The front loader/bale splitter is elevated at a suitable level
to ensure operator visibility is not impaired and the safety of
pedestrians and other road users is maintained.
Performing maintenance:
Maintenance and repair work should always be carried out
in accordance with this manual and only by qualified
persons or your McHale dealer.
Before working on this device, or altering any setting,
ensure that the tractor has definitely stopped moving, the
blade is lowered fully, the hand brake is applied, the engine
is stopped, and the ignition key is removed.
Support machinery properly. Where possible always lower
the attachment or implement to the ground first. Do not
work under a machine that is solely supported by a jack.
Never support with props that may break or crumble under
a continuous load.
Tie long hair behind your head. Do not wear a necktie,
necklace, scarf or loose clothing when you work near the
machine or moving parts. If these items were to get caught,
severe injury could result.
Wear heavy gloves when working with sharp objects.
Always wear clothing and safety equipment that is fit for the
job at hand. In the event of loud noises, wear suitable
protective hearing devices.
In the event of any accident, emergency equipment should
be kept close at hand. A first aid kit and fire extinguisher,
along with emergency phone numbers, should always be
available to machine operators.
ENVIRONMENT: Never spill oil or grease on the
ground, never pour it down the drain, never discard it
where it can pollute the environment. Always take
waste materials to a recycling centre.
5. Attachment
Ensure that the correct brackets are fitted to the bale
splitter and follow the loader manufacturer's guidelines for
this process (quick attachment brackets can be ordered
separately). Ensure the bale splitter is mounted securely
onto the loader before moving or operating.
When fitting the bale splitter to the tractor front-end loader
or telescopic handler you will need: U-bolts, nuts and two
½" male quick-release couplings, powered by a double-
acting 3rd service hydraulic supply.
CAUTION: The bale splitter is designed to take loads
via the two rails on the rear of the main frame; all
brackets must be clamped or welded to these rails.
When fitting brackets to the loader, ensure the bolt centres
are 250 mm. The loads multiply rapidly with centres less
than 200 mm.
If the bale splitter is to be fitted to an exceptionally wide
loader, it may be necessary to acquire a bridging frame and
attach it to the two rails.
6. Hydraulics
The bale splitter requires a double-acting 3rd service on the
loader or telescopic handler, which provides a minimum
hydraulic flow of 10 l/min at 150 bar pressure.
WARNING: Never exceed 200 bar hydraulic
pressure. If this device is to be used on machines
capable of generating over 200 bar, such as
telescopic loaders, your McHale dealer should be
contacted. Quote pressure relief kit KST00054.
CAUTION: Do not work on hydraulic systems unless
you are qualified to do so.
Hydraulic oil under pressure can be dangerous. Stop the
tractor and remove the key before connecting/
disconnecting hoses and operate the controls to release
the pressure in the system. Never start the tractor engine
when hoses are open.
Always ensure the system is not under pressure before
working on the machine. Oil under pressure can penetrate
the skin and cause injury.
McHale RS4
If any hoses are removed or replaced ensure they are
marked and re-installed to the correct position during re-
assembly.
Check hoses regularly for signs of leakage or wear. Use a
piece of card when checking for leaks. Fine jets of
hydraulic fluid can penetrate the skin. Never use your
fingers or face to check for leaks. If in doubt always
replace. The recommended maximum working life of hoses
should not exceed 5 years.
To check for hydraulic leaks, lift the RS4 150 mm (6") off
the ground with the blade up and tines level. Leave the
tractor/loader running at idle rpm. If the blade or tines drop,
check for hydraulic leaks.
Ensure that the tractor has clean, good quality, hydraulic/
universal oil to avoid problems later on. The hydraulic filters
on the tractor should be changed regularly, according to
manufacturer's service intervals. Avoid getting dirt into the
hydraulic couplings.
7. Machine lifting guidelines
Use safe lifting gear of sufficient capacity for machine
assembly. All chains and slings used must always be
certified and in good condition.
WARNING: Never go under a suspended machine,
or attempt to try and stop it, if it is moving erratically.
Death or serious injury may result.
Be observant of people and objects around the suspended
machine and do not allow the machine to impact heavily on
the ground after suspension or movement.
Take care when lifting sharp objects. Leave the protective
cover on these objects until the machine is fully assembled.
To lift the machine:
1. Remove the protective plastic cover from the machine.
2. Using a suitably certified lifting sling, lift the knife and
machine by the ram-pin.
3. Take up the slack on the lifting chains and move it to the
desired location.
8. Machine re-assembly
Refer to document CLT00628 for re-assembly instructions for
this bale splitter.
9. Operation (see page 47)
INFORMATION: Before using the device, it is
extremely important to check that the blade is both
clean and sharp. The blade may require sharpening
before being put into use to ensure efficient working,
this also allows the machine to cut bales using less
pressure.
1. Elevate the front-end loader. Keep the tines approximately
horizontal or parallel with the ground (see Fig. 1).
2. Then, lift the blade fully and continue to operate the
hydraulics to extend the legs outwards until the tines are
well separated (see Fig. 2). Keep the RS4 in this position
whilst selecting or re-orientating a bale from the stack,
taking care not to damage any other bales.
3. Once a bale has been selected, place it on clear level
ground and reverse the tractor away.
4. The blade should be fully opened, with the tines levelled,
and just off the ground before being driven hard into the
bale. Spike the bale near the bottom, the lower beam must
make full contact with the bale, otherwise it will not cut
properly (see Fig. 3).
5. Elevate the bale with the front-end loader approximately
0.5 m off the ground, retract the outer legs so that all tines
are close together (see Fig. 4) and drive to the feed area.
The blade may be lowered partly at this stage to avoid
overhead obstructions or to facilitate a clear passage
through doorways.
6. Once centred and elevated over the feed area, the blade
can be lowered fully. Care must be taken to hold the tines
level and still. This slices the wrapping material and splits
the bale in two halves, allowing most of the fodder to fall
away (see Fig. 5). Raise the blade fully (see Fig. 6).
7. Point the tines towards the floor to allow any remaining
fodder to fall away while plastic netting and film are held by
outer tine grips (see Fig. 7).
7