BUSH HOG
®
ASSEMBLY ● OPERATION ● MAINTENANCE
401
$4.00 50029373
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Front End Loaders
M146 / M246
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CONGRATULATIONS!
You have invested in the best implement of its type on the market today.
The care you give your Bush Hog implement will greatly determine your satisfaction
with its performance and its service life. We urge a careful study of this manual to provide
you with a thorough understanding of your new implement before operating, as well as
suggestions for operation and maintenance.
If your manual should become lost or destroyed, Bush Hog will be glad to provide you with
a new copy. Order from Bush Hog, P. O. Box 1039, Selma, Alabama 36702-1039.
As an authorized Bush Hog dealer, we stock genuine Bush Hog parts which are
manufactured with the same precision and skill as our original equipment. Our trained
service personnel are well informed on methods required to service Bush Hog equipment,
and are ready and able to help you.
Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact us.
YOUR AUTHORIZED
BUSH HOG DEALER
BECAUSE BUSH HOG MAINTAINS AN ONGOING
PROGRAM OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, WE
RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN
DESIGN OR CHANGES IN SPECIFICATIONS WITH-
OUT INCURRING ANY OBLIGATION TO INSTALL
THEM ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD.
BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME
PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS MANUAL WERE TAKEN OF
PROTOTYPE MODELS, PRODUCTION MODELS MAY
VARY IN SOME DETAIL. IN ADDITION, SOME
PHOTOGRAPHS MAY SHOW SHIELDS REMOVED
FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY. NEVER OPERATE
THIS IMPLEMENT WITHOUT ALL SHIELDS IN PLACE.
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M146/ M246 Front End Loader
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION/PARA PAGE
Warranty ............................................................2
Dealer Preparation Check List ...........................3
Safety Alert Symbols..........................................4
Safety Precautions .............................................5
Federal Laws & Regulations ..............................7
I INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION ..................8
1-1 Introduction ..................................................8
1-2 Description ...................................................8
II LOADER MOUNTING & DISMOUNTING........10
2-1 Preparing Tractors .....................................10
2-2 Mounting Loader ........................................10
2-3 Dismounting Loader ..................................12
III OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ........................13
3-1 General Safety ...........................................13
3-2 Pre Operation ............................................13
3-3 Initial Loader Operation .............................13
3-4 External Loader and/or Tractor Valve ........14
3-5 Loader Mounted or Tractor Mounted
Single Lever Control Handle ............................14
3-6 Loader Mounted or Tractor Mounted Two
Control Handles ...............................................14
3-7 Neutral Position .........................................14
3-8 Float Position .............................................14
3-9 Loader Sense Loader Valve ......................14
3-10 Loader Operation .....................................15
3-11 Removing Air From Hydraulic System.......15
3-12 Hose Identification ...................................15
1
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
UNDER THE BUSH HOG WARRANTY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator’s Manual, to operate, lubricate,
maintain and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures. Failure of the opera-
tor to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this equipment.
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to inspect the product and to have any part(s) repaired
or replaced when continued operation would cause damage or excessive wear to other parts or cause a safety
hazard.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized Bush Hog Dealer, from whom
he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are covered by warranty. Repairs to be
submitted for warranty consideration must be made within forty-five (45) days of failure.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or hauling of the
product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.
