LOFTNESS 48MH User manual

N14800 June, 2011
Hydraulic Flail Mower
48MH 60MH 72MH 90MH
Operator’s Manual & Parts Book
(Originating w/Serial Number 05-100)
(Also Includes Years 2002, 2003, 2004)
Model Number: _________________
Serial Number: __________________
Date of Purchase: ________________
Specialized
Equipment, Inc.
650 So. Main Street - PO Box 337 - Hector, MN 55342
Business Phone: [phone] * Fax: [phone] * Toll Free: 1-800-828-7624

LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, INC.
WARRANTY POLICY
The warranty policy begins upon delivery of the unit to the original customer.
All Loftness products have a one (1) year warranty policy.
If any Loftness product is used as a rental unit, the warranty period extends for only 30 days from the delivery date to the
original customer.
Loftness Specialized Equipment, hereinafter referred to as LOFTNESS, a manufacturer of quality machinery since 1956, warrants new
LOFTNESS machinery and/or attachments at the time of delivery to the original purchaser, to be free from defects in material and
workmanship when properly set up and operated in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the LOFTNESS Operator’s
Manual.
LOFTNESS’ liability for any defect with respect to accepted goods shall be limited to repairing the goods at an authorized dealer or
other LOFTNESS designated location, or replacing them as LOFTNESS shall elect. The above shall be in accordance with
LOFTNESS warranty adjustment policies. This warranty shall not apply to any machine or attachment which shall have been repaired
or altered outside the LOFTNESS factory or authorized LOFTNESS dealership or in any way so as in LOFTNESS’ judgment, to
affect its stability or reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident, nor to any machine or attachment which
shall not have been operated in accordance with LOFTNESS’ printed instructions or beyond the company recommended machine
rated capacity.
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS
Warranty registration form must be filled out and returned to Loftness Specialized Equipment to validate all future warranty
claims.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY
All Products – LOFTNESS products are designed to provide years of dependable service when proper use and maintenance is adhered
to. The potential for misuse in many applications exists, therefore a limited warranty is provided as follows:
All Shredders, Axes, Cutters & Mowers – Rotor Balance: Critical rotor balance can be affected by conditions beyond LOFTNESS’
control, such as the operation of a shredder beyond the Company’s rated capacity, improper knife replacement, missing knives, striking
foreign objects, lack of lubrication, etc. Any failure resulting from running in as “out-of-balance” condition, such as, but not limited to
bearing and or drive-line failure, metal fatigue, cracks, etc. will be considered abuse and will not be covered under warranty.
LOFTNESS may elect to have an area representative evaluate the condition of the machine before warranty is considered.
To receive a warranty claim, a return authorization from LOFTNESS must be obtained. The failed part may then be returned in an
untampered status. This warranty does not include freight or delivery charges incurred when returning machinery for servicing. Dealer
mileage, service calls and pick-up/delivery charges are the customer’s responsibility.
EXCLUSIONS OF WARRANTY
Except as otherwise expressly stated herein, LOFTNESS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, and
makes no warranty of merchantability in respect to its machinery and/or attachments and makes no warranty that its machinery
and/or attachments are fit for any particular purpose. LOFTNESS shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages for any
breach of warranty, including but not limited to inconvenience, rental or replacement equipment, loss of profits or other commercial
loss. Upon purchase the buyer assumes all liability, all personal injury and property damage resulting from the handling, possession or
use of the goods by the buyer.
April 2009
No agent, employee, or representative of LOFTNESS has any authority to bind LOFTNESS to any affirmation, representation or
warranty concerning its machinery and/or attachments except as specifically set forth herein.

