Tar River BDR-135 User manual

Rev. 08/22
Drum Mower
BDR-135, BDR-165 & BDR-185
Operator’s Manual

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
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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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Technical Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Safety …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Safety Signal Words ……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
General Safety Guidelines ……………………………………………………………………………… 7
Safety Decal Care ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Before Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
During Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Highway And Transport Operations …………………………………………………………………… 10
Assembly ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Operating Instructions…………………………………………………………………………………...
Before Beginning ……………………………………………………………………………………….
Adjust Seed Cup Output ………………………………………………………………………………...
Seeding/Fertilizing Rate Adjustment Handle …………………………………………………………...
Seed Cup Shutoff ……………………………………………………………………………………….
Seed Depth Control ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Lubrication and Maintenance …………………………………………………………………………...
Changing Discs …………………………………………………………………………………………
Seed Charts ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Torque Specifications …………………………………………………………………………………..
Parts Breakdown ………………………………………………………………………………………..
Decals …………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Warranty ………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Table of Contents

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
Thank you for purchasing your Tar River Drum Mower. This Operator’s Manual is available with every
machine for the purpose of introducing the user to the design, maintenance, and adjustment of the mower. It
will also warn against any possible threats. The Operator’s Manual includes information regarding the
adjustment and transport on the public roads.
If you have any questions after reading this manual, please contact the Sales Representative or the Sales and
Marketing Department.
To emphasize the importance of the information and the warnings of possible hazards, the following warning
symbol with a description has been used:
If you see this symbol, be aware of a threat, carefully read the appropriate information and inform other
operators about it.
The warrantee proceedings rules and the rules resulting from them are written in the warrantee card, which is
an integral part of the Operator’s Manual. The Operator’s Manual is part of the basic equipment of the machine
and it should be kept for future use.
PRODUCT PURPOSE
The purpose of the Drum Mower is to be used in farming to mow the low stem green fodder (alfalfa grass, etc.)
in the fields and meadows.
Operating the mower in alternate conditions will be considered a misuse. Strict compliance with the
requirements for the use of the machine as well as its servicing and repairs by the manufacturer is a prerequisite
for the intended use.
The machine should be used, operated, and maintained only by persons who are familiarized with its specifics
as well as with the work safety proceedings rules.
The provisions regarding preventing accidents and all basic work safety and hygiene rules as well as the traffic
regulations must always be observed.
Any changes made to the machine without the consent of the manufacturer will exempt the manufacturer from
the responsibility for any possible damages resulting from them.
Following the instructions carefully will ensure many years of damage-free and safe operation and
will result in de- creasing of the operational costs of the machine.
The mower has a name plate placed on the middle frame with basic machine identification
information.
Introduction

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
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.
Important Safety Information

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
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
• Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
Safety Decal Care
Important Safety Information

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
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.
• 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
Important Safety Information

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
• 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
Important Safety Information

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
• 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
Important Safety Information

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Drum Mower BDR-135,165, 185
• 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
Important Safety Information

Rev. 08/22
General Information
Sales Information
The technical condition and the equipment of the mower should be checked at the time of purchase.
It should be required from the equipment dealer to carefully fill out the Warranty Registration Form. Failure to
provide the date of purchase or the dealer’s information might cause the buyer to suffer disapproval of any
possible complaints.
Equipment and Spare Parts
The mower includes the following basic equipment:
The Operator’s Manual, Parts Breakdown and Warranty Registration Form: 1pc.
Blade Changing Tool: 1 pc.
Blades (packed): 12 pcs.
Design and Operation
The design of the mower:
1. Suspension
2. Central beam
3. Push rods, hydraulic cylinders (depending on the
version)
4. Main frame
5. Shield system
6. Stump jumper
7. Operating drums
8. Protective shield
9. Lock

