BETSTCO FH-EFGCH Hydraulic Offset Flail Mower Instruction Manual

BETSTCO FH-EFGCH Hydraulic Offset Flail Mower

FH-EFGCH Hydraulic Offset Series

The FH-EFGCH Hydraulic Offset Series is a flail mower that comes with a hydraulic assembly kit. It is manufactured by Betstco and can be purchased from their website or by contacting them directly.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Install the connecting brackets correctly.
2. Attach the cylinder seat bracket to the flail mower using the second to the last set of holes from the right side of the mower.
3. Install the hydraulic kit to the mower. All bolts should be installed through the splints and from the underside of the mower housing so that the nuts are on top.
4. Install the cylinder so that the piston rod is attached to the cylinder seat bracket and the cylinder barrel is attached to the main hydraulic slide bracket.
5. Run both hydraulic hoses through the slot in the slide bracket.

For any further assistance or queries, you can contact Betstco through their website, phone, or email.

Hydraulic Assembly Kit Instructions

• Once you have the connecting brackets installed correctly, attach the cylinder seat bracket to the flail mower using the second to the last set of holes from the right side of the mower.

• Next, install the hydraulic kit to the mower. All bolts should be installed through the splints and from the underside of the mower housing so that the nuts are on top. Install the cylinder so that the piston rod is attached to the cylinder seat bracket and the cylinder barrel is attached to the main hydraulic slide bracket.

• Run both hydraulic hoses through the slot in the slide bracket.

INTRODUCTION

Before using your flail mower, read and understand this operation manual and the accompanying maintenance instructions. It contains important information which will help you observe proper safety precautions, get the most work from your flail mower and help prolong the life of your flail mower.

SETUP and ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

• Your flail mower will arrive in a metal shipping frame. This frame can be dismantled to allow access to all parts of your mower.

• See the torque value chart at the end of the manual for all specific bolts being used.

• Remove the parts box, PTO driveline, side cover shield, and hydraulic side shift control
  frame, and then the mower from the crate. See the picture and verify the parts, see the picture at the end of the manual.

• Attach storage stand and PTO shield as shown in the picture at the end of the manual.

• Attach 3Pt. lift pins as shown in picture at the end of the manual. Lube grease points on mower and driveline (4 total points, use lithium base general purpose grease) see picture at end of the manual

• Before attaching the side cover, check all axle bolts and pulley screws for tightness (see picture at end of the manual). Verify belt deflection is ¼ ” to ½ ” Attach side safety cover. 1 connecting bolt (see picture at end of the manual).

• Fill the gearbox with 80-90 gear oil (Approx. 1 Qt.) Fill to full plug level in the gearbox to the left side of the PTO shaft. See the picture at the end of the manual for more info.

• Attach hydraulic lines to a source for actuating a hydraulic cylinder.

• Completely read the rest of the manual before attaching the PTO driveline and operating the mower.

• Before Operation check all bolts, nuts, and zerks for tightness. Verify the tightness of all blade retaining bolts and nuts. Check all blades for free swinging action.

PTO DRIVESHAFT SAFETY TIPS
Your flail mower is shipped with a PTO driveshaft. Always ensure that the PTO shaft is no more than 15 degrees of horizontal when operating.

• The following steps are recommended for safe operation of the driveshaft under field conditions.
• Test hitch angle to prevent the driveshaft from:
•  Extending beyond the recommended maximum length.
•  Bottoming out
•  Reaching a position that allows joints to lock
•  Exceeding the maximum allowable angle for constant velocity (CV) joints.
• Specify and test telescoping members to allow the lowest possible thrust loads, considering the expected working conditions.
• Specify and test torque limiters to control excessive shock.
• Where necessary, specify and test overrun clutches to prevent inertial loads from overpowering the tractor.
• Provide a means to support the drive shaft when it is disconnected from the tractor, to prevent damage during storage or transportation.
• Provided drive shaft is of shear design using a grade 5 bolt, if replacing this bolt do not use a higher grade as this may cause damage to the PTO driveshaft, Implement, or your tractor.
• On drive shafts with torque-limiting or overrun devices, be sure to connect the device to the end of the drive shaft nearest the chipper.
• Provide a proper clearance zone for the operation of the driveshaft, to avoid damage to the shielding components.
• It is not recommended to use PTO adaptors which may defeat the purpose of the tractor’s master shield and/or adversely affect the performance of the driveshaft.

PROTECTIVE GUARDS AND SHIELDS
Do not allow the flail mower to be operated without the side cover or fender deflectors properly in place. PTO driveshaft should consist of a PTO master shield, an integral driveshaft shield, and a mower input connection shield.