650 South Main Street
Hector, MN 55342 USA
loftness.com 320-848-6266
US & Canada 800-828-7624 TM
International: 320-848-6266 Fax: [phone] Parts Fax: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Web Address: www.loftness.com
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Dealer No.:
Dealer Name:
Shipping Address:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip:
City:
County:
Phone: Month Day Year
Warranty (Delivered) Date
State: Zip:
Invoice No.:
Model No.: Serial No.:
Part No.:
Dealer Phone:
PLEASE
PRINT
FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED IN COMPLETELY FOR WARRANTY:
DEALER PURCHASER
Customer:
Last Name:
The machine was properly set up, adjusted and inspected
before delivery. The following items were explained to the
purchaser.
* How to operate machine properly as shown in the owner’s
manual.
* The importance of safety precaution, safety equipment
and preventative maintenance.
* Loftness Warranty for this machine.
I have received and reviewed the operator’s manual for the
above machine and understand the proper and safe operation
as well as the applicable warranty outlined therein.
A customer’s manual is included with each machine.
The unit was delivered to me in satisfactory condition.
First
Mailing Address:
Middle Initial
Dealer’s Signature
Date
x
Purchaser’s Signature
Date
x
Customer Copy

650 South Main Street
Hector, MN 55342 USA
loftness.com 320-848-6266
US & Canada 800-828-7624 TM
International: 320-848-6266 Fax: [phone] Parts Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web Address: www.loftness.com
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Dealer No.:
Dealer Name:
Shipping Address:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip:
City:
County:
Phone: Month Day Year
Warranty (Delivered) Date
State: Zip:
Invoice No.:
Model No.: Serial No.:
Part No.:
Dealer Phone:
PLEASE
PRINT
FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED IN COMPLETELY FOR WARRANTY:
DEALER PURCHASER
Customer:
Last Name:
The machine was properly set up, adjusted and inspected
before delivery. The following items were explained to the
purchaser.
* How to operate machine properly as shown in the owner’s
manual.
* The importance of safety precaution, safety equipment
and preventative maintenance.
* Loftness Warranty for this machine.
I have received and reviewed the operator’s manual for the
above machine and understand the proper and safe operation
as well as the applicable warranty outlined therein.
A customer’s manual is included with each machine.
The unit was delivered to me in satisfactory condition.
First
Mailing Address:
Middle Initial
Dealer’s Signature
Date
x
Purchaser’s Signature
Date
x
Loftness Copy

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 May, 2011
Hydraulic Flail Mower
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Safety Page
Safety Instructions .............................................................................................................................................................1-1
Safety Instructions for Operation....................................................................................................................................1-2
Section 2 - Operating
Operating Instructions......................................................................................................................................................2-1
Set-up...................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
Section 3 – Maintenance
Lubrication..........................................................................................................................................................................3-1
General Service ..................................................................................................................................................................3-1
Storage.................................................................................................................................................................................3-3
Trouble Shooting...............................................................................................................................................................3-4
Torque Chart ......................................................................................................................................................................3-5
Section 4 – Service Parts
Ordering Service Parts ......................................................................................................................................................4-1
Return Policy ......................................................................................................................................................................4-1
Decal List ............................................................................................................................................................................4-2
Decal Locations..................................................................................................................................................................4-3
Parts Lists and Drawings ..................................................................................................................................................4-4

Specialized
Equipment, Inc.
650 So. Main St. - PO Box 337 - Hector, MN 55342
Business Phone: [phone] * Fax: [phone] * Toll Free: 1-800-828-7624
Dear Customer:
Thank you for your decision to purchase a Hydraulic Flail Mower from Loftness Specialized Equipment, Inc. It
has been designed to provide years of profitable and dependable service. To ensure maximum performance of
your mower, it is mandatory that you thoroughly study the owner’s manual and follow its recommendations.
Proper operation and maintenance are essential to maintain and maximize the life of the machine and to prevent
damage or injury.
It is the owner’s responsibility to:
*Operate and maintain this mower 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.
*Provide impact-resistant shielding on the power unit to protect the operator from
the possible dangers of flying debris.
*Make sure the mower is set-up correctly before being placed in service. It should
be serviced at regular intervals thereafter, in accordance with procedures outlined in
this manual.
*Fulfill all warranty obligations so as not to void the warranties. The warranty
section at the beginning of this manual outlines the warranty policy of Loftness
Specialized Equipment, Inc.
Loftness Specialized Equipment, Inc. reserves the right to make product improvements to the equipment at any
time.
We welcome you to the satisfied family of Loftness equipment owners.
Gloria Nelson, President
Steve Nelson, Vice-President
Dave Nelson, Vice-President
May, 2011

