TAP RIVER BCRL User manual

Rev. 07/21
Slope Flail Mowers
BCRL & BCRM
Operator’s Manual

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TO THE DEALER:
Assembly and proper installation of this product is the responsibility of the Tar River dealer. Read manual in-
structions and safety rules. Make sure all items on the Dealer’s Pre-Delivery and Delivery Check Lists in the
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual are completed before releasing equipment to the owner.
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before operating your Tar River equipment. The information presented will prepare you to
do a better and safer job. Keep this manual handy for ready reference. Require all operators to read this manual
carefully and become acquainted with all the adjustment and operating procedures before attempting to oper-
ate. Replacement manuals can be obtained from your selling dealer. The equipment you have purchased has
been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide dependable and satisfactory use. Like all mechanical
products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the unit as specified. Observe all safety information in
this manual and safety decals on the equipment. For service, your authorized Tar River dealer has trained me-
chanics, genuine Tar River service parts, and the necessary tools and equipment to handle all your needs. Use
only genuine Tar River service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet standards re-
quired for safe and satisfactory operation.
Record your implement model and serial number in the space provide below. Your dealer will need this infor-
mation to give you prompt, efficient service.
Model Number: ______________________________________
Serial Number: _______________________________________
Date Purchased: ______________________________________

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Table of Contents
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Technical Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Safety …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Safety Signal Words ……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
General Safety Guidelines ……………………………………………………………………………… 7
Safety Decal Care ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7-8
Before Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
During Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Highway And Transport Operations …………………………………………………………………… 11-12
Assembly ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13-14
Operating Instructions…………………………………………………………………………………... 15-16
Maintenance ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 17
Torque Specifications ………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
Parts Breakdown ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 21-43
Warranty ………………………………………………………………………………………………... 44

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Slope Flail Mowers BCRL & BCRM
Introduction Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your Ditchbank Flail Mower. The Tar River hydraulic offset pivoting ditch bank
mower is the ideal machine to maintain ditches or embankments around your property. Hook up to the stand-
ard 3 point like a normal flail mower that is pulled directly behind the tractor. When in the full operating posi-
tion the BCRL will mow 90° up and 30° down, while the BCRM will mow 90° up and 35° down. All models
come standard with heavy hammer knives and a perfectly balanced rotor for a smooth operation.
Technical Specifications
• Cat. 1 & 2 hitch
• Power coat paint
• Heavy cast hammer knives
• 3 & 4 belt configurations
• Adjustable height control rear roller
BCRL-135 BCRL-155 BCRM-175
Working width 53” 61” 69”
Cutting angle 90° up & 30° down 90° up & 30° down 90° up & 35° down
Minimum HP 30 HP 35 HP 45 HP
Weight 664 lbs. 697 lbs. 1002 lbs.

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Important Safety Information
Safety
It is important that you read the entire manual and to become familiar with this product before you begin using
it. This product is designed for certain applications only. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for issues
arising from modification. We strongly recommend this product not be modified and /or used for any applica-
tion other than that for which it is designed. If you have any questions relative to a particular application, DO
NOT use the product until you have first contacted us to determine if it can or should be performed on the
product.
Read and understand this manual and all safety signs before operating and maintaining . Review the safety in-
structions and precautions annually.
Safety Signal Words
TAKE NOTE! This safety alert symbol found though out this manual is used to call you attention to in-
structions involving you 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!
Note the use of the signal words, DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messag-
es. The appropriate signal word for each has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an 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: 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: 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.

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Important Safety Information
General Safety Guidelines
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a new piece of equipment. De-
signers and manufacturers build in as many safety features as possible. However, every year many accidents
occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling
equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions in this section.
To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those working with you, or for you, follow
them.
Replace any DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION or instruction safety decal that is not readable or is missing.
Location of such decals are indicated in this manual. Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the influ-
ence of drugs or alcohol.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should be a
responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow per-
sons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a thorough
understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
To prevent injury of death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Do not paint
over, remove or deface any signs or warning decals on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and practice
the instructions on them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question -
Don’t try it!
• Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
• Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
• Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current safety sign
• Do not paint over, remove, or deface any safety signs or warning signs on your equipment.
• Observe all safety signs and practice the instruction on them.
• Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
Safety Decal Care

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Important Safety Information
How to install Safety Signs:
• Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry.
• Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
• Remove the smallest portion of the split backing paper.
• Align the decal over the specified area and carefully press the small portion with the exposed sticky back-
ing in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion of the decal in place.
• Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using the piece of decal backing paper.

