Wessex AFR User manual

Operation Manual and Parts Book
Wessex AFR and AFX Trailed Flail Mowers
Product Code: L2074-GB
Issue January 2023
GB

CONTENTS
Welcome to your new Wessex Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 3
Important Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Important ATV Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Setting up your Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Using your Wessex Mower / 4 Wheel Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Belt Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Maintenance / Belt Adjustment / Lubrication / Flail Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Troubleshooting / Winter Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
CE Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
CE Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
CE Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
CE Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
CE Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

1
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW WESSEX PRODUCT
Thank you for purchasing a Wessex product. As a Wessex customer, you now number among the
most important people of our business and we will endeavour to give you the best service available
through our dealer network.
Please read this Manual carefully and familiarise yourself and other persons that will be using the
machine with its contents, to ensure the optimum performance and working life of your machine. It
is advisable that a copy of this Manual is kept in the workshop and one copy with the machine.
Further copies are available through your dealer.
On delivery, your dealer should go through the workings of the machine with you, explaining the
setting up procedures, all of which are contained in this manual for further reference.The Warranty
Registration Form must also be completed via our website at www.wessexintl.com/warranty/ within
7 days of delivery in order to validate the Warranty.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING PAGES CAREFULLYBEFORE USING YOUR MACHINE AND
KEEP THIS MANUAL IN ASAFE PLACE.
THIS SAFETY SYMBOL IS TO ALERT OPERATORS OF AHAZARD
THAT MAYRESULT IN INJURY.
ALWAYS FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

2
SAFETY DECALS
GB ATTENTION Description of pictograms.
FATTENTION Description des pictogrames.
DVORSICH Beschreigung der piktogramme.
GB Read Operating manual before use.
FLisez Manual D’Opéreration avant l’utilisation.
D Vor der Benutzung, Betriebshandbuch lesen.
GB Ear defenders must be worn.
FDéfenseurs des oreilles doivent être portés.
DGehörschutz getragen werden.
GB Never remove guards or attempt adjustment until rotor has stopped.
FNe retirez jamais les gardes ou d'ajustement tentative jusqu'à ce que toutes les pièces mobiles ont
été interrompus.
DSchutzvorrichtung niemals abnehmen oder einstellung versuchen, bevore der rotor abstellt.
GB Bystanders must be at least 20 metres from machine range of action.
FDes spectateurs doivent s’écarter au moins 20 mètres du rayon d’action de la machine.
DUmstenhenden müßen sich mindestens 20 meter vom maschinenbetriebsraum entfernen.
GB Stand clear. Flying objects possible.
FS’écartez! Possibilité d’objets volants.
DZurückbleiben! Herumfliegende objekte möglich
GB Examine blades regularly. The operator is responsible for machine damage caused by unbalanced
rotors.
FExaminez des lames régulièrement. L’opérateur est responsable des dommages à la machine
provoqés par des rotors mal equilibrés
DKlingen regelmäßig kontrollieren. Der abeiter ist an den durch unausgewogenen rotoren
maschinenschäden verantwortlich.
GB Keep hands and feet clear
FGarder les mains et les pieds.
DHalten Sie Ihre Hände und Füße.
GB Grease points
FLes points de graissage
DGrease Punkte.
VIBRATION
GB Liftt Machine before turning
FLevez la machine avant de la tourner
DMaschine aufheben, bevor man sie umdreht.

3
SAFETY DECALS
GB It is the operators responsibility to ensure that the machine is compatible with the load-
ing capacity of the towing vehicle.
FIl est de la responsabilité des opérateurs afin de s’assurer que la machine est compati-
ble avec la capacité de chargement du véhicule tracteur.
DEs ist den Betreibern dafür zu sorgen, dass die Maschine mit der Belastbarkeit des
Zugfahrzeugs ist.
GB Never carry passengers on implements unless designed to do so.
FNe jamais transporter des passagers sur instruments sauf s’ils sont conçus pour le
faire.
DNiemals Passagiere implementiert, es sei denn ausgelegt, dies zu tun.
GB ATTENTION: Engage Slowly.
F ATTENTION: Engagez Lentement.
DVORSICH: Einschalten Langsam.
GB Lifting Point
FPoint de levage
DAnschlagpunkt
SPECIFICATIONS
Wessex AFX Flail Mower
Engine: Briggs and Stratton Vanguard - Nominal 18hp output
Cutting Width: AFR-120 1.2m (4') AFR-160 1.6m (5'5")
Weight: AFR-120 280kg AFR-160 320kg
Drive System: Triple belt with manual clutch engagement
Tyre Pressure: Standard - 6 - 8 psi
Wessex AFR Flail Mower
Engine: Briggs and Stratton Vanguard - Nominal 23hp output
Cutting Width: AFX-120 1.2m (4') AFX-160 1.6m (5'5")
Weight: AFX-120 300kg AFX-160 340kg
Drive System: Triple belt with manual clutch engagement
Tyre Pressure: Standard - 6 - 8 psi

