BUSH HOG ® Front End Loaders M146 / M246 OPERATOR’S MANUAL ASSEMBLY ● OPERATION ● MAINTENANCE 401 $4.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have invested in the best implement of its type on the market today. The care you give your Bush Hog implement will greatly determine your satisfaction with its performance and its service life. We urge a careful study of this manual to provide you with a thorough understanding of your new implement before operating, as well as suggestions for operation and maintenance. If your manual should become lost or destroyed, Bush Hog will be glad to provide you with a new copy.
M146 / M246 Front End Loader TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION/PARA SECTION/PARA PAGE Warranty ............................................................2 Dealer Preparation Check List ...........................3 Safety Alert Symbols..........................................4 Safety Precautions.............................................5 Federal Laws & Regulations ..............................7 I INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION ..................8 1-1 Introduction ..............................................
BUSH HOG® LIMITED WARRANTY ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ Bush Hog warrants to the original purchaser of any new Bush Hog equipment, purchased from an authorized Bush Hog dealer, that the equipment be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for non-commercial, state, and municipalities’ use and ninety (90) days for commercial use from date of retail sale.
DEALER PREPARATION CHECK LIST M146 & M246 LOADERS BEFORE DELIVERING MACHINE - The following check list should be completed. Use the Operator’s Manual as a guide. ❏ Machine properly assembled. ❏ All safety decals readable. (See decal page) ❏ All bolts tightened to torque specifications given in torque chart. ❏ Machine operates properly. ❏ Customer has appropriate mounting kit for his tractor and loader. ❏ Customer has appropriate attachments for loader operations.
Safety Alert Symbol This Safety Alert Symbol means: “ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!” This symbol is used to call attention to safety precautions that should be followed by the operator to avoid accidents. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and heed its advice. Failure to comply with safety precautions could result in death or serious bodily injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS This symbol is used to call attention to safety precautions that should be followed by the operator to avoid accidents. When you see this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and heed its advice. Failure to comply with safety precautions could result in death or serious bodily injury.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONTINUED 10. Before disconnecting hydraulic lines, relieve all hydraulic pressure. 11. Do not tamper with the relief valve setting. The relief valve is pre-set at the factory. Changing the setting can cause overloading the loader and tractor and serious operator injury may result. 12. Always wear safety goggles when repairing or servicing machine. 13. When servicing or replacing pins in cylinder ends, buckets, etc., always use a brass drift and hammer.
IMPORTANT FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS* CONCERNING EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS. *(This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of the following federal laws and regulations. It is not intended as a legal interpretation of the laws and should not be considered as such). U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA This Act Seeks: “...
SECTION I INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION Figure 1-1 Major Components Bucket Cylinder Mainframe Boom Cross Tube Bucket Subframe Boom Cylinder Parking Stands Stored 1-1 INTRODUCTION 1-2 DESCRIPTION We are pleased to have you as a Bush Hog customer. Your Front End Loader has been carefully designed to give maximum service with minimum down time. This manual is provided to give you the necessary operating and maintenance instructions for keeping your front end loader in top operating condition.
Table 1-1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS VV U V D E XX A B J C X W ZZ G F Y H SERIES LOADER M246 M146 A. 103 in. 86 in. Maximum Lift Height - Measured at Pivot Pin B. Maximum Lift Height - Under Level Bucket 96 in. 81 in. C. Clearance with Attachment Dumped 45° 77 in. 67 in. D. Reach at Maximum Height 22 in. 23 in. E. Maximum Dump Angle 40° 45° 62 in. 54 in. 25° 25° F. Reach with Bucket on Ground G. Maximum Rollback Angle H. Digging Depth 5 in. 5 in. J.
SECTION II LOADER MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING 2-1 PREPARING TRACTOR Figure 2-1 CAUTION TRACTORS THAT HAVE MOVABLE AXLES MUST BE SET FORWARD IN THE LONG WHEELBASE POSITION AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 2-1 TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE LEVERAGE BEING EXERTED ON THE TRACTOR FRAME. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE. REFER TO TRACTOR OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR ABOVE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR YOUR TRACTOR. Short Wheelbase Long Wheelbase A.
