Vrisimo 500 Series User manual

500 Series
Check to make sure attachment is completely lubricated.
Buyer is shown all grease fittings and proper gear oil height.
Oil in Gearbox checked for proper level and weight.
All bolts checked for tightness.
All hitch pins and retainer bolts in place.
All knives and linkages in place.
All shields in place.
Belts checked for proper adjustment.
PTO shaft checked for proper length.
Procedures for attaching mower/shredder to tractor demonstrated to end user.
Starting procedures explained to end user.
Operation guidelines as outlined in owner’s manual explained to end user.
Adjustment of cutting height, belts and mower height explained to end user.
Replacement of mower/shredder knives explained to owner.
Lubrication points shown to end user.
ALL safety precautions thoroughly read and understood.
Delivery Report Form
Prior to acceptance of the equipment, thoroughly check and mark off the items outlined in
the delivery checklist below with your sales representative. Make sure you fully understand
the operation, adjustment and safety rules as outlined in the operator’s manual. The sales
representative is responsible for going over this form with the owner and operator of this
attachment. This form also serves as your warranty registration. Fax to 209-882-9001.
Customer Information
Last Name Street Address
City
Attachment Information
Dealer Information
State Zip
Model Serial Number
Company Name Sales Rep. Name
Company Street Address City State Zip
The signatures below indicate that both the sales representative and the end user
have gone over the above checklist and all topics have been covered thoroughly.
Buyer Signature
Sales Rep. Signature
Date
Date
Fax this completed form to 209-882-9001

Table of Contents
Introduction
Thank You
Warranty Information
Safety
Safety Procedures
Maintenance Safety
Basic Operation
Attaching to Tractor
Starting Procedure
Running Your Shredder
Adjustments and Maintenance
Lubrication
Cutting Height and Belt Adjustment
Replacing the Knives
Cleaning Your Shredder
Transport, Removal and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Parts Catalog
Shredder Information
Top Shaft Assembly
Pulley Assembly
Cutter Drum Assembly
PTO Shaft Assembly
Gauge Roller Assembly
Rear Tines/Misc.
Gearbox Assembly
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500 Series

Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a Vrisimo Flail Mower or Shredder. This manual has been prepared to
acquaint you with the operation, adjustment and maintenance of your new attachment. Your mow-
er was carefully designed and manufactured under the highest industrial standards to give you
years of dependable service. Read this Operator Manual carefully and fully understand the opera-
tion of the machine before attempting to operate it. Each section has been clearly identified so you
can find the information you need. Vrisimo Equipment® reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or to make additions to or improvements in its product without im-
posing any obligation upon itself to install them on its products previously manufactured. If at any-
time you require additional information, consult your authorized Vrisimo Equipment® dealer or the
customer service department.
ATTENTION
The safety of the operator was one of the primary concerns of Vrisimo Equipment® when de-
signing this attachment. Shielding, simple adjustments and other safety features were built into
this mower whenever possible. You can make your home, orchard or farm a safer place to live
and work if you observe the precautions following this message. Be sure you and the people
working for you read and understand them. All machinery should be operated only by responsible
persons who have been trained to operate them in a safe manner.
Vrisimo Equipment® is
solely owned by Valley Tool and
Manufacturing.
Have industrial applications? Own a
skid steer or mini excavator? Visit
www.rockhound.com for our full line
of industrial applications.
Vrisimo Equipment
P.O. Box 220 - 2507 Tully Rd.
Hughson, CA 95326
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
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500 Series

Important to Purchaser
Customer Ownership Registration
Prior to acceptance of the equipment, thoroughly check off the pre-delivery checklist
with the sales representative. Be sure you fully understand the operation, adjust-
ment and safety rules as outlined in this manual.
Delivery Checklist
• Check to make sure mower/shredder is lubricated.
• Buyer is shown all grease fittings and proper gear oil height.
• Oil in gearbox checked for proper level and weight.
• All bolts checked for tightness
• All hitch pins and retainer bolts in place.
• All knives and linkages in place.
• All shields in place.
• Belts checked for proper adjustment.
• PTO shaft checked for proper length.
• Procedures for attaching mower/shredder to tractor demonstrated to end user.
