Farm Star FC-9 - Manual (Page 6)

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I N S T R U C T I O N S (continued)
O P E R AT I O N
The designed and tested safety of this machine
depends on it being operated within the limitations as
explained in this manual. Be familiar with and follow all
safety rules in the manual, on the implement and on the
tractor.
The safe operation of this machine is the responsibility
of the owner / operator. The operator should be familiar
with the field cultivator and tractor and all safety prac-
tices before starting operation. Read the safety rules.
Never let anyone stand between the rear of the tractor
and the implement while the tractor is backing up to
connect to the implement. Always stand to the side until
tractor has come to a complete stop and the brakes set
or the tractor shift placed in “PARK”.
Attaching the field cultivator to the tractor increases the
overall length of the working unit. Allow additional
clearance for the implement to swing when turning.
Check for ditches, stumps, holes, or other obstacles
that could upset tractor or damage cultivator.
For proper operation, level the field cultivator by adjust-
ing the tractor linkage. This will assure that the cultivator
will run level.
The tractor 3 pt. hydraulic lift system should be set to
transfer most of the field cultivator’s weight and draft to
the tractor to maximize traction (There may not be a 3 pt.
Draft control on some small or older tractors – Refer to
Tractor Owner’s Manual.)
Set hydraulic lift control arm stop for the operating
depth.
The deeper you operate the cultivator, 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 cultivator 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
speed of 2 1 / 2 to 4 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.
NOTE: Do not make turns with the field cultivator in the
ground. Damage to cultivator will occur. Always raise
implement and lower after turn is made.
Do not attempt to operate the field cultivator when soil
is wet. Wet soil will not shatter or break up and you will
compact the soil.
It is suggested that when you make several passes
across a field that you operate the field cultivator diago-
nal to the direction of the first pass.
The points of the field cultivator are reversible. When
the first point wears back, remove the bolts, reverse the
point and reinstall the bolts.
Do not let the point wear back so far that wear occurs
on the lower shank body.
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 FC Field Cultivators can be used on both
Category I tractors (30 hp and larger) and Category II
tractors.
Model # Shanks Approx. H.P. Req.
FC-5 5 30 - 35
FC-7 7 35 - 45
FC-9 9 45 - 60
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 !
• 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
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.
NOTE: Actual horsepower required will depend on type
of soil, operating depth, soil moisture, and operating
speed.
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.)
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.
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 model.
The holes in the frame angle will allow the shanks to be
located at different spacing.
NOTE: All shanks must be symmetrically spaced.
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
furnished.)
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.
A S S E M B LY A N D M O U N T I N G
1. Check all nuts and bolts and make sure they are tight.
2. Check points for wear and damage. Replace when
necessary.
3. Grease shank bushings each 30 working hours.
M A I N T E N A N C E
T R O U B L E - S H O O T I N G
PROBLEM: Tractor will not pull implement
1. Insufficient horsepower – Use larger, heavier tractor.
2. Soil too wet – Let soil dry.
3. Soil too hard and dry – Wait for rain.
4. Points too dull – Replace points.
5. Insufficient traction – (See tire slippage below)
6. Attempting to operate too deep – Reduce depth set-
ting and make several passes, gradually increasing
depth.
PROBLEM: Excessive tractor tire slippage
1. Tractor too small – Use larger, heavier tractor.
2. Insufficient traction – Dual rear tire or add ballast,
increase draft control, operate at shallower depth.
3. Operating too deep – See #6 above.
PROBLEM: Excessive point wear
1. Soil too dry – Wait for rain.
2. Abrasive soil – Consider having points hard surfaced
by local welder.
3. Operating too fast – Reduce forward speed.