Votex FLV Series User manual

FLV
Shredder

EC Declaration of conformity for machines
Manufacturer: HMF KG d. Richard Frei& Co.
Adresse : Handwerkerstraße Nr. 23
Code postal +town: I-39057 Eppan (BZ) Italy
declare that the following machines
HMF FLV types : 125 150 175 200 and 225 nr…………………….
- meets the requirements of the directive
Directive 98-37-EC
and the national legislation concerning the execution of this directive
- meets the requirements of further EEC directives (only fill in if applicable)
and further declare that ;
the following (parts of ) harmonised norms have been applied
- EN 292-1 1994 / EN 292-2 1996
- EN 745 1999
Made in Eppan on : ……………………
……………………………
(signature)
Richard Frei
General Manager.

USER'S MANUAL AND PARTS LIST
VOTEX FLV SHREDDER
Applicable to the following types:
FLV 125
FLV 150
FLV 175
FLV 200
FLV 225
delivered after 01 January 2004
VOTEX B.V.
P.O. Box 30
6666 ZG HETEREN
HK 002 The Netherlands
tel: [phone]
fax:[phone]
Internet : www.votex.nl
E-mail : [email protected]

Votex FLV 2

Votex FLV 3
Index
Page
1. Introduction 5
2. Safety 6
1. Safety instructions 6
2. Pictograms 11
3. Type plate 13
3. Technical specifications 14
4. Transport and storage of the shredder 14
5. Putting the shredder into operations 15
1. Coupling the shredder to the tractor 15
2. Connecting the tractor hydraulic system 16
3. Mounting the PTO shaft 16
6. Working with the shredder 17
1. PTO shaft speed 17
2. Adjusting the cutting height 17
3. Adjusting the rake teeth 18
4. Vibrations in the shredder 18
5. Uncoupling the shredder 18
7. Maintenance 19
1. Hammers, bolts and hammer mountings 20
2. Protection 20
3. Greasing points 21
4. Hydraulic system 22
5. Gearbox 22
6. V-belt transmission. Removing and mounting the
V-belt guard and V-belts 23
7. V-belt tensioning 23
8. Winter storage 24

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8. Scrapping the shredder 24
9. Appendix 24
A. Ordering parts 25
B. Liability and warranty 25
C. Notes 26
D. Conversion table 27
E. Tightening moments 27

Votex FLV 5
1. Introduction
Your have acquired a Votex FLV shredder. We wish you much success with this
machine and thank you for your confidence in our organization. This manual is
intended for end users and service engineers. Work that may only be done by
service engineers is indicated as such in this book.
This manual contains complete information about safety, operation and maintenance
of the Votex FLV shredders. We urge you to study this manual carefully, and then
keep it in a safe place for future reference.
Following the rules and recommendations herein described will ensure a properly
operating machine and reduce the risk of accidents!
The Votex FLV shredder is a machine with which plant growth is struck off by heavy
hammers fixed to a fast-rotating shaft, then reduced and thrown back to the ground
through a hood.
The machine is intended to be used with tractors. It enables you to mow and shred
grass, weeds and wood wildshoots having a maximum diameter of 5 cm.
The machines have been designed for mowing:
- grass, and shredding wood wildshoots
- fallow grounds
- landscape maintenance
Important! Any other use is not in accordance with the intended purpose!
The tractor operator must be appropriately qualified and have experience in driving
tractors.
The Votex FLV shredder must not be used for mowing operations in the vicinity of
areas presenting fire and/or explosion hazards.
The shredder may be used only when the ground roller rests on the ground with its
full width.
Votex B.V. is constantly working on improving its products. It therefore reserves the
right to make any such changes, modifications and/or improvements as it deems
necessary. However, this does not imply any obligation on its part to make such
changes, modifications and/or improvements to machines previously supplied.

