paladin Bradco Extreme Duty Ground Shark Series User manual

BRUSH CUTTER
Extreme Duty Ground SharkTM
GSE66, GSE72, GS72 & GS78
12133 7-27-18-8
800-456-7100 I www.paladinattachments.com 503 Gay Street, Delhi, IA 52223, United States of America Copyright ©
SERIAL NUMBER: ___________________ Manual Number: OM828
Part Number: 75728
MODEL NUMBER: ___________________ Rev. 7
FOR
SKID STEER LOADERS
OPERATOR’S MANUAL

12162 10-14-14-2
READ ENTIRE OPERATOR'S & PARTS MANUAL
BEFORE OPERATING!
DANGER! ROTATING BLADE HAZARD! STAY BACK!
OBJECTS CAN BE THROWN!
DO NOT operate near bystanders.
DO NOT place hands or feet under deck while in operation or with en-
gine running.
DO NOT operate without a shatterproof door (or front shield) installed
on loader.
WARNING! Before leaving the operator’s seat: Lower the lift arms against frame
and place unit on skid shoes. Disengage auxiliary hydraulics. Stop
Engine. Engage parking brake. Remove key.
DANGER! FLYING DEBRIS HAZARD. CLEAR AREA OF BYSTANDERS AND LIVE-
STOCK BEFORE OPERATING. THE BRUSH CUTTER IS CAPABLE OF
PRODUCING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLYING DEBRIS IN ALL DIREC-
TIONS.
WARNING! Lift Limiting chains must be properly installed before operation.
WARNING! These BRADCO Brush Cutters should never be operated with the back
of the unit more than 12” (305 mm) above the ground.
If there is any portion of this manual or function you do not understand, con-
tact your local authorized dealer or the manufacturer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
12161 8-16-16-3
PREFACE..............................................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety Statements ....................................................................................................................................5
General Safety Precautions...................................................................................................................5-7
Equipment Safety Precautions ..............................................................................................................8-9
DECALS.........................................................................................................................................................10-12
PREOPERATION ................................................................................................................................................13
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.......................................................................................................................14
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Intended Use ..........................................................................................................................................15
General Information................................................................................................................................ 15
Operating Tips ........................................................................................................................................15
Cutting Operation ..............................................................................................................................16-17
Troubleshooting Operating Conditions ...................................................................................................18
Storage ...................................................................................................................................................19
Lift Points...........................................................................................................................................19-20
Tie Down Points......................................................................................................................................20
Transporting............................................................................................................................................20
LUBRICATION ....................................................................................................................................................21
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 22
Replacing Blades...............................................................................................................................23-25
Replacing Hydraulic Motor ................................................................................................................25-26
Replacing Drive Bearing Housing......................................................................................................26-27
Changing Oil........................................................................................................................................... 28
TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................................................ 29
SPECIFICATIONS
 BoltTorqueSpecications ......................................................................................................................30
 BrushCutterSpecications ....................................................................................................................31
PARTS / LIMITED WARRANTY ......................................................................................................................... 33
75728
1

2
75728

PREFACE
10344 1-31-17-5
GENERAL COMMENTS
Congratulations on the purchase of your new BRADCO product! This product was carefully
designed and manufactured to give you many years of dependable service. Only minor mainte-
nance (such as cleaning and lubricating) is required to keep it in top working condition. Be sure
to observe all maintenance procedures and safety precautions in this manual and on any safety
decals located on the product and on any equipment on which the attachment is mounted.
This manual has been designed to help you do a better, safer job. Read this manual care-
fully and become familiar with its contents.
WARNING! Never let anyone operate this unit without reading the "Safety Precautions"
and "Operating Instructions" sections of this manual.
Always choose hard, level ground to park the vehicle on and set the brake
so the unit cannot roll.
Unless noted otherwise, right and left sides are determined from the operator’s control posi-
tion when facing forward.
NOTE: The illustrations and data used in this manual were current (according to the infor-
mation available to us) at the time of printing, however, we reserve the right to redesign and
change the attachment as may be necessary without notication.
BEFORE OPERATION
The primary responsibility for safety with this equipment falls to the operator. Make sure the
equipment is operated only by trained individuals that have read and understand this manual. If
there is any portion of this manual or function you do not understand, contact your local authorized
dealer or the manufacturer to obtain further assistance. Keep this manual available for reference.
Provide the manual to any new owners and/or operators.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This is the “Safety Alert Symbol” used by this industry. This symbol is used to warn
of possible injury. Be sure to read all warnings carefully. They are included for your
safety and for the safety of others working with you.
SERVICE
Use only manufacturer replacement parts. Substitute parts may not meet the required stan-
dards.
Record the model and serial number of your unit on the cover of this manual. The parts
department needs this information to insure that you receive the correct parts.
SOUND AND VIBRATION
Sound pressure levels and vibration data for this attachment are inuenced by many different param-
eters: some items are listed below (not inclusive):
• prime mover type, age, condition, with or without cab enclosure and conguration
•operator training, behavior, stress level
•job site organization, working material condition, environment
Based on the uncertainty of the prime mover, operator, and job site, it is not possible to get precise ma-
chine and operator sound pressure levels or vibration levels for this attachment.
NOTE:Alist of all Paladin Patents can be found at http://www.paladinattachments.com/patents.asp.
75728
3