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Important Safety Information
• Carefully study and understand this manual.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, which may catch in moving parts.
• Always wear protective clothing and substantial shoes.
• Assure that all tires are inflated evenly.
• Give the unit a visual inspection for any loose bolts, worn parts or cracked welds, and make necessary re-
pairs. Follow the maintenance safety instructions included with this manual.
• Be sure that there are no tools lying on or in the equipment.
• Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially of children and animals.
• Don’t hurry the learning process or take the unit for granted. Ease into it and become familiar with your
new equipment.
• Practice operation of your equipment and its attachments. Completely familiarize yourself and other opera-
tors with its operation before using.
• Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and fasten your seat belt prior to start-
ing engine.
• The manufacturer does not recommend usage of tractor with ROPS removed.
• Move tractor wheels to the widest recommended settings to increase stability.
• Securely attach to towing unit. Use a high strength, appropriately sized hitch pin with a mechanical retainer
and attach safety chain.
• Do not allow anyone to stand between the tongue or hitch and the towing vehicle when backing up to the
equipment.
• Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially of children and animals.
Before Operation

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Important Safety Information
• Children should not be allowed on the machine.
• Clear the area of small children and bystanders before moving the machine.
• If using a towing unit, securely attach feeder by using a hardened 3/4” pin, a metal retainer, and safety
chains if required. Shift towing unit to a lower gear before going down steep downgrades, thus using the
engine as a retarding force. Keep towing vehicle in gear at all times. Slow down for corners and rough ter-
rain.
• Make sure you are in compliance with all local and state regulations regarding transporting equipment on
public roads and highways. Lights and slow moving signs must be clean and visible by overtaking or on-
coming traffic when machine is transported.
• Beware of bystanders, particularly children! Always look around to make sure that it is safe to start the
engine of the towing vehicle or move the unit. This is particularly important with higher noise levels and
quiet cabs, as you may not hear people shouting.
• NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED! Do not carry passengers anywhere on, or in, the tractor or equipment,
except as required for operation.
• Keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
• Do not clean, lubricate or adjust your equipment while it is moving.
• When halting operation, even periodically, set the tractor or towing vehicle brakes, disengage the PTO,
shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
• Be especially observant of the operating area and terrain. Watch for holes, rocks or hidden hazards. Always
inspect the area prior to operation.
• DO NOT operate near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
• DO NOT operate on steep slopes as overturns may result.
• Operate up and down (not across) intermediate slopes. Avoid sudden starts and stops.
During Operation

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Important Safety Information
• Adopt safe driving practices.
• Keep the brake pedals latched together at all times. Never use independent braking with machine in tow
as loss of control and/or upset of unit can result.
• Always drive at a safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your speed is low enough for an
emergency stop to be safe and secure. Keep speed at a minimum.
• Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid the risk of overturning.
• Avoid sudden uphill turns on steep slopes.
• Always keep the tractor or towing vehicle in gear to provide engine braking when going downhill. Do not
coast.
• Do not drink and drive!
• Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of farm machinery on public
roads.
• Use approved accessory lighting, flags and necessary warning devices to protect operators of other vehicles
on the highway during daylight and nighttime transport. Various safety lights and devices are available
from your dealer.
• The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most localities. However, some localities prohibit their
use. Local laws should be checked for all highway and marking requirements.
• When driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 40 kph (20 mph) at night or during
the day, use the amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem.
• Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
• Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations, including narrow bridg-
es, intersections, etc.
• Be observant of bridge loading ratings. Do not cross bridges rated at lower than the gross weight at which
you are operating.
• Watch for obstructions overhead and to the side while transporting.
• Always operate in a position to provide maximum visibility at all times. Make allowances for increased
length and weight of the equipment when making turns, stopping the unit, etc.
• Pick the most level route when transporting across fields. Avoid the edges of ditches or gullies and steep
hillsides.
• Be extra careful when working in inclines.
Highway and Transport Operations

