McConnel Hedgecutter Problem

[sleepy]

I started to notice the rotor on my McConnell Pa94 didn't have it's usual power at the end of last year, and after using it for a few days this year, it's really getting hopeless now. Rotor just doesn't spin very fast and has nearly no power.

What is it most likely to be, motor or pump?

Then I've got the dilemna of whether to spend the money on it or trade it in for a newer machine

 

[Dave W]

First simple check is to make sure the spool for the rotor head is opening fully

 

[devonshire farmer]

If it gets worse when hot don't rule out the rotor bearings we had it once changed motor and pump first before mind but try the bearings first!
The bearings were seizeing once the heat got in them

 

[sleepy]

First simple check is to make sure the spool for the rotor head is opening fully

That is a strong possibility, the cable that controls it is certainly stretched which sometimes means it is quite difficult to disengage.

Is there an easy way to force it fully open / check that?

 

[Rob Holmes]

Check splines that connect motor to rotor, they can wear and slip

 

[devonshire farmer]

Check splines that connect motor to rotor, they can wear and slip

Yes seen that too 540 splines on a collar set up, does it not stop altogether when that happens though

 

[Dave W]

That is a strong possibility, the cable that controls it is certainly stretched which sometimes means it is quite difficult to disengage.

Is there an easy way to force it fully open / check that?

If it just standard cables then you should be able to adjust it at the spool end.

 

[Kevtherev]

Pump knackered usually gets oil hot.
Replacing both pump and motor is expensive.

 

[Lofty1984]

While we are talking about problems can anyone recommend a supplier of control cables for a pa93

 

[Kevtherev]

While we are talking about problems can anyone recommend a supplier of control cables for a pa93

Frank Alviti

 

[sleepy]

Pump knackered usually gets oil hot.
Replacing both pump and motor is expensive.

The oil does seem hot

Thing is, apart from this the machine is very tidy, had all new pins and bushes a few years ago, decent flails etc

If I sell it I have to find a better one, there seems to be a lot of crap advertised for 5 / 6 grand, could just be buying someone else's problems

How much is pump & motor? 1200 quid?

 

[Dave W]

While we are talking about problems can anyone recommend a supplier of control cables for a pa93

www.cable-tec.co.uk
very competitive on price and will make almost anything up but may need to send them a pattern

 

[multi power]

The oil does seem hot

Thing is, apart from this the machine is very tidy, had all new pins and bushes a few years ago, decent flails etc

If I sell it I have to find a better one, there seems to be a lot of crap advertised for 5 / 6 grand, could just be buying someone else's problems

How much is pump & motor? 1200 quid?

a lot less than 1200 i expect

 

[Kevtherev]

The oil does seem hot

Thing is, apart from this the machine is very tidy, had all new pins and bushes a few years ago, decent flails etc

If I sell it I have to find a better one, there seems to be a lot of crap advertised for 5 / 6 grand, could just be buying someone else's problems

How much is pump & motor? 1200 quid?

Don't buy off mcconnel
They are usually cassappa pumps and motors try this firm
www.whitehouseproducts.co.uk

 

[Kevtherev]

I'd try a pump first @Sleepy and has the Hyd oil ever been changed??

 

[sleepy]

I'd try a pump first @Sleepy and has the Hyd oil ever been changed??

No, but it looks pretty clean and has had quite a bit replaced when pipes have burst

Will make some phone calls in the morning I think

 

[Kevtherev]

No, but it looks pretty clean and has had quite a bit replaced when pipes have burst

Will make some phone calls in the morning I think

It will look clean but I've seen it before on old machines the oil breaks down and becomes inefficient.
New oil delivers power better if you put new pump/motor on make sure you change oil/filters as a matter of course.

 

[Monty]

I replaced the cable on ours last year after is seized. It was getting a bit stretchy and awkward to engage before hand. Robbed one of an old spool block including the handle part. Cheap fix
Restricted flow through the valve would also cause warm oil.

 

[multi power]

It will look clean but I've seen it before on old machines the oil breaks down and becomes inefficient.
New oil delivers power better if you put new pump/motor on make sure you change oil/filters as a matter of course.

it also can look ok at the top but will be water at the bottom

 

[Chuckie]

It will look clean but I've seen it before on old machines the oil breaks down and becomes inefficient.
New oil delivers power better if you put new pump/motor on make sure you change oil/filters as a matter of course.

I changed the oil in mine because the old stuff looked a bit milky, but couldn't believe how much it took to refill it A full barrel wasn't enough