1. Follow all flail mower and tractor instruction labels and manuals. The flail mower should be used only with the tractor’s PTO master shield in place
2. Specify and test an integral driveshaft shield with end cones that will overlap, but not interfere with the PTO master shield or flail mower input connection shield.
3. A flail mower input connection shield should be used in addition to the integral driveshaft shield, in order to guard the shaft coupling and any torque-limiting device installed on the driveshaft.
4. Check that all routine maintenance of the driveshaft can be done without the removal of the shields.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Do not attempt to operate the flail mower until you have read and understood this manual. Always keep guards and flail mower shields properly installed while operating the flail mower. Keep the decals in place and verify they are understandable. New labels can be ordered from Best Power Equipment upon request. If your flail mower is repainted, be sure the labels and decals remain visible. Never leave the flail mower running unattended. Do not attempt alterations, repairs or adjustments while the blade rotor is turning. Always disconnect the PTO and stop the tractor motor, then put the keys in your pocket. Only use a tractor of specified HP for your model flail mower as defined in the specifications. Keep hands, feet, and other extremities out of and away from the blade rotor area. When checking blades, EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! If accidentally rotated, the blade rotor can contain enough residual energy to cause serious injury. Never allow anyone to stand beside or behind the mower while operating. Keep everyone, especially children and animals, away from the operation area. Anyone who has not read and understood this manual should not be in the area.

OPERATOR PROTECTIVE GEAR
The following protective clothing and gear is recommended when using your flail mower.

• EYES –Wraparound Safety Glasses or Goggles
• EARS — Ear Plugs
• HANDS — Leather Gloves
• FEET — Steel-Toed Boots
• LEGS — Heavy Pants
• ARMS — Long-Sleeved Shirt
• NO LOOSE CLOTHING SHOULD BE WORN AROUND THE FLAIL MOWER

OPERATION CHECKLIST
CAUTION: Look under the flail mower before operating to be sure the blade area is clear.
Make sure that:

• You have completed all steps of the assembly instructions
• The PTO shaft doesn’t come apart or bottom out during the normal lifting range.
• There in no person around the mower.
• Remove Tractor Drawbar

During and after the operation, check the grass clippings or mulched limbs for size and quality of cut. It may be necessary to adjust the cutting height. See adjusting cutting height.

Flail Mower Connection and Operation
Remember that if flail mower blades are blunted they will not cut properly. Dirt, rocks, nails or other foreign material will shorten blade life. Always review the manual before operating the flail mower. Operate the mower in a safe well-known area with the rear pointed away from doorways, sidewalks, or any areas where your view is obstructed or people may approach. Only use 540 RPM PTO Selection, any other use will void the warranty and may cause severe damage to the gearbox or mower.

Connecting to Tractor

• Make sure there are no obstructions under the flail mower
• Align the lower link arms of the tractor to hitch clevises on the mower, Insert lower hitch pins into lower ball swivels and attach linchpins.
• Attach tractor top link to upper floating hitch on mower with pin supplied. Secure with a lock pin.
• Slide the driveline end with the shear system over the tractor’s splined PTO shaft and secure it with the locking device of the driveline.
• Slide the driveline end with a twist system over the mower’s splined PTO shaft and secure it with the locking device of the driveline.
• Driveline should now be moved back and forth to ensure that it is secure on the PTO shaft of the tractor and mower gearbox.
• When raising the mower to the transport position, be sure that the driveline does not contact the tractor or mower. Adjust and set the tractor’s 3-point hitch lift height so that the driveline does not contact the mower deck in the fully raised position.
• When moving over paved or rock roadway be sure the mower is lifted off the surface.

To Begin Mowing

• Clear the area to be mowed of objects and debris that might be picked up and thrown by the mower blades.
• The grass is best cut when dry. Mowing wet grass can cause plugging resulting in grass clumps behind the mower.
• Grass should be cut frequently as smaller clippings deteriorate faster.
• If cutting extremely tall grass, it is best to raise the cutting height and mow the area, then
• lower the cutting height and mow a second time at the desired height.
• To begin cutting, observe all safety guidelines in the manual.
• At low engine rpm, you may experience jerking in the mower, increase the engine rpm until there is no jerking.
• Most cutting is performed with the 3pt lift system in the float position.
• If the blades are touching the surface while in float position, either adjust the cutting height or raise the mower with a 3pt lift into a fixed height position. See cutting height adjustment.
• At first, begin mowing at a slow forward speed. Mower knives will cut better at a faster blade speed and slower travel speed.
• After mowing 50 feet, stop and check to see that the mower is adjusted properly for the cutting conditions.
• Do Not make sharp turns or attempt to back up while the mower is on the ground.
• Do Not engage PTO with mower fully raised off the ground.
• Normal mowing speed will be between 2-5 mph and you will need to maintain tractor PTO speed to
• produce a clean cut so select a tractor gear and range that will maintain this combination. The quality of cut or degree of debris pulverization will be better at lower ground speeds and cutting denser ground cover or heavier brush may create the need to slow down. Remember to look back often.