3-13 Bucket Level Indicator Rod ......................15
3-14 Transporting.............................................20
3-15 Fork Lift Operation ...................................20
3-16 Quick Hitch Operation..............................21
IV MAINTENANCE ...............................................22
4-1 Maintenance Check List ............................22
4-2 Lubrication.................................................22
4-3 Hydraulic System
Pressure Requirements.............................23
4-4 Troubleshooting ........................................23
V ASSEMBLY......................................................25
5-1 Tractor Preparation ....................................25
5-2 Tractor Ballast............................................26
5-3 Installation..................................................26
5-4 Hydraulic Hookup ......................................26
5-5 Valve Mounting M146 Small Valve ............27
5-6 Valve Mounting M146 Series Valve ...........28
5-7 Valve Mounting M246 Small Valve ............29
5-8 Valve Mounting M246 Series Valve ...........30
5-9 Power Beyond Kit ......................................31
5-10 Mounting Bracket Eyebolt ........................32
5-11 Standard Bucket & Level Indicator Rod...32
5-12 Skid Steer Quick Hitch .............................33
5-13 Fork Lift Option ........................................33
Safety Decals ...................................................34
Torque Specifications ......................................36
SECTION/PARA PAGE
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BUSH HOG
®
LIMITED WARRANTY
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Bush Hog warrants to the original purchaser of any new Bush Hog equipment, purchased from an
authorized Bush Hog dealer, that the equipment be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of one (1) year for non-commercial, state, and municipalities’ use and ninety (90) days for commercial use from
date of retail sale. The obligation of Bush Hog to the purchaser under this warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement of defective parts.
Replacement or repair parts installed in the equipment covered by this limited warranty are warranted
for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase of such part or to the expiration of the applicable new equip-
ment warranty period, whichever occurs later. Warranted parts shall be provided at no cost to the user at an
authorized Bush Hog dealer during regular working hours. Bush Hog reserves the right to inspect any equip-
ment or parts which are claimed to have been defective in material or workmanship.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES & CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Bush Hog’s obligation under this limited warranty, to the extent allowed by law, is in lieu of all war-
ranties, implied or expressed, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE and any liability for incidental and consequential damages with respect to
the sale or use of the items warranted. Such incidental and consequential damages shall include but not be
limited to: transportation charges other than normal freight charges; cost of installation other than cost
approved by Bush Hog; duty; taxes; charges for normal service or adjustment; loss of crops or any other loss of
income; rental of substitute equipment, expenses due to loss, damage, detention or delay in the delivery of
equipment or parts resulting from acts beyond the control of Bush Hog.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY:
1. To vendor items which carry their own warranties, such as engines, tires, and tubes.
2. If the unit has been subjected to misapplication, abuse, misuse, negligence, fire or other accident.
3. If parts not made or supplied by Bush Hog have been used in connection with the unit, if, in the sole judge-
ment of Bush Hog such use affects its performance, stability or reliability.
4. If the unit has been altered or repaired outside of an authorized Bush Hog dealership in a manner
which, in the sole judgement of Bush Hog, affects its performance, stability or reliability.
5. To normal maintenance service and normal replacement items such as gearbox lubricant, hydraulic fluid,
worn blades, or to normal deterioration of such things as belts and exterior finish due to use or
exposure.
6. To expendable or wear items such as teeth, chains, sprockets, belts, springs and any other items that in the
company’s sole judgement is a wear item.
NO EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE OF BUSH HOG IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THIS LIM-
ITED WARRANTY IN ANY WAY OR GRANT ANY OTHER WARRANTY UNLESS SUCH CHANGE IS MADE
IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY BUSH HOG’S SERVICE MANAGER, POST OFFICE BOX 1039, SELMA,
ALABAMA 36702-1039.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Record the model number, serial number and date
purchased. This information will be helpful to your
dealer if parts or service are required.
MAKE CERTAIN THE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
CARD HAS BEEN FILED WITH BUSH HOG/
SELMA, ALABAMA
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF RETAIL SALE
2
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DEALER PREPARATION CHECK LIST
M146 & M246 LOADERS
BEFORE DELIVERING MACHINE - The following check list should be completed.
Use the Operator’s Manual as a guide.
❏ Machine properly assembled.
❏ All safety decals readable. (See decal page)
❏ All bolts tightened to torque specifications given in torque chart.
❏ Machine operates properly.
❏ Customer has appropriate mounting kit for his tractor and loader.
❏ Customer has appropriate attachments for loader operations. ( Buckets for lifting loose
materials; bale spear for lifting round bales; fork lift for lifting palletized material)
❏ Operators manual has been delivered to owner and he has been instructed on the safe
and proper use of the front end loader.
Dealer’s Signature
THIS CHECK LIST TO REMAIN IN OPERATOR’S MANUAL
It is the responsibility of the dealer to complete the procedures listed
above before delivery of this implement to the customer.
