Bush Hog GC-250 User Manual
B USH HOG
GRASS CATCHER
Model GC-250
®
ASSEMBLY
908 $4.00
ll
OPERATION
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MAINTENANCE
50066598
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. 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. NEVER OPERATE
THIS IMPLEMENT WITHOUT ALL SHIELDS IN PLACE.
GRASS CATCHER
Model GC-250
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Federal Laws and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
I INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION . . . . . 9
1-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1-2 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
II PREPARATION for INSTALLATION. . . . . . . 9
2-1 Unpacking the Grass Catcher. . . . . . . . . . 9
III INSTALLATION and SETUP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3-1 Installing Weight Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3-2 Installing Boot Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3-3 Installing Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3-4 Installing Top and Inlet Tube . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3-5 Installation and Removal of
Collection Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3-6 Blade Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION PAGE
IV OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4-1 General Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4-2 Operating Tips on Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4-3 Emptying the Collection Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4-4 Clearing Obstructions from the
Grass Catcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4-5 Removing the Grass Catcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
V MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5-1 Maintenance Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5-2 Recommended Maintenance Schedule. . . . . 16
VI TIPS and TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Torque Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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 forty-five (45) 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.
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LIMITED WARRANTY
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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 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 & CONSEQUENTIAL 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 MERCHANTABILITY AND FIT-
NESS 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.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY:
1. To vendor items which carry their own warranties, such as engines, tires, and tubes.
2. If the unit 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 unit, if, in the sole
judgement of Bush Hog such use affects its performance, stability or reliability.
4. If the unit 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, hydraulic fluid,
worn blades, 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 I N
WRITING AND SIGNED BY BUSH HOG’S SERVICE MANAGER, POST OFFICE BOX 1039, SELMA,
ALABAMA 36702-1039.
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Record the model number, serial number and date
purchased. This information will be helpful to your
dealer if parts or service are required.
MAKE CERTAIN THE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
CARD HAS BEEN FILED WITH BUSH/
SELMA, ALABAMA
MODEL NUMBER
DATE OF RETAIL SALE
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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:
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working
conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer—
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment
which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under
this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards
and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are
applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OSHA Regulations
Current OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the
employer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which the
employee is, or will be involved.” These will include (but are not limited to) instructions to:
Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;
Permit no riders on equipment;
Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before
servicing, adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be
running to be properly serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees
as to all steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.
Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating
the machine.
EMPLOYEE TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a
ROPS.
2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near
ditches, embankments, and holes.
3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and
on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces.
4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at row
ends, on roads, and around trees.
6. Do not permit others to ride.
7. Operate the tractor smoothly - no jerky turns,
starts, or stops.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recom-
mended by tractor manufacturers.
9. When tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and
use park lock if available.
Child Labor Under 16 Years Old
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your
responsibility to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of
Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Carefully read all of the safety instructions and decals in the safety section.
This information could help you, your family, pets or bystanders avoid injury.
Training
• Regard the Bush Hog GC-250 Grass Catcher as a piece of power equipment and teach this regard to all
who operate this unit.
• Before operating your Grass Catcher, carefully read and understand this manual and the operator’s manual for your mower in their entirety. Familiarize yourself with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this
material to them.
• Do not allow operation of this machine by untrained personnel. Never allow children, teenagers, or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Avoid mowing while people, especially children, or pets, are nearby. Keep in mind that the operator or
user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely
perform the job.
•The use of personal protective equipment, such as (but not limited to) protection for the eyes, ears, feet,
and head is recommended.
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate equipment when
barefoot or when wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all stones , sticks, wires,
bones, and other foreign objects which may damage the equipment or cause personal injury to the operator or bystanders.
Operation
Although hazard control and accident prevention are partially dependent upon the design and configuration
of the equipment, these factors are also dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper
training of the personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the equipment.
It is essential that all Operator Safety Mechanisms be connected and in operating condition prior to use for
mowing. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for the mower for additional hazard control and accident preven-
tion information.
To avoid personal injury, follow these procedures:
• Become familiar with all operating
and safety instruction in the
Operator’s manual for the mower
before using this attachment.
• Never remove the discharge tube,
bags, bagger top or discharge
deflector while the engine is
running.
• Never do maintenance or repairs
while the engine is running.
• Never operate the lawn mower
unless you install a mulch plate,
discharge deflector, or entire grass
collection system.
• Always shut the engine off, engage
parking brake, wait for all moving
parts to stop and remove key
before clearing an obstruction from
the bagging system.
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Slopes
• Use EXTREME caution when mowing
and/or turning on slopes as loss of traction
and/or tip-over could occur. The operator is
responsible for safe operation on slopes.
• Greater care must be taken as the slope
increases.
! CAUTION
Mowing on wet grass or steep slopes can
cause sliding and loss of control. Wheels dropping over edges can cause rollovers, which
may result in serious injury, death or drowning.
To avoid loss of control and possibility of
rollover:
• Do not mow slopes when grass is wet.
• Do not mow near drop-offs or near water.
• Do not mow slopes greater than15 degrees.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on
slopes.
• Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping
on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly
down the slope.
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill.
Mower may tip backwards.
• Be aware that loss of traction may occur
going downhill. Weight transfer to the front
wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and
cause loss of braking and steering.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and
rises that change the operating angle, as
rough terrain could overturn the machine.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks,
tree limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
1. Safe Zone-use the Grass Catcher here.
2. Slope, drop-off or soft ground. Do not use
Grass Catcher here, use walk behind or
hand trimmer mower.
3. Water
Refer to the Slope Chart on page 6 to determine the approximate slope angle to be
mowed.
• The operating characteristics of the machine
will change with the Grass Catcher installed.
The stability and traction of the machine will
change as the Bagger fills with grass clippiings. Use progressively greater care on
slopes as the Bagger fills.
• Always install and remove the Bagger,
including counterweights, as instructed.
Failure to do so will cause a reduction in
stability or traction. Do not operate the
mower with only a portion of the Bagger
installed.
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