SICKLE BAR MOWERSUPERIOR MODEL 394-7

MICRO MODEL 394-5

BUY SMART INC. • 2612 Wilco Blvd. • WILSON, NC 27893PHONE 252-293-4700 • FAX 252-293-4703

Toll Free 888-945-3102

OWNER’S/OPERATOR’SMANUAL

Read the Operator’s Manual entirely.When you see this symbol, be aware that the subsequent

instructions and warnings are serious - follow without exception.Your life and the lives of others will depend on it!

Dear Customer,We would like to welcome you as a First Choice user and thank youfor choosing our machine. Our machines are the result of carefulstudy and years of experience. We have always placed improvementamong our prime objectives.The contents of this booklet are intended to be a guide. First Choicereserves the right to modify the specifications of the machine withoutbeing obligated to immediately up-date this booklet.ALWAYS USE ORIGINAL “FIRST CHOICE” SPARE PARTS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

07/04

Owner’s Section 1 - 13

Safety Information 1 - 2

Safety Decals & Warnings 3

Technical Characteristics 4

Assembly 5 - 6

Starting Up 6 - 10

Hydraulic System (Optional) 11

Lubrication 12

Troubleshooting 13

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Identification Plate

SAFETY INFORMATION

07/04 1

WARNING: Always read you operators manual thoroughly before operating orperforming any maintenance on your mower. Before you operate this machine,know your controls and how to stop the tractor and mower quickly in an emer-gency! Read and observe all safety decals on the tractor and mower.

Use extreme caution and reduce speedwhen operating on hillside. Use cabsequiped with ROPS (Roll Over Protection)and seat belts. Mowers are more likely tothrow objects when operating on hillsidesand tractors can easily tip. Either couldresult in serious injury to operator. Neverstart or stop suddenly when going up ordownhill. This could result in tipping of thetractor or a roll-over. If steep slopes areanticipated, adjust the wheel width, addfluid to tires or add tractor weights to com-pensate. Avoid steep slopes. Do not raisethe cutter bar when mowing hillsides. Doingso may increase the likelihood of tipping.

Only the operator should ride on the tractorno one should ride on the mower. Personsriding on the tractor or the mower couldeasily fall into the path of the machineresulting in serious injury. Anyone operat-ing this machine must be instructed in theoperation and capable of safe operation ofthe unit. Never allow children to operatethis machine!

Never use drugs or alcoholic beverageswhich can hinder alertness or coordinationwhile operating. Consult your doctor aboutoperating this machine while taking pre-scription drugs.

Always keep all covers, blades and guards,furnished with the machine, in place and ingood condition. Failure to do so couldresult in the operator being struck by highspeed cutter bar, Keep clear all mowingparts.

Make sure all onlookers, personnel, chil-dren and pets are out ot the area to bemowed. Make sure pets and small childrenare not under or around the machine whenyou start the mower.

Always wear proper foot protection. Neveroperate the mower in bare feet or whilewearing sandals or sneakers.

Always check the drive line connections atthe tractor and the gearbox before opera-tion of the mower. Be sure the quick dis-connects are locked before operation.

Always disengage the tractor PTO and shiftinto neutral before starting the tractor.

Always lower the mower to the ground andshut off the tractor before dismounting andbe sure that the mowing motion hasstopped.

Failure to do so could result in the operatorbeing injured by moving tractor, mower, ordriveline parts.

07/04 2

Always stop the tractors engine and disen-gage the PTO before making adjustmentsor cleaning the mower.

Always disengage the driveline and blockup the machine before performing mainte-nance on the mower.

Never operate the mower while in theraised or the transport position.

Avoid sharp turns while mowing. Remem-ber that a 3-point mounted mower willswing in a wide arc when the tractor isturned. Allow sufficient clearance for themower when turning.

Always stop the mower and tractor uponhitting an obstruction. Stop the tractorengine and inspect the mower beforeresuming operation.

Observe minimum and maximum PTORPM limits. Failure to do so could result indamage to equipment. Use only 540 RPM.

When transporting the mower on publicroads, always use the tractors safety warn-ing lights and slow moving vehicle emblem.Consult local regulations about the use ofadditional lights or flashers.