2. Safety.
2.1. Safety instructions.
This symbol points to acute danger to the life and/or health of human
beings and animals!
This symbol is a warning of possible damage to the mower if the user
does not follow the instructions.
This gives the user suggestions/recommendations for performing
certain tasks safer and easier.
- Study the user's manual thoroughly so that you will be aware of situations
that may cause danger. Make sure you are familiar with the operation of the
tractor, and, in particular, how to stop it in an emergency. Pass all safety
instructions on to other users!
- Never let the rotor shaft run when the ground roller is not resting on the
ground with its full length!
- The exhaust gases of combustion engines contain carbon monoxide, an
odourless and lethal poison. So, never let the tractor engine run in a
confined space.
- In addition to the specific directions contained in this user's manual, also
observe the general regulations in force with regard to safety and the
prevention of accidents!
- The pictograms on the machine provide important directions for safe use.
Following these directions will serve your own safety. Replace any
damaged pictograms!
- Wear ear protectors at noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A)! Never when using
public roads, however!
- When using the machine, wear as much as possible close-fitting clothes!
- When using public roads, always observe the road traffic regulations in
force!
- Tractors with machines attached to them may be driven only by
appropriately qualified persons with sufficient experience!
- Observe the maximum admissible transport dimensions!
- If necessary, fit a lighting beam and/or warning signs!
- For road transport, put the machine into the appropriate position and lock it
in accordance with directions (see chapter 4)!
- When driving on the road with the machine raised, make sure the operating
lever of the lifting device has been secured against unintentional lowering!
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- If necessary, fit front weights. Always do so in accordance with the
instructions of the tractor manufacturer. Observe the requirements for the
maximum admissible axle load/total weight and the minimum front axle load
required (road traffic regulations)!
- Do not take any passengers to ride along with you on any part, irrespective
of their age!
- Hoses and cables for cylinders and lighting are to be disposed in such a
way that they cannot be damaged under any transport and operating
conditions. Be especially mindful of the fact that wrongly placed hoses may
activate unintended movements or impede necessary functions!
- When taking bends, always bear in mind the greater width and length of
your tractor and the greater mass (inertia) of the tractor and mower!
- Before driving off and putting the shredder into operation, look around the
machine and the tractor, making sure there are no persons within the
working range. Make sure you have an unobstructed view!
- It is prohibited to come within the shredder's working and danger range.
Keep your distance! Objects (stones and the like) may be hurled
away.
- Operate the shredder only when it is complete and all safeguards are intact.
- The speed must be adapted to the terrain and working conditions!
- It is dangerous to work with the tractor on slopes!
Do not mow with the machine on slopes having a gradient of more than 5%!
- Mow only in daylight or good artificial light!
RESIDUAL RISK! The safety guards on the Votex shredders meet the
relevant requirements as set by the European Commission!
Nonetheless, there will be some residual risk to be taken into account.
Objects in the terrain may be picked up and hurled away by the
hammers! This may cause serious injury or damage up to a distance of
about 50 metres!
In order to minimize this risk, act in accordance with the following safety
recommendations:
1. Alwaysproceedinaccordancewiththe requirementsof the road maintenance
authority and observe the local ordinances and regulations.
2. If possible, close off roads, cycle paths, footpaths or bridle paths. If this is not
feasible, use a mobile road barrier so that road users will stay at a safe
distance from the machine.
3. Close off navigable waterways when you have to mow along them. If this is
not feasible, put up warning signs!
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- After bumping into an obstacle, check the shredder for any damage.
- Immediately repair any damage before resuming working with the machine!
Stay outside the link-motion range of moving parts!
- Make sure to avoid toppling over! Work only on sufficiently solid ground!
- The following measures must be taken when leaving the tractor and/or
when work is to be done on the machine or PTO shaft:
- Switch off the PTO shaft.
- Put the gear lever of the tractor into neutral.
- Pull the parking brake of the tractor.
- Set the machine entirely down.
- Stop the tractor motor and remove the key from the ignition lock.
- Always wait for the rotor shaft to stop completely before approaching the
machine!
Machine is still coming to a standstill! Stay away from rotating parts until
they have stopped completely!
- Make sure the supporting leg is in the lower locked position when coupling
or uncoupling the shredder!
- Proceed very carefully when coupling and uncoupling the shredder. Be
particularly alert to the danger of getting trapped due to accidental operation
of the lifting device. Secure the machine laterally by sufficiently tightening
the stabilizers.
PTO shaft:
- Only use the PTO shaft with freewheel specified by the manufacturer.
- Protecting tubes and guards at the PTO shaft and the guards on tractor and
machine must be properly fixed and in good condition!
- Ensure the specified overlapping of PTO shaft halves and protecting tubes,
both in the transport and operating position (see user's manual of PTO
shaft manufacturer).
- The PTO shaft may be coupled and uncoupled only when the tractor engine
has stopped, the ignition key has been removed, and the machine rests on
the ground.
- Always ensure that the PTO shaft is properly mounted and blocked!
- Secure the guard of the PTO shaft against turning with the shaft by
fastening both chains to a fixed point on the tractor and machine sides!
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- Before switching on the PTO shaft, make sure that the speed and direction
of rotation of the PTO shaft correspond to the machine to be driven! The
speed and direction of rotation are indicated on the shredder by a
pictogram!
- The rpm indicated must never be exceeded!
- Never switch the PTO shaft on when the engine is not running!
- Stay away from a rotating PTO shaft!
- Always switch the PTO shaft off when the angles of the PTOs threaten to
become too great!
- Hang an uncoupled PTO shaft into the bracket provided for this purpose on
the three-point linkage!
- Fix the protective bush onto the PTO shaft of the tractor as soon as the
PTO shaft has been uncoupled!
Hydraulic system (if provided)
- A hydraulic system operates under high pressure!
If a leak occurs in it, depressurize the system immediately, collect oil
leaking away, and replace defective parts!
Never put your finger to a hydraulic leak!
Liquid under high pressure easily penetrates skin and clothes, and
causes serious injury. If this should happens, consult a physician
immediately! Oil leaking away is quite harmful to the environment!
Take measure to prevent oil leakage!
- Regularly check hydraulic hoses, lines and all connections. Replace them
when damaged or aged. New hoses must meet the technical requirements
of the manufacturer!
- Shut down the tractor engine, remove the ignition key and depressurize the
hydraulic system before coupling or uncoupling the machine or before doing
any work on the hydraulic system.
- Immediately fit the dust caps onto disconnected hydraulic hoses.
- Lay hoses in such a way as to exclude any soiling and damage!
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Maintenance and inspections:
Maintenance and inspections on the underside of the machine must
never be carried out when the machine is held only by the tractor
lifting device. Always take special precautions in order to prevent an
unexpected lowering of the machine. Use a tackle or horse whose
minimum carrying capacity exceeds or is equal to the mass of the
machine (See type plate).
Vibrations in the shredder are usually caused by the rotor shaft being
out of balance. These vibrations may cause serious damage to the
shredder. When during mowing operations there is a clearly
noticeable increase in vibrations or change in sound produced by the
shredder, stop operations immediately, locate the cause and eliminate
it before continuing the work!
- Regularly check hammers, bolts and hammer mounting plates on the rotor
shaft for wear. For minimum dimensions required, see chapter 7.1!
- Make sure the rotor shaft is provided with all hammers equally worn off!
- Damaged or worn hammers and bolts must be replaced immediately!
- Immediately replace rotor shafts that are out of balance or rotor shafts with
worn mounting plates!
- Regularly check the metal protecting flaps on the front side of the cutting
head. Make sure the flaps can rotate freely at all times. Replace bent or
worn flaps immediately. It is prohibited by law to work with this machine
without protecting flaps/guards or if they are worn!!
- Only such persons are allowed to work with and/or on the shredder as are
perfectly familiar with it and well aware of possible dangers!
- Any and all work to be done on the shredder is allowed to be carried out
only with solid and proper tools.
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2.2. Pictograms (see figure 2.1.):
1. Caution! Hydraulic system under high pressure. Do not attempt to seal a
leak by hand. Read the user's manual (Votex no.20.10.618)
2. Direction of rotation and maximum PTO shaft speed 540 rpm (Votex no.
20.10.600)
3. Caution! Danger of getting trapped by V-belt transmission (Votex no.
20.10.621)
4. Before putting the machine into service, read the user's manual and safety
instructions and observe them. (Votex no. 20.10.604)
5. Before carrying out any maintenance and repairs, shut down the engine
and remove ignition key. (Votex no. 20.10.609)
6. Do not touch any rotating parts before the machine has come to a standstill.
(Votex no. 20.10.605)
7. Never come within the link-motion range of moving parts.
(Votex no. 20.10.608)
8. Lift the machine only at the lifting lug. (Votex no. 20.10.610)
9. Caution! Rotating shaft! (Votex no. 20.10.620)
10. When operating the lifting device, stay outside the lifting range of the three-
point linkage. (Votex no. 20.10.611)
11 Keep your distance! Never put your feet under the cutting cap!
(Votex no. 20.10.612)
12. Keep your distance when the rotor shaft is rotating. (Votex no. 20.10.606)
13. Type plate

