Farm Star EB-7-3 - Manual (Page 5)

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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
A S S E M B LY A N D M O U N T I N G
The Model EB-6-3 and EB-7-3 Rear Blades will fit most
Category I tractors equipped with a standard 3-point
hitch.
The Model EB-6-3 and EB-7-3 Rear Blades are
economy blades for use on Category I tractors up to 35
horsepower in size. For use on larger tractors, extra care
is required and it is strongly suggested that purchasing a
heavier rear blade be considered.
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.)
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.
The main frame of the blade is now installed on the
tractor. You are ready to proceed with assembling the
moldboard and cutting edge assembly to the main frame
as follows:
1. Remove the 1 / 2 ” –13 x 1 1 / 2 ” hex head bolts fastened in
the blade mounting brackets on the spindle assembly.
2. Position the moldboard assembly in front of the
spindle assembly with the lower moldboard mounting
bracket resting on top of the moldboard reinforcing
strip. Secure in place with the
1 / 2 ” –13 x 1 1 / 2 ” hex head
bolts. (NOTE: The moldboard assembly may be
positioned in the center or offset, 12” to the right, or
12” to the left, according to the setting desired.)
3. Tighten all bolts securely.
Once the moldboard assembly is mounted to the 3 pt.
hitch frame, turn the moldboard assembly to your desired
operating angle and insert the angle adjustment shift pin.
NOTE: Always use the tractor anti-sway bars, blocks, or
chains to prevent blade side-sway. This is a must when
using the blade in a reverse position.
Your Rear Mounted Blade is now assembled and
mounted on your tractor. It is ready to go to work for you.
It is suggested that you mount the main frame on the 3-
point hitch of your tractor before assembling the blade as
follows:
1. Lower the 3-point hitch on your tractor to facilitate
mounting of the main frame of the blade to the tractor.
2. Insert the lift arm pins on the main frame into the ball
sockets in the lift arms of the tractor 3-point hitch. Pin
in place with linch pins (not furnished).
3. Attach the mast of the main frame to the tractor by
installing the tractor center (or top) link with a top link
pin (not furnished). Pin in place with a linch pin (not
furnished).
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Be sure your tractor is in good condition and
properly equipped with counter weights. Read all the
safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of tractor
operation.
C A U T I O N ! G E N E R A L S A F E T Y
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 blade and on the
tractor.
The safe operation of this machine is the responsibility
of the owner / operator. The operator should be familiar
with the blade and tractor and all safety practices before
starting operation. Read the safety rules.
Never let anyone stand between the rear of the tractor
and the rear blade while the tractor is backing up to con-
nect to the blade. Always stand to the side until tractor
has come to a complete stop and the brakes set or the
tractor shift placed in “PARK”.
I N S T R U C T I O N S (continued)
When using the rear blade in a reverse position use
extra care - DO NOT RAM REAR BLADE into dirt
piles! Tractor lift arms and the rear blade are not
built to take high impact loads in this position. RAM-
MING backwards can also dislodge operator from
seat and/or tractor controls, resulting in possible
serious injury or death.
C A U T I O N !
Watch for and avoid hidden obstructions, i.e.,
buried pipes, rocks, concrete piers, or uneven slabs
of concrete, when operating, or blade damage may
occur. This is especially true when removing snow.
C A U T I O N !
O P E R AT I O N
Check for ditches, stumps, holes, or other obstacles
that could upset tractor or damage blade. Always turn off
tractor engine, set parking brake, lower blade to ground
before dismounting tractor.
Attaching the blade to the tractor increases the overall
length of the working unit. Allow additional clearance for
the blade to swing when turning.
Your rear blade can be used for all types of blade
work, including casting, side ditching, leveling, terracing,
grading, bulldozing, and snow removal.
1. CASTING: The blade should be angled horizontally –
only enough to allow the material to slide along it
easily. The vertical angle (tilt) of the blade must be set
to suit conditions. This is controlled by the lift arm
leveling assembly (turnbuckle) on the tractor 3-point
hitch.
2. SIDE DITCHING: The horizontal angle should be at
its sharpest. This is obtained by removing the shift pin
and turning the moldboard so that the last hole in the
circle plate is in line with the shift pin hole, then
replace the shift pin. It is suggested that the blade be
set in an offset position and then use the shorter
blade side to be the cutting side. This reduces the
load movement on the end of the blade.
The vertical angle of the blade (tilt) is adjusted by
means of the adjustable turnbuckles on the tractor 3-
point hitch. For the sharpest angle, lengthen the
center link on the tractor as far as possible. Also,
lower the adjustable leveling turnbuckle as far as
possible.
3. LEVELING: The blade should be straight across, i.e.,
90˚ to the line of travel of the tractor, in other words 0˚
horizontal angle.
There should be 0˚ vertical angle, i.e., the lift arms
on the tractor 3-point hitch should be parallel to the
ground.
The cutting pitch of the blade should be the oppo-
site of that used in side ditching and casting, with the
cutting edge behind the top edge of the moldboard.
This adjustment is made with tractor center link.
4. TERRACING: Use a combination of ditching, casting,
and leveling. The first cut is into the hillside in the
ditching position. Continue until the terrace is at
proper depth, then switch to the casting position until
the terrace width is established. It may be necessary
to use the leveling position to complete the job.
5. BULLDOZING: When bulldozing, the blade is in
reverse position. Depending on the job, the casting,
side ditching, or leveling position may be used. Snow
removal can also be done with the blade in this
position (blade in reverse, cutting edge away from
tractor).
(NOTE: Most blades are damaged in this position –
use extra care – DO NOT RAM blade into snow or
dirt piles!)
6. GRADING: Grading is a combination of casting, side
ditching, and leveling. Snow removal can also be
done with the blade in this position (cutting edge
toward the tractor).
These suggestions are generalities; best results will be
obtained after some experience.
NOTE: Do not load either end of the blade heavily. Try
to balance the load on both ends of the blade.
M A I N T E N A N C E
• Periodically check all bolts and tighten where
necessary.
• Check the shift pin for excessive wear and replace if
necessary.
• Repaint parts where paint is worn or scratched to
prevent rust.
• Always store blade in a clean, dry location away
from children and livestock.
SAFETY . . .
YOU CAN LIVE WITH IT!