You have invested in the best vehicle of its type on the market today.
The care you give your Bush Hog vehicle 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 vehicle 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. Order from Bush Hog, P. O. Box
1039, Selma, Alabama 36702-1039. Most of our manuals can also be
downloaded from our website at www.bushhog.com.
As an authorized Bush Hog dealer, we stock genuine Bush Hog parts
which are manufactured with the same precision and skill as our original equipment. Our trained service personnel are well informed on
methods required to service Bush Hog equipment, and are ready and
able to help you.
Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact us.
YOUR AUTHORIZED BUSH HOG DEALER
BECAUSE BUSH HOG MAINTAINS AN ONGOING PROGRAM
OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT
TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN DESIGN OR CHANGES IN
SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT INCURRING ANY OBLIGATION
TO INSTALL THEM ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD.
BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS MANUAL WERE TAKEN OF PROTOTYPE
MODELS, PRODUCTION MODELS MAY VARY IN SOME
DETAIL. IN ADDITION, SOME PHOTOGRAPHS MAY SHOW
SHIELDS REMOVED FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY. NEVEROPERATE THIS IMPLEMENT WITHOUT ALL SHIELDS IN
PLACE.
General Safety29
Pre-Operation Checklist29
Vehicle Break-In Period29
Starting The Engine30
Driving The Vehicle30
Braking31
Stopping The Engine31
Using The Cargo Box32
Load Distribution33
Driving Safely34
Driving On Slippery Surfaces34
Driving Uphill35
Sidehilling36
Driving Downhill36
Driving Through Water36
Driving Over Obstacles38
Driving In Reverse39
Parking On An Incline40
Hauling Cargo41
Emptying The Cargo Box42
Towing Loads43
Parking The Vehicle43
4-Wheel Drive44
Disengaging 4-Wheel Drive44
Noise Emission Control System45
Spark Arrestor46
Attaching Occupant Protection
Structure70
Optional Equipment70
Items To Check70
Seat Belt Installation71
Rubber Bumper Pad Adjustment72
Troubleshooting CheckList73
Safety Decals74
Torque Specifications76
1
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S
RESPONSIBILITY
UNDER THE
BUSH HOG WARRANTY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility
to read the Operator’s Manual, to operate, lubricate,
maintain and store the product in accordance with all
instructions and safety procedures. Failure of the operator to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this
equipment.
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility
to inspect the product and to have any part(s) repaired or
replaced when continued operation would cause damage
or excessive wear to other parts or cause a safety hazard.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the
product to the authorized Bush Hog Dealer, from whom
he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective
parts which are covered by warranty. Repairs to be submitted for warranty consideration must be made within
thirty (30) days of failure.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost
incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or hauling of the
product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.
2
LIMITED WARRANTY
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOO
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.
The obligation of Bush Hog to the purchaser under this warranty is
limited to the repair or replacement of defective parts.
Replacement or repair parts installed in the equipment covered by this limited warranty are warranted for ninety (90) days from
the date of purchase of such part or to the expiration of the applicable new equipment warranty period, whichever occurs later.
Warranted parts shall be provided at no cost to the user at an authorized Bush Hog dealer during regular working hours. Bush Hog
reserves the right to inspect any equipment or parts which are
claimed to have been defective in material or workmanship.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES & CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Bush Hog’s obligation under this limited warranty, to the
extent allowed by law, is in lieu of all warranties, implied or
expressed, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
and any liability for incidental and consequential damages with
respect to the sale or use of the items warranted. Such incidental and
consequential damages shall include but not be limited to: transportation charges other than normal freight charges; cost of installation other than cost approved by Bush Hog; duty; taxes; charges for
normal service or adjustment; loss of crops or any other loss of
income; rental of substitute equipment, expenses due to loss, damage, detention or delay in the delivery of equipment or parts resulting
from acts beyond the control of Bush Hog.
CONTINUE
3
D
CONTINUED
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY:
1. To vendor items which carry their own warranties, such as
engines, tires, and tubes.
2. If the vehicle has been subjected to misapplication, abuse, misuse, negligence, fire or other accident.
3. If parts not made or supplied by Bush Hog have been used in connection with the vehicle, if, in the sole judgement of Bush Hog such
use affects its performance, stability or reliability.
4. If the vehicle has been altered or repaired outside of an authorized Bush Hog dealership in a manner which, in the sole judgement
of Bush Hog, affects its performance, stability or reliability.
5. To normal maintenance service and normal replacement items
such as gearbox lubricant, or to normal deterioration of such things
as belts and exterior finish due to use or exposure.
6. To expendable or wear items such as teeth, chains, sprockets,
belts, springs and any other items that in the company’s sole judgement is a wear item.