Rev. 08/22
General Information
The suspension system frame (1) is used to connect the mower with the tractor. The main frame (4) is connected pivotally with the
suspension frame through the central beam (2). The cutting system is made of two operating drums (7) with blades attached rotation-
ally in their lower part. The drums rest on the stump jumpers (8) when in the operating position, which adjust to the ground contours.
Changing the position of the mower from the transport position to the operating position and backwards is made possible through the
pivotal connection of the of the suspension system frame with the central beam. The guards and shield (8) protect the machine oper-
ator and other people from any hard object, which might be thrown out from under by the operating drums (7).
The spring fuse prevents damages of the mower when the cutting system moves onto an obstacle; the operating drums are powered
by the tractor’s PTO. The drums along with the blades rotate in opposite directions cutting the forage and forming it into windrows.
The one-way slip clutch allows for free movement of the drums after disengaging the engine and protects the drive elements from
any damage.
-
Description of Mower’s Power Drive
1 – PTO shaft
2 – head drive shaft
3 – slip one-way clutch
4 – drive shaft of the main frame

Rev. 08/22
Operational Service
You may start operating the machine only after having carefully read the Operator’s Manual.
Prior to connecting the rotary mower to the recommended tractors, they should be properly prepared.
• Check the physical condition of the machine and perform daily maintenance work in accordance with the
operator’s manual of the tractor.
• Tilt or disassemble the elements of the connection and attachment system of the tractor, which may interfere
or cause collisions with the PTO shaft.
Connecting the Mower with the Tractor:
The mower should be connected to the tractor using the three-point suspension system. The mower should be
in the transport position.
1. Bottom pin of the suspension frame
2. Holes in the suspension yoke
3. Plug
4. Chain
5. Support
Please be careful while connecting the machine with the trac-
tor.
Warning: Disassembling these elements will protect against any damage to the PTO shaft while bringing down
the suspension system to the lower end position
• Assemble the tractor’s power take-off shaft shield
• The recommended tractors should be equipped with the front axle weights
Warning: using a different than recommended tractor for the mower (e.g., of a lower pulling power) or ones that
are not equipped with the required front axle weights may cause loss of the steering control of the tractor’s front
wheels.

Rev. 08/22
Operational Service
Instructions to connect the mower to the tractor:
1. Insert the bottom push rods of the tractor (Drawing #4, point 1) in the suspension frame pins (first
the left one, then the right one) and secure them with cotter pins (Drawing # 4, point 3).
2. Slide the end of the upper connector between the yoke plates using the holes, then connect it with a bolt and
se- cure it with a cotter pin.
3. Lift the mower to relieve the support (Drawing # 4, point 5
4. Lift the support and support it with a cotter pin.
5. Tighten the chain (Drawing # 4, point 4) that is limiting the side tilting of the tractor’s suspension system.
Assembly of the PTO Shaft
The drum mower should be equipped with an efficient PTO shaft with a guard, safety sign or the CE marking as well as the tech-
nical specifications in accordance with the technical guidelines.
Using a PTO shaft with parameters different than those recommended by the manufacturer of the machine may over- load the shaft,
damage it or result in pulling both parts apart while lifting the machine and so create hazard for the operators and the environment.
While assembling the PTO shaft, you should make sure, that the external pipe of the cover is on the side of the trac- tor.
Tractor Mower
Instructions to install the shaft:
• Lower the mower down to the ground, turn off the engine and take out the key from the ignition.
• Insert the female tube end yoke to the power input of the machine and the power take-off of the tractor and secure it
from sliding out with rivets.
• Check whether the rivets secure the ends of the shaft from sliding out during operation.
• Install the chains of the shaft cover; one to the cover of the tractor’s power take-off, and the other to the cover of the
machine’s power input.
WARNING using a damaged PTO shaft, without the cover or a damaged cover, and without the additional cover on the

Rev. 08/22
Attaching to TractorAttaching PTO Shaft
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”)
Attaching PTO Shaft
Scan the QR code below for more detailed information on PTO installation.