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The flail mower cutting height depends upon the height of the roller. height of adjustable skids, and length of the top center link. See the pictures at the end of the manual. On uneven terrain, the roller and skids should both be touching the surface of the cutting area. On even terrain, the roller only needs to be touching the cutting surface. On rough and rocky terrain it is recommended that you cut high with all parts of the mower 3″ above the ground. To achieve the lowest cutting height in this type of terrain, raise the roller and skids so the mower can be operated with 3 pt in a fixed position, remember change in elevation may require you to adjust the cutting height to ensure blades do not make contact with the surface. To adjust the height of the roller or skids, remove bolts and nuts that affix them, lift or lower both sides in equal measurements, replace bolts, and re-tighten. See the picture at the end of the manual. The top center link can also be used to adjust the cutting height and aggressiveness of blades. In level grass areas the top link should be adjusted so the mower sits on a slightly lifted horizontal plane. In dense or rough terrain the mower should sit in a slightly higher horizontal plane.

BLADE REPLACEMENT

• The best way to tell if the blades need replacing is to watch the results of your mowing.
• Dull blades cause many problems, including:
• Loss of cutting power
• Jamming or Plugging
• Rough cutting with more vibration than usual
• Rowing left in the cut
• To remove the blades, take the PTO shaft out of gear. Shut off the tractor and keep the
• keys in your pocket.
• The blades are accessed underneath the mower.
• Prop up the mower with a suitable device to hold the weight of the mower.
• Inspect and remove/replace dull or missing blades.

BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT

• To adjust belt tension, take the PTO shaft out of gear. Shut off the tractor and keep the keys in your pocket.
• The belts are accessed behind the black side cover.
• Prop up the mower with a suitable device to hold the weight of the mower.
• Check the deflection of belts, should be between ¼ “and ½”
• To adjust tension, loosen bolts and nuts as shown in picture at the end of the manual.
• Then using support move the gearbox and shaft horizontally to adjust the tension, then adjust the support bolt and lock nut to the adjusted height, see picture at end of the manual.
• Tighten all bolts and nuts that were loose to adjust the tension.

LUBRICATION FREQUENCIES AND LOCATIONS
PTO SHAFT – 2 zerks on universal once a day with lithium-based multipurpose grease. ROTOR DRIVESHAFT – There is a zerk on each end of the rotor shaft. Add multipurpose grease before each use. (2-3 Pumps) GEARBOX – Check level each time before operating, drain/fill as needed. HYDRAULIC OFFSET ROD – Apply lithium grease to sliding shafts.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Check all bolts & nuts after the initial 4 hours of operation, and once per day thereafter before beginning operation. Check belt tension 4 hours after initial operation, and every 24 hours of operation thereafter before beginning operation.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• PROBLEM: Belt Slipping
• Possible Causes Solution
• Rotor Shaft Area Clogged Unplug and clean the mower deck.
• Pulley Sheaves Clogged/Dirty Remove the shield and clean the sheaves
• Belt Tension insufficient Check and adjust belt tension
• Traveling to fast reduce Travel Speed
• Belt Worn Replace Belt
• Blades Dull Deck too flat Reverse/Replace

PROBLEM: Patches of Uncut Grass

• Possible CausesSolution
• Low Throttle Increase Engine RPM
• Traveling to fast reduce Travel Speed
• Blades Dull Reverse/Replace

PROBLEM: Excessive Vibration

• Missing Blades Replace missing blades
• Worn Drive Belt Replace the worn belt
• Pulley Miss-Aligned/Damaged Re-Align/Replace
• Debris in Belt Area Remove cover and clean area
• PTO Driveline Bent Replace Bent/Broken Parts
• Engine Speed Increase Engine Speed