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS
Wessex machines are guarded for your protection, but you must always observe certain
elementary precautions. Machines are potentially dangerous and should be used with the greatest
respect and ALL OPERATORS MUST read this manual and be are aware of all safety
precautions.
1. NEVER attempt any adjustment whatsoever, unless the machine is COMPLETELYat a
standstill, and its engine and moving parts are stopped .
2. NEVER attempt to clear any obstructions around the mower unless the machine is
COMPLETELYat a standstill, and its engine and moving parts are stopped.
3. NEVER remove belt guards unless the machine is COMPLETELYat a standstill and the
engine has stopped.
4. NEVER remove safety guards which are provided for your protection.
5. NEVER operate the mower with people behind, keep everybody (especially children and
animals) at a safe distance, minimum 20 metres.
6. Stand well back from the machine when cutters are spinning.
7. Regularly inspect the BLADES AND FIXING BOLTS to ensure that they are in excellent
condition. Replace blades IMMEDIATELYif any signs of fracture or excess wear becomes
apparent. Serious damage, which is excluded from our warranty conditions, may result from
using your mower with an unbalanced rotor. When replacing blades, always fit new
mounting bolts and nuts to ensure that the rotor is balanced and running smoothly.
HEALTH AND SAFETY - Noise at Work Regulations
READING AT THE OPERATORS EAR
Wessex AF, Flail mower: Approximately 97.5 D.B.A
Depending on conditions and material being cut, this reading may alter, it is therefore advisable for
users to do their own assessment.
In compliance with the above regulations, Ear Protectors must be worn when
operating this machinery.

READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ON COUPLING IMPLEMENTS AND
ATTACHMENTS TO ATV’S
TRAINING
= It is most essential that all operators of ATV’s are trained by a certified training organisation.
= It is strictly forbidden that any person under 16 years of age should ride an ATV.
= Any person 17 years of age must have had training before towing a trailer with an ATV.
= Contact your local HSE office for approved training courses.
BODY PROTECTION
= Remember that when riding on an ATV the only form of protection that you have is what you
wear. ALWAYS wear a helmet, eye protection and suitable robust clothing.
= Never operate an ATV or attachments while under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription
drugs.
= Contact your doctor before operation of an ATV or attachments while under the influence of any
prescription drugs.
ATV MANUAL
= Before coupling any implement to your ATV refer to your ATV handbook.
STABILITY
= When using equipment coupled to an ATV it is very important to remember that the handling
characteristics of your ATV will change dramatically, whether the additional load is placed on
the front or rear rack or trailed on the towing ball hitch.
WEIGHT CAPACITY
= Always ensure that the implement or attachment that your are coupling to the ATV is within the
ATV’s drawbar loading or weight carrying capacity. Refer to the ATV manufacturer’s handbook
to obtain information on the specific capacities.
= It is most important that you know the weight of your load, especially when on slopes or
hillsides.
= As a guide, on level ground with an unbraked implement, the weight of the implement should
be approximately no more than twice the unladen weight of the ATV. This should be reduced
on sloping, uneven or rough ground.
WEIGHT TRANSFER
= Always take great care when towing loads which may be subject to weight transfer e.g. liquids
or livestock, especially on hillsides and slopes.
= Always restrict the movement of animals or rolling objects in a trailer.
5
IMPORTANT ATV SAFETY WARNINGS

