McConnel Topper 9 rotary mower service schedule

1. Disengage the PTO, stop the tractor engine, take the key out and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Grease each U-joint cross and the shield bearings. Every 16 hours, also grease the telescoping tubes.
3. Check the shields are not dented, telescope freely and turn freely on the shaft. Refit the tractor PTO master shield.

Tools: Grease gun

1. Lower the mower to the ground, disengage the PTO, stop the tractor engine, take the key out and wait for the blades to stop.
2. Remove the test plug at the rear of the gearbox. Add oil through the top filler plug until it runs out of the test plug hole.
3. Do not overfill: pressure builds up and the seals leak.
4. Check the gearbox mounting bolts are tight. Stop at once if a gearbox becomes noisy.

Tools: Spanner for plugs, Oil can or pump

1. Lower the mower, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, take the key out and wait for the blades to stop.
2. Remove the side covers and grease the outer driveline spline and cross. Refit the covers.
3. Grease the tail wheel pivots (daily in use) and the wheel hubs (weekly in use).
4. Clean each fitting first and do not let excess grease build up.

Tools: Grease gun, Spanners for side covers

1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, take the key out and wait for the blades to stop. Lower the mower onto blocks.
2. Clean the mower and grease all points.
3. Tighten bolts and pins to the recommended torque and replace worn parts.
4. Touch up paint against rust.
5. Take the slip clutch apart and store the friction plates dry, not touching their mating plates: they attract moisture and rust the metal.

Tools: Pressure washer, Grease gun, Torque wrench, Blocks, Touch-up paint

1. Lower the mower onto substantial blocks in the raised position, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, take the key out, put the tractor in neutral with the parking brake on, and wait for the blades to stop.
2. Remove the deck cover plate near the gearbox and the lock nut from the blade bolt.
3. Replace the bolt if its pivot diameter is worn more than 6 mm (1/4 in). Always fit a new lock nut with a new bolt.
4. Sharpen both blades of a pair the same amount, by grinding, following the original edge; leave a 1.6 mm blunt edge and do not sharpen the back.
5. Weigh the pair: they must not differ by more than 28 g.
6. Tighten the blade bolt lock nut to 475 Nm (350 lb ft). If the carrier was removed, tighten its nut to 610 Nm (450 lb ft) and recheck after a few hours.

Tools: Torque wrench (to 610 Nm), Grinder, Scales, Substantial blocks, Gloves

1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine and take the key out. Mark a chalk line across the clutch plates and discs.
2. With the mower lifted, PTO engaged and the tractor at half throttle, let the tractor clutch out sharply. Stop, take the key out and check the chalk line has moved.
3. If it did not slip: back off the 8 nuts until they just touch the springs, tighten each a half turn twice, and repeat the test to break it free.
4. Set the clutch: tighten the nuts half a turn at a time in rotation until each spring is 33 mm ± 0.2 mm. Never compress a spring below 32 mm.
5. Refit all fixed guards before use.

Tools: Spanners, Steel rule or vernier, Chalk