PROBLEM: Gear Box is Noisy

• Possible Causes Solution
• Low Oil Level Check and Fill with Oil

PROBLEM: Knives Scalping Grass

• Possible Causes Solution
• Incorrect Cutting Height Adjust the Cutting height
• Mowing Pattern Change Mowing Pattern
• Turning to Quickly Reduce Speed during turns

PROBLEM: Uneven Cut

• Possible Causes Solution
• Missing/Dull BladesRemove/Replace Blades
• Traveling to Fast Reduce Travel Speed
• Mower Not LevelAdjust 3Pt Linkage

PROBLEM: Tractor Loaded Down by Mower

• Possible CausesSolution
• Low Engine SpeedIncrease Engine Throttle
• Traveling to Fast Reduce Travel Speed
• Blade Area Clogged Clean Blade Area

PARTS AND FASTENERS

Your flail mower is designed for ease of maintenance. Replacement parts are available from Best Power Equipment at 541-895-3083 or Support@Betstco.com Check the parts list for specifications. See Parts Diagrams at end of manual.

Torque Values Chart

1. Blade axle
2. Mower Housing
3. Combined Safety Fender
4. Support Leg
5. Gearbox Assembly
6. 3Pt Bracket
7. Transmission shaft
8. Pulleys and Belts

• Parts Box Includes the following shown in the picture, you may receive extra parts that are not shown in the picture.

• Attach the Hydraulic Offset Frame, 3Pt Bracket, Storage Stand, and PTO Shield shown in the picture.

• Lubrication Point on Lower Axle and Pulley Detail Picture.

• Fill the Gear Box until oil comes out plug on the left side of the PTO shaft.

• Next Fill Tube from Gear Box to Belt Cover
  Or
  Grease Bearing at end of Tube. Bearings can take a lot of grease.

• Roller and Skid Height Adjustment.

• Belt Tension Adjusting Points.

Value Leader EFGCH Series Flail Mowers Specifications

SafetyLabels
Your Flail Mower comes equipped with all safety labels in place. They were designed to help you safely operate your implement. Read and follow their directions.

1. Keep all safety labels clean and legible.
2. Replace all damaged or missing labels. To order new labels contact Best Products.
3. Some new equipment installed during repair requires safety labels to be affixed to the replaced component assembly
4. Refer to this section for proper label placement. To install new labels:

• A. Clean the area where the label is to be placed.
• B. Spray soapy water on the surface where the label is to be placed.
• C. Peel backing from label. Press firmly onto the surface.
• D. Squeeze out air bubbles with the edge of a credit card.

Farmer-Helper EFGCH Flail Mower Assembly

EFGCH Flail Mower Parts List

Gearbox Assembly

Gearbox Parts List

Gearbox

WARRANTY

Farmer Helper Machinery Brand LIMITED WARRANTY
FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD. warrants to the original Purchaser that FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD. products are free from major defects in material under normal use and service for a period of Two (2) Years from the date the product is purchased or shipped, whichever is later. Commercial use 180 days. Use at the address that is not yours, is considered commercial use. Consumable, Expendable, Wear Items (Examples: Rubber & plastic parts, hydraulic hoses, belts, tires, cables, blades, tines, wedges, teeth, tips, chains, pins, brushes, filters, etc.) and cracked hydraulic pumps, bent or broken cylinder rods are not covered under this warranty. The warranty does not cover items that have been modified, damaged by abuse or usage not in accordance with design or maintenance. FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD.’s. obligation under this warranty is to repair or replace defective products. upon determination by; Betstco, 83371 Melton Rd, Creswell OR 97426 that Warranty Claim is Valid. The product shall be returned upon request of Betstco. Transportation charges to be prepaid by the buyer. Gasoline or diesel engines used to power FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD. products are covered by the warranty of the appropriate engine manufacturer and Purchaser must look to the engine manufacturer for all issues relating to engine operation.

Farmer-Helper Machinery nor Betstco assumes any responsibility for labor.
PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD. HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT PURCHASED, WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD. HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR PRODUCT DEFECT OR FAILURE CLAIMS THAT ARE DUE TO NORMAL WEAR, PRODUCT MISUSE, ABUSE, PRODUCT MODIFICATION, IMPROPER PRODUCT SELECTION, NON-COMPLIANCE WITH ANY CODES, OR MISAPPROPRIATION. FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD.. MAKES NO WARRANTIES TO THOSE DEFINED AS “CONSUMERS” IN THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY-FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION IMPROVEMENTS ACT. THE FOREGOING EXCLUSIONS OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES DO NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY SUCH PROHIBITIONS THERE SHALL BE NO LIABILITY FOR PRODUCT LIABILITY OR LIABILITY ON THE PART OF BETSTCO FOR ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE SALE OR USE OF ANY PRODUCTS SOLD BY BETSTCO OR AN AGENT THEREOF BETSTCO MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OF THE PRODUCTS FOR ANY PURPOSE) WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT EXCEPT AS IN THIS PARAGRAPH OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED. THIS IS THE SOLE AND ONLY WARRANTY OF FARMER HELPER MACHINERY CO. LTD. PRODUCTS. NO OTHER WARRANTY IS APPLICABLE, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT, OR BY LAW.