NO EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF BUSH HOG IS
AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IN ANY
WAY OR GRANT ANY OTHER WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH
CHANGE IS MADE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY BUSH HOG’S
SERVICE MANAGER, POST OFFICE BOX 1039, SELMA,
ALABAMA 36702-1039.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Record the model number, serial number and date purchased. This
information will be helpful to your dealer if parts or service are required.
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF RETAIL SALE
4
DEALER PREPARATION CHECK LIST
UTILITY VEHICLE
BEFORE DELIVERING MACHINE — The following
check list should be completed. Use the Operator’s
Manual as a guide.
r 1. Engine has been serviced.
r 2. Battery fluid level is checked.
r 3. All warning lights checked for operation.(Engine oil, park
brake, & neutral light)
r 4 . Assem bly complete d
r 5 . All fitti ngs lubricat ed.
r 6 . All shiel ds in pl ace and in g ood conditio n.
r 7 . All faste ners torqued to spec ificatio ns g iven in
Torque Chart.
r 8 . All decal s in pla ce a nd readable. (Se e de cal page.)
r 9 . Overa ll condition goo d (i .e. paint, welds )
r 1 0.Pa rking brake chec ked and adjusted , if necessary.
r 1 1. Steering checke d and adjusted, if ne cessary.
r 1 2.Ch eck tire pressure.
r 1 3.Op erators manual h as b een delivere d to own er a nd
he has been instr ucted on the safe and proper use
of the utilit y ve hicle.
Dealer’s Signature
Purchaser’s Signature
THIS CHECKLIST TO REMAIN IN
OWNER’S MANUAL
It is the responsibility of the dealer to complete the procedures listed above before delivery of this vehicle to the
customer.
5
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.
Safety SignsSignal Words
The signal words DANGER, WARNING, AND CAUTION are used on
the equipment safety signs. These words are intended to alert the
viewer to the existence and the degree of hazard seriousness.
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation exist
which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury. It may
also be used to alert against
unsafe practices.
6
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 serious bodily injury.
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 in the operation,
transport, maintenance and storage of equipment. Lack of attention
to safety can result in accident, personal injury, reduction of efficiency and worst of all—loss of life. Watch for safety hazards and correct
deficiencies promptly. Use the following safety precautions as a general guide to safe operations when using this machine. Additional
safety precautions are used throughout this manual for specific operating and maintenance procedures. Read this manual and review the
safety precautions often until you know the limitations.
IMPORTANT OPERATOR SAFETY PRACTICES:
BEFORE OFF-ROAD UTILITY VEHICLE USE:
•Read, understand and follow all the Operator’s Manual instruc-
tions.
•Explain all instructions to operators who cannot read or understand the instructions.
•Only allow vehicles to be operated by trained persons.
•Allow no persons younger than 16 years old to operate.
•Do not operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Inspect vehicle for safe operating condition.
DURING OFF-ROAD UTILITY USE:
•Fasten seat belt.
•Use vehicle only for off-road operations.
•Avoid sudden starts, stops, turns, or direction reversals to prevent
load shifts, endanger passengers, or losing vehicle control.
•Use speeds to allow vehicle to stop safely and be under control
in all travel conditions.
•Reduce speeds for wet, slippery, loose surfaces, steep grades
and unfamiliar terrain.
•Never operate vehicle on hills steeper than 15 degree slope.
•Use proper loading and securing material for loads in cargo box
and trailers.
•Use proper towing practices.
7
•Do not tow heavy loads on hills steeper than 5 degree slope.
•Avoid driving through water exceeding floorboard height.
•Before leaving, servicing, or adjusting the vehicle, stop engine,
set parking brake, remove key, wait for engine and all moving
parts to stop.
AVOID VEHICLE RUNOVER AND RIDER OR OPERATOR FALL OFF:
•Only allow persons to ride in seats equipped with seat belts.
•All persons fasten seat belts when riding.
•Allow no riders in cargo box or on vehicle.
•Keep all persons clear of operating vehicle.
•Keep alert for stumps, holes, ruts, wet, slippery and uneven terrain.
•Before backing up or turning, look behind and around vehicle for
persons.
AVOID VEHICLE UPSETS AND ROLLOVER:
•Avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns.
•Use very slow speed when turning.
•Always use brakes when going down slope.
•Reduce speed and load on rough or hilly terrain.
•Avoid overloading vehicle and shifting loads.
•Keep alert for stumps, holes, ruts, wet, slippery and uneven terrain.
AVOID FUEL FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS:
•Stop engine and allow to cool before refueling.
•Do not smoke while refueling.
•Never fill fuel tank indoors.
•Clean up spilled fuel before starting engine.
•Only use approved Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or American
Society for Testing & Material (ASTM) non-metal portable fuel
containers.
•Remove fuel containers from vehicle beds or trunks and placing
on the ground before filling.