Figure 2.1 : Pictograms and type plate on the machine
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2.3. Type plate.
The type plate is provided on the gearbox support.
The plate contains the following data:
- Brand name : VOTEX
- Name and address of manufacturer:
- CE marking : CE
- Model : FLV
- Type : 125-150-175-200 or 225
- Serial number :
- Year of construction :
- Mass : 470-525-590-665 of 690 kg
- Nominal output :
- Max. hydraulic operating pressure : 180 bars
- Maximum R.P.M. of cutting rotor : 2100 rpm
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3. Technical specifications
Votex FLV type 125 150 175 200 225
Cutting width in cm 125 150 175 200 225
Cutting height in cm 2-12 2-12 2-12 2-12 2-12
Mass in kg 470 525 590 665 690
Max. mitre in rel. to
tractor centre in cm 105 130 155 180 205
Mounting category I I+II I+II I+II I+II
Mounting Rear Rea
r
Rear Rear Rear
PTO shaft rpm 540 540 540 540 540
For all types, the sound pressure produced at normal operating speed amounts to 94
dB(A), measured at a height of 1.60 m and at a distance of 1 m from the shredder.
4. Transport and storage of the shredder.
Transport of the shredder is to take place with the rotor shaft standing still and the
lateral-movement cylinder (if provided) in the shortest position (mitre position as
narrow as possible).
The shredder (when not coupled to a tractor) may be moved only when the following
conditions have been met:
- supporting leg in lower position and locked,
- cylinder for swinging the shredder from side to side in the shortest position
(shredder as narrow as possible),
- PTO shaft, if mounted, in the bracket provided for this purpose on the three-
point linkage.
When not coupled to a tractor, the shredder can only be moved by lifting it at a lifting
lug (see pictogram on cutting head). To this end, use a lifting gear having a lifting
capacity exceeding or equal to the mass of the shredder. For this, see the type plate
on the machine.
Place the shredder on horizontal solid ground with a minimum
strength of 400 kPa (approx. 4 kg/cm²).
When the shredder is to be stored, the cylinder must be in its fully slid-in position in
view of the risk of damage or corrosion to the chromium-plated piston rod.
For winter storage, we refer to chapter 7.8.
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5. Putting the shredder into operation.
Prior to coupling the shredder, check whether the data (see figure 5.1.) on direction
and speed of rotation as stated on the machine correspond to the direction and
speed of rotation of the tractor PTO shaft.
Figure 5.1
Speed and direction
of rotation of PTO
shaft
5.1. Coupling the shredder to the tractor.
The Votex FLV shredder can be mounted to tractors using a cat. I linkage
mechanism (FLV125 ) or II (other models)
To couple the shredder to the tractor, proceed as follows:
- place the tractor in front of the shredder so that the drawbars can be
coupled to the machine,
- pull the parking brake of the tractor and put the gear lever(s) into neutral.
Votex FLV 15
When operating the linkage mechanism, stay outside the lifting range
of the three-point linkage.
- fix both drawbars to the shredder using the lifting-arm pins and fit the spring
clips,
- turn off the tractor engine and remove the ignition key,
- mount the PTO shaft and both chains of the guard,
- mount the top bar, top-bar pin(s) and secure them,
- adjust the machine horizontally by turning the top bar,
- reduce the lateral play of the shredder in the three-point linkage to a
minimum.