C. Check that lift cylinders are fully retracted. Figure 2-3. Then drive tractor forward. Use bucket cylinders to position height of outer pedestal top pin. Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4 F. Extend lift cylinders slowly making sure loader is seated completely in mounting bracket top and bottom receivers. Retract bucket cylinder until bucket is approximately 1/2” off ground. G. Remove lockwasher, quick attach nut, and self storing tool from holder. Remove quick pin and clamp from storage position.
IMPORTANT Each time after mounting the loader, operate loader for a short period of time, then retighten the quick attach nuts. Check nuts for tightness during normal maintenance H. Remove parking stands from the parked position and return them to their storage positions in the cross tube. Secure parking stands in the storage position by using pins. Figure 2-8. CAUTION DO NOT STAND, WALK, OR WORK UNDER A RAISED LOADER OR ATTACHMENT UNLESS IT IS SECURELY BLOCKED OR HELD IN POSITION.
F. Rollback bucket slightly while lowering loader boom down until the parking stands make firm contact with ground. Dump bucket until bucket touches the ground. NOTE Driving the tractor forward slowly while positioning loader will allow parking stands to contact ground firmly. J. Disconnect loader hoses from quick couplers. Start tractor and slowly back tractor away from loader. Figure 2-10.
3-6 LOADER MOUNTED SERIES CONTROL VALVE EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE LEVER CONTROL HANDLE WARNING ESCAPING HYDRAULIC FLUID UNDER PRESSURE CAN HAVE SUFFICIENT FORCE TO PENETRATE SKIN, CAUSING SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. BEFORE APPLYING PRESSURE TO SYSTEM, BE SURE ALL CONNECTIONS ARE TIGHT AND THAT LINES, TUBES, AND HOSES ARE NOT DAMAGED. FLUID ESCAPING FROM A VERY SMALL HOLE CAN BE ALMOST INVISIBLE. USE A PIECE OF CARDBOARD OR WOOD, RATHER THAN HANDS, TO SEARCH FOR SUSPECTED LEAKS.
3-10 LOADER OPERATION 3-12 HOSE IDENTIFICATION Before operating the loader, fully raise and lower the boom three or four times. Then raise the loader bucket approximately four (4) feet above the ground and cycle the bucket two or three times. Lower the bucket or attachment to the ground. Check the tractor hydraulic fluid level and fill as required. Refer to the tractor Operator’s Manual for the proper hydraulic fluid and the correct hydraulic fluid level. Metal lines on the loader are color coded.
The text and illustrations that follow offer suggested loader and tractor operating techniques. FILLING THE BUCKET Approach and enter the pile with a level bucket. The lift and rollback of the bucket will increase efficiency because... DO THIS ... a level bucket throughout the lifting cycle resists bucket lift and increases breakaway effort. Ease lever back and toward you to lift and rollback the bucket.
LIFTING THE LOAD CAUTION OPERATING THE LOADER ON A HILLSIDE IS DANGEROUS. EXTREME CARE IS RECOMMENDED. WARNING DO NOT LIFT OR CARRY ANYONE IN THE BUCKET OR ON ANY OTHER POSITION OF THE LOADER OR LOADER ATTACHMENT. INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE LOADER OR ATTACHMENT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM FALLING OR CRUSHING. CAUTION DO THIS NOT THIS MAKE SURE MATERIAL IN BUCKET CANNOT ROLL OUT AND DOWN ON TRACTOR WHEN BUCKET IS RAISED TO FULL HEIGHT.
OPERATING WITH FLOAT CONTROL During hard surface operation, keep the bucket level and put the lift control in the float position to permit the bucket to float on the working surface. If hydraulic down pressure is exerted on the bucket, it will wear faster than normal. FLOAT Sidecutting is a good technique for cutting down a big pile. The float will also prevent the mixing of surface material with stockpile material.
PEELING AND SCRAPING BACKFILLING DO THIS 6” Backgrade occasionally with a loaded bucket to keep the working surface free of ruts and holes. Hold the lift control forward in FLOAT POSITION so the full weight of the bucket is scraping the ground. Use only the heel of the bucket while backgrading. Use a slight bucket angle, travel forward, and hold the lift control forward to start the cut. Make a short, angle cut approximately 6” deep and break-out cleanly.
