KUHN FC243 Operator's Manual
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Mower conditioner
FC243
KN123BGB C
- English - 02-2006
Dear Owner
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$DEAR OWNER
In buying a Kuhn machine you have chosen wisely. Into it have gone years of thought, research and
improvements. You will find, as have thousands of owners all over the world, that you have the best that
engineering skill and actual field testing can produce. You have purchased a dependable machine, but only by
proper care and operation can you expect to receive the performance and long service built into it.
This manual contains all the necessary information for you to receive full efficiency from your machine. The
performance you get from this machine is largely dependent on how well you read and understand this manual
and apply this knowledge. Please DO NOT ASSUME YOU KNOW HOW TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN YOUR
MACHINE before reading this manual carefully. KEEP THIS MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE. Pass
it on to the next owner if you re-sell the machine.
Your KUHN dealer can offer a complete line of genuine KUHN service parts. These parts are manufactured and
carefully inspected in the same factory that builds the machine to assure high quality and accurate fitting of any
necessary replacements.
About improvements
We are continually striving to improve our products. It therefore reserves the right to make improvements or
changes when it becomes practical to do so, without incurring any obligations to make changes or additions to
the equipment sold previously.
Designated use of the machine
The FC243 mower conditioner must only be used for the work for which it has been designed: mowing on the
ground of hay fields, grass silage fields and improved pastures for the purpose of harvesting fodder for feeding
livestock.
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Contents
$CONTENTS
Dear Owner..................................................................................................................... 1
Contents .........................................................................................................................2
Identification of the machine ........................................................................................ 4
Rear view .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Model identification plate................................................................................................................ 5
Optional equipments ....................................................................................................................... 5
Safety .............................................................................................................................. 6
Description of symbols used in this document ............................................................................ 6
Safety instructions........................................................................................................................... 7
Location and description of safety decals on the machine....................................................... 15
Road safety equipment and recommendations .......................................................................... 18
Machine specifications................................................................................................ 19
Description and glossary .............................................................................................................. 19
Technical specifications................................................................................................................ 20
Sound levels................................................................................................................................... 20
Putting into service...................................................................................................... 21
Description of control elements ................................................................................................... 21
Coupling and uncoupling.............................................................................................................. 21
Instructions for transport............................................................................................ 34
Putting the machine into transport position ............................................................................... 34
Conformity with the road regulations .......................................................................................... 35
Contents
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Instructions for work....................................................................................................36
Putting the machine into work position ...................................................................................... 36
Adjustments in working position .................................................................................................37
Machine use ................................................................................................................................... 46
Optional equipments....................................................................................................47
Swath shield extensions ............................................................................................................... 47
Wide spreading system................................................................................................................. 47
Maintenance and storage ............................................................................................48
Frequency chart............................................................................................................................. 48
Cleaning the machine.................................................................................................................... 49
Lubrication ..................................................................................................................................... 49
Maintenance................................................................................................................................... 55
Storage ........................................................................................................................................... 64
Trouble shooting guide................................................................................................65
Limited warranty...........................................................................................................66
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Identification of the machine
$IDENTIFICATION OF THE MACHINE
1. Rear view
Identification of the machine
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2. Model identification plate
Please write below the type and serial number of the
machine. This information is to be indicated to the dealer
for all spare parts orders.
Type: FC243
No:
3. Optional equipments
Tick box corresponding to the equipment fitted on your
machine:
Kit no. 1076240: Swath shield extensions.
Kit no. 1076140: Wide spreading.
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Safety
$SAFETY
1. Description of symbols used in this
document
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that if not avoided, could result in serious bodily injury.
This symbol is used to identify special instructions or
procedures which, if not followed strictly, could result in
machinery damage.
This symbol is used to communicate technical
information of particular interest.
Safety
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2. Safety instructions
Read and follow the safety instructions
Before using the machine, carefully read all the safety
instructions in this manual and the warnings placed on
the machine.
Before starting work, the operator must be familiar with
all machine controls, handling devices and their
functions. It is too late to learn once work has been
started!
Never let anyone operate the machine who is not trained
to do so.
Should you have any difficulties in understanding certain
parts in this manual, please contact your KUHN dealer.
Precautions to be taken before carrying out
any operations on the machine
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
Introduction
The machine must only be operated, maintained and repaired by competent persons who are familiar with
machine specifications and operation and aware of safety regulations for preventing accidents.
