Farm Star R-130 - Manual (Page 7)

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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
The model R-130 Subsoiler can be used on both
Category I tractors (30 hp and larger) and Category II
tractors.
It is recommended that only tractors with wide front
axles be used with this implement. Tricycle front wheel
arrangements are inherently unstable and tractor roll-
over accidents are more likely to occur.
The tractor also needs lift arm stabilizer bars or sway
blocks to control side movement of the implement.
Check the tractor’s 3 pt. hydraulic system. Refer to your
tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjustments
necessary to put the hydraulic 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.
Smaller size tractors may need front counter weights to
counter-balance the weight of the implement.
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate
tires to the proper recommended air pressure.
It is recommended that a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection
Structure) and a seat belt be installed on all tractors.
Contact your local dealer for a ROPS for your tractor.
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the
implement. The operator must be properly trained.
Operators should be familiar with the implement and
tractor and all safety practices before starting operation.
Read all safety rules.
Be sure tractor is in good condition. Read all the
safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
C A U T I O N !
Read manual before operating.
C A U T I O N !
Refer to the repair parts drawing in this manual to get
an idea of how the parts need to be assembled for each
individual implement.
A S S E M B LY A N D M O U N T I N G
• Know your controls and how to stop tractor and
engine quickly in an emergency. READ THIS
MANUAL AND THE ONE PROVIDED WITH YOUR
TRACTOR.
• To avoid accident or injury, do not allow anyone to
operate this equipment without proper instructions.
Any person who operates this equipment must be
instructed in and be capable of the safe operation of
the tractor implement and all controls.
• Do not allow children to operate this machine.
S A F E T Y T R A I N I N G
The rear shank mounting bolt (Ref. #3) is a 7 / 8 ” x 3 1 / 2 ”
bolt that is the pivot for the shank if the front 5 / 8 ” x 3 1 / 2 ” bolt
shears. The front bolt must be a grade 2 (soft) bolt to be
a shear bolt.
NOTE: USE OF A GRADE 5 OR HIGHER SHEAR
BOLT MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE IMPLEMENT.
Make sure the lower draw pins (pull pins) are installed
correctly for your tractor.
Draw pins should be assembled inward for category “I”
hitch applications and outward for category II hitches.
Insert the draw pins into the ball sockets in the lower lift
arms of the tractor 3 pt. hitch. Lock in place with linch
pins (not furnished.)
Attach the mast of the 3 pt. main frame by installing the
tractor center link (toplink) with a toplink pin (not fur-
nished.)
Adjust the toplink assembly to obtain the correct angle
of the implement. Check the tractor 3 pt. lift arms and
adjust to level the implement from side to side.
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
counterbalanced with weights. Always drive slowly -
especially around turns. An unstable tractor could
steer badly and possibly tip over, causing injury or
death.
O P E R AT I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
G E N E R A L S A F E T Y
Only qualified people familiar with this manual should
operate this machine. It is recommended that tractor be
equipped with Roll-Over Protective System (ROPS) and
a seat belt be used. Check for ditches, stumps, holes, or
other obstacles that could upset tractor or damage imple-
ment. Always turn off tractor engine, set parking brake,
lower implement to ground before dismounting tractor.
It is important that your tractor be properly prepared to
obtain the best and safest operation from your subsoiler.
The following procedures are recommended. In addition,
review your tractor manual for instructions on adjust-
ments and use of three point hitch control features,
ballast weighting, and tire pressures.
BALLAST WEIGHTING
Mounted subsoilers normally require added weight to
the tractor to maintain proper stability and traction during
operation and transport.
1) An 80% tire fill of ballast fluid is usually enough for the
rear tires. It may be necessary in some cases to add
metal weights to prevent tire slippage.
2) Add front end weights if there is floating action on the
front of the tractor when subsoiling.
3) To determine proper weighting, check the soil
between the rear tire lug prints. When pulling a full load,
the soil should be broken or shifted slightly. Too much
weight will cause sharp, firm tread marks. Slippage
results from insufficient weight, will show up in poorly
defined tread marks.
TIRE INFLATION
Proper tire inflation can be determined by checking the
tire lugs on a cement surface. The tire is correctly inflat-
ed if approximately 90% of the lug makes contact with
the surface when the tractor is fully weighted.
The safe operation of this machine is the responsibility
of the owner / operator. The operator should be familiar
with the implement and tractor and all safety practices
before starting operation. Read the safety rules on
pages 2 thru 4.
For proper operation, level the Subsoiler by adjusting
the tractor linkage. This will assure that the shank will run
straight.
The tractor 3pt. hydraulic lift system should be set to
transfer most of the Subsoiler’s weight and draft to the
tractor to maximize traction (There may not be a 3pt.
Draft control on some small tractors – Refer to Tractor
Owner’s Manual.)
The model R-130 Subsoiler (or Ripper) can loosen soil
down to a depth of 20-24 inches. Compacted soil or
“Hardpan” usually occurs in soil depths of 8-14 inches.
Breaking up this “Hardpan” layer will allow better soil
drainage and in dry periods, allow plant roots to go
deeper to obtain moisture.
Hardpan or compacted soil layers is sometime caused
by compaction from wheel tractors or foot traffic.
Do not attempt to rip or subsoil when the soil is wet. Wet
soil will not shatter and may cause more compaction.
It is recommended that you dig a hole or use a soil
probe to identify the “Hardpan” layer. The objective is to
operate the point just below the hardpan layer.
The deeper you operate the Subsoiler (or Ripper), the
more tractor horsepower and traction will be required.
In very hard soil or in dry conditions (or with a small
tractor), it may not be possible to operate the Ripper at
the desired depth. In these cases, it may be necessary to
make several passes. (Increase the depth with each
pass until the desired depth is reached.)
The best “shattering” action will be realized at forward
speeds of 3 1 / 2 to 5 miles per hour. It is not recommended
to exceed 5 MPH as it will only increase fuel consump-
tion, horsepower required, and wear on the tractor and
implement.
Most soil types will require ripping or subsoiling every 2-
3 years. Some soils will require this every year. It is
suggested, that if you subsoil a field one direction one
year, that you operate the Ripper diagonal to that
direction when you “Rip” again. In some fields it might be
best to “Rip” at an angle and then again at a cross angle
in following operations.
O P E R AT I O N