Ventrac EC240 User manual

Revised 04/22/08
09.10044
SOD CUTTER
EC240
OWNER/OPERATOR’S
MANUAL & PARTS LIST

ii
TO THE OWNER
Orrville, OH
www.ventrac.com
Venture Products Inc. reserves the right to make changes
in design or specifications without obligation to make like
changes on previously manufactured products.
Model # (A): _______________________
Serial # (B): ________________________
Affix Part/Serial Number label here
Product Identification
If you need to contact an Authorized Ventrac Dealer for information on servicing your product,
always provide the Product Model and Serial numbers.
Please fill in the following information for future reference. See picture below to find the loca-
tion of the identification number. Record them in the spaces provided below.
Date of Purchase: Month _________________ Day ___________ Year ___________________
Dealer: _______________________________________________________________________
Dealer Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Dealer Phone Number: __________________________________________________________
Dealer FAX Number: ____________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION SECTION A
Description & Specifications .................................A-1
SAFETY SECTION B
Safety Symbols ........................................B-1
Decals ............................................B-2
General Safety Procedures..................................B-3
Safety Operation & Techniques................................B-4
OPERATION SECTION C
Attaching ...........................................C-1
Detaching...........................................C-1
Operating Techniques & Tips.................................C-1
MAINTENANCE/ADJUSTMENTS SECTION D
Blade Maintenance & Replacement .............................D-1
PARTS & ILLUSTRATED DRAWINGS SECTION E
Main Frame, Blade, & Roller ...............................E-1&2
WARRANTY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
iii

Product Description
EC240 Sod Cutter
Ideal for landscapers or homeowners, the EC240 sod cutter cleanly cuts sod for flowerbeds,
walkways, and lawns. With a cutting depth of 0 - 2-1/2", the EC240 can be used to cut thick lush
grass or even to shave off the last bit of dirt to prepare your work site.
The EC240 Sod Cutter features include:
•a 24" cutting width
•easy adjustment from 0 - 2-1/2" cutting depth
•a heavy duty steel frame
•maintenance free roller
A-1
INTRODUCTION
Ventrac EC240 Specifications
Overall Height ...................................11-1/2 inches
Overall Length ...................................23-1/2 inches
Overall Width......................................25inches
Cutting Width......................................24inches
Cutting Depth ..................................0-2-1/2 inches
Weight.........................................41pounds
Venture Products, Inc. reserves the right to change these specifications without notice.

SAFETY
B-1
ATTENTION:
This symbol identifies potential health and
safety hazards. It marks safety precau-
tions. Your safety and the safety of others
is involved.
SIGNAL WORD DEFINITIONS
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury and/or property dam-
age. It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is
limited to the most extreme cases.

The following safety decals must be maintained on your Ventrac attachment. If any
decals are faded or missing, contact your dealer promptly for replacements.
B-2
SAFETY
A B
Decal Page &
Location Description Part Number
AE-1, #16 Read Owners Manual 00.0217
BE-1, #17 General Safety 00.0220
CE-1, #21 Warning - Pinch Point 00.0218
C

General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Tractors, Attachments, & Accessories
Read and understand the operator’s manual before operating this equipment.
Observe and follow all safety decals.
DO NOT let children or any untrained person operate the tractor or attachment. Make sure that all
operators of this equipment are thoroughly trained in using it safely.
Never allow additional riders on the tractor or attachments.
DO NOT operate tractor or attachments if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
that may impair judgment or cause drowsiness, or if you are not feeling well.
Operate all controls from the operator’s seat only.
Before operating equipment, make sure all shields are in place and fastened.
Ensure the attachment or accessory is locked or fastened securely to the tractor before
operating. See tractor manual for locking procedure.
Ensure that all bystanders are clear of the tractor and attachment before operating. Be especially
careful and observant if other people are present. Never assume that bystanders will remain where
you last saw them.
Always look in the direction the tractor is moving.
Never direct the discharge of any attachment in the direction of people, animals, buildings, vehicles,
or objects of value.
Stop operation immediately at any sign of equipment failure and correct the problem before
continuing to operate. An unusual noise can be a warning of equipment failure or a sign that
maintenance is required.
Before adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, or changing parts on the tractor or attachment, engage the
parking brake, lower the attachment to the ground, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.
To prevent the risk of uncontrolled equipment movement on tractors equipped with 2 speed axles,
always shift the transaxle range with the tractor stationary on level ground and with the parking brake
engaged.
If equipment is to be left unattended, engage the parking brake, lower the attachment to the ground,
stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.
B-3
SAFETY

