How It Works
Downward Pressure Is The Key.
The GroundHog MAX works by using the weight of the ATV and the driver. This achieves direct down pressure on the plow. The plow is setup of an inner 10-9-8 inch notched disc with high speed bearings. This allows you to cut hard ground, grass, and ground clutter with ease.
Easy In, Easy Out.
Once you arrive to your location, simply back the ATV up on a 4-inch ramp, take one tractor pin out, and flip the plow over to the plowing position. Once you have the plow in the correct position you can begin working on creating the perfect food plot.
Back your rear tires up on a piece of 4 x 4 wood that spans the two rear tires. Make sure you’re in park and the brakes locked to make adjustments. The axle measures 4” to the ground, so this makes it easier to correctly gauge your up/down hole setting.
Slide the T-head into your ATV/UTV receiver and insert the first tractor pin. This T-head can be turned “right side up” for machines with higher ground clearance or “up-side down” for machines with lower ground clearance.
Pull the second tractor pin out of the T-head and let the disc assembly slide down to the ground. Pick up the disc assembly until it slides up two holes, then re-install the second tractor pin. Your discs are now suspended at a good starting point about an inch or two off the ground. Only one tractor pin is needed in the T-head for locking the up/down adjustment in place. Once you back off the blocks, weight is transferred to the discs. DO NOT attempt to just lift up the rear as this only stretches out your rear suspension and does not work.
ADJUSTING
Start off gently—do not use too much weight because a lot of the cut is in turns and maneuverability no matter what machine you use. Normally you can find an adjustment hole that allows enough weight on the plow for it to work while allowing you to stay in two-wheel drive. Failure to do this can result in bending your hitch. Remember: you get a better cut with less steel on the ground and much more weight.
After some experimentation, you will determine which hole works best for your unit/setup. Normally the next time you use the plow, you can use the same hole adjustment setting unless ground conditions have changed. Some customers prefer to set the adjustment hole to plow less aggressively at first; then after plowing the first round, they back up on the blocks, let it down another hole, and plow again. Any way you decide to plow, you will gradually plow your plot down about 3-4 inches. Remember you’re using an ATV/UTV, not a tractor!
Consider your machine’s weight and hitch strength—the height adjustment hole needed will vary according to your year, make, model, tires, etc. The plow’s concept is to utilize your weight plus that of your unit to put pressure directly on the discs. An ATV (700+/-) and your weight (200+/-) will run on average between 800 and 1,000 pounds, while a side-by-side/UTV’s weight is 1,200 to 1,500 pounds. BE CAUTIOUS and select a height adjustment hole that ONLY uses part of your unit’s weight.
Proper hole adjustment allows you to have plenty of weight on the plow but leave enough weight on the rear wheels so you can plow only using two-wheel drive (in most cases). This allows for easier steering because your front wheels are not pulling and also puts less stress on your hitch.
PLOWING
Before starting to plow be sure the plow is facing in the right direction. There is a red indicator arrow displayed on the disc indicating direction. See picture V1 V2 in the G H manual.
Groundhog MAX plowing speeds range from 3-10 mph according to the food plot lay-out, size, and shape—twice as fast as a pull-behind type plow! You never have to go to the trouble of adding/strapping on more weight or worrying about the plow tipping over as you do with pull-behind plows. Pull-behinds are slower and put a lot of stress on your machine, which can cause some units to overheat.
The time required to plow will be determined by ground conditions, such as roots, rocks, types of grass, wet/dry, and ground clutter. Thus, you can expect to spend longer on a new plot verses an existing plot. The tougher the conditions, the more passes you need to make. Plow in looping circles and figure eights, because a lot of the cut is in turning and maneuverability. Plowing straight works also.
The plow can be backed up with the plow engaged, but only do this if necessary. It does not plow well in reverse since the discs would face the wrong way, and it also puts more pressure on your hitch.
Sometimes the discs do not spin freely/properly until after five minutes of use. There is some side-to-side play on each disc. Keep in mind that discs will not free spin like a bike wheel. There is a lot of left to right play on the plow where the axle assembly goes into the up/down adjustment tube. This is intentional and allows the plow to float/adjust to uneven terrain.
After 15 minutes of use, conduct a visual check of the plow, discs, and the hitch attachment. The break-in stage can cause minimal loosening. Retighten hardware as necessary and continue to check occasionally.
TRANSPORTING
Due to how the rear of some machines are laid out (racks, mufflers, frame etc.), transport mode does not work on all machine hitches. However, another easy option is to securely strap the 46-pound Groundhog Max to the ATV/UTV front or back rack.
MAINTAINING
Discs do not require sharpening or greasing. Wipe off and spray down lightly with WD-40.
Safe and proper storage will prevent discs and bearings from rusting and degrading.