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6.9 ROTOR FLAIL MAINTENANCE
When breaking or losing a knife, it is important to replace it immediately. Failure to do this can cause
serious unbalancing problems. At the time of replacement, the opposite knife on the rotor should be
checked for wear. If it is partially or well worn then if should be replaced to maintain an accurate
weight balance. When the first cutting edge is becoming blunt, the whole set of flails should be turned
around. (Using blunt knives will reduce the cutting efficiency and increase fuel consumption).
Replacing or reversing the knives follows this simple procedure:
(A) Ensure mower engine has stopped and the knives have stopped rotating. Switch off the
fuel tap and let the machine cool down for 5 minutes. Disconnect the spark plug cap to
ensure the engine cannot be started.
(B) Raise the mower to its max cutting height.
(C) Carefully raise the drawbar to an incline position, so that height adjuster bar at the rear of
the mower takes the weight. NB; Do not attempt this with the wheels behind version; raise the
front jack to its max height.
(D) Slacken and take out the shackle bolt.
(E) Replace or turn around blades (Note the direction of rotation)
(F) Replace shackle bolt securely, but still allowing the shackle to swing on the fixing bush.
Never use cracked or repaired shackles when replacing
knives. If the shackle fixing has become damaged or worn,
replace with new parts.