Section
1
Safety

WARNING
Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes from
hydraulic leaks and/or flying debris, “USE OF
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR IS ABSOLUTELY
MANDATORY” for operator and others in the work
area.
Due to the possible danger of flying debris, it is
“ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that IMPACT-
RESISTANT SHIELDING” be provided on the
power unit to protect the operator. The owner is
responsible for providing the operator protection
devices on the power unit.
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.

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 1 - June, 2011
1
Safety Instructions
Safety First
Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the
causes or hazards before an accident occurs, and
doing something about them. Read this manual
carefully and become familiar with the controls and
proper use
of the machine. Know how to stop the unit by
disengagement of the controls. Be sure the operator
knows how to exercise the mandatory shut-down
procedure.
Regardless of the care used in the design and
construction of this equipment, there are some areas
that cannot be safeguarded without interfering with
accessibility and efficient operation.
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT
SYMBOL FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS
MANUAL IS USED TO CALL YOUR
ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS
INVOLVING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY
AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN
RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS
*ATTENTION
*BECOME ALERT
*YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED
These safety alert symbols shown, are intended to
identify and provide information that must be
heeded for proper safe operation of the equipment
and to prevent damage or deterioration of the
equipment. In this manual and on labels used on
this flail mower the words “Danger”, “Warning”,
and “Caution” are used to indicate the following:
DANGER: (white lettering on red
background) Indicates am imminently hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to
the most extreme situations typically for machine
components which, for functional purposes,
cannot be guarded.
WARNING: (black lettering on orange
background) Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed. It may also be
used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: (black lettering on yellow
background) Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
The following safety information is a general
overview of precautions that should be adhered to:
1. Read this manual carefully. Become
thoroughly familiar with the controls
and proper use of the machine. Insure
that all operators know how to stop the
unit by disengagement of the controls
using the mandatory shut-down
procedure.
2. Remember, it is the owner’s
responsibility for communicating all
information on the safe use and proper
maintenance of this machine.
3. Never allow children to operate
equipment. Allow adults to operate the
equipment only after receiving the
proper instructions. Keep the area of
operation clear of all unauthorized
persons.

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 1 - June, 2011
2
Safety Instructions Continued
Safety First Continued:
4. Remove from area of operation all
foreign objects such as sticks, wire,
rocks, etc., that might become tangled in
the rotor, causing damage to the mower
or thrown from the mower striking
other objects.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running or the key is
in the “ON” position of the skid-steer
loader. Before leaving the operator’s
position, disengage power to the
mower and remove ignition key.
6. Disengage hydraulic valve and place
skid-steer controls in neutral or park
before starting engine.
Safety Instructions for Operation and
Maintenance
The following safety warnings are used here and on
the flail mower. Become familiar with them before
operating this machine.
Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure:
Move throttle to idle position.
Disengage all power to the mower.
Shut off engine and remove the key.
Wait until the rotor has stopped completely
before inspecting the unit.
CAUTION:
Failure to follow safety, operating, and
maintenance instructions could result in death or
serious injury to the operator or bystanders,
poor operation, or costly breakdown.
Become familiar with and know how to use all
safety devices and controls on the mower before
attempting to operate the unit. Know how to
stop the unit before starting it.
Repeated impact of the knives with hard objects
can cause excessive wear and damage to the
skid-steer or mower. Be sure to maintain
recommended ground clearance as specified in
this manual.
Should excessive vibration occur, disengage the
hydraulic valve immediately and shut off skid-
steer. Do not continue to operate the machine
until the problem has been determined and
corrected.
Do not start, operate, or work on this machine
until you have carefully read and thoroughly
understand the contents of this manual, the
operator’s manual for your loader, and the EMI
skid-loader safety manual provided with the flail
mower.
Keep children, spectators and other workers off
and away from the machine while it is operating
or engine is running. Do not carry passengers.
Before inspecting, cleaning, lubricating,
adjusting or servicing any part of the flail
mower, always exercise the “Mandatory Shut-
Down Procedure”. After service has been
performed, be sure to restore all guards, shields
and covers to their original position.
Read and observe all warnings decals on the
machine before attempting to operate the flail
mower. Do not attempt to operate this machine
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.
The operator must not use drugs or alcoholic
drinks which would impair his alertness or
coordination while working. An operator who is
taking prescription drugs must get medical

