Bush Hog 280 manual Section Operating Instructions, General Safety, Adjusting for Work, Operation

SECTION III

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3-1 GENERAL SAFETY

Only qualified people should operate this machine. Operator should wear hard hat, safety glasses and safety shoes. It is recommended that tractor be equipped with Rollover Protective Systems (ROPS) and a seat belt be used. Before beginning opera- tion, clear work area of objects that may be picked up and thrown. Check for ditches, stumps, holes or other obstacles that could upset tractor or damage cutter. Always turn off tractor engine, set parking brake, and allow cutter blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor.

3-2 ADJUSTING FOR WORK

The cutter should be operated at the highest position which will give desired cutting results. This will help prevent the blades from striking the ground, reducing blade wear and undue strain on the machine. For best results under heavier cutting conditions, always tilt the cutter approximately 2 inches (51mm) lower in the front. This tilt decreases horsepower require- ments and increases potential ground speed. When fine shredding is desired, adjust cutter deck level or slightly lower in the rear. This will keep the foliage under cutter until thoroughly shredded. More power is required for shredding.

3-2.1 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

THE CUTTER CAN FALL FROM HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, SECURELY SUPPORT CUTTER BEFORE WORKING UNDERNEATH.

WARNING

AVOID PLACING HANDS, FEET OR ANY OTHER BODY PARTS BENEATH THE CUTTER WHILE MAKING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS.

The cutting height may be adjusted from 1-1/2” to 10-1/2” by selecting the appropriate holes in the adjusting bracket on the single tailwheel bracket

Figure 3-1

Tailwheel Frame

Adjusting Bracket

(285, 286, 287). Adjustment can be made with a ratchet or cylinder on the 287 dual wheel mount. (Figures 3-1 & 3-2)

A. Raise cutter using 3-point lift until tailwheel(s) lift off ground. Turn off tractor. Block cutter in posi- tion.

B. Remove adjusting bolts from bracket.

C. Position tailwheel for desired cutting height. D. Replace adjusting bolts and tighten securely.

3-3 OPERATION

A. Perform BEFORE EACH USE maintenance listed in paragraph 4-1.

B. Start tractor.

C. With tractor at idle speed, engage PTO drive. D. Adjust cutter to working position.

DANGER

STAY CLEAR OF ROTATING DRIVELINE. DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT DRIVELINE SHIELDS IN PLACE AND IN GOOD CONDI- TION. FAILURE TO HEED THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

E. Set tractor throttle for appropriate PTO speed (540 RPM).

Figure 3-2 Model 287 With Dual Tailwheels

Hydraulic Cylinder

(or Adjustable Ratchet)

Dual Tailwheel Mount

10