•Keep nozzle in contact with fuel container opening while filling.
•Remove utility vehicle and equipment from truck beds or trailers
and re-fuel on the ground.
CARGO BOX LOAD OPERATIONS:
LOADING:
•Do not exceed vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating. This
includes vehicle operating weight, material load (cargo box load),
personnel weight, options weight, accessories weight, and
attachments weight (towing loads).
•Do not exceed cargo box load rating.
•Confine loads to cargo box physical dimensions.
•Spread load evenly and securely anchor all loads in cargo box.
Shifting and uneven loads will effect vehicle control and stability.
•Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns which could cause load
shifts.
8
•Reduce loads and speed when operating over rough or hilly terrain.
•Use low vehicle speeds when operating with cargo box loads.
Heavy loads will affect steering, braking, stability, and overall
handling of the vehicle. Limit loads to those that can be safely
controlled.
•Allow for increased braking distance.
UNLOADING:
•Stop vehicle on level ground, set parking brake before raising
cargo box.
•Avoid unloading or dumping on slopes, hills or inclines.
MANUALLY RAISED CARGO BOX UNITS:
•Unload manual lift cargo box before raising cargo box by
hand.
•Securely lock manual support lift rod before working beneath
raised cargo box.
•Fully lower cargo box and securely re-latch lift rod before operating vehicle.
OPTIONAL ELECTRIC POWER LIFT CARGO BOX UNITS:
•Operate switch while seated in operator seat.
•Keep body parts away from cargo box and all bystanders away
from vehicle.
•Do not dump or unload vehicle parked on an incline, slopes, hills,
or with rear wheels at an edge of a drop-off. The cargo box
weight may shift and cause the vehicle to tip or rollover.
•Fully lower cargo box before operating vehicle.
TOWING OPERATIONS:
•Do not exceed vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating. This
includes vehicle operating weight, material load (cargo box load),
personnel weight, options weight, accessories weight, and attachment weight (towing loads).
•Always use approved rear hitch point.
•Do not tow a load weight (trailer weight and cargo weight) that
exceeds towing weight rating.
•Do not exceed the tongue weight rating.
•Never exceed 16 km/h (10 mph)when towing loads. Use slow
speeds to maintain control of vehicle and towing load.
•Allow for increased braking distance from towed load weight.
•Do not tow heavy loads on slopes greater than 5 degree incline.
•Heavy towed equipment may jackknife and cause utility vehicle
to overturn when going downhill or turning.
9
CONTROLLING PARTY INFORMATION
(Reference: SAE J2258-DEC 2003-Light-Utility Vehicle, APPENDIX B,
PART II - For the Controlling Party.) The Controlling Party is the person(s) or organization(s) responsible for the operation and maintenance of a vehicle.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS:
The Controlling Party should perform the following:
•Properly use and maintain utility vehicle to avoid serious injury or
death.
•Follow additional specific safety practices as may reasonably be
required for safe operations.
•Perform periodic safety survey of vehicle operating areas.
•Identify operating area hazards.
•Identify areas where vehicle should not be operated.
SAFETY SURVEY:
The Controlling Party should conduct an operating area safety survey
to identify possible hazards:
•Steep Grade Hazards:
• Restrict vehicle operations to designated pathways in steep
grade areas.
• Erect steep grade warning signs.
• State: “Warning, steep grade, descend slowly” on signs.
•Loose Terrain Hazards:
• Keep vehicle traction, steering, stability and braking under
control by avoiding loose terrain areas.
•Wet area Hazards:
• Keep vehicle traction, steering, stability and braking under
• Keep vehicle clean to reduce fire hazards and allow ease of
vehicle inspection.
VEHICLE INSTRUCTION AND SAFETY DECALS:
• Keep clean and legible.
• Replace illegible decals.
VEHICLE MODIFICATION AND ADDITIONS:
• Contact vehicle manufacturer before making modifications
that affect vehicle capacity and safe vehicle operations.
12
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Stalling, rolling backwards while climbing a hill
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Vehicle overturn
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill
If you lose forward speed:
Apply the brakes.
Lock the parking brake after fully stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:
Never apply engine power.
Apply the brake gradually.
When fully stopped, lock parking brake.
In the event of an accident, have a qualified service dealer
check the complete vehicle for possible damage, including (but
not limited to) brakes, throttle and steering.
13
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on paved surfaces
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Loss of control
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
This vehicle’s tires are designed for off-road use only, not for
use on pavement. Paved surfaces may seriously affect handling and control of the vehicle, and may cause the vehicle to
go out of control.
Avoid operating the vehicle on pavement. If you must operate
on a paved surface, travel slowly and do not make sudden
turns or stops.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle without proper instruction
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Loss of control, accident
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
The risk of an accident is greatly increased if the operator does
not know how to operate the vehicle properly in different situations and on different types of terrain.
