Choice of Excavator

A 20 Tonne long carriage is preferable.  It has been said that they all come from the same factory....they are just painted different colors!   While this statement is not true, there are major differences that I know of between excavators that could affect the operation of the VH Mulcher as a planting spot preparation machine.

Maintenance

Daily

A good quality EP2 (extreme pressure summer and winter) grade grease is required every 3 to 4 hours for the bearing and seal.  With the tool plate pointed to the ground the highest grease nipple (2 nipples -one on each side) is for bearing grease.  6 strokes of the grease gun to each nipple, 12 strokes total, for bearing grease is adequate if applied every 3-4 hours.

The Seal

This is a dirt purge out system and numerous strokes (30 plus) are required in each grease nipple (2) until a grease bead is visible around the head.  This is also done every 3-4 hours.  The most important greasing is done before the operator leaves the machine at the end of the work shift.

Safety

All greasing is done with the attachment turned off and the hydraulics locked in the off position

Vertical open gear lubrication

Open gear lubricant (black) extreme pressure (approx. 200 weight in grease).  No Aerosols!  Usually in caulking gun tube container.   Approx. 10 tubes plus one half litre or half pint of 80-90 W gear oil is required in the 3 inch bung opening.  Daily inspection is recommended to ensure teeth remain lubricated or coated.  The secret is to keep the lubricant moist but not overly thinned or runny.  This way the lubricant does not become dry or caked.

Storage

Always grease the machine completely, rotate the bearing, cap all lines or hoses, position the head at an angle to allow moisture to run off, and store covered from the weather.

Loose Nuts and Bolts

Due to rugged conditions and vibrations, tightening loose nuts will be necessary.  A visual check should be done at every greasing to avoid difficulties.  Red Lock Tight TM. (thread treatment) used on all internal bolt threads.  After installation all threads should have Lock Tight added.   Generally blue Lock Tight (removable) is adequate for external threads.

Teeth

Carbide tipped teeth are supplied with each VH Mulcher.   250 hours of use appears to be the average tooth life for most conditions but this will vary with the abrasive nature of different soils.  Outside teeth must be kept in good shape to prevent any glazing of the soils from occurring.

Rebuilding teeth: hard surfacing of the worn tooth once the carbide tip is gone can be done.  These new teeth if pointed slightly are adequate for extremely rocky conditions and may wear better in these conditions.  New carbide teeth perform better in dense soils where rate of penetration is important.

Blocks

Blocks are the holders for the teeth. 500 hours of use appears to be average.  Different wear patterns are normal but take care to insure replacement is done by the manufacturer.  Spacing and angle of approach are kept similar.  The outside teeth must be angled outwards as to cut a hole larger in diameter than the head.