• Starting procedures explained to end user.
• Operation guidelines as outlined in owner’s manual explained to end user.
• Adjustment of cutting height, belts and mower height explained to end user.
• Replacement of mower/shredder knives explained to owner.
• Lubrication points shown to end user.
• ALL safety precautions thoroughly read and understood.
Warranty
Vrisimo Equipment guarantees the Vrisimo Flail Mower to be free from defect in material
and workmanship for a period of six months dating from delivery to the original user. The
obligation under this warranty, statutory or otherwise, is limited to the replacement and/or
repair at your authorized Vrisimo dealer of such part or parts as shall appear to us, upon
inspection, to have been defective in material or workmanship and not altered in any way
by the customer or other parties.
This warranty shall not apply to vendor warranted PTO items such as bearings, belts, PTO
shafts and gearboxes or other parts not manufactured by Vrisimo Equipment. Such being
subject to the warranty of their respective manufacturers.
No expressed, implied or statutory warranty other than herein set forth is made or author-
ized to be made by us. Vrisimo Equipment shall not be liable for consequential damages of
any kind, including but not limited to: consequential labor costs or transportation charges in
connection with the replacement or repair of defective parts, lost time or expense which may
have accrued because of said defects.
Vrisimo reserves the right to make changes in its products at any time and without prior
notice. When such changes are made, neither Vrisimo Equipment nor its dealers assume
any obligation to make these changes in products previously manufactured.
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500 Series

Safety
Failure to heed these warnings may result in personal injury or death.
• Before operating this machinery, read the owner’s manual carefully.
• Use eye, ear and head
protection to protect
the operator from any
flying debris and noise
• Use a backboard made of plywood or similar material behind the tractor seat for added
driver protection. Because of the wide variety of tractors used with the Vrisimo mowers/
shredders, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to insure that a backboard is constructed
and installed on each tractor being used to run the mower/shredder. The use of this
shredder without a backboard installed on the tractor can result in serious personal inju-
ry or death from debris that might be discharged or thrown from the mower/shredder
unit.
• All personnel except tractor driver should be 100 feet clear of machinery before starting
or operating it.
• Never use drugs or alcohol
before or while operating
your mower/shredder.
• Be aware that driving a tractor for an extended period of time can result in fatigue or
boredom and may cause the operator to lose awareness of what he/she is doing. It is
recommended that scheduled work breaks be taken to avoid this.
• Keep hands and loose clothing away from any power driven parts.
• Avoid contact with hot surfaces including pumps, motors, hydraulic oil tanks and hose
connections.
• Do not operate this machine without all guards being in good condition and firmly in
place.
• Do not operate this machine on a tractor that is not properly maintained. If a tractor
control failure should occur while operating this machine, immediately shut down the
tractor and perform repairs before continuing.
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Safety (cont.)
• Stop the operation of this machine when people or vehicle driver’s vision becomes ob-
scured, caused by the discharge of materials and dust. Also avoid operating this ma-
chinery in unusually foggy conditions or at night.
• Never leave the mower/shredder unattended while it is in the lifted position.
• Keep away from rotating elements to prevent entanglement.
• Do not let the mower blades turn while the mower deck is raised for any reason.
• Use flashing warning lights when operating on highways, except when prohibited by
law.
• Be aware that the mower/shredder may be wider than the tractor, and caution should
be used to avoid clipping or running over trees, signs or posts that may be in the way of
the mower/shredder.
• Never allow children or other persons to ride on the mower.
• Mow at a speed you can safely operate the tractor and mower. Normal ground speed
ranges from 0-5 miles per hour. Use slow mowing speeds when operating on or near
slopes, ditches, drop-offs, or when debris and foreign objects are to be avoided.
• Use the following guidelines to reduce the risk of equipment and grass fires:
-Do not smoke or have an open flame near the tractor or mower.
-Do not drive into burning areas or areas that have been freshly burned.
-Insure slip clutches are properly adjusted to prevent excessive slipping.
-DO NOT allow clippings or debris to collect near drivelines, slip clutches and gear-
boxes. Check the mower deck periodically and clear out any clippings and collected
debris.