The operator must imperatively respect safety instructions in this manual and in the warnings posted on the
machine. The operator is also obliged to respect current legislation concerning accident prevention, work safety
and public traffic circulation.
Designated use of the machine also means following operation, maintenance and repair recommendations
given by the manufacturer, and using only genuine spare parts, equipment and accessories, as recommended
by the manufacturer.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage resulting from machine applications other than those
specified by the manufacturer. Any use other than the designated operation is at the risk and responsibility of
the operator.
The manufacturer is not held liable for any damage or accidents resulting from machine modifications carried
out by the operator himself or by a third party without previous written agreement from the manufacturer.
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Safety
Precautions to take before using the
machine
Do not wear loose clothing which could become caught
up in moving parts.
Wear the appropriate protective clothing for the work in
hand (gloves, shoes, goggles, helmet, ear-protectors,
etc.).
Make sure that all operating controls (ropes, cables,
rods, etc) are placed so that they cannot be set off
accidentally, risking accident or damage.
Before operating the machine, check tightness of nuts
and bolts, particularly on fixing elements (tines, forks,
blades, knives, etc). Retighten if necessary.
Before operating the machine, ensure that all the safety
guards are firmly in place and in good condition.
Immediately replace any worn or damaged guard.
Precautions when driving
Precision steering, tractor adherence, road holding and
efficient braking are influenced by the type of implement,
weight, ballast of front axle, ground or road conditions. It
is therefore of the utmost importance to be cautious in
every given situation.
Groundspeed must be adapted to ground conditions as
well as to roads and paths. Always avoid abrupt changes
of direction.
Be particularly cautious when turning corners, paying
attention to machine overhang, length, height and
weight.
Never use a narrow track tractor on very uneven or
steeply sloping ground.
Never leave the tractor seat while the machine is
operating.
Carrying people or animals on the machine when
working or in transport is strictly forbidden.
Safety
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Precautions when driving on public roads
Dimensions
Depending on the dimensions of the machine, contact
the relevant authorities to ensure that it can be legally
transported on public roads.
If the machine is over the maximum legal size, follow the
local regulations for special transports of oversize
equipment.
Gross weight and weight per axle
Check that the tractor's authorized gross weight as well
as its lift capacity and maximum weight per axle are not
surpassed.
The front axle load (1) must never, under any
circumstances, be less than 20% of the tractor's unladen
weight. If necessary, add ballast weights to the front or
to the rear to preserve the steering and braking
efficiency.
Transport position
Before transporting the machine on public roads, place
the machine into its transport position, according to the
instructions in this manual.
Lightings and signallings
Before transporting the machine on public roads, ensure
that all legally required lightings and signallings are in
place.
Ensure that lightings and signallings are clean and in
good working order. Replace any missing or broken
equipment.
Maximum speed
Always keep to the legal speed limit for driving a tractormachine assembly on public roads.
Always obey current regulations for driving
on roads.
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Safety
Precautions when coupling
Before attaching the machine, make sure that it cannot
accidentally start moving (chock the wheels) and that the
parking stand is in the right position.
The machine must only be attached to the hitch points
provided for this purpose.
Never stand between the tractor and the machine when
operating the rear remote control lever of the three point
linkage.
Do not stand between the tractor and the machine
without ensuring that the parking brake is applied.
Hydraulic circuit
Beware! The hydraulic circuit is under pressure.
Maximum pressure at work: 200 bar.
Before connecting hoses to the tractor hydraulics,
ensure that tractor and machine circuits are not under
pressure. Before disconnecting a hose, depressurize the
hydraulic circuit.
To avoid making wrong connections, mark hydraulic
couplers and corresponding hoses with colours.
WARNING! Functions could be reversed (for example:
lift/lower) and cause accidents.
Regularly check the hydraulic hoses. In case of normal
wear, replace the hydraulic hoses every 5 years.
Damaged or worn hoses must immediately be replaced.
When replacing the hydraulic hoses, make sure to use
hoses with the specifications and quality recommended
by the manufacturer of the machine.
To locate a leak, use appropriate means. Protect body
and hands from liquid under pressure.