6
TOWING
= Never tow loads larger or heavier than recommended for your ATV. (See ATV hand book).
= Never tow or turn across a slope.
= Never tow down a steep slope with a large or heavy load.
= When towing heavy loads there is a significant risk of jack-knifing or overturning.
ROUGH TERRAIN
= Always take care when operating implements on rough terrain or uneven ground.
= Take special care when operating on slippery surfaces especially hill sides or slopes.
= Take extra care when towing on hillsides, slopes or rough terrain.
OPERATING ON ROADS
= Implements are not designed for travelling distances on roads but when crossing or going short
road distances always travel slowly and do not exceed 20 KPH.
= Make sure that your equipment complies with Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations.
= Ensure that you have the correct insurance cover and comply with all relevant laws.
LOAD SECURITY
= Always secure your load firmly with ratchet straps.
= Make sure that your load is evenly; distributed.
= Never stack a high load, high loads increase the risk of overturning.
PASSENGERS
= Never carry passengers on any kind of implement or attachment, especially children.
MAINTENANCE
= Service your ATV and attachments as per the manufacturer’s handbook. Regular servicing of
your ATV will ensure that it will steer, stop and handle to its best ability and your attachment will
operate as safely and effectively as possible. Regular servicing helps ensure the longest
possible working life for your equipment.
EQUIPMENT SAFETY INSPECTION
= Check tyre pressure, incorrect tyre pressure can seriously affect the handling of your ATV.
(See Operators handbook).
= Maintain your equipment regularly to keep it in safe working order.
ROUTE / RISK ASSESSMENT
= Assess and plan the route that you intend to travel to avoid any type of hazards i.e. rocks,
boulders, ditches, hidden fences or wire, pot holes, low hanging branches or any other type of
hazard.
= Where possible stay with a routine route to avoid hazards.
= The risk may change in wet or wintery conditions, avoid slopes where possible.
IMPORTANT ATV SAFETY WARNINGS

7
WARRANTY
Your Wessex product or equipment is warranted free from defect in workmanship or manufacture
for one year from date of purchase. Any parts which appear to us to be defective, either in material
or workmanship shall be replaced or repaired at no cost to the purchaser, subject to the following
conditions:
1. You should register your product within seven days of purchase via our website.
http://www.wessexintl.com/warranty-registration
Alternatively, if you prefer, please telephone Wessex International on 01264 345888
2. Any failure in the machine should be reported in the first instance immediately to your
dealer, who will act on your behalf to resolve the matter to your satisfaction.
3. The defective parts will be returned by your dealer to us, accompanied by a full statement
describing the failure and the circumstances and conditions in which the failure occurred.
4. The following are specifically excluded from our terms of warranty:
a) Fair wear and tear, especially to belts, brushes, blades and spinners.
b) Damage to blades or brushes caused through incorrect positioning of the rotor (see
instructions).
c) Damage caused by neglect or lack of lubrication.
d) Damage caused by misuse or abuse.
e) Damage caused whilst the machine is in transit.
f) Damage caused to the frame of the machine by running the machine with unbalanced
rotors, blades or spinners.
g) Damage caused to the machine by use with loose nuts, bolts, screws or any other type
of fittings.
5. The warranty is for the benefit of the first user only.
6. Wessex International decisions will be final and binding.
Note:
It is recommended that every machine is inspected after one hour of operation to check that
all nuts, bolts, screws or any other types of fixings are tight and any loose fixings or
components should be rectified as appropriate.
Further inspections should be carried out at regular intervals thereafter.

8
SETTING UP YOUR MOWER
1. Reverse your towing vehicle up to your machine, and connect to the ball hitch. Ensure that it is
locked in position prior to use.
2. Secure the engine cut-off switch to the rear carrier, within easy reach of the
operator. Attach the clip lanyard hook to a suitable robust point on your clothing to
ensure that it will pull the kill cord in an emergency.
3. Ensure that the rotor is disengaged, and stationary, before using the adjustment handle to adjust
the cutting height.
4. Adjust the anti-scalp rear roller to suit conditions. Set the roller down for large volumes of cut
material or to avoid rocks etc on very rugged terrain.
5. In order to obtain full cutting height adjustment, the adjustment handle(s) must be in the correct
position on the adjusting screw mount.
Adjuster position when wheels are set
to the Side of machine Adjuster position when wheels are set to the Rear of machine

1. Always start the engine with the clutch disengaged.
IMPORTANT - To commence cutting, engage the clutch slowly!
2. Drive forward slowly into the area to be cut.
3. Suitable forward speed will be determined by the amount, type, and condition of material to be
cut. In very difficult conditions, better results will be obtained by making two passes, and
adjusting cutting height accordingly.
4. Cutting height is adjusted by turning the adjustment handle in the relevant direction.
9
USING YOUR WESSEX MOWER