• Do not turn so sharp or lift the mower so high that the driveline produces a severe
knocking. This will cause accelerated wear and eventually the destruction of drive train
components.
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Maintenance Safety
• Be sure to inspect all safety devices (including safety shields, guards, deflectors, etc.)
before each use.
Safety Shield Examples
• Maintain all safety decals and make sure they are visible to the operator.
• Replace bent or broken blades with new ones. DO NOT attempt to weld or bend dam-
aged blades. This can cause cracking or other types of damage that could result in the
blade being thrown from the mower.
• Wear gloves and exercise care when handling mower blades/knives. Also be alert to
worn or damaged surfaces that could have sharp edges.
• Disengage PTO and shut off engine allowing all movement to stop before leaving the
operator’s position to adjust, clean, lubricate or unclog the machine.
• Replace rubber guard on the front of the mower/shredder if torn, frayed, punctured, or
worn before operating this equipment.
• Before working on or underneath the mower/shredder, place blocks on both sides (front
and back) of tractor tires and under each end of the mower to prevent accidental lower-
ing of the machine. Also remove the ignition key from the tractor and allow all move-
ment to stop before beginning work.
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Basic Operation
Attaching to Tractor
The Vrisimo flail can be hooked up to
any 3-point hitch within its category
and 540 PTO tractors. The tractor’s
drawbar should be placed to its short-
est point. If there is still insufficient
clearance, then it should be removed.
On tractors with load and depth con-
trol, lock out control so it will not func-
tion but still be in “free float.”
1. Back the tractor so the lift links are in-line with the shredder’s hitch pins.
2. Shut off engine and disengage PTO. Block tractor wheels before you place yourself
between the tractor and the shredder.
3. Attach the tractor’s left and right lift links to the corresponding hitch pins of the shredder.
Secure both connections with lynch pins.
4. Adjust sway chains or bars so there is a minimum of side slack. Be sure the stabilizers
are tight.
5. Attach the tractor’s top link to the “A” frame of the shredder. Adjust the link out to the
approximate desired cutting height.
6. Attach the PTO to the tractor by pushing in on the quick disconnect pin. Remember,
tube end goes to the shredder and bar end goes to the tractor.
7. Do not raise the shredder while the PTO is engaged, since this will cause the shaft to
bind or even break, and may cause injury to the operator.
ATTENTION
Before operating the mower under power, be sure to check the drive shaft through
the entire lifting range to assure that there is no binding, bottoming, or uncoupling
of the shaft connection.
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Basic Operation
Starting Procedure
ATTENTION
Do not start the tractor until shredder has been carefully checked for correct assem-
bly and installation. Be sure all observers are at least 100 feet clear of the machine.
1. Check to see that the shredder is in the down position and blades are not touching the
ground. Start the engine. Set throttle at idle speed and slowly engage the PTO.
WARNING
Do not engage the PTO at a high engine speed. You may damage the shredder and
possibly the tractor’s PTO system.
Do not operate with tractors having 1000 RPM PTO speeds unless the shredder has
been specifically designed to run at that speed. This high speed will damage the
shredder and possibly cause injury.
2. Increase engine RPM to 540 PTO speed for a few minutes. Check for any excess vi-
bration or loose parts.
IMPORTANT: If excess vibrations occur, disengage the tractor PTO shaft IMMEDI-
ATELY. Shut off the tractor and determine and correct the cause of the problem.
The rotor shaft has been electronically balanced to within 2 mils, which must be
maintained throughout the life of the machine.
3. Shut off tractor engine,
shut off PTO, put tractor
in park, set parking
brake and check PTO
shaft, all bearings and
gearbox for excess heat
or oil leaks.
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Basic Operation
Running Your Shredder
ATTENTION
The shredder should be run at a 540 RPM PTO speed unless it has been specifically
designed to run at a higher PTO speed.
1. Ground speed should range anywhere from 0-5 miles per hour. However, the operator
should drive at a speed he or she is comfortable with within this range.
2. The skid shoes should be 1/2” to 3” off of the ground. Skid shoes are not made to run
on the ground.
3. The skid shoes and shredder should be level with the ground while running the shred-
der.