Perform preventive maintenance on aregular basis. Replace worn or damagedparts immediately. Keep all nuts and boltstight at all times. Failure to do so couldresult in serious injury to personnel ormachinery. Make sure all safety decals arein place and visible.

Do not use this machine in extremely rockyfield conditions.

Never operate the mower with cutter barlocked in the UP position or any time thecutter bar locked in the UP position or anytime the cutter bar is raised. Never allowanyone near the cutter bar when the tractoris running.

Always lock the cutter bar in the UP posi-tion for transport, whenever the cutter baris in the UP position with no hydraulicpressure on the cutter bar cylinder orwhenever the cylinder is removed. Failureto lock the cutter bar in this position couldresult in the cutter bar falling to the groundand causing injury.

Never allow children to operate on ride onthe tractor or cutter.

This mower is of metric design. USEONLY METRIC TOOLS. Other wrenchesmay slip and cause bodily injury and mayruin the fastener and require costly re-placement.

CAUTION : NEVER DISCONNECTMOWER FROM TRACTOR WITHOUTCUTTER BAR IN THE LOWERED (OPER-ATING) POSITION.

The following Safety and Informational Decals are located on the SICKLE-BAR MOWER. Lo-cate, Read and understand these Decals. Replace any damaged decals. Keep all decals clearand readable.

07/04 3

SAFETY DECALS & WARNINGS

ALWAYS REPLACE THE TEETH AND THE SECTIONS WHENEVER THEY ARE DAMAGEDSO AS NOT TO JEOPARDIZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MOWING OPERATION.

DO NOT CONTINUE OPERATIONS SHOULD STRANGE NOISES OR VIBRATIONS AREFELT. CHECK THE TIGHTENING ELEMENTS.

AVOID THE FORMATION OF DEPOSITS ON THE BAR, THIS IS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVEBLADE WEAR, IT IS THEREFORE ADVISABLE TO WASH THE BAR AT THE END OF EV-ERY WORKING DAY.

CAREFULLY READ AND CONSERVE THIS MANUAL.

07/04 4

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

CHARACTERISTICS UM MICRO SUPERIOR 394

WORKING WIDTH Ft. MICRO 5’ SUPERIOR 7’

NOMINAL POWER REQUIREMENT Hp 22 26

STROKES PER MINUTEMOVEMENT FREQUENCY MINUTE N 1250 1300

OPTIMAL WORKING SPEED MPH 6 8

REQUIRED P.T.O. SPEED RPM 500 550

YIELD PER HOUR Acres 3.5 5

SAFETY DEVICE - Release Release

WORKING ANGLE - CUTTING BAR - +90 degrees -60 degrees

HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER - Not Optional Optional

BELT DRIVE - 3 “V” belt 3 “V” belt

APPROXIMATE WEIGHT Lb 520 550

FRAMEAssemble the lifting lever “A” to the frame (pict. 1) by means of the special pin “B” and rotate thesupport “C” by 90 degrees. Position the spring “D” in the support and insert the arm into the pin(remove any paint residues and grease), then lower the arm making the pulley support rest onthe long part of the spring “E”, then close with the special M12 screw (pict. 2).

ASSEMBLY

Secure the tip of the release (clutch side)to the frame by means of the relative pinpositioning it with the spring turned out-wards “F” (pict. 3), then connect the othertip to the arm inserting it in the relative pin.These operations will be simplified bycoupling the frame to the three-pointattachment of the tractor.

Connect the rocker are chain “G-H” to the lever using the clamp (pict 4-5), attach the bar stoptie-rod to the eyelet on the frame and position the support in the relative slot.

07/04 5

A

B

CD

E

F

G

H

(pict.1) (pict. 2)

(pict. 3)

(pict. 4) (pict. 5)

07/04 6

BARMount the bar on the frame inserting the M16 screw in the two holes of the unit, and tightenusing the self-locking nuts “A” (pict. 6). Connect the blades to the rod kit levers by means of twoM12 nuts being careful not to lose the bushes “B” (pict. 6). Then position the reinforcementbrackets on the unit and connect it to the shoe by means of the special screws. Fix the rockerand spring to the top hole of the plate using the relative clamp “G” (pict. 4). Screw the grassplow and the casing.

