Ventrac KV550 V-BLADE User manual

REVISED 02/05/20
09.10028
KV550
V-BLADE
OWNER/OPERATOR’S
MANUAL & PARTS LIST

ii
TO THE OWNER
Orrville, OH
www.ventrac.com
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
location 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: ____________________________________________________________
Model # (A): _______________________
Serial # (B): ________________________
Affix Part/Serial Number label here
Venture Products Inc. reserves the right to make changes
in design or specifications without obligation to make like
changes on previously manufactured products.
A
B

TABLE OF CONTENTS
iii
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
Leveling the Blade - Side to Side .........................C-1
Leveling the Blade - Front to Back.........................C-2
Adjusting the Skid Shoes .............................C-2
Attaching and Detaching..............................C-3
Spring Safety Trip Mechanism ...........................C-4
Tips and Techniques................................C-4
MAINTENANCE/ADJUSTMENTS SECTION D
Maintenance Intervals ...............................D-1
PARTS & ILLUSTRATED DRAWINGS SECTION E
Blade & Frame.................................E-1 & 2
Spring Safety Trip ...............................E-3 & 4
Blade Hydraulics................................E-5 & 6
PARTS/OPTIONS SECTION F
Snow Containment Flap & Polyurethane Cutting Edge ............F-1 & 2
Flare Extension, Straight Extension, & Extension W/Flare ..........F-3 & 4
WARRANTY

A-1
INTRODUCTION
Product Description
KV550 V-Blade
The KV550 V-Blade is designed for use on any Ventrac power unit and has all the
capabilities of a conventional blade with the added versatility of being able to sweep
both wings back for single pass clearing of sidewalks or sweeping both wings forward to
easily clear large areas without the need for repeated clean-up passes.
Through the auxiliary control lever on the Ventrac power unit, each blade wing is able to
angle forward or backward up to 30 degrees with infinite variability, each wing is
independently controlled with a 12V electro-hydraulic valve activated by a toggle switch
on the power unit.*
Options include:
•6” Wide Top Flare Extension
•6” Straight Edge Extension
•6” Extension With 6” Top Flare
•Snow Containment Flap (Rubber)
•Polyurethane Cutting Edge
Ventrac KV550 Specifications
Height Overall ................................24 inches
Length ....................................33 inches
Width - Straight ...............................55 inches
- Straight with 6” Extension Option ..................67 inches
- “V” Forward/Backward .......................48 inches
- “V” Forward/Backward with 6” Extension Option ..........57 inches
Weight...................................240 pounds
Blade wing height ..............................20 inches
Angling - Left and Right Blade ..........30 degrees forwards & backwards
Skid Shoes .................................Adjustable
Cutting Edge ..........................Reversible/Hardened
Venture Products, Inc. reserves the right to change these specifications without notice.
* To operate the KV550 V-Blade, the power unit must be equipped with one of the following
12V switch and plug kits:
Model Kit Number
3000 - Serial Number HBA1347 and higher .................70.3007
3000 - Serial Number HBA1346 and lower ..................70.3008
3100/3200...................................70.3016
4100/4200...................................70.4039
4000......................................70.4046

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

B-2
The following decals must be maintained on your Ventrac attachment. If any
decals are faded or missing, contact your dealer promptly for replacements.
SAFETY
AB
Decal Page &
Location Description Part Number
AE-3, #8 Read Owners Manual 00.0217
BE-3, #1 (2) Warning - Pinch Point 00.0218

B-3
SAFETY
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,
medication that may impair judgment or cause drowsiness, or if you are not feeling well.
Operate all controls from the operators 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 (power unit)
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.
Immediately stop at any sign of equipment failure and correct the problem before continuing
to operate. An unusual noise can be a warning of equipment failure.
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, stop the engine, remove the key, and make sure the
parking brake is engaged.