HANDLING LARGE HEAVY OBJECTS WARNING Do not use front end loaders for handling large, heavy objects such as large, round or rectangular bales, logs and oil drums. Handling large heavy objects can be extremely dangerous due to: ★ Possibility of rolling the tractor over. ★ Possibility of upending the tractor. Leave dirt in the bucket because dumping on each pass wastes time. ★ Possibility of the object rolling or sliding down the loader arms onto the operator.
3-16 QUICK HITCH OPERATION (M246 ONLY) Figure 3-4 Fork Lift Attachment The quick hitch (Figure 3-5) is designed to allow easy mounting and dismounting of skid steer attachments from loader. With attachment on flat, level surface, mount as follows: Tilt quick hitch slightly forward at top and slowly drive into attachment. Adjustable Forks Hook quick hitch under top cuff on attachment and lift off ground using boom cylinders only.
SECTION IV MAINTENANCE Figure 4-1 Mounting Kit 4-1 MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST Perform scheduled maintenance as outlined below. Lower machine to ground, turn off tractor, and set parking brake before doing maintenance inspections or work. All bolts should be torqued as recommended in torque chart unless otherwise indicated. Apply Small Amount Of Grease WARNING THE LOADER CAN FALL FROM HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, SECURELY SUPPORT LOADER BEFORE WORKING UNDERNEATH.
Figure 4-2 Lubrication Points ➀ ➂ M246 With Optional Skid Steer Quick Hitch ➁ ➃ ➂ ➃ M146 Standard Bucket Attachment 4-4 TROUBLESHOOTING 4-3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS Troubleshooting procedures are listed on page 24. If the problem cannot be solved or replacement parts are necessary, contact your authorized Bush Hog dealer. Please have ready your machine name, model number, serial number, purchase date and exact cause or description of problem.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE Loader slow and/or will not dump. Hydraulic oil too heavy. Oil filter plugged. Hydraulic pump worn. Oil line restricted or leaking. REMEDY Change to proper oil. Clean or replace filter. Repair or replace pump. Check all hoses and tubes for leaks, damage or restrictions. Replace damaged or restricted hoses or tube lines. Quick couplers not properly connected. Check connection - Replace if necessary. Control valve does not shift properly.
SECTION V ASSEMBLY CAUTION 11. After completing assembly, be sure that all safety locking devices or guards are in place. THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD BEFORE ATTEMPTING MACHINE ASSEMBLY. 12. Before operating the machine, thoroughly read the operation section of this manual. 13. Before operating, read the maintenance section of this manual to be sure that any parts requiring lubrication, such as gearboxes, are full to avoid any possible damage. 1.
Tighten all bolts equally during installation so that outside surface of brackets are level and the center line measurement from right to left hand mounting brackets (Dimension “A”) reads 32” plus or minus 1/4” for M146 or 37” plus or minus 1/4” for M246. Figure 5-1. 5-2 TRACTOR BALLAST CAUTION TO HELP PREVENT ROLLOVER, USE RECOMMENDED REAR TRACTOR BALLAST AND WIDEST WHEEL SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE STABILITY. SEE YOUR TRACTOR OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR RECOMMENDATIONS.