THIS PAGE
IS INTENTIONALLY
BLANK
4
75728

10338 5-10-16-2
SAFETY STATEMENTS
DANGER
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING! READ MANUAL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of this equipment could result in
serious injury or death. Operators and maintenance personnel should read this man-
ual, as well as all manuals related to this equipment and the prime mover thoroughly
before beginning installation, operation, or maintenance. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL AND THE PRIME MOVER’S MANUAL(S).
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL SAFETY STATEMENTS
Read all safety decals and safety statements in all manuals prior to operating or
working on this equipment. Know and obey all OSHA regulations, local laws, and
other professional guidelines for your operation. Know and follow good work
practices when assembling, maintaining, repairing, mounting, removing, or operating
this equipment.
KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
Know your equipment’s capabilities, dimensions, and operations before operating.
Visually inspect your equipment before you start, and never operate equipment that
is not in proper working order with all safety devices intact. Check all hardware to
ensure it is tight. Make certain that all locking pins, latches, and connection devices
are properly installed and secured. Remove and replace any damaged, fatigued, or
excessively worn parts. Make certain all safety decals are in place and are legible.
Keep decals clean, and replace them if they become worn or hard to read.
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
THIS SIGNAL WORD INDICATES A HAzARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF
NOT AVOIDED, WILL RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INjURY.
THIS SIGNAL WORD INDICATES A HAzARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF
NOT AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INjURY.
THIS SIGNAL WORD INDICATES A HAzARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF
NOT AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN MINOR OR MODERATE INjURY.
NOTICE IS USED TO ADDRESS PRACTICES NOT RELATED TO PHYSICAL
INjURY.
THIS SYMBOL BY ITSELF OR WITH A WARNING WORD THROUGHOUT THIS
MANUAL IS USED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVING
YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY OR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW
THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN INjURY OR DEATH.
75728
5

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING! PROTECT AGAINST FLYING DEBRIS
Always wear proper safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield when driving pins in or
out, or when any operation causes dust, ying debris, or any other hazardous mate-
rial.
WARNING! LOWER OR SUPPORT RAISED EQUIPMENT
Do not work under raised booms without supporting them. Do not use support mate-
rial made of concrete blocks, logs, buckets, barrels, or any other material that could
suddenly collapse or shift positions. Make sure support material is solid, not de-
cayed, warped, twisted, or tapered. Lower booms to ground level or on blocks. Lower
booms and attachments to the ground before leaving the cab or operator’s station.
WARNING! USE CARE WITH HYDRAULIC FLUID PRESSURE
Hydraulic uid under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury or
death. Hydraulic leaks under pressure may not be visible. Before connecting or dis-
connecting hydraulic hoses, read your prime mover’s operator’s manual for detailed
instructions on connecting and disconnecting hydraulic hoses or ttings.
•Keep unprotected body parts, such as face, eyes, and arms as far away as
possible from a suspected leak. Flesh injected with hydraulic uid may develop
gangrene or other permanent disabilities.
•If injured by injected uid, see a doctor at once. If your doctor is not familiar with
this type of injury, ask him to research it immediately to determine proper treat-
ment.
•Wear safety glasses, protective clothing, and use a piece of cardboard or wood
when searching for hydraulic leaks. DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS!
SEE ILLUSTRATION.
CARDBOARD
HYDRAULIC HOSE
OR FITTING
MAGNIFYING GLASS
10339 8-16-05
6
75728