All opertors must read and understand the Operator’s manual and
all warning and instruction labels before operating the vehicle.
14
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on public streets, roads or highways
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Collision with another vehicle
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, including dirt or gravel.
In many states it’s illegal to operate vehicles of this type on
public streets, roads and highways.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Could seriously affect your judgment.
Could cause you to react more slowly.
Could affect your balance and perception.
Could result in an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Driving this vehicle requires your full attention. DO NOT drink
alcohol or use drugs or medications before or while driving. They
will reduce your alertness and slow your reaction time. In most
states and provinces, it’s prohibited by law to drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
15
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Loss of control, accident
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always travel at a speed proper for the terrain, visibility and
operating conditions, and your experience.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Attempting jumps and other stunts
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Loss of control, accident and/or vehicle overturn
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never attempt jumps and other stunts. Avoid exhibition driving.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating on frozen bodies of water.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Severe injury or death can result if the vehicle and/or the operator fall through the ice.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never operate the vehicle on a frozen body of water.
16
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Failure to inspect the vehicle before operating
Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Accident, equipment damage
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always inspect your vehicle before each use to make sure it’s
in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and
schedules described in the Operator’s Manual.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Failure to use extra caution when operating this vehicle on
unfamiliar terrain
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Loss of control, vehicle overturn
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain.
always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating
the vehicle. May come upon hidden conditions when operating
the vehicle. You may come upon hidden rocks, bumps, or
holes suddenly, without enough time to react.
17
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Failure to follow the minimum age recommendations for this
vehicle.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Serious injury or death (the child or others)
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Only persons with a valid driver’s license should operate this
vehicle.
Even though a child may be within the age group for which
some vehicles are recommended, he or she may not have the
skills, abilities, or judgement needed to operate the vehicle
safely and may be involved in a serious accident.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle with improper tires or with improper or
uneven tire pressure
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Loss of control, accident and/or overturn
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always use the size and type of tires specified in the
Operator’s Manual for this vehicle.
always maintain proper tire pressure as described on the decal
and in the Operator’s Manual.
18
WARNING
Leaving the keys in the ignition can lead to unauthorized use of
the vehicle resulting in serious injury or death. Always remove
the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use.
WARNING
After any overturn or accident, have a qualified service dealer
inspect the entire vehicle for possible damage, including (but
not limited to) brakes, throttle and steering systems.
WARNING
Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust system. Exposure to the hot components could result in a fire.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and is explosive under certain
conditions. Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling
gasoline.
Always stop the engine when refueling.
Always refuel outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the
refueling area or where gasoline is stored.
Do not over fill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.
If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off
with soap and water and change clothing.
Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area.
Gasoline powered engine exhaust fumes are poisonous and
can cause loss of consciousness and death in a short time.
19
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to have you as a Bush Hog customer. Your Bush Hog
Trail Series utility vehicle 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 vehicle in top operating condition. Please read this manual
thoroughly. Understand what each control is for and how to use it.
Observe all safety precautions decaled on the machine and noted
throughout the manual for safe operation of the vehicle. If any assistance or additional information is needed, contact your authorized
Bush Hog dealer.
DESCRIPTION (Trail Hunter shown on next page)
1. Occupant Protection
Structure (O.P.S.)
2. Hand hold
3. Gear Selector
4. Steering wheel
5. Seat
6. Seat Belt
7. Fuel Tank Cap
8. Battery (Under Hood)
9. Headlights
10.Front Bumper/
Brush Guard
11.Power Winch (Optional)
12.Cargo Light (Optional)
13.Cargo Box
14.Hitch Receiver
15.Winch Wiring Pigtail
16.Cup Holder
17.Ignition Key
18.Fuel Gauge
17.Ignition Key
18.Fuel Gauge
19.Hour Meter
20.Choke Knob
Power Bed Lift Switch
21.
(Optional)
22.Neutral Light
23.4-Wheel Drive Switch
and Light
24.Winch Switch (Optional)
25.Driving Light Switch
26.Cargo Bed Light Switch
27.Parking Brake Light
28.Oil Pressure Light
29.DC Power Outlet
30.Parking Brake
31.Brake Pedal
32.Throttle Pedal
33.Tailgate Latch
34. Cargo Box Release Handle
20
NOTICE!
LOCATIONS OF CON-
TROLS AND FEATURES
MAY VARY SLIGHTLY
ON DIFFERENT MODELS.
10
1
2
6
5
8
7
4
31
32
25
19
18
17
30
3
20
11
9
27 282422 23
29
16
12
13
26
21
34
21
14
33
15
UNDER HOOD AREA (WITH CARGO TRAY REMOVED)
Battery, Brake Fluid Reservoir, Fuses and Relays, Grease Fitting