanders and other workers off
and away from the machine and attachment during
operation. No riders allowed.
• Before inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, adjusting
or servicing any part of the attachment, always
exercise the Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure.
See “Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure” on page
4. After service has been performed, be sure to
restore all guards, shields and covers to their original
position.
• Make sure the operator’s area is clear of any
distracting objects. Keep work areas clean and free
of grease and oil to avoid slipping or falling.
• Make sure all controls, (levers, pedals and switches),
are in NEUTRAL position before starting the engine.
• Before leaving the operator’s position for ANY
reason or allowing anyone to approach the machine
and attachment, always perform the mandatory
shutdown procedure.
• Do not wear loose hanging clothes, neckties or
jewelry around rotating parts. Long hair is to be
placed under a cap or hat. These precautions will
help prevent you from becoming caught in any
moving parts on the machine and attachment.
• Before working under the attachment, be certain it is
securely blocked!
• Do wear safety glasses, ear protection, respirators,
gloves, hard hats, safety shoes and other protective
clothing when required.
• Periodically check all guards, shields and structural
members. Replace or repair anything that could
cause a potential hazard.
• Do not replace components or parts with other than
factory-recommended service parts. To do so may
decrease the effectiveness of the machine.
• It is the operator’s responsibility to be aware of
machine and attachment operation and work area
hazards at all times.
• Never operate the attachment without adequate
light and visibility.
Safety Instructions
• Keep hands and feet clear! Never step over or climb
over the attachment while the rotor is engaged or the
engine is running; entanglement could occur.
• Operators are responsible to know the location
and function of all guards and shields including but
not limited to belt drives and rotor. Operators are
responsible to make certain that all guards are in
place when operating the machine and attachment.
• Operators are responsible to be aware of safety
hazard areas and follow instructions on warning,
caution, or danger decals applied to the machine.
• Know the area before operating the machine. Be
aware of power lines or other equipment.
• Do not lubricate parts while the machine is running.
• Do not smoke while servicing the machine.
Hydraulic Safety
• The hydraulic system is under high pressure. Make
sure all lines and fittings are tight and in good
condition. These fluids escaping under high pressure
can have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury.
• Never check for leaks by using any part of your body
to feel for escaping fluid.

6Carbide Cutter OM
Safety Instructions
Carbide Cutter Identification

7Carbide Cutter OM
Safety Decal Locations
Check and replace any worn, torn, hard to read or
missing safety decals on your machine.
Safety Instructions
5
Part No. N28384
1
3
Part No. N17013
Part No. N20661
4
Part No. N68724
Part No. 200491
DANGER
ALWAYS OPERATE
CUTTER HEAD AS
LOW AS POSSIBLE.
LIFTING OR TILTING
BACK INCREASES
THE RISK FROM
FLYING DEBRIS.
N68724
2
Part No. N68716
WARNING
Rotating parts hazard.
Can cause serious
injuries or death.
Do not operate machine
without shields attached.
N68716
6
4
1
2
3
5
6

8Carbide Cutter OM
Part No. N28386
Safety Instructions
Part No. N28385
Part No. N23506
WARNING
SKIN PUNCTURE
HAZARD.
HYDRAULIC LINES.
Protect hands and body
from high pressure fluids.
N23506
Part No. 4334
Safety Decal Locations (Cont’d)
9
8
10
7
7
7
9
9
9
9
10
8

9Carbide Cutter OM
Safety Instructions
Part No. N29769
Part No. N17014
Part No. N68716
WARNING
Rotating parts hazard.
Can cause serious
injuries or death.
Do not operate machine
without shields attached.
N68716
Safety Decal Locations (Cont’d)
12
11
12 11
12 13
13

10 Carbide Cutter OM

11Carbide Cutter OM
Move rear arms into position so hole in lower end of
rear arm (4) aligns with the top hole (6) of the side plates
(indicated by the shipping tag). Remove the shipping tag.
NOTE: The pusher bar is factory-set so the upper hole in
the rear arm (4) aligns with hole “A”. If a different
pusher bar angle is desired, remove nut and bolt
(2) from their current position while holding on to
the rear arm (4). Once the hardware is removed,
let the rear arm rest on pusher bar side assembly
(7).
Repeat procedure on other side.
Raise or lower the pusher bar and align the rear
arm (4) with the desired hole (A ,B, or C) on the
pusher bar side assembly.
Reinstall all hardware and tighten (1, 2, and 6) securely.
This must be done on both sides.
Set-up Instructions
Pusher Bar Assembly
2
1
3
4
NOTE: Assembling the pusher bar requires two people
or the use of an approved lifting device to
support the push bar as it is being adjusted.
Ensure pusher bar is being safely supported.
Loosen nuts (1 and 2).
Remove nut, bolt, and washer (3) securing the rear arm
(4) to the rear of the frame.
Repeat on other side.
3
5
NOTE: When removing the hardware (3) on the left
side, remove the shipping support stand (5) and
discard.