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
10340 7-16-18-2
WARNING! DO NOT MODIFY MACHINE OR ATTACHMENTS
Modications may weaken the integrity of the attachment and may impair the func-
tion, safety, life, and performance of the attachment. When making repairs, use only
the manufacturer’s genuine parts, following authorized instructions. Other parts may
be substandard in t and quality. Never modify any ROPS (Roll Over Protective
Structure) or FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) equipment or device. Any
modications must be authorized in writing by the manufacturer.
WARNING! SAFELY MAINTAIN AND REPAIR EQUIPMENT
• Do not wear loose clothing or any accessories that can catch in moving parts. If
you have long hair, cover or secure it so that it does not become entangled in the
equipment.
• Work on a level surface in a well-lit area.
• Use properly grounded electrical outlets and tools.
• Use the correct tools for the job at hand. Make sure they are in good condition for
the task required.
• Wear the protective equipment specied by the tool manufacturer.
SAFELY OPERATE EQUIPMENT
Do not operate equipment until you are completely trained by a qualied operator
in how to use the controls, know its capabilities, dimensions, and all safety require-
ments. See your machine’s manual for these instructions.
• Keep all step plates, grab bars, pedals, and controls free of dirt, grease, debris,
and oil.
• Never allow anyone to be around the equipment when it is operating.
• Do not allow riders on the attachment or the prime mover.
• Do not operate the equipment from anywhere other than the correct operator’s
position.
• Never leave equipment unattended with the engine running, or with this attach-
ment in a raised position.
• Do not alter or remove any safety feature from the prime mover or this attach-
ment.
• Know your work site safety rules as well as trafc rules and ow. When in doubt
on any safety issue, contact your supervisor or safety coordinator for an explana-
tion.
WARNING! CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
This product may contain a chemical known to the state of California to cause can-
cer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
75728
7

EQUIPMENT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING! KNOW WHERE UTILITIES ARE
Observe overhead electrical and other utility lines. Be sure equipment will clear
them. When digging, call your local utilities for location of buried utility lines, gas,
water, and sewer, as well as any other hazard you may encounter.
WARNING! EXPOSURE TO RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA DUST
ALONG WITH OTHER HAZARDOUS DUSTS MAY CAUSE SE-
RIOUS OR FATAL RESPIRATORY DISEASE.
It is recommended to use dust suppression, dust collection and if necessary person-
al protective equipment during the operation of any attachment that may cause high
levels of dust.
WARNING! REMOVE PAINT BEFORE WELDING OR HEATING
Hazardous fumes/dust can be generated when paint is heated by welding, soldering
or using a torch. Do all work outside or in a well ventilated area and dispose of paint
and solvent properly. Remove paint before welding or heating.
When sanding or grinding paint, avoid breathing the dust. Wear an approved respira-
tor. If you use solvent or paint stripper, remove stripper with soap and water before
welding. Remove solvent or paint stripper containers and other ammable material
from area. Allow fumes to disperse at least 15 minutes before welding or heating.
WARNING! END OF LIFE DISPOSAL
At the completion of the useful life of the unit, drain all uids and dismantle by sepa-
rating the different materials (rubber, steel, plastic, etc.). Follow all federal, state and
local regulations for recycling and disposal of the uid and components.
OPERATING THE ATTACHMENT
• Block off work area from bystanders, livestock, etc. Flying debris can cause
severe injury or death. The brush cutter is capable of producing large amounts of
ying debris in all directions.
• Let others know when and where you will be working. Make sure no one is be-
hind the equipment or for several hundred feet in any direction around the equip-
ment when in operation. Never allow anyone to approach the brush cutter when
in operation.
• Do not raise the attachment when the blades are rotating.
• Do NOT operate without a shatterproof (demolition) cab door or front shield in-
stalled on the prime mover.
• Operate only from the operator’s station.
• Do not exceed rated operating capacity of prime mover.
•Be sure all covers, front deector chains and lift limiting chain(s) are properly
installed before operating unit.
• When mounted onto a loader, do not operate the brush cutter with the back of
the attachment over 12” above the ground.
• Do not lift loads in excess of the capacity of the prime mover. Lifting capacity
decreases as the loader is moved further away from the unit.
• Never try to board or exit equipment while it is running.
• Test all controls before you begin operation.
12134 3-1-12
8
75728