WARRANTY VOID IF REGISTRATION IS NOT RECEIVED OR RECORDED ONLINE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE DATE OR SHIP DATE, WHICHEVER IS LATER.

FARMER HELPER MACHINERY REGISTRATION

• Item————————-Model #——————————-Purchase Date————/———–/———————
• Purchased From:—————————Gift Inv#/Order#————————————-
• Owner Name:——————————-Serial # (if Applicable).——————————-
• City:———————–County:—————-ST———————–Zip Code:————————–
• Phone:————————-Email:———————————————–

Acceptance of responsibility:
I (Purchaser) have read the operator’s manual and Limited Warranty or someone has read/and explained all instructions to me. I understand this warranty does not cover any labor and that all disputes will be settled by binding arbitration. Binding arbitration is conducted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) located at 4004 SW Kruse Way Place Ste 375 Lake Oswego OR 97035 or the current BBB location closest to Betstco, I acknowledge my Limited Warranty is void if any attempt to repair or replace defective parts has been made by unauthorized personnel. I acknowledge receipt of my Operators Manual and have read the Safe Operation Section. I acknowledge understanding maintenance and safe operation requirements, item specifications, operation, controls, and storage requirements. I understand that I alone am responsible for the proper maintenance, care, and safe operation of this Value-Leader item. I (Purchaser) agree that persons not familiar with the operation of this item should not be allowed to use it. Children especially should not operate or be near Power Products when in use. ANYONE OPERATING
FARMER-HELPER PRODUCTS SHOULD HAVE READ OPERATIONS MANUALS AND SAFETY MANUALS.
Owners Signature: x———————————–Date:———–/———-/—————
You must sign this warranty and mail copy to Betstco, 83371 Melton Rd, Creswell, OR 97426. If you prefer you may complete your registration online. This warranty is not effective unless the Purchaser completes the Registration and Warranty Form within 30 days of purchase or ship date whichever is later. NOTE: We may refuse warranty of any kind unless Betstco, receives a completed, legible, and signed warranty registration. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to assure that the registration document is received by Betstco. Betstco 541-895-3083 service@betstco.com.

2-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY & REGISTRATION
Farmer Helper Machinery Branded Products 2-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY

2-Year Extended Warranty amends to original Recorded Manufacturers Warranty Registration the time period of described coverage. Extended Warranty does not apply to Consumable and Expendable Items as described in Product Warranty Registration. This Amendment does not affect any other part of the recorded Warranty Registration or Policy. This Warranty Extension is the sole responsibility of Betstco. No one is authorized to alter, modify, or enlarge this addition to the original manufacturers recorded warranty registration. EXTENDED REGISTRATION & PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE PURCHASE DATE

• Product & Model # :—————————–
• Serial #*————————–
• Owner Name:———————-
• Betstco Invoice #————————–

Acceptance of responsibility:
(Purchaser) have Read and understood the Extended Warranty or someone has read/and explained all the above to me. I understand this extended warranty does not cover any labor. I have filed my Original Warranty Registration and fully understand my requirements. I understand that I alone am responsible for the proper maintenance, care, and safe operation of this tractor implement. I (purchaser) also understand that persons not familiar with the operation of this equipment should not be allowed to use it. Children especially should not operate or be near equipment. ANYONE OPERATING EQUIPMENT SHOULD HAVE READ ALL EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS MANUALS AND SAFETY MANUALS.

• Owners Signature: x——————-
• Date:———————

You must sign this extended warranty and email it to service@betstproducts.com or mail copy to Betstco, 83371 Melton Rd, Creswell OR 97426. This extended warranty is not effective unless the Purchaser mails this Registration Form within 30 days of purchase. NOTE: The manufacturer may refuse a warranty of any kind unless Betstco receives a completed, legible, and signed extended warranty registration. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to assure that this registration document is received by Betstco. To Make Payment for an Extended Warranty Call: 541-895-3083.

References

• Betstco Tractor Impliments
• Betstco Tractor Impliments

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