Farm Star MP-214 - Manual (Page 13)

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O P E R ATING INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
O P E R AT I O N
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 !
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!
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.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
W A R N I N G !
Do not operate on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start or change directions suddenly on
slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
Watch or hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
T R A N S P O RT I N G
Pay particular close attention to the Safety Messages
regarding transport. Avoid unnecessary injuries and
equipment damage by exercising cautious, conscien-
tious travel procedures.
Attaching the plow to the tractor increases the overall
length of the working unit. Allow additional clearance for
the blade to swing when turning.
Raise the plow as high as possible for transporting.
Set the plow on the ground. Plow about twenty feet, or
until you can see what adjustment the plow needs.
Adjust tractor’s top link and rear landslide heel to set
the plow frame level end-to-end.
The frame should also be level when in the ground for
in-furrow operation depending on the furrow depth.
FRONT END BALLAST
Front end ballast may be required for stability and steer-
ing control when weight is transferred to the back tires as
the plow is raised. As a general guide:
• Ballast the tractor (less plow) so that approximately
1/3 of the tractor weight is on the front wheels.
• When mounted plow is raised, the reaction on the
front wheels should be less than 20% of tractor
weight.
• Add additional ballast as required for stability during
operation and transport. Tractor front end ballast may
not always maintain tractor stability if tractor is
operated on rough terrain at high speeds. In such
cases, reduce speed and exercise caution.
C A U T I O N !
When traveling on public roads, whether at night or
during the day, use accessory light and devices for
adequate warnings to operators of other vehicles.
Comply with all federal, state and local laws.
O W N E R S E RV I C E
S T O R I N G S A F E LY
Storage location should be level and solid to make
hitching and unhitching easy.
For one bottom plows, place support under left end of
drawbar. Plow will tip over if not supported.
Remove top link from plow.
Detach lower link arms from plow.
Be sure plow is stable.
Thoroughly clean your plow prior to storage.
For storage between seasons, coat the soil engaging
surfaces with oil or other rust inhibitor. Apply fresh grease
to trip beam lubrication points.
M A I N T E N A N C E
Your plow should be serviced prior to each day’s oper-
ations. Proper maintenance will insure optimum perform-
ance and product longevity.
Inspect the plow for loose, damaged or worn parts and
adjust or replace if needed.
Repaint parts where paint is worn or scratched to
prevent rust.
Check all bolts and nuts to be sure they are tight.
At the end of the working season or when the plow will
not be used for a long period, it is good practice to clean
off any dirt that may have accumulated on the plow.
The coulter and gauge wheel have sealed bearings that
do not require lubrication. However, check these attach-
ments periodically to see that they rotate freely.
Keep coulter blades and moldboard cutting edges
sharp at all times.
S H E A R B O LT R E P L A C E M E N T
Your plow is equipped with a grade 2 shearbolt on the
plow beam. When replacing a broken bolt, use only the
same size bolt of grade 2 or lower.
O P T I O N S
800515 Coulter
15” diameter rolling coulter assembly with shank. For
14” one and two bottom plows.
500519 Trashboard
For 14” one and two bottom plows.
Replacement of the shearbolt with a bolt higher
than grade 2 may result in serious damage to plow or
injury to operator and voids the manufacturer
warranty.
C A U T I O N !
U Keep children away from danger all day, every day.
U Equip tractors with rollover protection (ROPS) and keep all
machinery guards in place.
U Please work, drive, play, and live each day with care and
concern for your safety and that of your family and fellow
citizens.