OPERATING THE ATTACHMENT
• When operating on slopes, drive up and down, not across. Avoid steep hillside
operation, which could cause the prime mover to overturn.
• Reduce speed when driving over rough terrain, on a slope, or turning, to avoid
overturning the vehicle.
• An operator must not use drugs or alcohol, which can change his or her alertness
or coordination. An operator taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs should
seek medical advice on whether or not he or she can safely operate equipment.
•Never leave the attachment unattended when in the raised position. Always make
sure both skids are on the ground, parking brake is engaged, engine is turned off
and the keys are removed before exiting the prime mover.
TRANSPORTING THE ATTACHMENT
• Travel only with the attachment in a safe transport position to prevent uncon-
trolled movement. Drive slowly over rough ground and on slopes.
• When transporting on a trailer: Secure attachment using tie down accessories
that are capable of maintaining attachment stability.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the attachment onto a truck or trailer.
Disconnect hydraulic couplers during transporting when installed on prime mover.
•When driving on public roads use safety lights, reectors, Slow Moving Vehicle
signs etc., to prevent accidents. Check local government regulations that may
affect you.
• Do not drive close to ditches, excavations, etc., cave in could result.
• Do not smoke when refueling the prime mover. Allow room in the fuel tank for
expansion. Wipe up any spilled fuel. Secure cap tightly when done.
MAINTAINING THE ATTACHMENT
• Before performing maintenance, disengage auxiliary hydraulics, lower the attach-
ment to the ground, turn off the engine, remove the key and apply the brakes. Be
sure all rotation has stopped before making any adjustments or repairs.
• Never perform any work on the attachment unless you are authorized and quali-
ed to do so. Always read the operator manual’s before any repair is made. After
completing maintenance or repair, check for correct functioning of the attach-
ment. If not functioning properly, always tag “DO NOT OPERATE” until all prob-
lems are corrected.
• If attachment must be left raised for maintenance or any other reason, block the
unit securely to prevent accidental release of the lifting mechanism. Serious dam-
age or personal injury could result.
• Worn, damaged, or illegible safety decals must be replaced. New safety decals
can be ordered from BRADCO.
• Never make hydraulic repairs while the system is under pressure. Serious per-
sonal injury or death could result.
• Never work under a raised attachment.
12135 3-1-12
EQUIPMENT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
75728
9

DECALS
DECAL PLACEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
The diagram on this page shows the location of all the decals used on your attachment.
The decals are identied by their part numbers, with reductions of the actual decals located on
the following pages. Use this information to order replacements for lost or damaged decals.
Be sure to read all decals before operating the attachment. They contain information you need
to know for both safety and attachment longevity.
4338
40679
40151
40678
40677
50-0769
LOGO
LOGO
50-0737
50-0737
4105
40673
4105
41207
40307
50-0769
50-0769
SERIAL TAG
LOCATION
40673
4105
12131 2-28-12
IMPORTANT: Keep all safety signs clean and legible. Replace all missing, illegible, or damaged safety signs.
When replacing parts with safety signs attached, the safety signs must also be replaced.
REPLACING SAFETY SIGNS: Clean the area of application with nonammable solvent, then wash the same
area with soap and water. Allow the surface to fully dry. Remove the backing from the safety sign, exposing the
adhesive surface. Apply the safety sign to the position shown in the diagram above and smooth out any bubbles.
10
75728

DECALS
8906 2-29-12-3
DANGER! ROTATING BLADE
PART #40673
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PART #40677
WARNING! HIGH PRESSURE FLUID
PART #40151 WARNING! BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S SEAT
PART #40678
DANGER! GUARD MISSING
PART #40307
WARNING! LIFT LIMITING CHAIN
PART #40679
75728
11

DECALS
12132 2-29-12
DANGER STAND CLEAR
MADE IN USA
PART #4338
LIFT POINT
PART #50-0769
WARNING! MOVING PARTS
PART #41207
WARNING! PINCH POINT
PART #50-0737
DANGER STAND CLEAR
PART #4105
NOTE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER TO PURCHASE LOGO
DECALS.
12
75728