Any liquid under pressure (particularly oil from
hydraulics) can penetrate the skin and cause severe
injury. If injured, see a doctor immediately, there could
be danger of infection. Before any adjustments,
maintenance or repairs are carried out, lower the
machine on the ground, depressurize the hydraulics,
turn off the engine, remove ignition key and wait until all
moving parts have come to a complete stop.
Safety
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PTO shaft
Use only PTO shafts supplied with the machine or
recommended by the manufacturer.
The protective shield of the tractor PTO stub, the PTO
shaft guards and the protective covering of the machine
input shaft must always be in place and in good
condition.
Make sure that the PTO shaft guards are secured with
the safety chains provided.
Any worn or damaged protection must be replaced
immediately. A worn guard or an unprotected PTO shaft
can cause a serious or even a lethal accident.
Do not wear loose clothing that could be caught in the
rotating PTO shaft.
Before attaching or removing a PTO shaft, or before
doing any work on the machine, disengage the PTO
drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and wait
for all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
If the primary PTO shaft is equipped with a slip clutch or
a free wheel, these must be fitted on the machine side.
Ensure that the PTO shaft is always correctly fitted and
locked into place.
Before connecting the PTO shaft, ensure that the PTO
speed (rotational frequency) and directions of rotation
are in line with manufacturer's recommendations.
Before engaging the PTO drive, make sure all people
and animals are clear from the machine. Never engage
the PTO drive when the tractor engine is stopped.
When uncoupling the machine, rest the PTO shaft on the
support specially provided, and replace protective cover
on the PTO stub of the tractor.
Read and follow the instructions in the operator's manual
provided with the PTO shaft.
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Safety
Precautions during manoeuvres
When moving the machine from the transport position to
the working position and vice versa, make sure that
nobody is within the machine pivoting area.
Remote controlled components
Danger of crushing and shearing can exist when
components are operated by hydraulic or pneumatic
controls. Keep away from these danger zones.
Tyres
Regularly check the tyre pressure. Respect
manufacturer's recommendations on tyre pressure.
Assembly, disassembly and repair of wheels and tyres
must only be carried out by competent persons who are
equipped with standardized tools. Before any work is
performed on the wheels, ensure that the machine rests
on the ground and is perfectly stable so that it cannot
move accidentally (put chocks in place).
Safety decals
Safety warning decals to respect, are placed in pictorial
form on various parts of the machine. They are there to
warn you of potential dangers and to tell you how to
avoid accidents.
Always keep the safety decals clean and readable, and
replace them when they are worn, damaged, missing or
illegible.
Waste disposal
Respect the environment! Never spill pollutants (oil,
grease, filters etc.) on the ground neither pour them
down the drain or discard them in any other place where
they could pollute the environment. Never throw away or
burn a tire. Always take waste to specialized recycling or
waste disposal centers.
Safety
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Precautions for maintenance and repair
work
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
Rest the machine on the ground, release the pressure
from the hydraulic circuit and leave the machine to cool
down.
Make sure that the parts of the machine that need to be
lifted for maintenance or repair work are firmly propped
up.
Before any work is done on the electric circuit or before
any electric welding is carried out on the attached
machine, disconnect the machine from the tractor
electrical circuit. Also disconnect alternator and battery
terminals.
Repairs on elements under pressure or tension (springs,
pressure accumulators, etc.) must only be carried out by
competent persons with regulation equipment.
Wear the appropriate protective clothing for the work in
hand (gloves, shoes, goggles, helmet, ear-protectors,
etc.).
Do not solder, weld or use a blow torch near fluids under
pressure or inflammable products.
For your own safety and for correct machine operation,
only use original manufacturer parts.
It is strongly recommended to have your machine
checked by your Kuhn dealer after each season,
especially tools and their attaching hardware.
Projection of stones and foreign objects
For driver safety, always use a tractor equipped with a
cab. Keep the ground to mow free of foreign bodies.
Avoid mowing on stony or rocky grounds. If this is not
possible, take extra safety precautions, such as
- Fit polycarbonate screens inside the tractor cab's side
and rear windows, or install narrow mesh guards on
their exterior.
- Increase the cutting height to avoid contact with
stones or rocks.
Never start a mower conditioner when other people are
close.
Even when the machine is used in accordance with its
purpose, objects may be projected. Stones and other
foreign objects projected by the moving parts can travel
a considerable distance. Keep all persons and animals
away from the danger zone.