Apply the outer swath board with the swath stick to the external shoe “C” (pict. 7)

STARTING UP

FRAMEConnect the mowers to the three point attach-ment of the tractor inserting the gear rack in thepin ot the third point, rest the chain “D” against itand connect the ends to the frame with therelative clamps (pict. 8). Regulate the stabiliz-ing tie-rods so that the machine is well cen-tered. Block the support in the working positionand extract the stop pin of the frame.

DRIVELINE LENGTHBefore operating the mower the drivline length must be checked. With the mower attached to thetractor, check the Driveline length as follows:

(pict. 6) (pict. 7)

(pict. 8)

A

BC

D

07/04 7

1) Separate the two halves of the Driveline and connect one half to the Tractor and the otherhalf to the mower.

2) Lower the Mower to the operating position.

3) Bring the two Driveline halves together (pict. 9). There should be 1 1/2” (pict.10) or moreclearance from the tubes bottoming out at this maximum compressed length. If necessaryshorten the Driveline to obtain the proper clearance. Do not shorten more than necessary.Shorten the metal tubes and guards by the same amount and round off all sharp edges andremove burr. Grease the metal tubes before assembling.

4) Raise the Mower to the transport position and check the Driveline length at this maximumextension to make sure the metal tubes are always engaged at least 8 inches (pict. 10)

LIFTINGAdjust the chains of the mower rocker arm so that when operating the lifting device the bar risescreating an upwards angle of about 15/20 degrees, then manually bring it to a vertical positionand secure it to the bar stop tie rod by means of the relative winder nut.

NEVER TRANSPORT THE MOWER WITHOUT SECURING IT THROUGH THE TIE ROD.

WORKING POSITION1) Clear the tie-rod bar and lower it manually supporting it at the end-of-stroke. Lock the bar

stop tie-rod in the relative slot.2) The chain of the third point serves to block the frame at a certain height. Lower the tractor

hoist and regulate the chain length on the gear rack so as to obtain the right pressure of thespring and a good alignment of the driveline with the power take-off “D” (pict. 8).

1/2”

(pict. 9) (pict. 10)

8”

07/04 8

CUTTING HEIGHTThe cutting height is regulated by means of the third point of the tractor, which permits the down-wards inclination of the front part of the bar.

However, we recommend that you do not mow too near the ground when it is very stoney in orderto avoid the risk of damaging the blades.

The mower is fitted with a safety release that allowsthe bar to rotate backwards in the event of impact. Itis not possible to provide optimal calibration at origindue to the diversity of terrain. Therefore, it is advis-able to regulate the spring pressure using the rela-tive nut “A” (pict. 11)

SAFETY RELEASE

BELT TENSIONIt is important to check the belt tension especially in the first hours of working. To. check the ten-sion, it is necessary to exert upon each belt a pressure of mearly lb. 8 to 9 if the flexion is over 1/2” “A” (pict. 12) proceed as follows:

1) Lift the machine so as to unload the spring.2) Loosen the two M14 bolts of the pulley support “C” (pict. 13)3) Stretch the belt by means of the relative M12 screw after having loosened the locknut “B”

(pict. 13).4) Check that the tension is correct and then tighten the M14 bolts.

** When belts are worn always replace them in complete series (3 belts).

(pict. 11)

A

A

A B

(pict. 12) (pict. 13)

C

USETo begin mowing, after having placed the bar on the ground, the blades should be well oiled andthe relative parts greased, then insert the power take-off and accelerate gradually until reaching aspeed of 500-550 RPM.

blade replacementBlade repacement in the mowers is easily carried out as follows:1) Unscrew the three M8 screws “D” (pict. 14),2) Rotate the head upwards (this remains attached to the connect rod kit)3) Extract the blade from the exterior using the hook.

To re-assemble the blade, make sure that the alignment of the two pegs with the head is perfect(clean if necessary), then tighten the three screws. The toothed blade is extracted from theinterior by unscrewing the M12 bolt that locks the head to the connect rod kit lever “E” (pict. 15)

07/049

MOWING WITH INCLINED BLADEMowing is possible with any type of blade inclination, either upwards or downwards (+90 degrees-60 degrees), for cutting bushes, embankments, ditches, etc. To allow the bar to rotate down-wards, release the chain from the bracket as necessary and fit an extension to the cylinder (ifsupplied).