PREOPERATION
12136 3-5-12
GENERAL INFORMATION
Your attachment is operated by the prime mover’s auxiliary hydraulics and mounts to
the toolbar/quick attach mechanism for easy operator hook-up.
Your skid steer loader must have an auxiliary hydraulic system and a shatterproof door
or front shield to operate the brush cutter.
DANGER! To AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH THE BRADCO BRUSH
CUTTER MUST NOT BE ATTACHED TO ANY POWER UNIT THAT DOES NOT
HAVE A SHATTERPROOF DOOR (OR FRONT SHIELD) INSTALLED.
NOMENCLATURE
The purpose of this diagram is to acquaint you with the various names of the brush
cutter components. This knowledge will be helpful when reading through this manual or when
ordering service parts.
NON-SKID STEP SURFACE
HYDRAULIC MOTOR
COVER
FRONT SHIELD
PUSH BAR
BEARING HOUSING
QUICK ATTACH
SKID SHOE
ACCESS COVER
FRONT CHAIN
CURTAIN
BRUSH CUTTER
DECK
LIFT LIMITING
CHAIN
BLADE
HOSE PROTECTOR
75728
13

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
12143 12-20-17-4
GENERAL INFORMATION
The following instructions will help you to mount your brush cutter onto your skid steer
loader. The brush cutter uses the quick-attach system for ease of installation. Therefore, if you
know how to attach your loader bucket, attaching the brush cutter should prove no problem.
Remember to read all safety warnings, decals and operating instructions before operat-
ing the attachment. If there is any portion of this manual that you do not understand, contact
your dealer.
DANGER! TO AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH THE BRADCO BRUSH
CUTTER MUST NOT BE ATTACHED TO ANY POWER UNIT THAT DOES NOT
HAVE A SHATTERPROOF DOOR (OR FRONT SHIELD) INSTALLED.
ATTACHING TO PRIME MOVER
NOTE: Before attaching the brush cutter to your loader, make sure a shatterproof door (or
front shield) has been installed onto the front of your skid steer loader.
1. Remove any attachments from the front of the loader.
2. Following all standard safety practices and the instructions for installing an attachment in
your skid steer operator's manual, install the brush cutter onto your skid steer loader.
NOTE: It is important to make sure the locking mechanism on your quick attach is en-
gaged, therefore locking the attachment onto the skid steer.
3. Connect the Lift Limiting Chain to the front of your skid steer loader. The back of the brush
cutter should never be more than 1 foot off the ground for proper and safe cutting. (Raise
the unit to 1 foot above ground level. Route the end of the Lift Limiting Chain from the
back of the brush cutter and then through the tie down mechanism(s) on the front of your
skid steer loader. Tie the chain securely back to itself with the shackle provided, to limit
the lifting capabilities of the cutter to 1 foot maximum.)
4. Lower the unit to the ground and remove the key.
5. After making sure that there is not any foreign matter on the hydraulic couplers, connect
the couplers to the auxiliary hydraulic system of your skid steer loader. (Connect the ap-
propriate case drain coupler to the case drain on your skid steer loader on the 78” Cutter
ONLY.)
DETACHING FROM PRIME MOVER
1. On rm, level ground, lower the attachment so both skids are on the ground, parking
brake is engaged, engine is turned off and the keys are removed.
2. Follow your prime mover operator’s manual to relieve pressure in the hydraulic lines.
3. Disconnect couplers and either connect them together or install dust caps and plugs to
prevent contaminants from entering the hydraulic system. Store hoses on attachment,
off the ground.
4. Follow your prime mover operator’s manual for detaching (removing) an attachment.
14
75728