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 1 - June, 2011
3
Safety Instructions for Operation and
Maintenance Continued:
advice to determine if he can safely operate a
machine.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
Before using a flail mower on a new job site,
check the rules and regulations at the location.
The rules may include an employer’s work safety
requirements.
Never operate the flail mower without good
light and visibility.
Make sure all controls, (levers, pedals and
switches), are in NEUTRAL position before
starting the loader engine.
To prevent serious personal injury from
escaping high pressure fluid, never attempt to
inspect, service or disassemble any part of the
hydraulic system until all pressure has been
relieved from the system.
WARNING:
Keep all guards, shields and decals in place.
Always repair or replace any front flipper shields
that are damaged or missing.
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from
moving components.
Do not wear loose or baggy clothing around
rotating machinery. Machine must be clear of
people, tools, and other objects before engaging
hydraulic valve.
Before working under any hydraulically
controlled implement, be certain it is securely
blocked!
Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes
from hydraulic leaks and/or flying debris, USE
OF PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR IS
ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY for operator
and others in the work area.
Always use an approved roll bar and seatbelt for
safe operation. Overturning a loader without a
roll bar and seatbelt can result in injury or death.
Use the handholds and step plates when getting
on and off the loader to prevent falls. Keep
steps and platform cleared of mud and debris.
Operate the flail mower 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 flail mower.
Never operate the flail-mower in a lifted
position. Work only on the surface that the
loader is standing on.
Do not operate the mower above the rated
RPM.
DANGER:
DANGER: Before leaving the operator’s
position for ANY reason or allowing anyone
near the flail mower, always exercise the
following Mandatory Shut-down Procedure
(page 1-2, section 1).
Operation Safety
Because this machine will be operated in a
potentially hazardous environment, it is
ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that you read
and follow these safety precautions.

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 1 - June, 2011
4
Operation Safety Continued:
WARNING:
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not
carry passengers.
Never operate the mower without good light or
visibility.
Engage the hydraulic valve slowly at idle speed
to prevent unnecessary stress to driveline.
After striking a foreign object, be sure to
exercise mandatory shut-down procedure.
Thoroughly inspect mower for any damage
before restarting and operating the mower.
Repeated impact of knives with ground or hard
objects can cause excessive wear and damage to
the skid-steer or mower. Be sure to maintain
recommended ground clearance as specified in
this manual.
Should excessive vibration occur, disengage
hydraulic valve immediately. Do not continue
operation of mower until the problem has been
detected and corrected. Be sure to exercise the
mandatory shut-down procedure.
Disengage power to mower when transporting
or not in use.
When transporting the mower on the road at
day or night, provide adequate warning to the
operators of other vehicles.
Never park on a steep incline.
Do not leave equipment in raised position.
Due to the possible danger of flying debris,
impact-resistant shielding must be provided for
the operator. The owner is responsible for
providing the operator protection devices on the
power unit.
DO NOT allow ANY people or animals within
1000 feet of the work area while operating this
machine.
THOROUGHLY clear the work area of ALL
foreign objects such as bottles, rocks, wire, etc.
before starting shredder.
ALWAYS operate shredder level with the
ground (front to rear).
NEVER operate shredder over 2 feet above the
ground.
When high pressure fluid escapes, it can be
almost invisible, yet have enough pressure to
penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream.
Never attempt to use hands to search for
suspected oil leak. If injured by escaping fluid,
consult a doctor at once! Serious reaction or
infection can occur if proper medical treatment
is not obtained immediately.
WARNING:
Never operate the mower without guards,
shields, plates or other safety precaution devices
in place. Shields are for your protection, please
keep all shields in place.
Always cut in an up and down direction on
slopes. To avoid loss of control and to prevent
overturn, never cut across the slope.
Reduce speed when turning.
Do not operate on extremely steep slopes.
Before servicing or adjusting the mower, or
removing material from it, be sure to exercise
the mandatory shut-down procedure.