CAUTION
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRACTOR BE
EQUIPPED WITH ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE SYS-
TEM (ROPS) AND SEAT BELT BE USED FOR ALL
LOADER OPERATIONS.
3
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Safety Alert Symbol
This Safety Alert Symbol means: “ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!”
This symbol is used to call attention to safety
precautions that should be followed by the
operator to avoid accidents. When you see this
symbol, carefully read the message that follows
and heed its advice. Failure to comply with safe-
ty precautions could result in death or serious
bodily injury.
Safety Signs Signal Words
The signal words DANGER, WARNING, AND CAUTION are used on the equipment safety signs. These words
are intended to alert the viewer to the existence and the degree of hazard seriousness.
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
White letters on RED
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Black letters on ORANGE
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation exist
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Black letters on YELLOW
4
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This symbol is used to call attention to safe-
ty precautions that should be followed by
the operator to avoid accidents. When you
see this symbol, carefully read the message
that follows and heed its advice. Failure to
comply with safety precautions could result
in death or serious bodily injury.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the
awareness, concern, prudence and proper training of personnel in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment. Lack of attention to safety can result in accident, personal injury, reduction of efficiency and worst of all—loss
of life. Watch for safety hazards and correct deficiencies promptly. Use the following safety precautions as a general
guide to safe operations when using this machine. Additional safety precautions are used throughout this manual for
specific operating and maintenance procedures. Read this manual and review the safety precautions often until you know
the limitations.
THE TRACTOR
1. Read the tractor operator’s manual to learn how to operate your tractor safely. Failure to do so could result in seri-
ous injury or death and equipment damage.
2. It is recommended that tractor be equipped with Rollover Protective System (ROPS) and a seat belt be used for all
loader operations.
3. Add wheel ballast or rear weight for stability.
4. Move wheels to the tractor manufacturer’s widest recommended settings to increase stability.
5. For better stability, use tractor with wide front axle rather than tricycle front wheels.
6. Move and turn the tractor at low speeds.
7. Stop tractor engine, place transmission in park (or neutral), engage parking brake, lower loader arms to ground,
cycle all hydraulic controls to relieve pressure, allow machine moving parts to stop, remove ignition key to prevent
unauthorized person from starting engine before dismounting tractor or servicing, repairing, or making adjustments
to the equipment.
8. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as, but not limited to, protection for eyes, ears, lungs, head, hands
and feet when operating, servicing, or repairing equipment. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that may catch
and entangle on equipment moving parts.
THE LOADER
1. Read the loader operator’s manual to learn how to operate your loader safely. Failure to do so could result in seri-
ous injury or death and equipment damage.
2. Become familiar with all the machine’s controls and all the caution, warning and danger decals affixed to the
machine before attempting to start or operate.
3. Improper use of a loader can cause serious injury or death.
4. Do not lift or carry anybody on the loader or in the bucket or attachment.
5. Never allow anyone to get under the loader bucket or reach through the booms when the bucket is raised.
6. Do not walk or work under a raised loader bucket or attachment unless it is is securely blocked or held in position
7. Avoid overhead wires and obstacles when loader is raised. Contacting electrical lines can cause electrocution.
8. Make sure all parked loaders on stands are on a hard, level surface.
9. Use a piece of cardboard or wood rather than hands and wear eye protection when searching for hydraulic leaks.
Escaping hydraulic oil under pressure can penetrate skin. If oil is injected into skin, it must be surgically removed
within a few hours by a doctor or gangrene may result.
5
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10. Before disconnecting hydraulic lines, relieve all hydraulic pressure.
11. Do not tamper with the relief valve setting. The relief valve is pre-set at the factory. Changing the setting can
cause overloading the loader and tractor and serious operator injury may result.
12. Always wear safety goggles when repairing or servicing machine.
13. When servicing or replacing pins in cylinder ends, buckets, etc., always use a brass drift and hammer. Failure to
do so could result in injury from flying fragments.
14. Replace damaged or illegible safety decals. See decal page for required decals.
15. Do not modify or alter or permit anyone else to modify or alter the loader, any of its components or any loader
function without first consulting your local dealer.
