LOFTNESS 15 User manual

Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Windrow Crop Shredder
15' • 20' • 20' w/Transport
Owner’s Manual and Parts Book
(Originating w / Serial Number 41-1135)
N34600 Rev. D 01.26.22

LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, INC.
LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
The limited warranty policy begins upon delivery of the unit to the original customers.
All Loftness products have a one (1) year limited warranty. The XLB10 Grain Bag Loader has a two (2) year limited warranty.
If any Loftness product is used as rental or leased equipment the limited warranty period is for only 30 days from the delivery date to
the original customers.
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.
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS
Warranty registration form must be filled out and returned to Loftness Specialized Equipment to validate all warranty claims.
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.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY
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.
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. LOFTNESS may elect to have
an area representative evaluate the condition of the machine before warranty is considered.
In addition, this limited warranty provides no coverage for general wear or maintenance items, misuse, environmental conditions
and/or contamination for which they were not designed or not intended, including but not limited to the following items:
•Use of machine beyond its rated capacity;
•Improper knife replacement;
•Missing knives;
•Striking foreign objects
•Lack of lubrication
•Failures caused by running in an “out-of-balance” condition;
•Tires;
•Conveyors;
•Auger wear;
•Saw blades;
•Brakes and brake pads; and
•Hydraulic hoses damaged by being caught in “pinch points” or by moving parts.
EXCLUSIONS OF WARRANTY
Except as otherwise expressly stated herein, LOFTNESS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The
implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are excluded from this limited warranty. The
remedies set forth in this warranty are the only remedies available to any person under this warranty. LOFTNESS shall have no
liability to any person for incidental, consequential or special damages of any description, whether arising out of express or implied
warranty or any other contract, negligence, or other tort or otherwise. This exclusion of consequential, incidental and special damages
is independent from and shall survive any finding that the exclusive remedy failed of its essential purpose. 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.
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. (October 2020)

Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Table of Contents
Warranty
Table of Contents
Ordering Code
Ordering Code ...............................................................1
Windrow Crop Shredder (Example) ............................................1
Introduction
Owner Information ............................................................3
Warranty Policy ..............................................................3
Serial Number Location ........................................................3
Manual Storage ..............................................................3
Windrow Crop Shredder Features ................................................4
Windrow Crop Shredder Options ................................................4
Safety Instructions
Safety First..................................................................5
Owner’s Responsibility ........................................................5
Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure .............................................5
Safety Rules.................................................................6
Safety Instructions for Operation and Maintenance ...............................6
Hydraulic Safety...........................................................7
Center Windrower Shredder Identification .........................................8
Safety Decal Locations ........................................................9
Set-up Instructions
Equipment Set-up ...........................................................13
Tightening Hardware ......................................................17
Installing Rear Deflector....................................................18
PTO Shield.................................................................18
PTO Set-up ................................................................18
PTO Attaching and Use ....................................................19
PTO Sizing ..............................................................20
Operating Instructions
Getting Started .............................................................21
Pre-Start Checklist........................................................21
Attaching the Windrow Shredder to Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Jack Stands ................................................................21
Belt Tension ................................................................21
Operating Speed ............................................................21
Maintaining Rotor Balance ....................................................22
Cutting Height Adjustment ....................................................22
Turning ....................................................................22

Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Table of Contents
Operating Instructions (Cont'd)
Operating Adjustments .......................................................22
Deflector Angle Adjustment....................................................23
Transport to Working Configuration Procedure .....................................23
Connecting to the Operation Hitch ...........................................26
Folding Up Transport Hitch .................................................28
Working to Transport Configuration Procedure .....................................29
Setting Up Transport Hitch .................................................30
Connecting to the Transport Hitch............................................31
Preparing Transport Wheels.................................................32
Folding the Operation Hitch.................................................32
Transporting................................................................33
Transporting Windrow Crop Shredder in the Working Configuration ....................34
Maintenance
General Maintenance.........................................................35
Maintenance Schedule .......................................................35
Lubrication.................................................................35
Grease Point Location .....................................................36
Other Lubrications Points ..................................................38
Adding Oil to Gearbox .....................................................38
Wheel Spacing Adjustment ....................................................38
Belt Shields ................................................................39
Belt Adjustment .............................................................39
Belt Replacement ...........................................................40
Sheave and Pulley Removal ...................................................40
Pulley Assembly.............................................................41
Rotor Removal..............................................................41
Rotor Assembly .............................................................41
Knife Replacement ..........................................................42
Gearbox Repair .............................................................42
Gearbox Removal ...........................................................42
Storage ...................................................................44
End of the Season ........................................................44
Beginning of the Season ...................................................44
Troubleshooting .............................................................45
Parts Identification
Parts Identification...........................................................47
Wing Assembly .............................................................48
Deflector (N34552)...........................................................50
Hitch, Operation - 15' & 20' Models (N40152)......................................51
Hitch, Pull-Type Folding (Operation) and Winch Assy. - 20' w/Transport Model............52
Hitch, Transport - 20' Model w/Transport .........................................54
Flippers ...................................................................55

Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Parts Identification (Cont'd)
4-Band Drive ...............................................................56
Rotors and Knives ...........................................................58
Drive Lines .................................................................60
Gearbox, 1450 RPM Bondioli (N13950)...........................................62
PTO, 1-3/8" Walterscheid w/Overrunning Clutch (8175)..............................64
PTO, 1-3/4" Walterscheid w/Overrunning Clutch (8176)..............................66
Clutch, 1-3/4" Walterscheid Overrunning (8192) ....................................68
Rear Wheel Lift .............................................................69
Center Bushing .............................................................70
Wheel, Assist Assembly (N34860) ...............................................71
Wheel, Dual Assembly (20' Model only) (N34946)...................................72
6 Bolt Hub (N23778) .........................................................73
20' Curb Side Transport Wheel Assembly.........................................74
20' Street Side Transport Wheel Assembly ........................................76
Hydraulics .................................................................78
Light Kit and Slow Moving Vehicle Plate - 15' and 20' without Transport.................80
Light Kit - 20' with Transport ...................................................81
Manual Holder ..............................................................82
Jack Stand.................................................................82
Machine Decals and Signs ....................................................83
Options
Wing Kit, Wide Windrow (15' - N34949) (20' - N34934) ..............................87
Appendix
Specifications ..............................................................89
Dimensions - 15' and 20' Model (without Transport).................................90
Dimensions - 20' Model with Transport...........................................91
Schematic, Hydraulic.........................................................92
Torque Specifications ........................................................94
Inches Hardware and Lock Nuts .............................................94
Metric Hardware and Lock Nuts .............................................95
Table of Contents

Windrow Crop Shredder OM

1Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Ordering Code
Windrow Crop Shredder (Example)
The ordering code will consist of three numbers (machine model), one letter (base machine), one letter (knives type), one
number (gearbox rpm), one number (belt style), one letter (mounting type), one number (PTO type), one number (rear
wheel setup), one number (lifting mechanism), and one to three numbers/letters (options). An example for a Windrow
Crop Shredder of this type would be as shown below.
Ordering Code
240WW44P246.7
MODEL
180 = 15 ft.
240 = 20 ft.
BASE MACHINE
W = Windrow - Center
KNIVES
W = Windrower - Cupped
GEARBOX - 280HP
4 = 1450 RPM
BELTS
4 = 4 Section Banded Belt
MOUNTING
P = Pull-type Clevis
F = Pull-type Clevis - Folding (20' with Transport only)
PTO - 1000 RPM
2 = Pull-type, 1-3/8" Constant Velocity
3 = Pull-type, 1-3/4" Constant Velocity
REAR WHEELS & TIRES
3 = 3 Rear Wheels, Rigid (15' Only)
4 = 4 Rear Wheels, Rigid (20' Only)
8 = 2 Single Wheels, 2, Dual Wheels (20' only)
REAR LIFTING MECHANISM
0 = Fixed Plate For Shipping
6 = 2 Hydraulic Lift Re-phasing Cylinder & Hoses
OPTIONS
7 = Hood Liner
W = Windrower Transport - Hydraulic Only - Factory Installed (20' with Transport only)
G = Green Paint

2Windrow Crop Shredder OM

3Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Owner Information
Thank you for your decision to purchase a windrow crop
shredder 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.
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,
set-up, installation and maintenance procedures.
Make sure the shredder is set-up correctly before being
placed in service and at regular intervals thereafter
serviced in accordance with procedures outlined in this
manual.
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 indicate the location of the serial number tag
(1), and the location of the serial number stamped into
the frame (2). The serial number stamp is located to the
left of the operation hitch, just behind the transport wheel
(if equipped).
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 (1) provided on your
windrow crop shredder. The owner’s manual must be
available for all operators.
Introduction
1
2
1

4Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Introduction
Windrow Crop Shredder Options
• Transport System (Street Side and Curb Side
Transport Wheels Hydraulically Positioned)
- Factory Installed (20' only)
• Hood Liner
• Wide Windrow Kit
Windrow Crop Shredder Features
• 15' or 20' Cutting Width
• Pull-type Hitch
• Center Discharge
• 1-3/8 in. or 1-3/4 in. Constant Velocity
1000 RPM PTO
• 1,450 RPM Rotor
• 4-1/2 in. Wide Cupped Knives - Hardened
• Adjustable Angle Crop Deflector
• 4-Groove Banded Belts
• Spring-loaded Push-type Idler System
• Full Length Rear Shields
• Rear Lift Provides Precise Height Adjustment

5Windrow Crop Shredder 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 5.
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.
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 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

6Windrow Crop Shredder OM
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.
• Never allow children to operate equipment. Never
allow adults to operate equipment without proper
instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all unauthorized
persons.
• Remove from area of operation all foreign objects
such as sticks, wire, rocks, etc., that might become
tangled in rotors, causing damage to the shredder or
be thrown from the shredder striking other objects.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running or the key is in the “ON” position
of the tractor. Before leaving the operator’s position,
disengage power to the shredder and remove ignition
key.
• Disengage PTO, clutch and hydraulic valve and shift
tractor into neutral or park before starting engine.
Safety Instructions for Operation and
Maintenance
The following safety warnings are used here and on the
shredder. Become familiar with them before operating
this machine.
CAUTION:
• Do not start, operate, or work on this machine until
you have carefully read and thoroughly understand
the contents of the operator’s manual.
• 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.
• Unless instructed by decal or operator’s manual, stop
engine before leaving operator’s position and wait for
all movement to stop before attempting to adjust,
lubricate, unclog or inspect. Exercise mandatory
shut-down procedure. After the service has been
performed, be sure to restore all guards, shields and
covers to their original position.
• Always observe all safety rules shown on decals.
Replace any damaged decals immediately. If the unit
is repainted, be sure to replace all decals which apply
to the machine.
• Become familiar with and know how to use all the
safety devices and controls on the shredder before
attempting to operate the unit. Know how to stop the
unit before starting it.
• Before working under any hydraulically controlled
implement, be sure to securely block implement in
position.
• Keep children and spectators off and away from the
machine while it is in operation.
• Never operate the shredder with a 540 RPM tractor.
• Never use a steel hammer when connecting or
disconnecting a PTO shaft.
CAUTION:
• Repeated impact of the knives with frozen ground
or hard objects can cause excessive wear and
damage to tractor or shredder. Be sure to maintain
recommended ground clearance as specified in this
manual.
• Should excessive vibration occur, disengage the
tractor PTO immediately and shut off tractor. Do not
continue to operate the machine until the problem
has been determined and corrected.
• Be sure the rotor has stopped completely before
checking the knives.
WARNING:
• Keep all guards, shields and decals in place.
• Always repair or replace any front flipper shields that
are damaged or missing.
Safety Instructions

7Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Safety Instructions for Operation and
Maintenance (Cont'd)
• Be sure PTO outer guard turns freely before operating
machine.
WARNING:
• 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 PTO.
• Engage the PTO slowly at idle speed to prevent
unnecessary stress to drive-line.
• Read and observe all warnings on the machine
before attempting to operate the shredder. Do not
attempt to operate this machine unless all factory-
installed safety devices are in place.
• Never attempt to lubricate the shredder with the
engine running. Always be sure to exercise the
mandatory shut-down procedure.
• Be extremely careful not to bottom out or extend PTO
shaft too far, damage to tractor or shredder could
occur. Be careful to avoid lifting shredder too high,
which results in excessive PTO shaft wear if machine
is operated during turning maneuver. DO NOT USE
PTO ADAPTERS OF ANY KIND.
• Do not operate the shredder without the universal
joints locked to the tractor and gearbox shafts.
• Operating the shredder at less than rated RPM will
reduce drum speed and cause improper cutting. In
difficult conditions, reduce tractor speed by down-
shifting gears while maintaining rated engine RPM.
Severely difficult conditions may require a delay until
conditions improve.
• Do not operate the shredder above the rated RPM.
Safety Instructions
DANGER:
• Escaping fluid under pressure can be invisible and
can penetrate the skin. Do not use hands to search
for leaks!
• Hydraulic lines or other components can be hot after
operation! “DO NOT TOUCH”!
• Keep hands and feet out! Do not step on or over the
machine while it is in operation!
• Rotating drive-line. Personal injury or death can result
from entanglement.
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.

8Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Safety Instructions
Center Windrower Shredder Identification
*Transport Hitch
(shown in storage
position)
*Transport Jack
(storage)
Deflector
Ratchet
Jack Stand
(right side)
Pillow Block
(right side)
Driveline Shaft
(right side)
Belt Shield
(left side)
Operation
Wheel
(4 total)
Belt Shield
(right side)
Gearbox
*Curb Side
Transport Wheel
*Street Side
Transport Wheel
*Street Side
Transport Wheel
Operation
Jack
Operation Jack
Storage Location
*Hydraulic Hose
Coupler Storage Rack
(Operation Hoses)
*Hydraulic Hose
Coupler Storage Rack
(Transport Hoses)
Operation
Hitch
Deflector
Left Side Wing Tail
Right Side Wing
Rear Wheel
Lift Cylinder
(left side)
Owner's Manual
Holder
Main Axle
Support Tube
20' Model with Transport shown.
* Only on 20' Model with Transport.

9Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Safety Instructions
• BE SURE THE PTO SHAFT DOES NOT BOTTOM
OUT OR TELESCOPE TOO FAR APART BEFORE
USING THIS SHREDDER.
• PERIODICALLY CHECK ALL BOLTS INCLUDING
GEARBOX FOR TIGHTNESS.
• GREASE ALL BEARINGS (AND ROTOR
COUPLERS ON 24 & 30 FT.) EVERY 8 HOURS.
• DO NOT CONTINUE TO OPERATE THIS
SHREDDER IF IT BECOMES “OUT OF BALANCE.”
STOP IMMEDIATELY, DETERMINE AND FIX THE
PROBLEM OR CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR
LOFTNESS BEFORE CONTINUING OPERATION.
• READ AND FOLLOW ALL INFORMATION
PROVIDED IN THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL. IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE AN OPERATOR’S MANUAL,
ONE WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU AT NO
CHARGE. CALL OR WRITE TO:
LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED FARM EQUIPMENT
S. HIGHWAY 4 - BOX 337
HECTOR, MN 55342-0337
320-848-62734335
CAUTION
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
Safety Decal Locations
Check and replace any worn, torn, hard to read or missing
safety decals on your machine.
3
2
4
1
Part No. N17013
Part No. 4335
Part No. 4256
WARNING
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.
5
Part No. 4189
WARNING
Rotating parts hazard.
Can cause serious
injuries or death.
Do not operate machine
without shields attached.
PN 4189
4
3
1
2
5
DO NOT START, OPERATE, OR WORK ON THIS
MACHINE UNTIL YOU HAVE CAREFULLY READ
AND THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND THE
CONTENTS OF THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL.
NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN OPERATOR'S
MANUAL, CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR
LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT
650 SOUTH MAIN
HECTOR, MN 55342
1-800-828-7624
FAILURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY, OPERATING, AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT
IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO THE
OPERATOR OR BYSTANDERS, POOR
OPERATION, AND COSTLY BREAKDOWN.
CAUTION
Part No. 203264

10 Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Safety Decal Locations (Cont’d)
6
Part No. N22763
WARNING
Read and understand
operator’s manual before
using this machine.
Failure to follow operating
instructions could result
in death or serious injury.
7
Part No. 4334
Safety Instructions
6
8
Part No. N23507
7
67
78
87
7

11Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Safety Instructions
9
11**
Part No. 4135
DANGER
STAY BACK
KEEP HANDS AND FEET
AWAY FROM ROTATING
KNIVES UNDER MACHINE.
DO NOT LEAVE
OPERATOR'S POSITION
WHILE PTO IS ENGAGED
AND TRACTOR IS RUNNING.
10*
Part No. 4132
(*20' with Transport)
Part No. N18549
(**15' and 20' without Transport)
9
11**
10*
9
Safety Decal Locations (Cont’d)
15' and 20' models
without Transport.

12 Windrow Crop Shredder OM
Safety Instructions
13
12
13
12 12
13
Part No. 4140
Part No. 4141
Safety Decal Locations (Cont’d)
11
11
Part No. N23931