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 1 - June, 2011
5
Operation Safety Continued:
Be sure the rotor has stopped completely before
checking knives.
Be especially careful not to touch attachment
parts which might be hot from operation.
Allow such parts to cool before attempting to
maintain, adjust, or service.
DANGER:
Never get off skid-steer while it is in motion!
Rotating driveline! Personal injury or death can
result from entanglement!
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.

Section
2
Operating

WARNING
Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes from
hydraulic leaks and/or flying debris, “USE OF
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR IS ABSOLUTELY
MANDATORY” for operator and others in the work
area.
Due to the possible danger of flying debris, it is
“ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that IMPACT-
RESISTANT SHIELDING” be provided on the
power unit to protect the operator. The owner is
responsible for providing the operator protection
devices on the power unit.
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.

Owner’s Manual (Hydraulic Flail Mower)
N14800 2 - August, 2004
1
Operating and Set-up Instructions
Operating:
The Loftness Hydraulic Flail Mower is an effective,
reliable machine used for maintaining grass and
controlling weeds. For best results, operate the
machine as low to the ground as possible without
the blades striking ground or other obstructions.
Because of the high speed of the blades, the life of
the blade 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 blades cut
and pulverize the grass and weeds, making the
mower suitable for mulching of lawns and golf
courses. The mower deposits cut material over the
entire width-of-cut, which eliminates bunching or
windrowing behind the machine.
The adjustable steel roller is positioned near the
point of cut, which allows self-adjusting for surface
irregularities in time to prevent scalping. It runs the
full width-of-cut and is used to determine the
height-of-cut. (See page 3-1 in Section 3).
The mower rotor is equipped with four rows of
pivoting cutting knives. If an obstruction is
encountered, the knives will fold or pivot to absorb
shock, thereby reducing impact damage to mower.
The rotor and knives turn in reverse rotation
(opposite of skid steer wheels forward operating
direction).
The Loftness Hydraulic Flail Mower can be attached
to any skid-steer with an auxiliary hydraulic system
of 13-40 GPM, which has a standard universal skid
steer hitch.
Operating Speed:
Various mowing conditions, and desired finished-
cut appearance, will determine proper ground speed.
WARNING: Do not operate the mower
above the rated RPM. Check with your Loftness
dealer to be sure your mower is set-up with the
correct hydraulic motor to match the hydraulic flow
(Gallons per Minute) of your loader.
Equipment Set-up:
Attachment to Loader Using Standard Universal
Mounting Plate:
•Pull the attachment-locking levers all the way
up.
•Tilt the loader-mounting plate ahead. Drive
forward with the loader and hook the top edge
of the mounting plate under the flange on the
flail mower mount. Be careful not to damage
the locking levers on the loader-mounting plate.
•Tilt the loader-mounting plate back until you
feel the weight of the flail-mower transfer to the
loader tires, but do not lift the attachment off
the ground. Stop the engine.
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.
•Push locking-levers down into the locked, over-
center position.
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.
•Connect hydraulic quick-couplers from flail
mower to auxiliary hydraulic outlets on loader.
Belt Tension:
The rotor drive belts should have 1/2” maximum
deflection at the midpoint between the pulleys.