CYCLONE SUPER-FLEX
BEFCO®
Operator’s Manual
CYCLONE SUPER-FLEX
Gang Grooming Mower
412-SFL, 415-SFL, 417-SFL, 420-SFL
The operator’s manual is a technical service guide and must always accompany the machine.
Manual 961-208B
August 2018
SAFETY
Take note! This safety alert symbol found throughout this manual is used to call your
attention to instructions involving your personal safety and the safety of others. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in injury or death.
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Signal Words
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal words for each have been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
INDEX
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3 - OPERATION
4 - MAINTENANCE
5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
6 - TROUBLESHOOTING
7 - PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST
8 - WARRANTY
4
41.01 - General
41.02 - Warranty Information
51.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
6
62.01 - Preparation
72.02 - Starting and Stopping
72.03 - Messages and Signs
11
113.01 - Operational Safety
133.02 - Setup and Assembly Instructions
153.03 - Light Kit Installation
173.04 - Cutting Height Adjustment
183.05 - Pre-Operational Check
193.06 - Attaching to the Tractor
213.07 - Constant Velocity Driveline
213.08 - Hydraulic Lift System
223.09 - Frame Adjustments
263.10 - Start Up
283.11 - Working Speed
283.12 - Operating Techniques
303.13 - Uneven Terrain
31
314.01 - Maintenance Safety
324.02 - Service
354.03 - Blade Maintenance
374.04 - Belt Tension
384.05 - Belt Replacement
394.06 - Drivelines and Center Gearbox Timing
404.07 - Transport
414.08 - Storage
43
435.01 - Gearbox
435.02 - Blade Spindle
445.03 - Suggested Spare Parts
45
47
48
INDEX 3 BEFCO
CYCLONE SUPER-FLEX OPERATOR’S MANUAL
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you and congratulations for having chosen our implement. Your new gang
grooming mower is a technologically advanced machine constructed of high quality,
sturdy components that will fulfill your working expectations. Read this manual carefully.
It will instruct you on how to operate and service your mower safely and correctly.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury and/or in equipment damage.
1.01 - General
The implement described in this manual is to be used with tractors with PTO at 540 rpm
and clockwise rotation.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the coupling of the implement with the tractor is
done at the same PTO speed and direction of rotation. Do not operate this
implement at a PTO speed or direction of rotation other than that shown on the
implement. Serious damage can occur to the machine and/or the operator.
CAUTION: Unless otherwise specified, all hardware is metric. Use only metric
tools on metric hardware. Other tools that do not fit properly can slip and cause
injury.
CAUTION: Right hand and left hand sides of the implement are determined by
facing in the direction the implement will travel when going forward (see fig. 2).
1.02 - Warranty Information
Carefully read the Warranty section1, detailing coverage and limitations of this warranty.
Warranty is provided for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as
described in this manual. Warranty registration is accomplished by the dealer by
completing and forwarding the Warranty Registration form to the Company, along with
a copy of the dealer’s invoice. It is in your best interest to insure that this has been
done.
Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Cleaning, transporting, mailing and service call charges.
1
GENERAL INFORMATION 4 BEFCO
See Chapter 8 - Warranty.
CYCLONE SUPER-FLEX OPERATOR’S MANUAL
2. Normal wear items such as belts, blades, bearings, drivelines, shear pins, slip
clutches, hydraulic hoses and seals, tires, etc.
3. Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, accidents, improper maintenance,
improper protection or improper use.
4. The use of non-original spare parts and accessories.
Your Authorized Company Dealer has genuine parts in stock. Only these approved
replacement parts should be used.
This limited warranty covers defective material and workmanship. The cost of normal
maintenance or repairs for accidents or improper use and related labor will be borne by
the owner.
1.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
Attached to the frame is an ID plate showing the model and the serial number. Record
your implement model and serial number in the space provided below. Your dealer
needs this information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order parts.
GENERAL INFORMATION 5 BEFCO
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2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety is the primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products.
Unfortunately our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single
careless act of an operator.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training
of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment. It is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand all safety and
operating instructions in the manual and to follow these.
Allow only properly trained personnel to operate the mower. Working with unfamiliar
equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operation, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the
mower owner’s responsibility, if this machine is used by any person other than yourself,
is loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to operating, reads and
understands the operator’s manuals and is instructed in safe and proper use.
2.01 - Preparation
1. Before operating equipment read and understand the operator’s manual and the
safety signs (see fig. 2).