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Safety
The protection covers help reducing risks of projections.
Therefore, make sure that all mower protection devices
are in place and good condition prior to using the
machine.
Regularly check the condition of the protection covers.
Immediatly replace any worn, damaged or missing
cover.
Precautions for machine use
After each use, check the cutting tools (discs, knives)
and their attachment hardware in accordance with the
instructions given in the present manual. Immediately
replace any worn, damaged or missing cutting tool or
element. To do this, use the tool outfit supplied with the
machine. For your safety, only use genuine parts !
Regularly check the condition of the protection covers.
Immediatly replace any worn, damaged or missing
cover. Before engaging the PTO, rest the cutterbar on
the ground. Make sure all the guards are in place. Keep
all persons and animals away from the danger zone.
Stay a safe distance from the machine when the cutting
tools are in movement.
Never work in reverse.
After disengaging the PTO drive, cuttings tools can
continue rotating for some time. Stay away from the
machine until all moving parts have come to a complete
standstill.
If the machine hits an obstacle, disengage the PTO
drive, stop the tractor engine, remove the ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete
standstill. Check the entire machine for any damage
before resuming work.
Safety
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3. Location and description of safety
decals on the machine
Location of safety decals
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Safety
Description of safety decals
Operating instructions (1)
The operator's manual contains all the information
necessary for using the machine safely. It is imperative
to read and comply with all instructions.
Working on the machine (2)
Before leaving the tractor or before adjusting,
maintaining or repairing the machine, disengage the
PTO drive, turn off the engine, remove ignition key and
wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
Projections (3)
Stones and other debris projected by the moving parts
can travel a long distance. The protection covers must
always be in position and in good condition. Always stay
at a safe distance from the machine.
Crushing area (4)
Never operate in an area where there is a crushing risk
before all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
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Manoeuvring area (5)
Stay a safe distance from the machine. Crushing hazard.
Rotating cutting tools (6)
Keep away from the mower knives all the time the engine
is running, the PTO drive engaged and the moving parts
have not come to a complete stop.
Cutting tools (7)
The cutting tools and their attachment hardware meet
safety and reliability criteria set by standards and by the
manufacturer. For your own safety and for correct
machine operation, only use original manufacturer parts.
Do not step on the machine (8)
Do not step on the machine : Risk of falling or damaging
the protection device.
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Safety
4. Road safety equipment and
recommendations
The road safety equipment is mounted in the factory or
by your authorized dealer according to current safety
regulations.
The device is composed of:
- A signalling light (1).
- A signalling panel (2).
- A reflector (3).
Always keep to the legal speed limit for driving a tractormachine assembly on public roads.
Machine specifications
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$MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS
1. Description and glossary
0
1 : Check chain 2 : Hydraulic valves
3 : Conditioning hood 4 : Gauges
5 : Connecting frame 6 : Hitch pins
7 : Cutterbar 8 : Central gearbox
9 : Right swath shield 10 : Compensation cylinder
11 : Hydro-pneumatic accumulator 12 : Side gearbox
13 : Work/transport cylinder 14 : Parking lock
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Machine specifications
2. Technical specifications
3. Sound levels
Attachment type 3 point, Category 2
Number of discs 6
Working width 2.40 m (7’10’’)
Width in working position 4.55 m (14’11’’)
Height in working position 1.12 m (3’8’’)
Length in working position 1.93 m (6’4’’)
Width in transport position 2.17 m (7’1’’)
Height in transport position 1.62 m (5’4’’)
Length in transport position 4.01 m (13’2’’)
Disc rotational speed 2986 min
-1
Rotor speed 615 and 888 min
-1
Rotor width 1.90 m (6’3’’)
PTO speed 540 min
-1
Weight 852 kg (1878 lb) (approximately)
Minimum PTO power requirement 51 kW (70 hp)
Swath width from 0.90 to 1.80 (5’10’’ - 2’11’’) m (approximately)
Sound levels have been measured in accordance with the measuring methods as defined in:
NF EN 1553
"Agricultural machinery - Self-propelled, mounted, semi-mounted and trailed - Common safety
recommendations"
Weighted equivalent continuous acoustic pressure level at the driver's seat (closed cabin) L (A) eq:
Tractor only: 72.9 dB(A)
Tractor + machine: 78.2 dB(A)
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