SAFETY
B-4
KV550 Safety Procedures
Before making any repairs or adjustments, lower
attachment to the ground, set parking brake, shut
the engine off, and remove the key.
•Operators should be familiar with the area they are clearing and make preparations
ahead of time. Place guide stakes appropriately, remove stones, markers, or other
debris that may be hidden after a snowfall. Curbs, offsets, steps, man hole covers,
broken or raised pavement, etc. should be noted. Operators should map areas to be
cleared before the winter season so they can review potential hazards prior to
clearing snow in the area.
•If an area is to be cleared that is unfamiliar to the operator, travel slowly and use
EXTREME CAUTION. Inquire of anyone who might know of potential hazards.
•The operator should never proceed if visibility is poor. If the tractor is equipped with a
cab the windshield must be kept clean.
•Use caution when operating around objects that can obstruct your vision.
•Never travel at speeds that would cause injury to the operator or damage to the
machine, if the machine were to be stopped suddenly by an unseen, immovable
object.
•Always operate the blade with the safety trip mechanism in the unlock position,
unless digging in dirt at very low speeds. (See C-4, Ref 1&2, Operation.)
Read and understand the operator’s manual before
operating this equipment.

SETUP
C-1
Leveling the Blade – Side to Side
1. Make sure that the tractor tires are inflated to the correct pressure.*
2. With the blade attached to the tractor and the tractor on a level surface, move the
right and left blade wings to the straight position (both sides perpendicular to the
tractor.) (See page C-3 , Operation for attaching.)
3. If the tractor is equipped with a weight transfer, release the weight transfer
system.*
4. Lower the V-Blade to the ground and place the tractor’s front lift in the float
position.
5. Check to see if the cutting edges are making even contact with the ground. If they
are not, raise the blade all the way up and support with safety stands. Loosen the
five 1/2” bolts that fasten the center pivot frame (page E-1/ ref. 7) to the center
pivot shaft (page E-1/ ref. 20) and to the center skid shoe. (page E-1, ref. 19)
6. Sliding the bottom of the center pivot frame left or right in relationship to the
center pivot shaft will raise or lower the outside corners of the blade wings.
Moving the bottom to the right will raise the right side of the blade and lower the
left side and moving it to the left will do the opposite. It may be helpful to use a
jack or hoist to pick up the appropriate side of the blade and then tighten the bolts
that were loosened in step 5.
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5. If blade is still not level repeat step 6.
8. Once the blade is level, tighten the hardware that was loosened to 80 ft-lb.
*NOTE: See Tractor Operators Manual
Before making any repairs or adjustments, lower
attachment to the ground, set parking brake, shut
the engine off, and remove the key.
If a function requires the tractor to be running, only
operate while sitting on the seat.

SETUP
C-2
Adjusting The Skid shoes
1. Make sure that the blade is level side to side. (See page C-1, Setup.)
2. With the blade attached to the tractor and the tractor on a level surface, move
the right and left blade wings to the straight position (both sides perpendicular to
the tractor.) (See page C-3, Attaching.)
3. If the tractor is equipped with a weight transfer, release the weight transfer
system.*
4. Lower the V-Blade to the ground and place the tractor front lift in the float
position.
5. Loosen the bolts holding the skid shoes and slide the skid shoes down until they
contact the ground. Re-tighten the bolts to 35 ft-lbs.
Note: If blade is to be used on gravel the shoes can be set lower than the cutting edge to
keep gravel displacement to a minimum. To set the shoes lower than the cutting edge, place an
appropriate spacer of the desired thickness under the cutting edge before lowering the blade to
the ground. Loosen the skid shoe mounting bolts and slide the shoes down until they touch the
ground. Re-tighten the mounting bolts to 35 ft-lbs.
Leveling The Blade – Front to Rear
1. Make sure that the blade is level side to side. (See page C-1, Setup)
2. With the blade attached to the tractor and the tractor on a level surface, move
the right and left blade wings back into the V position.
3. If the tractor is equipped with a weight transfer, release the weight transfer
system.*
4. Lower the V-Blade and place the tractor front lift in the float position.
5. Check to see if the cutting edges are making even contact with the ground. If
they are not, loosen the adjusting bolt jam nut (page E-1/ref. 8).
6. Turn the adjusting bolt in or out depending on which way the blade needs
adjusted. Turning the bolt in will lower the outside corners of the blade and
turning it out will do the opposite.
7. Once the cutting edges are making even contact with the ground, tighten the jam
nut to 100 ft. Lbs.
8. Loosen the two 1/2” bolts holding the lockout plate (page E-1/ref. 13) to the hitch
frame and slide the plate in the mounting slots until the lockout hole is aligned
with the hole in the hitch frame. Use the lockout pin (page E-1/ref. 11) to make
sure the holes are lined up and that the pin can be installed.
*NOTE: See Tractor Operators Manual