2. Thoroughly inspect the implement before initial operation to assure that all
packaging materials, i.e. wires, bands, and tape have been removed.
3. Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and
gloves are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment,
maintaining and/or repairing the implement.
4. Operate the mower only with a tractor equipped with an approved
Roll-Over-Protective-System (ROPS). Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or
even death could result from falling off the tractor.
5. Clear area to be cut of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown,
causing injury or damage.
6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Ensure mower is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
8. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good
condition.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 BEFCO
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2.02 - Starting and Stopping
1. Be sure that no one is near the machine prior to engaging or while the machine is
working.
2. Be sure the tractor is in “Neutral” before starting engine.
3. Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual
for PTO engagement and disengagement instructions. Always operate PTO at 540
rpm. Know how to stop the tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
4. When engaging PTO, the engine rpm should always be low. Once engaged and
ready to start cutting, raise PTO speed to 540 rpm and maintain throughout cutting
operation.
5. Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good
condition and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is
damaged or missing.
6. After striking an obstacle, disengage the PTO, shut the tractor down and thoroughly
inspect for damage before restarting.
7. Never engage the PTO until the mower is in the down position and resting on the
ground. Never raise the mower until all blades have come to a complete stop.
8. To park the vehicle safely, stop vehicle on a level surface (not on a slope),
disengage PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the engine, remove the key, and
wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s seat.
9. Stay clear of rotating drivelines. Entanglement in rotating driveline can cause serious
injury or death. Wear close fitting clothing. Stop the engine and be sure PTO
driveline is stopped before getting near it.
2.03 - Messages and Signs
1. Read and adhere to all safety and operating decals on this machine (see fig. 2).
2. Before dismounting tractor: Allow moving parts to stop, stop engine, set brake and
remove the key of unattended equipment.
3. Keep away from rotating blades and driveline.
4. Keep guards and shields in place and in good condition.
5. Do not mow with bystanders in area.
6. Allow no riders on tractor or mower.
7. Allow moving parts to stop before repair.
8. Securely support mower before working underneath.
9. Lock up raised wings before transport (see fig. 13).
Additional warning and operating decals are available at no extra charge. Please specify
model and serial number when ordering.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 BEFCO
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Fig. 2 - Safety decals, main frame; replace immediately if damaged.
1
4
5
2
3
6
right side
left side
22
1
7
Yellow reflective deca
7
8
8
Red reflective decal
8
3
3
456
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 8 BEFCO
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Safety decals, decks; replace immediately if damaged.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 9 BEFCO
placed under belt shieldsplaced under belt shields
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Safety decals, drivelines; replace immediately if damaged.
placed on outer tube
placed on outer shield
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 10 BEFCO
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3 - OPERATION
The Cyclone Super-Flex represents the most advanced proposal for reducing labor cost
without sacrificing quality of cut. The high cutting speed of 8-10 mph along with the wide
working widths of up to 20’, allows for a reduction in man-hours and lower fuel cost for
the maintenance of large grass areas such as sport fields, parks, golf courses and sod
farms.
The Cyclone Super-Flex consists of a frame-carrier, mechanically connecting a trio of
C50 rear discharge grooming mowers. The Cyclone Super-Flex can be used on tractors
with horsepower ranging from 35 to 80. The tractor
angle driveline, to a 4 way splitter gearbox. The side and rear output shafts transfer
power to the individual speed multiplier gearboxes on each mower.
The 12’ model consists of two 4’ wing units and one 5’ rear unit, the 15’ model consists
of two 5’ wing units and one 6’ rear unit, the 17’ model consists of three 6’ decks and
the 20’ model consists of three 7’ decks.
Each individual mower works completely independent from the others. They are
connected to the frame by floating arms. All mowers have four wheels allowing free
floating over uneven terrain. Even over rolling ground, the cut is accurate and uniform.
After mowing, during transport and for storage or maintenance, all three mowers can be
raised up hydraulically to a vertical position. During transport or maintenance
operations, it is imperative to be sure the wing mowers are locked in place with the
automatic locking system. To transport over extended distances, the wings should be
locked in their 90 degree vertical position with the transport locks and the metal
transport braces added to the two wing units for added safety. The two transport wheels
allow the Cyclone Flex mower, in its closed and locked position, to be transported safely
on lawns or private roads. The tires are not suitable for extended road travel.
The decks can be raised for easy cleaning and quick blade changes. Top grease fittings
make the greasing of hubs and spindles simple and quick.