5.2. Connecting the tractor hydraulic system. (if provided)
Before connecting the hydraulic hoses, turn off the tractor engine, remove ignition
key, and depressurize the tractor hydraulic system!
The hydraulic hoses of the Votex FLV are provided with 1/2" BSP (male) connectors.
The female connectors should be on the tractor. A double-acting control valve is
required for the lateral movement of the cutting head. Any costs to be incurred for
adapting the tractor hydraulic system will be for account of the user.
After disconnecting the hydraulic hoses, the dust caps included in the delivery must
be pushed on the quick connectors so as to prevent sand and dirt from getting into
the tractor hydraulic system.
Damage to the tractor hydraulic system cannot be charged to the manufacturer.
Normal use of the Votex FLV shredder will not lead to the tractor hydraulic system
being loaded heavily.
5.3. Mounting the PTO shaft.
Before mounting the PTO shaft, turn off tractor engine and remove ignition key!
Use the PTO shaft of the Votex FLV shredder in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
The PTO shaft is to be mounted to the side of the machine with the ratched
freewheel. Make sure that PTO shaft connections are well secured to tractor and
shredder. Only use a complete PTO shaft guard provided with securing chains which
must be firmly fastened to the tractor and shredder so that it cannot turn with the
shaft.
Take into account all angles that the PTO shaft can conceivably form.
In addition, both the tractor and the machine must be provided at the shaft ends with
solid guards overlapping the PTO shaft guard by at least 50 mm.
The PTO shaft must not be too long. To determine the proper shaft length,
the upward movements and swinging of the machine and the turning
inwards and outwards of the top bar must be taken into account. For
mounting, shortening and maintenance, see the user's manual of the PTO
shaft!
Votex FLV 16