12 Carbide Cutter OM
Fully lower the attachment-locking levers on the loader
mounting plate.
WARNING: Locking-wedge pins must extend
through the holes in attachment-mounting
plate. Levers must be fully down in the locked
over-center position. Failure to secure wedge
pins can allow attachment to come off,
causing serious injury or death.
Install the two safety bolts through the loader mounting
plate and into the carbide cutter mounting plate. Tighten
the two safety bolts to the proper torque, see “Torque
Specifications” on page 49.
1
Install the carbide cutter quick couplers to the loader.
NOTE: The case drain quick coupler (1) of the carbide
cutter must be connected to the loader’s
auxiliary hydraulic system for proper operation
of the carbide cutter.
Installing the Carbide Cutter to the
Loader
Remove the two safety bolts (1).
Fully raise the attachment-locking levers on the loader
mounting plate.
1
Tilt the loader mounting plate ahead. Drive forward with
the loader and hook the top edge of the loader mounting
plate under the top flange (1) on the carbide cutter
mounting plate. Be careful not to damage the locking
levers on the loader mounting plate.
Tilt the loader mounting plate back until the carbide cutter
mounting plate is firmly against the loader mounting
plate, but Do Not lift the attachment off the ground.
WARNING: Before you leave the operator’s
seat: Lower the lift arms, put the attachment
on the ground. Stop engine and remove
ignition key. Engage the parking brake.
Set-up Instructions

13Carbide Cutter OM
Checking Rotor Rotation
Raise the carbide cutter off the ground and place blocks
(1) underneath the skids. Lower the carbide cutter down
on the blocks.
Front of Carbide Cutter Loader
Engage the loader auxiliary hydraulics, the rotor should
start rotating in forward direction. The rotation should
be counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the
carbide cutter.
NOTE: If the rotor is rotating backward, reverse the
quick couplers (not supplied) on the carbide
cutter hydraulic hoses. Re-install the couplers
(not supplied) on the loader and test for correct
rotor rotation.
Checking Rotor Speed
1
2
Remove right side belt cover. Apply a small piece of
reflective tape (1) to the outer edge of the lower sheave.
Point an electronic (photo) tachometer (2) towards the
edge of the sheave to check the rotor speed.
NOTE: The tachometer shown is not supplied with the
carbide cutter.
Test the rotor RPM with loader engine at full throttle.
DANGER: Keep hands, feet, and clothing
clear of belts, sheaves, and rotor while loader
is running.
If it is outside the recommended range (2100-2200 RPM),
it may be necessary to disconnect the carbide cutter and
test the hydraulic output of the loader with a flow meter
to see if it corresponds with the factory specifications.
Set-up Instructions

14 Carbide Cutter OM
Cutter Bar Adjustment
1
3
2
NOTE: The cutter bar can be adjusted back or forward to
increase or decrease the distance between the
bar and the rotor.
WARNING: Shut down and disconnect
hydraulic hoses from skid steer before
adjusting the cutter bar.
Loosen the seven bolts with washers (1) securing the
cutter bar (2) to the frame. Move the cutter bar either
forward or back making sure the distance moved is
consistent through the entire length of the cutter bar.
Retighten bolts.
To move the cutter bar a greater distance, remove the
bolts, washer, and bar and reposition into the next row
of bolt holes (3).
Set-up Instructions
Skid Adjustment
1 1
NOTE: The skid(s) can be adjusted to increase or
decrease the distance between the ground and
the rotor.
Remove the four nuts (1) and raise or lower the skid to
the desired height. Re-install the four nuts and tighten
securely against the skid.
Repeat the procedure on the opposite side.

15Carbide Cutter OM
Getting Started
For best results, the areas to be mowed should be free
of debris such as bottles, metal objects, rocks and wire
etc. The teeth cut and pulverize the brush, grass and
weeds.
Operate the carbide cutter as low to the ground as
possible without the teeth striking ground or other
obstructions. Because of the high speed of the teeth, the
life of the teeth will be reduced if it is operated in rocky
terrain or in areas where many obstacles are present.
The carbide cutter deposits cut material over the entire
width-of-cut, which eliminates bunching or windrowing
behind the machine.
Operation
Tilt attachment mounting frame back and raise the
carbide cutter slightly above the ground when moving
the carbide cutter and machine.
NOTE: Operate the carbide cutter as low to the ground
as possible without the teeth striking ground or
other obstructions.
WARNING: Lifting or tilting the carbide cutter
increases the risk of flying debris.
WARNING: DO NOT allow ANY people or
animals within 300 feet of the work area while
operating this machine.
Lower the carbide cutter until the skids contact the
ground. Engage the auxiliary hydraulics. Move the
loader and carbide cutter forward and begin mowing.
NOTE: Various mowing conditions, and desired finished
cut appearance, will determine proper ground
speed.
Operating Instructions
WARNING: Due to the potential danger of
flying debris, it is the owner’s responsibility
and is “ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that
IMPACT-RESISTANT SHIELDING” be
installed on the machine to protect the
operator.
WARNING: Do not operate the attachment
above the rated RPM. Check with your
Loftness dealer to be sure your attachment
is set-up with the correct hydraulic motor to
match the hydraulic flow GPM (Gallons Per
Minute) of your machine.
WARNING: Flying debris can gather on
the skid-steer and needs to be cleaned off,
especially around the radiator and oil cooler
screens, engine compartment and exhaust
areas. Periodic cleaning will help prevent the
possibility of fire.
WARNING: DO NOT allow ANY people or
animals within 300 feet of the work area
while operating this machine.
DANGER: Keep hands and feet out! Do not
step on or climb over the unit while machine
is in operation, or engine is running. Do not
carry passengers.
WARNING: Lifting or tilting the carbide
cutter increases the risk of flying debris.

16 Carbide Cutter OM
Operating Instructions
Log Moving
Disengage hydraulic power to rotor before moving logs
and brush with pusher bars.
Raise the loader lift arms and tilt the carbide cutter
forward until the push bar extensions are over the log
or item being moved. Lower the lift arms and position
the log between push bar extensions and the carbide
cutter. Move the loader backwards, dragging the log to
the desired location.
Hydraulic Hose Storage
When not in use, protect the hose couplers by securing
the hydraulic hoses in the storage position on the left
side pusher arm.