OPERATION
C-3
Attaching:
1. Drive the tractor forward slowly into the hitch arms of the blade. Align the hitch
arms with the blade arms by raising or lowering the front hitch and complete the
engagement.
2. Once completely engaged, close the front hitch latch.*
3. Set the parking brake, shut off the tractor engine, and remove the key.*
4. Wipe the ends of the hoses clean and connect to the tractor’s hydraulic quick
couplers.* If equipped, connect the hoses and quick couplers so the red
indicators are paired together and the yellow indicators are paired together.
5. Connect the 12V. plug to the outlet mounted just above the hydraulic quick
couplers. NOTE: To be able to use the V-Blade, the tractor must be equipped
with the 12V switch and plug. If it is not equipped with this kit, see your servicing
Ventrac Dealer. (Refer to page A-1, for correct kit number.)
6. “Weight Transfer System” may be used. Adjust so that blade will go down in the
float position.*
Detaching:
1. Park the tractor on a level surface and set the parking brake.*
2. Lower the blade to the ground and retract both blade wings to the back position.
3. Shut off engine and remove key.
4. Disconnect the 12V plug from the outlet.
5. Move the auxiliary control lever side to side several times to release any
hydraulic pressure in the hoses connected to the quick couplers.
Note: This will help prevent difficulty in connecting the hoses the next time the
V-Blade is attached to the tractor.
6. Disconnect the hydraulic hoses from the quick couplers and insert them through
the chain hook hole on the hitch frame to keep them out of the dirt.*
7. Disengage hitch latch.*
8. Restart the tractor and slowly back away from the blade.
*NOTE: See Tractor Operators Manual

OPERATION
C-4
Tips and Technique’s
•Each blade wing may be angled independently of the other. The wings can be angled
from 30º forwards, to 30º backwards.
•Each blade wing is controlled with a 12V solenoid valve on the blade. To select which
blade wing is to be operated, simply change the position of the switch on the tractor.
Then move the auxiliary lever until the blade reaches the desired angle.
•The V-Blade is equipped with adjustable skid shoes to allow ground clearance of
different heights. They can be adjusted high enough to allow the cutting edge to
scrape the surface being cleared or adjusted down to reduce the amount of displaced
gravel during snow removal.
•If the skid shoes are used to determine the depth of dozing, use the float position.
•Prior to dozing, ensure the work area is clear of obstacles, hazards, and personnel.
•Down pressure may be used for digging or cleaning a hard surface, however, the
tractor’s steering ability may be reduced.
•Back dragging is ideal to spread loose material.
•Always lower the blade to the ground and retract both blade wings to the back
position, when not in use. This keeps the hitch arms up for attaching.
Spring Safety Trip Mechanism
The KV550 blade is equipped with a spring
safety trip mechanism. This helps prevent
sudden unexpected stops caused when
contact is made with uneven sidewalk joints,
rocks, or other immovable objects. The
spring safety trip mechanism is unlocked
when the pin is in the outer storage hole
(see figure 1.) For heavy dozing, the pin can
be installed in the lockout hole, locking the
spring safety trip mechanism (see figure 2.)
This position is recommended only for
digging or scrapping at a very slow speed.
The V-Blade will not trip with the pin in
the Lockout hole!!
Figure 1
Figure 2
Outer Storage Hole
Lockout Hole
On power units with a 2 speed transaxle,
always use Low when the blade is in the
locked position.