4. The weight of the shredder should be on the back gauge roller, which runs on the
ground.
Tines Scraping Ground Back Gauge Roller on Ground
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Adjustments and Maintenance
ATTENTION
Before doing any service work, observe the following safety rules:
1. Allow all movements to stop before leaving the operator’s position to lubricate or clean
the machine.
2. Before working on or underneath the mower, place blocks on both sides of the rear
tractor tires and under each end of the mower to prevent accidental lowering of the ma-
chine.
3. Remove the ignition key from the tractor and allow all movements to stop before begin-
ning work.
Lubrication
1. Grease Daily: Five bearings, three universal joints and drive shaft slide tube.
CAUTION
Over-greasing seals and bearings can cause damage. If an excessive amount of
grease comes out, too much grease has been applied.
2. Check gearbox oil level periodically and refill as required with quality 90 wt. gear oil. Be
sure gearbox is in level position and remove side plug to fill.
CAUTION
Do not overfill gearbox. Seal ruptures can occur.
Lube Points:
(may vary)
U-Joint Bearings
1 Top Shaft Bearing
(Behind Pulley)
2 Main Cutter Drum Bearings
(One on each side behind
pulley)
2 Back Gauge Roll Bearings
(One on each side under-
neath plate)
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Adjustments and Maintenance
Cutting Height and Belt Adjustment
1. The cutting height of the shredder can be ad-
justed from 0-8”. Adjustment is done by
shortening or lengthening the top-link and
adjusting the back gauge roller. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE KNIVES
CONTACT THE GROUND!
2. The entire weight of the shredder should be
on the back gauge roller. The tines should
be adjusted to where they scrape the sur-
face of the ground. They are adjusted by
moving the nut and bolt up and down to
achieve the desired height. Adjust the back
gauge roller by removing bolts from both
sides and resetting it to the correct height.
3. Belt adjustment is done by tightening the
idler adjusting rod which pulls the idler pul-
ley into the belts. On a new machine, after
1-2 hours of operation, tighten the drive
belts so there is only 1/4” to 3/8” give with 8
pounds of force.
Adjustable Tines
Back Gauge Roller Adjustment
Idler Adjusting Rod Idler Pulley
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Adjustments and Maintenance
Replacing Knives
1. When knives, bolts or spacers become worn, they must be replaced. Not doing so
could cause the cutting reel to run out of balance. Do not mix new parts with older,
worn parts. Doing so could cause the cutter drum to run out of balance.
2. The knife replacement method for these attachments has been redesigned and now
features a method that makes them easily removable while on the job. All you need is
a 3/16” punch, a hammer and access to the knives on the cutter drum. Once the shred-
der is tilted to where the knives are exposed, simply take your punch and hammer it
against the roll pin going through the castle nut and bolt until it pops out. The nut
should come off easily after that.
Shredder Knife Castle Nut and Roll Pin
3. To attach new knives, replace the same as they were removed and tighten the nut
down past the hole for the roll pin and reinsert the roll pin using the hammer and punch.
ATTENTION
Gloves should always be worn when handling or replacing knives to reduce the
chance of injury.
If your model is serial number VT50006219-7 or earlier, removal may require an impact gun.
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Adjustments and Maintenance
Cleaning Your Shredder
ATTENTION
To preserve life of paint and decals, wash the shredder after each use. The preser-
vation of your shredder’s decals is essential to safety, so make sure they are kept in
good condition.
It is recommended that some sort of degreasing solution be used on all bearings.
1. Check for excessive grease in bearing
areas on the pulley side of the shredder.
Make sure that grease is not allowed to
get into the belt areas.
Check bearing areas
underneath pulleys
and remove any
caught clippings.
2. Clean any clippings from gearbox areas,
pulley areas and anywhere else that is
prone to excessive heat where fires can
start.
Check gearbox area
and under safety
shields for clippings.
3. Clean the inside of the shredder with a pressure washer. Make sure the inside of the
shredder is kept free from mud and compact grass. Keep in mind that mud built up on
the cutter drum can cause imbalance.
4. Preserve damaged decals or replace them if they are unreadable. Decal kits can be
obtained from your local Vrisimo dealer.
