Farm Star BSF-1523 - Manual (Page 6)

5
S A F E T Y I N S T R U C T I O N S (continued)
OPERATIONAL SAFETY (continued)
When maneuvering close to buildings or passing through narrow areas, be sure to allow sufficient clearance
for the tractor, implement, and bale. Drive slowly.
Always load rear of tractor first and unload last when using a front loader.
Beware of lift clearance when raising loader or implement to maximum height.
Keep alert and watch the rear as well as the front when working with attached implements.
Stop loader gradually when lowering or lifting loads.
Operate hydraulic controls from operator’s seat only. Remain at controls until operating cycle is complete.
Allow for additional length of implement and bale on tractor while turning.
Never allow anyone to walk or work under a raised implement.
Be sure that people, livestock, or pets are not standing near the machine while operating.
Do not use implement for a work platform.
Do not lift or carry anyone on attachment.
ALWAYS lower implement to the ground or block securely before performing any maintenance work.
Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on hillside, over rough ground and
when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful when turning sharp corners.
Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep away from drop-offs.
Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimize tipping or loss of control. Be careful when changing
directions on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on slopes. Avoid operation on steep slopes.
I N S T R U C T I O N S
T R A C T O R R E Q U I R E M E N T S A N D
P R E PA R AT I O N
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Rear hitch mounted bale spears are designed,
depending on model, to handle up to 2,000 lb. bales. The
all-welded BS-1506 bale spear and the adjustable BS-
1520 bale spear have two-inch spears designed for soft
center bales. The BSF-1523 features a tapered “forged”
spring steel spear designed for tight center bales allow-
ing easier spear penetration of and withdrawal from
bale(s). A special tapered socket provides support for the
spear. Each spear mounts to cat. I/II (without quick-hitch)
tractor hitches.
NOTE: The maximum load for the attachments is as
follows:
Model Capacity
BS-1506 . . . . . . 1,500 lbs.
BS-1520 . . . . . . 2,000 lbs.
BSF-1523 . . . . . 2,000 lbs.
C A U T I O N !
Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read
all the safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
W A R N I N G !
A heavy load can cause instability in driving a
tractor. Make sure the front of the tractor is properly
counter-balanced with weights. Always drive slowly
– especially around turns. An unstable tractor could
steer badly and possibly tip over, causing injury or
death.
W A R N I N G !
Do not exceed the maximum recommended large
round bale weight listed for each of the loader spear
models. Damage to the equipment or serious
personal injury could result.
The required size of the tractor and front loader will be
determined by the size and weight of the bales to be
handled.
Remember, high moisture hay (silage) bales are very
heavy in relation to similar size dry hay bales.
Always use a tractor large enough to safely handle your
bales.
Check the tractor’s 3-point hydraulic lift system. It
should operate up and down smoothly and hold its
position when set. Refer to your tractor owner’s manual
or dealer for any adjustments necessary to put the 3-
point hydraulic lift system in good working order. (I&T
shop manuals will list most specifications and adjustment
instructions – available from most farm equipment
dealers.)
Check the hydraulic system. Be sure the tractor
hydraulic oil and filter have been serviced according to
the tractor manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tractor should be equipped with stabilizer bars,
adjustable sway chains, or sway blocks to keep the
implement from swinging side to side.
Smaller size tractors may need front counter weights to
counter-balance the weight of the implement.
It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a
Rollover Protection System (ROPS) and a seat belt that
is used.
10
Figure 1. Tractor Stability
W A R N I N G !
When using the unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and
equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels.
Without this weight, tractor could tip up, causing
possible loss of control and possible personal injury
or death. The weight may be attained with a front end
loader, front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front
tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of
tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels,
you must not exceed the ROPS weight certification.
Weigh the tractor and equipment. DO NOT GUESS
OR ESTIMATE!
5 / 10 (HH018) 11/9/00 1:11 PM Page 1