MAINTENANCE/ADJUSTMENTS
D-1
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check for loose, missing, or damaged parts.
EVERY 25 HOURS
1. Oil the center hinge pin (page E-1/ref. 20) at each pivot bushing joint and at the
top of the pin with any weight or grade of engine oil, or a penetrating lubricant.
2. Oil the safety trip pivot shaft (page E-3/ref. 11) on both sides where it goes
through the center connecting frame(page E-3/ref. 2) with any weight or grade of
engine oil, or a penetrating lubricant.
3. Grease each end of the hydraulic cylinders. Grease each joint until grease comes
out top and bottom of the cylinder pivots.
4. Check for loose or missing hardware.
5. Check cutting edges for wear. Once the cutting edges wear down close to the
blade structure, they will need reversed. Once both sides of the cutting edge are
worn, they will need replaced. Always reverse or replace both cutting edges at
the same time.
Note: If the blade is used extensively in the scooped forward position or in the left or right an-
gled positions it is normal for the forward corners of the cutting edge to wear faster than the
rest of the edge. To help minimize this effect make sure the blade is level side to side and
that the skid shoes are adjusted properly. See set up procedure page C-1)
6. Check skid shoes for wear. Adjust or replace as needed. Shoes should be
replaced once 75% of the wear surface thickness is worn away.
7. Check the center skid plate for wear (page E-1/ref. 19). Replace as needed or
with every cutting edge replacement.

PARTS
E-1
ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
BLADE & FRAME

BLADE & FRAME
PARTS
E-2
REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1.....97.0608 ...........3/8-16 x 1 Carriage Bolt ..........................4
2.....78.0055 ...........Cutting Edge, Hardened ..........................2
3.....99.SF06 ..........3/8-16 Flange Nut.............................14
4.....62.1022 ...........Right Wing Frame (Serial # 1003-1124) ..................1
......62.1250 ...........Right Wing Frame (Serial # 1125 -) ....................1
5.....62.1023 ...........Left Wing Frame (Serial # 1003-1124) ...................1
......62.1251 ...........Left Wing Frame (Serial # 1125 -) .....................1
6.....64.0677 ...........Skid Shoe .................................2
7.....62.1025 ...........Center Cylinder Mount Frame (Serial # 1003-1124) ............1
......62.1252 ...........Center Cylinder Mount Frame (Serial # 1125 -) ..............1
8.....99.E0076 ..........5/8-11 Jam Nut ...............................1
9.....90.1016 ...........5/8-11 x 2 Bolt ...............................1
10 .....02.HP0416 .........1/8 x 2 Hairpin ...............................1
11 .....03.1020 ...........5/8 x 2-1/2 Clevis Pin ...........................1
12 .....99.SF08 ..........1/2-13 Flange Nut .............................1
13 .....64.1134 ...........Safety Trip Lock Plate ...........................1
14 .....62.1024 ...........Hitch Frame ................................1
15 .....99.A08 ...........1/2-13 Lock Nut ..............................6
16 .....95.08 ............1/2 SAE Flat Washer ...........................12
17 .....90.0810 ...........1/2-13 x 1-1/4 Bolt .............................2
18 .....90.0814 ...........1/2-13 x 1-3/4 Bolt .............................1
19 .....64.1135 ...........Center Skid Plate .............................1
20 .....80.0351 ...........Center Hinge Shaft.............................1
21 .....00.0189 ...........Decal, Ventrac ...............................1
22 .....99.B0078 ..........14 ga. x 1-1/4 Mach. Washer........................3
23 .....90.0812 ...........1/2-13 x 1-1/2 Bolt .............................4
24 .....97.0610 ...........3/8-16 x 1-1/4 Carriage Bolt .......................10
25 .....94.05 ............5/16 USS Flat Washer ...........................4

PARTS
E-3
ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
SPRING SAFETY TRIP