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
12144 12-20-17-2
INTENDED USE: The Ground Shark brush cutter is designed for cutting brush and small
trees up to 7” (178mm) in diameter while still maintaining a 12” (305mm) maximum ground
clearance. When equipped with the tooth kit, the attachment will also grind the remaining
stumps down to ground level. Use in any other way is considered contrary to its intended use.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The brush cutter attaches to the toolbar/quick-attach mechanism of your skid steer
loader. Due to this arrangement, thorough knowledge of the skid-steer controls is necessary
for machine operation. Read and understand your skid steer operator's manual for information
regarding skid steer operation before attempting to use the brush cutter.
Follow all installation instructions for the proper installation of the unit onto your skid
steer before attempting to operate your brush cutter.
OPERATING TIPS - GSE SERIES (20-34 GPM CUTTERS)
 VerifyyouhavethecorrectbrushcutterfortheGPMowofyourprimemover.
The 20-34 GPM cutters are bi-directional and equipped with bi-directional blades to
allow you to manage blade wear. You can increase the life of your bi-directional blades by
cutting brush in one direction and grass and smaller vegetation in the other. (This will keep the
bladessharpwhencuttinggrassforamorenishedlook.)
• If your preferred direction of blade rotation is not set up correctly for your prime mover’s
“detent”, the hydraulic hoses may be reversed at the motor end.
• Engage and disengage the hydraulic system with the prime mover at idle.
• Continuous rotation of the blade is required to prevent overheating of the hydraulic system.
Blade rotation is maintained by monitoring the system pressure and oil temperature on your
prime mover and operating the attachment at pressures below relief valve settings.
OPERATING TIPS - GS SERIES (30-45 GPM CUTTERS)
 VerifyyouhavethecorrectbrushcutterfortheGPMowofyourprimemover.
The 30-45 GPM cutters are single directional and equipped with reversible blades to
double your blade life. Continuous rotation of the blades is required during operation to prevent
overheating of the hydraulic system. If the brush cutter stalls, disengage auxiliary hydraulics,
and remove cutter from debris before restarting.
Blade rotation is maintained by monitoring system pressure and operating the
attachment at pressures below relief valve settings. Overheating of the hydraulic system is
caused if hydraulic oil is repeatedly forced over the relief valve setting on either the prime
mover or brush cutter (whichever is less). Taking note of a maximum pressure gauge
reading when the system goes over relief on your application (prime mover and brush cutter
combination) and then careful monitoring of the pressure gauge on the brush cutter will help
you prevent repeatedly forcing your unit to go over relief and therefore causing overheating of
the hydraulic system and also stalling of the blade carrier.
75728
15

WARNING! Before leaving the operator's seat: Lower the lift arms against frame and
place both skid shoes on the ground. Disengage auxiliary hydraulics. Stop
Engine. Engage parking brake. Remove the key.
DANGER! ROTATING BLADE HAZARD! STAY BACK!
OBJECTS CAN BE THROWN!
DO NOT operate near bystanders.
DO NOT place hands or feet under deck while in operation or with engine
running.
DO NOT operate without a shatterproof door (or front shield) installed on
loader.
WARNING! Lift limiting chain must be properly installed before operation.
CAUTION! The front guard should always be in the down position except during
operation.
CUTTING OPERATION
1. Raise the back of the unit off of the ground approximately 4" (102mm) to allow the
material to clear from under the cutting deck as you travel forward.
2. Place the front skid shoes 2-6” (51-152mm) off the ground. This is the preferred position
for cutting grass and heavy vegetation.
• Never drive your skid steer with the front of the brush cutter tilted to the point
your view is obstructed. Always make sure you can see what you are cutting.
• Check the work area. Never operate the brush cutter in populated areas where
thrown objects could injure persons or damage property.
• Never raise the unit and expose yourself or anyone else to the rotating blades.
If you can see the blades then the back of the unit is raised too high. Maximum
ground clearance at any time is 12” (305mm).
3. Activate the auxiliary hydraulics with the engine at idle. Increase engine speed.
4. Be sure the brush cutter is operating smoothly and at full speed, and then start forward
travel while monitoring pressure gauge (if so equipped).
NOTE: The GS Series (30-45 GPM) brush cutters have a pressure gauge located
on the back of the motor cover. Monitor hydraulic pressure to prevent forcing your
prime mover or attachment from repeatedly going over relief and therefore causing
overheating of the hydraulic system.
CUTTING LARGE BRUSH AND SMALL TREES UP TO 7" (178mm) IN DIAMETER:
WARNING! Trees can fall in any direction. It is the operator’s responsibility to be
certain the area is safe and clear of people, animals and personal property.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
12145 12-20-17-2
16
75728

