The document provided is an Operator's and Parts Manual for the FARM-MAXX Flail Mower, specifically covering models FFM145, FFM160, FFM180, FFM205, and FFM220.
Function Description
The FLAIL MOWER is designed for agricultural use, specifically for cutting grass and shredding fibrous and wood stalks, corn, and branches up to 8 cm in diameter, depending on the type of tool used. It is intended to be mounted on tractors equipped with a hydraulic lift and a universal three-point hitch, and driven by the tractor's PTO (Power Take-Off) driveshaft. The machine is designed to provide a safe and satisfactory user experience, with a focus on proper maintenance and adherence to safety rules to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides a detailed specification table for various models (85, 100, 115, 130, 145, 160, 180, 200, 220). Key specifications include:
- Working Width: Ranging from 85 cm (33") to 220 cm (87").
- Recommended Tractor HP: All models require 30-60 HP.
- 3-Point Hitch Type: Cat. I/II standard for all models.
- Number of Blades: Varies from 20 to 56.
- Number of Hammers: Varies from 10 to 28.
- PTO Input Speed: 540 RPM for all models.
- Rotor Speed: 2083 RPM for all models.
- Side Transmission: Uses 3 belts for smaller models (85-130) and 4 belts for larger models (145-220), all of BX type.
- Side Shift (max): Smaller models (85-115) are fixed mounting, while larger models (130-220) have a side shift of 30 cm (6.25").
- Rotor Diameter: 159 mm for all models.
- Rotor Swing Diameter: 378 mm for all models.
- Approx. Weight (driveline not included): Ranges from 278 Kg to 506 Kg.
The tractor used to operate the FLAIL MOWER must meet specific requirements: 3-point hitch (I/II Category standard), 540 RPM PTO (6-spline, 1 3/8 Z6), and 30-60 HP. Any use outside these intended specifications is considered non-intended and dangerous, with the manufacturer disclaiming liability for resulting damage.
Usage Features
The FLAIL MOWER offers several usage features and configurations:
- Configurations: The machine can be configured with a mobile arc with a hydraulic cylinder, a rear roller, a standard rear cover, and "Y" blades or hammers. Optional configurations include a mechanical shifting device (instead of a hydraulic cylinder) and a rear cover with rakes (instead of a standard rear cover). Rear floating wheels are also an option instead of a rear roller.
- Connecting to the Tractor: The flail mower is designed for 3-point hitch Category I (ISO 730 standard) tractors. Proper connection involves parking the tractor and mower on a flat, stable, dry surface, checking safety devices, removing the PTO shield, positioning and securing the driveshaft to both the mower's PTO and the tractor's PTO, and hooking the driveline shielding chains.
- Driveline Installation: The FFM gearbox includes a free wheel to absorb rotor inertia during stopping, preventing damage to the transmission system. Therefore, a driveshaft with a free wheel is not required. The driveshaft length must be checked to ensure it's not too long (causing structural damage) or too short (causing disengagement and severe hazard). A minimum 2 cm distance is required between transmission tube ends and yokes in compressed position, and at least 15 cm overlap in maximum extension.
- Tractor-Flail Mower Stability: The weight of the mower affects tractor stability, potentially leading to loss of steering control and braking. The front axle of the tractor should always be loaded with at least 20% of the overall system weight (tractor, implement, and ballast) to ensure stability.
- Operating Instructions: Before starting, operators must perform pre-operation checks, including verifying no damaged parts, missing components, or oil leaks, and ensuring all safety devices and decals are in good condition. The operating area must be cleared of obstacles. During operation, the tractor engine should maintain the required RPM, and ground speed should be adequate for conditions. Changes in direction or turns should be performed with the PTO disengaged and the mower slightly lifted. Overheating of the gearbox due to difficult materials should be avoided.
- Adjustments:
- Cutting Height Adjustment: Achieved by adjusting the vertical position of the rear roller or pivoting wheels. Lifting the roller/wheels reduces cutting height, while lowering them increases it. Four cutting heights (32-57-82-107 mm) are possible with the roller, and five (70-76-89-114-145 mm) with pivoting wheels.
- Skid Adjustment: Skids can be adjusted in three positions by loosening and repositioning bolts. They protect the frame's side plates from ground contact.
- Rakes Adjustment: Rear rakes help achieve finer shredding by retaining material. Adjustment involves removing cotter pins, pushing rakes down for finer crushing or pulling up for coarser crushing, and reinserting pins.
- Side Shifting Adjustment: For mechanical shifting, the mower is lifted, the tractor is turned off, and a bolt is removed to manually shift the mower body. For hydraulic shifting, the tractor's hydraulic control system is used.
- Belt Tensioning Adjustment: Checked by applying 10-15 kg force to the middle of the belts and measuring deflection (should be 10 mm). Adjustment involves loosening gearbox nuts and extension tube bolts, then tightening or unscrewing the tension nut.
Maintenance Features
Regular and proper maintenance is crucial for the equipment's longevity and to prevent failures. All maintenance must be performed by qualified operators with the tractor engine off, PTO disengaged, mower lowered to the ground or on safety stands, parking brake set, and ignition key removed.
- Rotor Tools Replacement: Blades or hammers should be visually inspected for wear. Replacement is necessary if power absorption increases or tool dimensions significantly reduce. Tools should be replaced one at a time to maintain correct orientation and prevent rotor unbalance and vibrations. Only original parts should be used.
- Gearbox Lubrication: Uses AGIP ROTRA MP SAE 85W/140 oil or equivalent. Oil level should be checked every 50 working hours, ensuring it aligns with the level plug. Oil change is required after the first 50 working hours and then every 500 working hours. This involves draining old oil and refilling to the correct level.
- Rotor Bearings Lubrication: Uses AGIP GREASE MU EP 2 lithium-type grease or equivalent, every 20 working hours. Grease is injected through nipples after turning covers.
- Roller Bearings Lubrication: Uses AGIP GREASE MU EP 2 lithium-type grease or equivalent, every 20 working hours. Grease is injected into nipples on the roller bearing supports.
- Wheels Brackets Lubrication: Uses AGIP GREASE MU EP 2 lithium-type grease or equivalent, every 20 working hours. Grease is injected into the nipple on the inner part of the wheel bracket.
- 3-Point Hitch Lubrication: Uses AGIP GREASE MU EP 2 lithium-type grease or equivalent, every 20 working hours. Grease is injected into nipples on the lower part of the shifting tube and the rod-tie of the hitch.
- Drive Belts Replacement: Belts should be checked for wear, and the full set replaced if any are worn. Refer to the "Belts tensioning adjustment" section for replacement procedures.
- Driveshaft Maintenance: Uses AGIP GREASE MU EP 2 lithium-type grease or equivalent, every 20 working hours. Grease crosses, sliding parts of protective shielding, and driveshaft transmission tubes. Refer to the driveshaft manufacturer's manual for detailed instructions and service parts.
- Storage: For long-term storage, the mower should be parked on a flat, dry surface, thoroughly cleaned, inspected for worn/damaged parts, and any necessary repairs performed. Painted surfaces should be touched up to prevent rust, safety decals checked, and all grease points lubricated and oil levels restored. Exposed mechanical components should be coated with protective oil.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting table for common problems like oil leaks, uneven shredding, gearbox overheating, frequent blade/hammer wear, and noise/vibration, along with possible causes and solutions.
- Torque Values: A table provides torque values for various bolt sizes (M6 to M20) for 8.8 and 10.9 grade fasteners.
The manual also includes a "CE" Declaration of Conformity, stating that the FARM-MAXX Flail Mower models FFM-Series comply with the EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and relevant harmonized standards.
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