SPRING SAFETY TRIP
PARTS
E-4
REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1.....00.0218 ...........Decal, Danger - Pinching Hazard .....................2
2.....62.1025 ...........Center Cylinder Mount Frame (Serial # 1003-1124) ............1
......62.1252 ...........Center Cylinder Mount Frame (Serial # 1125 -) ..............11
3.....00.0100 ...........Decal, Made in USA ............................1
4.....41.0076 ...........Extension Spring, 2” OD x 12-3/8 .....................4
5.....99.K0094 ..........3/8-16 x 4-1/4 Hanger Bolt .........................4
6.....62.1024 ...........Hitch Frame ................................1
7.....92.06 ............3/8-16 Nut .................................8
8.....00.0217 ...........Decal, Warning - Read Owner’s Manual ..................1
9.....99.SF06 ..........3/8-16 Flange Nut .............................1
10 .....99.SF0608 .........3/8-16 x 1 Flange Bolt ...........................1
11 .....80.0352 ...........Safety Trip/Pivot Shaft ...........................1

PARTS
E-5
ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
BLADE HYDRAULICS

BLADE HYDRAULICS
PARTS
E-6
REF. PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1.....90.0828 ...........1/2-13 x 3-1/2 Bolt (Serial # 1003-1124) ..................4
......90.1032 ...........5/8-11 x 4 Bolt (Serial # 1125 -) ......................4
2.....99.A08 ...........1/2-13 Lock Nut (Serial # 1003-1124) ...................4
......99.A10 ...........5/8-11 Lock Nut (Serial # 1125 -) ......................4
3.....23.0137 ...........Cylinder, 1-1/2 x 8 x 1 Rod .........................2
4.....20.0112 ...........Hydraulic Hose Assembly - 1/4 x 28 ....................2
5.....25.6801-06-06 .......Hydraulic Fitting, 90 ME - 3/8 x 3/8 ....................4
6.....20.0136 ...........Hydraulic Hose Assembly - 1/4 x 36 ....................2
7.....25.6500-06-06 .......Hydraulic Fitting, 90 MFE - 3/8 x 3/8 ....................1
8.....25.2704-6-6-6LN ......Bulkhead T Fitting, 3/8 w/Lock Nut .....................1
9.....90.0416 ...........1/4-20 x 2 Bolt ...............................2
10 .....64.1136 ...........Hydraulic Fitting Mount Bracket ......................1
11 .....23.0136-1 ..........Directional Control Valve, 12 v .......................1
12 .....99.SF04 ..........1/4-20 Flange Nut .............................2
13 .....25.6801-06-04 .......Hydraulic Fitting, 90 ME - 3/8 x 1/4 ....................2
14 .....25.6400-06-04 .......Hydraulic Fitting, M Connector - 3/8 x 1/4 .................1
15 .....20.0209 ...........Hydraulic Hose Assembly - 1/4 x 45 ....................2
16 .....23.0104 ...........Male Quick Coupler ............................2
17 .....56.0060-36 .........Hose Sleeve, 1.25 x 36 ..........................1
18 .....34.1400-1011 ........Wire Assembly, 14 ga. Cord x 52 .....................1
......23.0136-2 ..........14 ga. Cord with 12V Control Valve Plug only ...............-
......30.0218 ...........4 Pin Male Plug only ............................-
19 .....29.GF0001 .........1/4-28 Grease Fitting............................4
20 .....64.1137 ...........Bushing, 9/16 x 1" x 2-1/16 (Serial # 1003-1124) .............4
......64.1248 ...........Bushing, 21/32 x 1" x 2-1/16" (Serial # 1125 -) ...............4
21 .....56.0060-24 .........Hose Sleeve, 1.25 x 24 ..........................2
22 .....95.04 ............1/4 SAE Flat Washer ............................2
23 .....95.10 ............5/8 SAE Flat Washer (Serial # 1125 -) ...................8
24 .....27.A04-1IN .........Hose, N eop Black 1/4 X 7/16 x 1" .....................1
25 .....05.0117 ...........Washer, .544ID x .817 x.14 Yel ......................1
26 .....05.0116 ...........Washer, .544ID x .817 x.14 Red ......................1

PARTS
F-1
ILLUSTRATED DRAWING
SNOW CONTAINMENT FLAP & POLYURETHANE CUTTING EDGE