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
12146 12-20-17-2
When cutting large brush and small trees:
1. Roll the front of the brush cutter up 1-2 feet (305-610mm). DO NOT LIFT THE BACK OF
THE CUTTER!
2. Slowly drive into the tree. The front shield will raise up allowing the push bar on the
brush cutter to push against the tree. Due to the angle of the brush cutter this will allow
the blades to notch into the tree which will allow the push bar to bend the tree over and
nishthecut.
3. If the push bar is unable to bend the tree, back up the skid steer loader and increase the
angle of the brush cutter slightly.
4. RepeatStep#2and#3untilthenotchissufcient(forthesizeofbrushortreeyouare
cutting) to permit the push over bar to bend the tree.
5. When the cut is complete the remaining tree stump can be cut shorter using the brush
cutter blades or it can be easily ground down with the optional tooth kit.
6. The tree can now be mulched by rotating the front up slightly and driving forward
several feet. Repeat, if necessary. Remember do not lift the back of the cutter.
TOOTH KIT OPERATION:
After felling large brush or small trees, position the brush cutter over the stump(s) and
using a plunging motion, grind the stump(s) down to ground level while monitoring the pressure
gauge (if so equipped) to prevent unit from going over relief. To get maximum performance,
maintain full speed of the blade carrier when grinding. To achieve this, periodically lift the cutter
off of the stump to allow the blade carrier to return to full rpm.
AVOID STALLING BRUSH CUTTER: Continuous rotation is required to prevent overheating
of the hydraulic system. Overheating of the hydraulic system is caused if hydraulic oil is
repeatedly forced over the relief valve setting on either the prime mover or brush cutter
(whichever is less). Taking note of a maximum pressure gauge reading when the system goes
over relief on your application (prime mover and brush cutter combination) and then careful
monitoring of a pressure gauge on the brush cutter will help you prevent repeatedly forcing
your unit to go over relief and therefore causing overheating of the hydraulic system and also
stalling of the blade carrier. (Optional pressure gauge kits are available if it is not standard
equipment on your cutter.)
TO RESTART BLADE ROTATION: Disengage auxiliary hydraulics. Remove brush cutter
from debris. Engage auxiliary hydraulics to start blade rotation. (Be sure the brush cutter
is operating smoothly and at full speed, and then start forward travel while monitoring the
pressure gauge if so equipped.)
REPEATED STALLING OF ROTATING BLADES: Disengage auxiliary hydraulics. Remove
brushcutterfromdebris.Reviewoperatingconditionsandthesize/densityofmaterialbeing
cut. Make necessary corrections. Engage auxiliary hydraulics to start blade rotation. (Be sure
the brush cutter is operating smoothly and at full speed, and then start forward travel while
monitoring pressure gauge if so equipped.)
75728
17

TROUBLESHOOTING OPERATING CONDITIONS:
Below are listed a few operating conditions that may cause repeated stalling of your
brush cutter, and suggestions on how to correct them.
GRASS TOO LONG OR THICK: If cutting heavy vegetation, you may need to slow travel
speed or make smaller passes (less than full cut) to prevent overloading and stalling the unit.
Although the brush cutter is not designed for mowing grass, by monitoring blade sharpness
and travel speed this can be accomplished.
BRUSH TOO BIG IN DIAMETER: The brush cutter is NOT designed to cut trees larger than 7"
(178mm) in diameter. If brush is smaller than 7" (178mm) in diameter and the cutter is stalling,
check sharpness of the blades (see "Maintenance") and cut using the procedure described
earlier in this section for "CUTTING LARGE BRUSH AND SMALL TREES".
BRUSH TOO THICK OR HEAVY: If cutting heavy or thick brush, you may need to slow travel
speed or make smaller passes (less than full cut), to prevent overloading. If the blades seem to
be unable to handle the volume of brush, slow down the travel speed until the unit reaches full
speed before proceeding.
SCALPING THE GROUND or BOTTOMING OUT: Be aware of changes in the terrain. Stay
alert for drop-off’s and holes. Check the terrain and the deck position before restarting and
continuing cutting.
STRIKING FOREIGN OBJECTS: Stay alert for rocks, fencing, abandoned wells, septic tanks
or other foreign objects. If the brush cutter comes into contact with a foreign object, stop the
unit, shut off the engine and disconnect the hydraulic couplers from the skid steer. Inspect
the unit and repair any damage before restarting and continuing cutting. (Never try to weld
or straighten damaged blades.) Inspect the work area for any other items, and if they are too
large to be removed from the area, they should be agged clearly.
NOTE: GS SERIES (30-45 GPM) CUTTERS ONLY: When blades are bent or damaged
they will become wedged between the blade carrier plates. This will cause excessive
vibration and the blades must be replaced before proceeding (see “Maintenance”).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
12158 12-20-17-2
18
75728