1. For use where it is advantageous to orientate the wheels to the rear of the machine such as
getting as close as possible to trees or fences etc., the wheels may be moved from the side to
the rear of the machine.
2. The following considerations should be taken:
With the wheels to the rear the weight placed upon the tow-ball will be increased, which may
exceed the capacity of the drawbar nose weight of the UTV/ATV. Please be aware that
overloading the drawbars capacity can cause vehicle mishandling and loss of control with
resulting risk of accidents.
3. Running the machine with the wheels to the side, reduces the weight on the drawbar to a
minimum and allows the wheels to run along side the cutting rotor which reduces scalping of the
ground on undulating terrain.
10
CHANGING WHEEL MODE

11
1. Remove Belt Cover.
2. Loosen Jockey Pulley Bracket clamping bolt.
3. Tighten belts using adjusting screw and lock off.
4. Retighten clamp bolt.
5. Replace Belt Cover.
NOTES
1. The clutch lever should be in the drive position for belt
adjustment.
2. The belts should be free to move 10mm under moderate
thumb pressure.
3. The three belt retainers, should be positioned as shown.
4. Check belt tension after 1 hours use, as new belts often
slacken while seating in pulleys.
BELT ADJUSTMENT

12
MAINTENANCE
= IMPORTANT! Check that all fastening sets (bolts and nuts) are tight after the first hour of
operation.
LUBRICATION
DAILY(8-10 working hours)
= Grease Main Rotor bearings (x2).
= Grease Roller bearings (x2).
ANNUALLY
= Grease - pack wheel bearings and check and adjust for play.
FLAIL BLADES
= The condition of the flail blades should be inspected daily. Damaged flail blades cause
imbalance in the rotor and in turn, will cause serious damage to the mower, which is
specifically excluded from our Warranty Conditions.
= If the mower begins to vibrate, stop work immediately and investigate. Almost certainly the
cause will be damaged flail blades, or foreign objects around the flail rotor.
FLAIL BLADES - CHANGING
= When fitting new flail blades, unhitch the mower from the tractor/ATV and lift the mower up
enough to access the blades, (preferably with a hoist or mechanical lifting equipment). Place
the machine securely on axle stands (or other suitable stand). Never work under an
unsupported machine. Remove the damaged flail blades and replace.
= It is important that the rotor remains balanced. Always fit new bolts and nuts when replacing
the flails and preferably fit a full set. If only one or two flails are being replaced, they should be
fitted opposite to each other on the rotor, to keep the rotor balanced.
SPARE PARTS
Spare parts for your Wessex Mower can be obtained through our extensive dealer network.
For details of your nearest supplier or technical information, please email
part[email protected] or telephone [phone].

13
WINTER STORAGE
Before winter storage, the Mower should be thoroughly inspected:-
= Repair or replace any worn or broken parts.
= Take special care to look at the flail blades, rotor and the bearings.
= Remove the belts and ensure that the rotor is free-spinning.
= Make sure that the belts are in good condition before re-fitting.
= Thoroughly wash the machine to remove all oil, grease, debris and materials.
= Grease up all grease points before storage to avoid any corrosion.
= Check or change engine oil depending on hours of use. For details on engine servicing, please
refer to the Briggs and Stratton manual that accompanies this handbook.
TROUBLESHOOTING
FAULTCAUSE REMEDY
Leaving wheel track uncut 1. Forward speed too fast
2. Cutting height too high Reduce forward speed Lower cutting height
Bad quality of cut 1. Forward speed too fast
2. Excessive blade wear
3. Belts slipping
Reduce forward speed
Replace blades
Tighten belts
Narrow strip uncut 1. Possibly missing or broken
blade Inspect blades and replace as necessary
Excessive vibration 1. Damaged or missing blades
2. Bent flail rotor
3. Main rotor bearing failed
4. Loose part
Inspect and replace blades
Inspect rotor
Inspect bearing, replace if damaged
Check all nuts and bolts are tight
Excessive scalping 1. Cutting height too low Raise cutting height.