PTO is connected, through a wide
CAUTION: Our mowers are designed considering safety as the most important
aspect and are the safest available in today’s market. Unfortunately, human
carelessness can override the safety features built into our machines. Injury
prevention and work safety, aside from the features on our mowers, are very
much due to the responsible use of the equipment. It must always be operated
prudently following with great care, the safety instructions laid out in this manual.
OPERATION 11 BEFCO
3.01 - Operational Safety
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1. The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be prevented
by mechanical means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read
and understand this entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and
operating instructions, prior to using.
2. Do not operate the tractor and mower when you are tired, sick or when using
medication.
3. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least 300 feet from a rotary mower. Only properly
trained people should operate this machine.
4. When this machine is operated in populated areas where thrown objects could injure
persons or property, standard equipment safety chain shielding (which is designed
to reduce the possibility of thrown objects) must be installed.
5. The majority of accidents involve entanglements on the driveline, injury of
bystanders by objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked
off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by the mower. Accidents
are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who
has not read the operator’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary mower.
6. Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition
key, lower implement to the ground and allow mower blades to come to a complete
stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with the tractor
running.
7. Never place hands or feet under mower with tractor engine running or before you
are sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
8. Do not allow riders on the mower or tractor at any time. There is no safe place for
riders.
9. Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock and pets are at least 300 feet away to
prevent injury by thrown objects.
10.Before backing up, disengage the mower and look behind carefully.
11.Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
12.Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
13.This rotary mower is designed for use only on tractors with 540 rpm power take off.
14.Never operate tractor and mower under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators can
be knocked off the tractor and then run over by the rotating blades.
15. The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for rugged use.
However, they could fail upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as steel guard
rails and concrete abutments. Such impact could cause the broken objects to be
thrown outward at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage,
serious injury, or even death, never allow the cutting blades to contact such
obstacles.
16.Frequently check mower blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and
securely fastened.
17. Stop mower immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off, remove key,
inspect and repair any damage before resuming operation.
18. Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from drop-offs.
OPERATION 12 BEFCO
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19.Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on
hillside, over rough ground and when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful
when turning sharp corners.
20. Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimize tipping or loss of control. Be
careful when changing directions on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on slopes.
Avoid operation on steep slopes.
21. When using a unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on
tractor front wheels. Without this weight, tractor could tip over, causing personal
injury or death. The weight may be attained with a front end loader, front wheel
weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of
tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS
weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. Do not guess or estimate!
2
22. Inspect the entire machine periodically
. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken
parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
23. Use only the driveline supplied with the mower. Do not use it if it is missing any
shield or safety protection.
24. Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up”
tractor and mower.
25.Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
26. Always cut down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes.
Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping and/or loss of control.
3.02 - Setup and Assembly Instructions
Notice to dealer: Pre-delivery setup and service including lubrication is the
responsibility of the authorized dealer. It is up to him to assure that the machine is in
perfect condition and ready to be used. It is his responsibility to ensure that the
customer is aware of all safety aspects and operational procedures for the mower. He
must also fill out the Pre-Delivery Checklist3 prior to delivering the mower.
At times, due to loading restraints the mower is shipped either with the three decks
separate from the frame or fully assembled but with the transport tires and the
telescopic wing arms retracted. It is the dealer’s responsibility to extend transport
tires and telescopic wing arms to proper operating width and to ensure final
assembly of the mower.
CAUTION: Stand clear of bands when cutting as they could be under sufficient
tension to cause them to fly loose. Take care in removing bands and wire, they
often have extremely sharp edges and cut very easily.
To hook the three mowers to the central frame, do the following:
1. Position the decks complete with hitches (see #8, fig. 3) near the telescopic wing
arms (see #1, fig. 3) which are bolted into the lift arms.
2
3
See Chapter 4 - Maintenance.
See Chapter 7 - Pre-Delivery Checklist.
OPERATION 13 BEFCO
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2. Insert the attaching pin (see #7, fig. 3) into the tube welded to the hitch (see #9, fig.
3). Place the shim washers (see #5, fig. 3) on either end of the attaching pin.
3. Place the two formed plates (see #3, fig. 3) on either end of the attaching pin (see
#7, fig. 3) with the bend facing outward.
4. With the wing arms down level with the mower decks, position the telescopic wing
arms (see #1, fig. 3) between the two formed plates (see #3, fig. 3). Attach them to
the bolts (see #10, fig. 3) provided.