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Transport, Removal and Storage
ATTENTION
To transport, disengage PTO lever before lifting shredder to the highest transport
position. Raising the shredder while the PTO is engaged will cause the shaft to bind
or even break and may cause injury to the operator.
Disengage PTO and shut off engine allowing all movement to stop before leaving the oper-
ator’s position to adjust, lubricate, clean or unclog the machine. Before working on or un-
derneath the mower/shredder, place blocks on both sides (front and rear) of tractor tires
and under each end of the shredder to prevent accidental lowering of the machine. Also
remove the ignition key from the tractor and allow all movement to stop before beginning
work.
Removal
1. Remove the adjustable top link from the tractor and shredder.
2. Disconnect the drive shaft from the tractor and shredder.
3. Remove the safety pins from the lower three point arm pins and pull the arms off the
pins.
Storage
1. Put the drive shaft away in a clean, dry place.
2. Clean the shredder thoroughly.
3. Relax belt tension.
4. Lubricate the shredder as recommended.
5. Check oil level in gearbox and fill as required.
6. Check for worn parts and replace so you will be ready to work when necessary.
7. Store in a clean, dry place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the serial number for my machine?
R. The serial number for your shredder is on a sticker located on the top of the shredder.
Gearbox
Serial Number
Q. Where do I find replacement parts?
R. First check your local tractor dealer and if they do not have parts, ask them to order
from the Vrisimo factory.
Q. How often should I change my knives?
R. Replacing the cutting knives is entirely up to the owner. When the cut begins to be in-
consistent or rough, consider replacing the knives. It is recommended to keep an extra
set of knives on hand so that loss of work time is minimal.
Q. How often should I replace my belts?
R. If you are experiencing repeated slipping or breaking of belts, try adjusting the level of
tension. If this does not remedy the problem, replace the belt. Consider having an ex-
tra belt on hand as well.
Q. Do I need to fill the gearbox with oil before I use the shredder?
R. No, the gearbox comes full with oil. Use 90 weight oil when replacing.
Q. What do I do if my belts are wearing out too fast or burning up?
R. First check belt tension. Belts should have about 3/8” sway in them. Adjust tension ac-
cordingly. If this does not help, check the height of the grass you are mowing. If the
grass is over 2 feet tall, you might have to adjust mower cutting height upwards and
slow the speed of your travel to reduce belt slippage.
Q. How can I prevent my PTO shaft from coming off during operation?
R. Be careful! Make sure the shaft is slid all the way on and the safety pin is in the locked
position.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When I am replacing gear oil, how much should I add?
R. When replacing gear oil, fill from the lower-middle fitting and when oil begins to come
out, the box is full.
Lower-Middle Fitting
Q. Are there any advantages to reversing cutter drum rotation?
R. Whether or not reversing cutter drum is advantageous depends on the application. In
most mowers (excluding the Roadsider), normal rotation is a reverse rotation. This
means that the cutter drum rotates in a fashion that would throw grass or clippings to-
wards the tractor. The only advantage to reversing rotation would be if you are mowing
in industrial applications such as along freeways, in places with large amounts of debris
(i.e. plastic, metal, rocks), or using a front mount application or a Roadsider. There are
typically no advantages as far as the grade of cut you will get, but rather safety ad-
vantages as stated above.
Q. How do I reverse cutter drum rotation?
R. To reverse cutter drum rotation, simply un-mount the gearbox from its current position,
remove the safety cover from the other shaft of the gearbox and rotate the gearbox so
that the previously covered shaft is the one that will be driven by the PTO. Install the
safety covers and it is ready to go. Note: Scoop knives must be rotated to accommo-
date for a reversed cutter drum rotation.
Q. How do I replace my knives?
R. Replacing the knives may vary depending on your model of mower/shredder. See the
Adjustments/Maintenance section for detailed information.
Q. When connecting my PTO shaft, can I put it on either way or should a specific side go
to the mower/shredder and the other to the tractor?
R. The PTO shafts for these mowers/shredders are side specific. The tube half of the
PTO shaft goes to the mower/shredder and the bar half of the PTO shaft goes to the
tractor.
500 Series