EC240 Safety Procedures
Drive the tractor at speeds that are safe (tractor stability and steering ability must be maintained) and
comfortable for the operator.
Prior to use, make sure the work area is clear of obstacles, hazards, and personnel.
The EC240 cutting blade is very sharp. Wear gloves and use caution when installing, removing,
adjusting, or handling the cutting blade.
Keep hands away from pinch points when adjusting the cutting depth.
SAFETY
B-4
Before making any repairs or adjustments, engage
the parking brake, disengage the weight transfer
system, lower attachment to the ground, shut the
engine off, and remove the key.
Read and understand the operator’s manual before
operating this equipment.

Attaching
1. If the EC240 Sod Cutter is sitting in an upright position, drive the tractor forward slowly into the
hitch arms of the sod cutter. Align the hitch arms with the sod cutter arms by raising or lowering
the front hitch and complete the engagement. If the sod cutter is not in an upright position, place
the tractor hitch arms to slightly above level. Set the parking brake on the tractor, shut off the en-
gine, and move to the front of the tractor. Pick up the sod cutter, align the hitch arms, and com-
plete the engagement. Caution: sharp blade.
2. Once completely engaged, close the front hitch locking lever.*
3. Engage the parking brake* and shut off the engine.
Detaching
1. Park the tractor on a level surface and set the parking brake.*
2. Lower the sod cutter to the ground.
3. Disengage the hitch locking lever.*
4. Slowly back the tractor away from the sod cutter.
* Refer to tractor manual for operation of controls.
Operating Techniques & Tips:
Determine the desired depth to cut the sod. Adjust the roller on the sod cutter by loosening the flange
nuts on the roller pivot clamps. Rotate the roller until the indicator on the roller mount bracket points to
the proper depth listed on the decal on the right side of the main frame. (See Figure 1) Tighten the
flange nuts.
If the tractor is equipped with the weight transfer
system, disengage the weight transfer prior to use.
Lower the EC240 sod cutter to the ground and apply
light down pressure. Do not place the SDLA lever (for
the front hitch) in the “float” position. Start moving the
tractor forward to begin cutting the sod. Maintain light
down pressure to allow the roller and cutting blade to
maintain the cutting depth. (Note: Depending on the
ground and type of sod, shallower depths may be
more difficult to start the cut. Work the tractor back
and forth to allow the cutting blade to penetrate the
root bed.) Adjust the front hitch height as the sod
cutter progresses through the cut to allow for uneven
ground and changing soil conditions.
If the blade 'skips out' in shallow depths because of
dense root networks, set the roller to create a deeper cut.
Do not make sharp turns with the cutting blade in the ground.
OPERATION
C-1
Figure 1

After use, clean the EC240 and apply a thin layer of environmentally friendly vegetable or corn oil to
the cutting blade to prevent rusting. Use caution when handling the cutting blade. Edges are sharp.
If the cutting blade becomes dull, it will need to be replaced. To replace, turn the sod cutter upside
down. Remove the (6) 5/16 x 3/4 flange bolts holding the cutting blade in place and remove the
blade. Attach the new cutting blade to the main frame as shown in Figure 2, using the flange bolts
removed from the old blade. Torque to 21 ft. lbs.
D-1
MAINTENANCE
Figure 2
Shown upside down
flange
bolts