M146 LOADER VALVE MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALVOIL VALVE 50032442 SMALL VALVE & MOUNT KIT HYDRAULIC ATTACHMENT VALVE PLUMBING ASSEMBLY 25H49978 Small Walvoil Valve 25H42220 (4) Straight Adaptors 3050137 Male Adaptor 25H42227 (4) Male Pipe Nipples 25H42225 (4) Quick Couplers 52161 (5) Cable Ties 50031124 (4) Male 45° Elbows Red - Rod End of Lift Cylinder Blue- Base End of Lift Cylinder 25H42696 Straight Adaptor Yellow- Rod End of Bucket Cylinder Green - Base End of Bucket Cylinder (4) Dust Plugs Col
M146 LOADER VALVE MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALVOIL VALVE 50032443 SERIES VALVE & MOUNT KIT HYDRAULIC ATTACHMENT VALVE PLUMBING ASSEMBLY 50028958 Series Valve 25H42220 (4) Straight Adaptors 3050137 Male Adaptor 25H42227 (4) Male Pipe Nipples 25H42225 (4) Quick Couplers 50031124 (4) Male 45° Elbows 52161 (5) Cable Ties Red - Rod End of Lift Cylinder Blue- Base End of Lift Cylinder 50029345 Check Valve Yellow- Rod End of Bucket Cylinder Green - Base End of Bucket Cylinder (4) Dust Plugs Color-Coded 25
M246 LOADER VALVE MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALVOIL VALVE 50029340 SMALL VALVE & MOUNT KIT HYDRAULIC ATTACHMENT VALVE PLUMBING ASSEMBLY 25H49978 Small Walvoil Valve 25H42220 (4) Straight Adaptors 3050137 Male Adaptor 25H42227 (4) Male Pipe Nipple 25H42225 (4) Quick Couplers 50031124 (4) Male 45° Elbows 52161 (5) Cable Ties Red - Rod End of Lift Cylinder Blue- Base End of Lift Cylinder 25H42696 Straight Adapter Yellow- Rod End of Bucket Cylinder Green - Base End of Bucket Cylinder (4) Dust Plugs Colo
M246 LOADER VALVE MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALVOIL VALVE 50029330 SERIES VALVE & MOUNT KIT HYDRAULIC ATTACHMENT VALVE PLUMBING ASSEMBLY 50028958 Series Valve 3050137 Male Adaptor 25H42220 (4) Straight Adaptors 25H42227 (4) Male Pipe Nipple 25H42225 (4) Quick Couplers 50031124 (4) Male 45° Elbows 52161 (5) Cable Ties Red - Rod End of Lift Cylinder Blue- Base End of Lift Cylinder 50029345 Check Valve Yellow- Rod End of Bucket Cylinder Green - Base End of Bucket Cylinder (4) Dust Plugs Color Coded 2
5-9 POWER BEYOND KIT This Kit is provided to relieve excessive pressure on loader control valve when other implements are used while loader is still attached to tractor. Kit Includes: ITEM 1 2 3 4 5 QTY. 1 1 1 2 1 DESCRIPTION Power Beyond Plug Assy. Elbow 90˚ 9/16” ORB to 9/16” JIC Hydraulic Hose 1/4” - 9/16” JIC Female Straight Fitting 9/16” JIC male to 3/8” Pipe male Quick Coupler Assy. *NOTE: Use the Power Beyond Plug Supplied with the Walvoil Valve.
Support the loader by using a hoist. Refer to Mounting The Loader, page 10, to install the loader to mounting brackets previously installed on tractor. 5-10 MOUNTING BRACKET EYEBOLT Install eyebolt to each mounting kit center bracket and secure with hardware. Figure 5-2. CAUTION LIFT AND SUPPORT ALL LOADER COMPONENTS SAFELY. Figure 5-2 M246 Mounting Kit Center Bracket 5-11 STANDARD BUCKET & LEVEL INDICATOR ROD A.
5-12 SKID STEER QUICK HITCH (M246 Only) Skid Steer Quick Hitch Attach the boom and hydraulic cylinders to the quick hitch assembly using the fasteners provided, as shown at right. The bucket level indicator rod is attached as explained in the previous section for the standard bucket. Hole For Level Indicator Rod Pin Weldment Hydraulic Cylinder 3/8” Bolt, Lockwasher & Nut Boom Standard Model - For attaching directly to the loader boom and hydraulic cylinders.
SAFETY DECALS To promote safe operation, Bush Hog supplies safety decals on all products manufactured. Because damages can occur to safety decals either through shipment, use or reconditioning, Bush Hog will, upon request, provide safety decals for any of our products in the field at no charge. Contact your authorized Bush Hog dealer for more information. Decals 50100231, 50100233, 50100234 and 24H41969 are located on the left side of the subframe and the mounting kit.
24H41969 50100907 62779 50100234 35
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Proper toque for American fasteners used on Bush Hog equipment. Recommended Torque in Foot Pounds (Newton Meters).* AMERICAN Bolt Head Markings SAE Grade 2 (No Dashes) SAE Grade 5 (3 Dashes) ” lt Bo ter “B e m Dia Wrench Size “A” SAE Grade 8 (6 Dashes) METRIC Wrench Size “A” WRENCH SIZE (IN.) “A” BOLT DIAMETER (IN.
BUSH HOG ® P.O. Box 1039 ● Selma, AL 36702-1039 Telephone (334) 874-2700 , L.L.C.