5. Tighten the nuts (see #4, fig. 3) and bolts (see #10, fig. 3). Ensure after tightening
that the formed plates (see #3, fig. 3) move freely up and down over the attaching
pin (see #7, fig. 3).
6. Using the grease fitting on the hitch (see #6, fig. 3), grease the attaching pin and
formed plate.
OPERATION 14 BEFCO
Fig. 3 - Mowing unit assembly.
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3.03 - Light Kit Installation
The light kit is an optional kit that can be purchased that contains two light assemblies,
two mounting brackets and wiring harness.
Fig. 4 - Light brackets assembly (left rear view).
1. rear wheel support
5
2. red light
3. amber light
4. nut PT M14
2
3
5. bolt HH M6x25
6. nut ES M6
7. left light bracket
7
8. light connector
6
8
4
1
To install the light kit do the following:
1. Remove light assemblies, light mounting brackets, wiring and cable loom from
packaging.
2. Support the rear frame on the side that you are working on. Loosen but do not
remove the bottom set of nuts on rear wheel support. Remove the top nuts leaving
bolts in place (see #4, fig. 4). Slide rear wheel support into operating position. Slide
the light bracket (see #7, fig. 4) over the top rear wheel bolts, replace nuts and
tighten. Note that there is a right and a left bracket.
3. Attach the light assembly to the light bracket using M6x25 hex head bolts and M6
elastic stop nuts supplied in the kit (see #5 & 6, fig. 4). The light wiring harness is
routed through the slot at the end of the light assembly. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the
opposite side of the mower. Note: The amber lens (see #3, fig. 4) are always to the
outside of the mower frame and the red lens (see #2, fig. 4) to the inside (facing the
rear of the mower frame).
4. Remove from the mower frame the front input shaft protection, the center shaft
protection and the rear shaft protection. Lay wiring harness on a flat surface. Notice
that the wiring harness splits off into a right and a left section. These wires are
labeled respectively “R” and “L”. Cut the smaller 3/8” wire loom in half. Working from
the light connector, insert the left wiring into one piece of wire loom and the right
wiring into the other (see fig. 5).
OPERATION 15 BEFCO
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Fig. 5 - Light kit layout.
slide plug end under
light mount plate
cable tie
route wiring harness
behind mower plate
cable tie
hydraulic cross
cable tie
front input shaft support
wire loom 3/8"
hydraulic hose
cable tie
wire loom 3/4"
light kit harness
5. Starting at the tractor connector, insert the wiring harness into the large 3/4” wire
loom. Slide the large 3/4” wire loom over the two smaller 3/8” pieces of wire loom
approximately 1”-2”. Secure with a cable tie (see fig. 5). Note: The wiring harness to
the tractor may be longer than necessary and can be shortened and rewired to the
tractor connector if needed.
6. The hydraulic supply line to the rear cylinder is routed through the right square tube
located underneath the front input shaft support. The light kit wiring is routed through
OPERATION 16 BEFCO
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the left square tube of the input shaft support. Place a cable tie around the hydraulic
cross and light wiring harness but do not tighten at this time (see fig. 5).
7. Route the right and left light wiring harness alongside the hydraulic hose that
attaches to the rear cylinder (this hose is normally routed under the shaft protection
shields and located on the left side of the mower frame). At the rear of the mower
frame split off the right and left wiring. Route wiring along frame and plug wiring
harness into light plugs (see #8, fig. 4). Place cable ties as shown in the illustration
(see fig. 5) but do not tighten. Note: Because the rear wheel supports can be
adjusted in and out, be sure to leave extra wire to the light assemblies.
8. Wiring harness and hydraulic hoses should be clear of any moving parts. Once
wiring harness is in place, tighten cable ties and cut off excess. Plug in light
connector to the tractor to check light operation.
9. Replace all shields before operating the mower.
3.04 - Cutting Height Adjustment
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from moving blades.
Be sure the tractor engine is off, parking brake is locked, and key is removed
before making any adjustments.
Never rely on the hydraulic system to hold the weight of the raised mowers.
Never walk or work under the raised mowers without first making sure the
automatic locking system is securely holding the wing units with the hydraulic
cylinders closed, and the hook is engaged to support the rear deck.
Fig. 6
The cutting height is
adjusted by moving
the height adjustment
spacers on the wheel
OPERATION 17 BEFCO
yokes above or below
the wheel arm.
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