D

(pict. 14)

E

(pict. 15)

07/04 10

BLADE HOLDER REGISTRATIONIt is possible that in time the registration of the blade holder will be necessary. This is undertakenas follows:

1) Loosen the two M12 nuts “A” (pict. 16) wrench 22.2) Adjust the relative M10 screw “B” (pict. 16) leaving a clearance of .012 - 0.20 inches be

tween the blade holder and the tooth.3) Tighten the two M12 nuts “A” (pict. 16) and check the clearance with a thickness guage.

** We advise that this operation is carried out by authorized dealers.

Lift the tractor hoist and put the bar into verticalposition and secure it to the tie-rod “D” (pict. 18).The mower is ready for transportation..For storage, lower the support and insert the pin soas to block the frame “C” (pict. 17), lower the hoistand unhook the machine from the tractor. It is advis-able to wash the mower at the end of the mowingoperation and grease the bar before storing it awayfor the winter. It is also advisable to position it withthe bar horizontal to avoid the risk of accidentaloverturning or belt loosening.

MOWER TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE

B

A

C

D

(pict. 16) (pict. 17)

(pict. 18)

The model SUPERIOR 394-7 can be equipped with an hydraulic lifting device. This accessory isonly purchased by direct request. It is used exclusively to lift the cutter bar in a vertical position fortransporting. Operates by means of a single acting cylinder.

ASSEMBLYTo insert the support in the arm and to fix it throughthe two bolts M12 “A” (pict. 19). Then, to secure thecylinder end point with the apposite piston pin “F”(pict. 19).

To assemble the scond support unit through the twobolts M12 “A” (pict. 20) insert the piston rod in thepin and to secure it through the apposite pin. Toconnect the flexible tube end-point to the cylinder “B”(pict) and connect the other end-point to the powertake-off of the tractor.

USE1) To stop the power take-off of the tractor.2) To lift the mower through the lifting device of

the tractor.3) To operate the cylinder for the total lifting of

the bar.

carefully control that the tube does not have any abrasions orabnormalty, replace it as necessary. do not operate with the hy draulic liftnear people.

EVEN IF FITTED WITH HYDRAULIC LIFT, FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY ALWAYSMAKE SURE THAT THE BAR IS SECURED TO THE RELATIVE TIE ROD!

07/04 11

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)

(pict. 19)

(pict. 20)

F

E

B

A

UNITThe mowers are delivered already lubricated.Lubricate all the parts fitted with lubricator after every8 hours of work and the central connecting rod inparticular “C” (pict. 21).

07/04 12

DRIVELINEGrease fittings are located on the Cross assembly of each U Joint and on the Telescoping Tubes.Do not force grease through the Needle cup assemblies. Use quality grease to lubricate eachpart after the number of hours shown in the chart (pict. 19). Consult the shaft operation andmaintenance manual.

LUBRICATION

C

(pict. 21)

(pict. 22)

TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY NOT CUTTING CLEAN 1) Blades are dull Sharpen or replace

2) RPM too slow Use correct rotation3) Ground speed too fast Reduce ground speed

STREAKING 1) Crop too wet Allow crop to dry. Slow groundspeed

2) Dull Blades Sharpen or replace blades3) Mud or debris built up Clean area between skids.

between skid shoes

STUBBLE TOO LONG 1) Angle on cutter bar Change angle using the toplink.

2) Insufficient down Adjust spring tension (pict 8)pressure on cutter bar

SOIL BUILD UP ON 1) Wet conditions Allow to dry CUTTER BAR 2) Too much cutterbar Adjust spring tension (pict. 8)

down pressure

MOWER BREAKS BACK 1) Insufficient tension on Tighten breakway spring (pict.11) TOO EASILY break away spring

TROUBLESHOOTING

13 07/04

Buy Smart, Inc. • 2612 Wilco Blvd. • Wilson, NC 27893Phone 252-293-4700 • Fax 252-293-4703

Toll Free Phone 888-945-3102

07/04