Rev. 08/22
Attaching to TractorAttaching PTO Shaft
Adjusting the Mower to the transport position and transport:
Transport
4

Rev. 08/22
Attaching to TractorAttaching PTO Shaft
It is prohibited to reposition the mower:
• On an uneven surface and in a visible slope area.
• When it is lifted high (as in the transport position), and when the suspension frame of the mower is not ap-
propriately level.
• In the presence of bystanders within the mower’s turning range.
• Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in risks associated with rapid and automatic
rotation of the mower on the suspension. Such rotation may occur after the securing elements pull free
(point 1 rivets, point 4 gears).
Instructions to change the position of the mower to the transport position, the following must be done:
• Set the unit (the mower and the tractor) on an even and horizontal surface.
• Lower the mower so the stump jumpers rest on the ground.
• Disengage the PTO, the tractor’s engine, and take out the key from the ignition and allow for the mower’s
elements to come to a complete stop.
• Disassemble the PTO shaft.
• Level the mower with the right lift arm brace so the suspension frame pins are on the same level above the
ground.
• Remove the fuse (Position 5 in the drawing on the previous page) from the bottom suspension frame pin.
• In the mowers with the push rod system (Position 4 in the drawing on the previous page) move the gear to
the lower position.
• Lift the mower with the tractor’s hydraulic lifting unit so the stump jumpers are just above the ground.
• Lift the support (Position 2 in the drawing on the previous page) to the upper level and secure it with a cot-
ter pin.
• Move the mower by hand all the way back along the tractor making sure that the king pin of the lock
(Position 1 on the previous page) goes into the king pin opening (Position 3 on the previous page) with a
loose line.
• Lift the mower with the hydraulic system to the vertical position then move the lever of the ball valve
mounted on the actuator into the locked position.
• SPECIAL NOTE: The BDR-135 model does not have the parts shown in #1 and #3 on the preceding page.
It must be disconnected at the fuse #5 from the frame it was attached to, swung back to the transport posi-
tion, and then locked using the lock bar supplied on the mower.
Transport
Warning: Be careful when changing the mower’s position from the transport position to the operating
position and vise versa.

Rev. 08/22
Attaching to TractorAttaching PTO Shaft
During the transport:
• Lift the mower with the hydraulic lifting unit to the upper position to ensure the space between the stump
jumper of the cutting drum and the ground of at least 40cm, tighten the side chains of the tractor’s bottom
push rods so the machine does not swing to the sides.
• Always make sure that the ball valve is locked during transport.
• Furthermore:
• Check the securing elements
• Install the warning plate with lights and the plate for slow-moving vehicles.
• Pay attention to the mower overlap over the tractor during the turns or relapses.
Adjusting the Mower to the Operating Position:
• Reposition the mower from the transport position to the operating position prior to starting the operation.
To do that, the following must be done:
• Place the mower and the tractor on an even, horizontal surface.
• On a mower with hydraulics installed move the ball valve lever to the open position. Then lower the
mower to the horizontal position. The mower should stay in that position throughout the entire time of
operating the mower. Be extra careful when lowering the mower from the vertical to the horizontal
position. Be sure the area is clean and free from obstructions.
• On the mower without hydraulics (i.e., a manual system), the lever should be moved to the upper position
(Position 4 in the drawing below), and then lower the mower to just above the ground.
• Stand behind the machine (shown in the top drawing on the following page in the X spot) and pull the line
causing the latch to slide out (Position 1 in the bottom drawing on the following page) from the opening
(Position 3), take the mower by the cutting system’s cover and turn it to the operating position.
• Put the fuse in (Position 1) the upper suspension frame pin (Position 2) and secure it with a cotter (Position
3).
Proper positioning of the mower in the operating position ensures a safe and high quality and efficiency
operation.
The PTO shaft may be connected to the tractor only during the time of the mower’s operation, but during
transport or maintenance works it should be disassembled.
Transport
Lever Operating Position

Rev. 08/22
Attaching to TractorAttaching PTO Shaft
Transport
Changing the mower’s position from the transport position to the operating position and vise versa.
Changing the mower’s position to the operating position.