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Important Safety Information
• Maneuver the tractor or towing vehicle at safe speeds.
• Avoid overhead wires or other obstacles. Contact with overhead lines could cause serious injury or death.
• Avoid loose fill, rocks and holes, they can be dangerous for equipment operation or movement.
• Allow for unit length when making turns,
• Operate the towing vehicle from the operator’s seat only.
• Never stand alongside of unit with engine running or attempt to start engine and/or operate machine while
standing alongside of unit.
• Never leave running equipment attachments unattended.
• As a precaution, always recheck the hardware on equipment following every 100 hours of operation. Cor-
rect all problems. Follow the maintenance safety procedures.
Highway and Transport Operations

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Assembly
• Carefully remove all parts from the crate.
• Assemble the pivot arm on the mower frame.
• Assemble the pivot arms to the “A Frame”.
• Assemble hydraulic hoses and cylinder.
• Attach front and rear protection bars.

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Assembly
Attaching the PTO shaft:
Before installing the PTO shaft make sure that the RPM rating and the direction of rotation match those of the
tractor. Carefully read the PTO shaft and tractor instructions. Before operation, make sure that the guards are
installed on the power take off of the tractor and PTO shaft. Make sure that they cover the PTO shaft through-
out its length. Note: The PTO shaft may be too long and require shortening. See “Shortening a PTO
driveline” below.
Press the locking pin on the PTO yoke and slide yoke on to the PTO of the tractor until the pin seats. Pull on
PTO shaft to make certain it is locked in place. Repeat the procedure for the machine end. Attach the PTO
cover’s safety chains to a stationary part of the tractor. Leave some slack in the chain to accommodate move-
ment.
Shortening a PTO driveline:
1. With the machine attached to the tractor’s
3-point hitch, and the PTO shaft not in-
stalled, separate the PTO shaft. Attach the
machine end to the machine and the other
end to the tractor PTO input shaft.
2. Raise the machine by using the tractor’s
hydraulic 3-point hitch to its maximum
lift height.
3. Hold the half shafts next to each other and
mark them so each end is approximately
1/2” from hitting the end of the telescopic
profiles.
4. Shorten the inner and outer guard tubes
equally.
5. Shorten the inner and outer profiles by the
same length as the guard tubes. Using a
rattail file, round off all sharp edges and
burrs. Grease the telescopic profile gener-
ously before reassembling.
When fully extended, the tubes must overlap by at least 1/3 of the length of the pipes
(LT). When retracted, the min. acceptable clearance is 1-2 cm (3/8”-3/4”)
Scan the QR code below for more detailed information on PTO installation.

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Operating Instructions
• Check oil level in the center gearbox.
• Check oil level in the drive tube.
• Check belt tension.
• Check rotor bearings on both sides.
• Check the PTO length (See PTO section).
Pivot pin locking position
Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height of the equipment depends on the position of the rear roller. Both sides are
set at the same height.
To adjust the cutting height on the flail mowers, loosen the pivot bolt (do not remove) and re-
position the bolts holding the roller to the desired height.

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Operating Instructions
Belt tension adjustment
It is necessary to adjust the belt tension as the belts stretch. Correct belt tensioning ensures that
the machine works properly.
To adjust the belts tension:
• Remove the belt shield.
• Loosen (do not remove hardware holding the gearbox support in place).
• Tighten belts by turning the nut on the belt adjustment plate.
• Retighten the gearbox support hardware.
Remove belt shield Adjustment nut

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Operating Instructions
Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial for the working life and efficiency of any agricultural equipment. If the equipment is
properly maintained and operated, a long working life and operator safety are assured.
The maintenance intervals indicated in this manual are provided as a reference and are related to normal work-
ing conditions. Changes may occur depending on the type of activities, environmental dust, seasonal factors,
etc.
Before beginning:
Check oil level in the center gearbox and the drive tube. Use 80/90 wt Gear Oil in gearbox.
Grease rotor bearings if needed.
After 8 hours:
Check oil level in the center gearbox.
Check hardware for tightness.
After 30 hours:
Check hardware for tightness.
Check belt tension and wear.
Center Gearbox Drive Tube
Le Rotor Bearing Right Rotor Bearing

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Notes:
This chart is an approximate estimate of torque values.
Always tighten hardware to these values unless a different torque value or tightening procedure is listed for a specific application.
Fasteners must always be replaced with the same grade as specified in the manual.
Always use the proper tool for tightening hardware: SAE for SAE hardware and Metric for Metric hardware.
Make sure that fastener threads are clean and that you properly start thread engagement.

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