OPERATING THE LOADER
1. It is the loader owner’s responsibility to instruct and have a person read operator’s manual, safety decals and
become familiar with machine controls before allowing them to operate loader.
2. Do not allow children to operate the loader.
3. Before starting or operating the equipment, make a walk around inspection and check for loose or damaged
components. Correct any deficiency before starting.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children. The operator should cease operation
whenever anyone comes within the operating area.
5. Operate the loader from the “Operator’s Seat Only.”
6. Exercise caution when operating the loader with a raised loaded bucket, fork, or large round hay bale handling
attachments.
7. Avoid loose fill, rocks and holes. They can be dangerous for loader operation or movement.
8. Be extra careful when working on inclines.
9. Allow for the loader length when making turns.
10. Stop the loader arms gradually when lowering or lifting.
11. Use caution when handling loose or shiftable loads.
12. Carry loader arms at a low position during transport.
13. Lower loader arms, stop engine, and lock brakes before leaving the tractor seat.
14. Operate the loader controls only when properly seated at the controls.
15. Do not use loader for handling large, heavy objects such as logs, oil drums, etc.
16. Handling large, heavy objects is dangerous due to:
*Possibility of rolling the tractor over.
*Possibility of upending the tractor.
*Possibility of the object rolling or sliding down the loader arms onto the operator.
17. Use large round hay bale handler attachment with bale retaining devices (grapples, bale spears, clamps, etc.) to
handle large round hay bales. Failure to use retaining devices could allow round hay bales to roll or fall down
loader boom arms onto the operator causing serious injury or death and equipment damage.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONTINUED
6
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IMPORTANT FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS* CONCERNING
EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS.
*(This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of the following federal laws and
regulations. It is not intended as a legal interpretation of the laws and should not be considered as such).
U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA
This Act Seeks:
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working
conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer—
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment
which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause
death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under
this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards
and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are
applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OSHA Regulations
Current OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the
employer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which the
employee is, or will be involved.” These will include (but are not limited to) instructions to:
Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;
Permit no riders on equipment;
Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before
servicing, adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be
running to be properly serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees
as to all steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.
Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating
the machine.
Child Labor Under 16 Years Old
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your
responsibility to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of
Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)
EMPLOYEE TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a
ROPS.
2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near
ditches, embankments, and holes.
3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, and
on rough, slick, or muddy surfaces.
4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at row
ends, on roads, and around trees.
6. Do not permit others to ride.
7. Operate the tractor smoothly - no jerky turns,
starts, or stops.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recom-
mended by tractor manufacturers.
9. When tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and
use park lock if available.
7
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION
1-1 INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to have you as a Bush Hog cus-
tomer. Your Front End Loader has been carefully
designed to give maximum service with minimum
down time. This manual is provided to give you the
necessary operating and maintenance instructions
for keeping your front end loader in top operating
condition. Please read this manual thoroughly.
Understand what each control is for and how to use
it. Observe all safety precautions decaled on the
machine and noted throughout the manual for safe
operation of this implement. If any assistance or
additional information is needed, contact your autho-
rized Bush Hog dealer.
1-2 DESCRIPTION
Model M146 & M246 Front End Loaders are
designed for two wheel and four wheel drive trac-
tors. They come equipped with parking stands to
support the loader so the tractor can be “driven in”
for quick attachment and a bucket level indicator that
allows the operator to gauge bucket position when
the bucket cannot be seen. Available attachments
include buckets for lifting loose materials and a fork
lift (M246 Models only) for palletized material. All
operations should be conducted within the loader
limits specified in Table 1-1.
8
Figure 1-1 Major Components
Bucket Cylinder Mainframe Boom
Cross Tube
Bucket
Subframe
Boom Cylinder
Parking Stands Stored
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BUSH HOG M146 M246 Loader Operation Maintenance OWNER Manual
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Description
If you own the M146/M246 Front End Loader from Bush Hog, this manual is essential for you. It covers assembly, operation, and maintenance, making it useful for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts.