1 3
4
5 6 7 89
2 18
21
19 20
10
16
15
17
22
11
1314
12
14
PARTS ILLUSTRATION AND LIST - AXLE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES
Ref AF120 Part No. QTY AF160 Part No. QTY Description
1WX-2552 2WX-2552 2Floatation Wheel - Complete
2WX-2552A 2WX-2552A 2Floatation Tyre
3WX-18951_4 2WX-18951_4 2 Stub Axle
4WX-3145 2WX-3145 2Wheel Seal
5WX-10038 2WX-10038 2Wheel Bearing Inner
6WX-10138 2WX-10138 2Wheel Bearing Outer
7WX-12053 2WX-12053 2Axle Nut
8WX-20351 2WX-20351 2Hub Cap
9WX-11653 8WX-11653 8Wheel Nut
10 WX-52980 1WX-52980 1Swing Arm (Right Hand Side)
11 WX-52880 1WX-52880 1Swing Arm (Left Hand Side)
12 WX-19803 2WX-19803 2Swing Arm Retaining Bolt
13 WX-54080 2WX-54080 2Handwheel
14 WX-19903 2WX-19903 2Handwheel Fastening Set
15 WX-49676 2WX-49676 2Height Indicator
16 WX-53880 2WX-53880 2Axle Mount
17 WX-19703 2WX-19703 2Axle Mount Fastening Set
18 WX-13380 1WX-13380 1Height Adjuster
19 WX-0503 1WX-0503 1Height Adjuster Fastening Set
20 WX-0927 1WX-0927 1Height Adjuster Pin
21 WX-19251 2WX-19351 2Axle
22 WX-19551 2WX-19551 2 Tandem Wheel Arm

15
PARTS ILLUSTRATION AND LIST - ROTOR AND ROLLER ASSEMBLIES
1
4
10
13
8
9
11
12
14
15
16
17
18
2
3
5
6
7
Ref AF120 Part No. QTY AF160 Part No. QTY Description
1WX-19266 1WX-19366 1AFR Flail Rotor
2WX-12070 16 WX-12070 22 AFR Cast Flail
3WX-1905 16 WX-1905 22 Blade bolt and nut for Cast Flail
4WX-19466 1WX-14678 1AFX Flail Rotor
5WX-8270 32 WX-8270 42 Flail Blade (Pair)
6WX-6702 32 WX-6702 42 Blade Bolt and Nut
7WX-10970 32 WX-10970 42 Twisted Flail including. 2 spacers
8WX-0941 2WX-0941 2Bearing (Rotor)
9WX-9566 2WX-9566 2Bearing Shield
10 WX-1803 2WX-1803 2Rotor Bearing Fastening Set
11 WX-14578 1WX-14678 1Rubber Skirt
12 WX-49476 1WX-49776 1Clamp Bar
13 WX-2003 1WX-2003 1Rubber Skirt Fastening Set
14 WX-1655 1WX-1855 1Roller
15 WX-1755 2WX-1755 2Roller Bracket
16 WX-0303 2WX-0303 2Roller Bracket Fastening Set
17 WX-0841 2WX-0841 2Bearing (Roller)
18 WX-1703 2WX-1703 2Bearing Fastening Set

16
1
14
21
2726 28
22 23
15 16
2
2
3 6
13
17
18
19
20 24 25
75
8
4912
1110
PARTS ILLUSTRATION - DRIVE SYSTEM

17
PARTS LIST - DRIVE SYSTEM
Ref Part No. QTY Description
1WX-22677 1Belt Cover
2WX-20003 1Belt Cover Fastening Set
3WX-0722 1Circlip
4WX-0622 2Circlip
5WX-1438 2Bearing
6WX-6962 1Jockey Wheel
7WX-19666 1Jockey Bracket
8WX-19303 1Jockey Bracket Fastening Set
9WX-2725 1Belt Tension Adjuster
10 WX-49576 2Slide Strip
11 WX-49076 2Belt Tensioner Track
12 WX-19203 2Belt Tensioner Track Fastening Set
13 WX-19566 1 ATV Jockey Bracket Mount
14 WX-1347 1Key ( Engine)
15 WX-7262 1 Taper Lock (Engine Pulley)
16 WX-7062 1Engine Pulley
17 WX-0447 1Key (Rotor)
18 WX-5962 1 Taper Lock (Rotor Pulley)
19 WX-7162 1Rotor Pulley
20 WX-3834 3Drive Belt
21 WX-20780 1Handle Grip
22 WX-52680 1Clutch Handle
23 WX-49876 1Latch
24 WX-4858 3Belt Retainer
25 WX-1103 3Belt Retainer Fastening Set
26 WX-22577 1Fixed Guard
27 WX-0103 1Fixed Guard Fastening Set
28 WX-3322 1 Split Pin

18
PARTS ILLUSTRATION - DRAWBAR AND ENGINES
2
3
4
5
7
8
10
14
15
12
21
22
23
24
18
16
11
13
1
9
6
[
17
19
20