Technical
dust and debris. Always check that the rubber boot on the end cap is in place and in good condition. If it is damaged, it should be replaced so that the air flows correctly through the filter.
Engine Oil: It’s the most obvious daily check to make, and should always be done before the engine is started. A regular operator should know whether his machine uses any oil or not, but anyone using a different machine must check the engine oil before starting the machine.
Hydraulic Oil: The hydraulic oil level can be checked by using either a sight glass or a dip stick. When topping up the system, be sure to also check the viscosity of the oil so that you ensure that the correct grade of oil is added to the system!
Hydraulic System Filters: Some of the oil filters will have a tell‐tale gauge or warning light fitted to alert the operator of a blockage or build‐up within the filter. For these to operator correctly, the oil must be at working temperature. Cold oil will be too thick to flow through the filter correctly and the warning lights may need to be ignored until the system has heated up.
If any warning lights stay on, immediately stop the engine and consult the operator handbook. That will detail how to correctly interpret the information.
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ROPS Frames: The securing pins or bolts need to be correctly in place. Any missing or damaged parts need to be replaced, otherwise the security of the ROPS will be affected.
Up or down? If the ROPS frame has been lowered, then there should be a clearly understood reason for it. By default, the ROPS should be raised, and only lowered when an overhead obstruction creates a greater risk. Refer to your risk assessments for guidance on when, where and under what circumstances the ROPS can, and should, be lowered.
Operator Presence Controls (OPC’s): The built‐in safety systems on every modern machine are there to protect the operator. They must be tested at the start of every shift and any faults should be checked by an experienced mechanic.
On some machines, there is a flashing light sequence on the dashboard:
1 flash = seat, 2 flashes = parking brake, 3 flashes = cutter drive engaged.
A simple function test should check the purpose of these in under a minute.
In addition, many machines will disconnect the cutter drive if the operator leaves the seat. Again, a simple safety circuit to test; run the cutting system and stand up. Either
the cutters should stop, or the engine should stop.
No one should be operating a piece of machinery without testing the safety circuits which are there to protect them.
Cutting Decks and Cutting Units.
Rotary decks are often overlooked, but a daily inspection should be carried out to cover the following key areas:
Rollers: All decks will have anti scalping skids and/or rollers. These should be checked for wear and damage, as well as correct adjustment. Any damaged or missing parts need to be reported so replacement parts can be ordered.
Rotary Blades: The blades and the cutting edge should be checked for damage. Once worn, they should be removed, and another set fitted. Worn or dull blades can be sharpened, balanced and re‐fitted. Leaving the blades on too long results in an inferior quality of cut, higher fuel consumption and a blade which cannot be sharpened and returned to work.
So, failing to check and sharpen the blades costs time, fuel and profits!
Height-of-Cut: All rotary decks have adjustments at the front and the rear of the deck. Too often, decks are adjusted by moving the front wheels only, resulting in
If any warning lights stay on, immediately stop the engine and consult the operator handbook. That will detail how to correctly interpret the information
124 I PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018
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