<h3>Impact-Resistant Windshields</h3>
The first major step before operating your mulcher is to install an impact-resistant windshield to the front of your skid steer. Many operators choose to install a 1/2" polycarbonate door, due to it's excellent visibility when compared to OEM glass doors, as well as it's ability to handle the direct impact of large pieces of debris. While aftermarket doors cannot guarantee operator safety from all debris, 1/2" polycarbonate is considered to be a reliable solution for basic mulching applications.
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When purchasing a polycarbonate door, first ensure that you have the specific year, model, and serial number of your machine available to ensure proper fitment of seals, wiring harnesses, latches, and hinges. Improperly sized doors may damage door hardware, or limit an operators ability to safely open and close the door in the event of an emergency. Next, try to select a door manufacturer that limits drilling directly into the polycarbonate for hardware. This type of construction lowers the risk of cracking due to high vibrations, helping to reduce overall costs over years of operation.
In higher risk environments, operators are encouraged to use a bolt-on steel door guards as well, which help resist direct impacts from large falling brush. Due to the nature of forestry mulching, all operators should consult with their factory representative before beginning to ensure their equipment meets safety guidelines.
<h3>Initial Connection</h3>
When first mounting your Seppi mulcher, ensure that your mounting plate fits firmly and securely into the mounting bracket. Next, connect the three hydraulic hoses to your skid steer, including the two hydraulic hoses and single case drain hose. Ensure that you have sufficient hydraulic fluid in the skid loader, and that the hoses make a smooth "S" shape without any kinks throughout the full range of the loader.
<h3>Measuring Initial Performance</h3>
To begin, get a laser photo tachometer, available at many industrial tool stores, automotive parts stores, and online for under $100. The goal of this test is to measure the maximum working pressure of the machine by locking out the rotor. The simplest way to do so is to firmly place the rotor on a stump, large piece of immobilized wood, or other material that will not allow the rotor to move. Clear the area around your testing area, then, bring your loader to full throttle smoothly and attempt to engage the mulcher. The pressure gauge should show the maximum pressure on the machine, which should be around 240 bar, or as specified by your manufacturer for your specific machine.
<h3>Measuring Flow and Revolutions</h3>
Open the cover on the side of your mulcher, in order to place a reflective sticker (often included with your photo tachometer) on the shaft inside. Now, measure the speed of the rotor while the machine is at full throttle. The ideal rpm is between 2000 and 2400. This speed measurement allows you to measure the flow of your machine as well by simply multiplying the rpm by 18 and dividing the resulting number by 1000. For example, a machine that is showing an rpm of 2000 can be calculated as follows. 2000 x 18 = 36,000. 36,000 / 1000 = 36. So, our conclusion would be that the hydraulic flow for this machine is 36 gpm. This is only relevant for the initial setting that the mulcher comes in, before adjustments.
It is at this point that you may not be receiving the expected flow rate of your machine to the mulcher. First, ensure that any high flow options on the skid steer loader are engaged and working properly. Identify if the machine is operating at full power, and that any hoses going to the mulcher are not damaged, leaking, or crushed. High-hour skid loaders often are unable to output comparable flow rates to new machines, but a full service and inspection of the machine may be able to improve this number. Low flow-machines (around 20 gpm) are recommended to start by swapping pulleys first and tune at a later time.
<h3>Fine Tuning</h3>
The set screw located on the hydraulic motor (often covered by a cap) conveniently allows for adjustment by simply loosening it to gain speed and tightening it to reduce speed. The goal of this adjustment is to ensure the mulcher operates at the ideal 2000 to 2400 rpm range. Next, the shift point for the motor must be adjusted, often located on the side of the hydraulic motor next to an identifying sticker. The shift pressure should be at 80% of the max loader pressure, as calculated in the the previous steps, or obtained from original manufacturer literature. For example, on a 3,500 psi machine, the shifting pressure should be around 2,800 psi. This will ensure that the motor correctly responds as additional hydraulic pressures are required.
From the factory, the shift point is set at 3,200 psi, and can be adjusted by turning the second set screw on the motor. With each turn, your shift pressure will increase or decrease by 1,300 psi. It is important to ensure that the initial setting and additional adjustments are recorded, to ensure that future adjustments are motor easily able to identify current settings.
<h3>Ready for Operation!</h3>
When the previous step is complete, ensure that all safety shields are replaced and no leaks or damage to the machine has occurred during adjustment. You are now ready to operate your mulcher! Future adjustments may be necessary if your skid loader is replaced, undergoes a hydraulic pump replacement, or simply reduces in output over time.
All operators are encouraged to reach out to confirm that their tuning and setup is properly complete, and that all safety precautions are followed during this process. At Keast Enterprises, our experts are available on-demand to help ensure that your new machine is operating at it's maximum performance from the very start.
As proud dealers of the complete Seppi M mulching line, give us a call to learn more about how we can help you! Offering low-rate financing, convenient right-to-your-door shipping, trade-ins from any brand, and parts in stock to keep you running rain or shine, we're here to service all of your mulching needs!
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