Farm Star US-63 - Manual (Page 5)

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T R A C T O R P R E PA R AT I O N
The 3-pt. mounted broadcast seeder/spreader models
with a flexible shaft PTO drive will fit most Category I and
some larger Category 0 tractors. Larger Category II trac-
tors may also be used if the 3-pt. hitch lift arms will nar-
row to 26 inches. Bushings will be needed to fit the
Category I (
7 / 8 ” dia.) lift pins.
NOTE: Some Category 0 tractors have very short lift
arms or
5 / 8 ” diameter (Cat. 0) lift arm ball ends. These
tractors are not usually suitable. Using the seeder on a
tractor with very short lift arms will cause the flexible PTO
shaft to operate with sharp radius bends and will have
flexible shaft failure.
Check the tractor’s 3-pt. hitch. The hitch hydraulic sys-
tem should be able to hold the lift arms at a set height. If
the hydraulic system leaks and allows the lift arms to
drop, then use stay straps to lock the hitch into position.
Refer to your tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any
adjustments necessary to put the 3-pt. hydraulic lift sys-
tem in good working order. (I&T shop manuals will list
most specifications and adjustment instructions – avail-
able from most farm equipment dealers.)
NOTE: Tractor must have a 1 3 / 8 ” dia. PTO shaft. Use of
PTO extensions is not recommended as they could
cause the flexible PTO shaft to operate with sharp radius
bends and will have rapid failure.
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate tires
to the proper recommended air pressure.
Check the tractor’s 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 shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it
is in good condition and bolted securely to the tractor.
Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or
missing. (You may have to use a tractor salvage yard for
replacement parts on older tractors.)
It is recommended that a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection
Structure) be installed on all tractors. Contact your local
dealer for ROPS for your tractor.
PA C K I N G
Seeders and extension hoppers are usually shipped in
individual cartons. Sometimes the extension sides are in
the main seeder carton if ordered together.
A S S E M B LY & M O U N T I N G
US-33
The scale plate and lever assembly is folded and bolted
to the seeder frame to prevent shipping damage. Unbolt
this assembly and unfold the lever and control rod. Bolt
the scale plate and control rod assembly on the front of
the main frame, using the
1 / 4 ” – 20 x 1 / 2 ” bolts provided.
Swing the upper half of the lever up into position (as
shown in parts drawing). Replace the bolts and tighten
securely.
Place the end of the control rod through the hole in the
end of the seed gate control plate (middle plate) and
secure with the
3 / 32 ” x 1 / 2 ” cotter pin provided.
The openings in the hopper bottom (seed gate) are reg-
ulated by the control rod and the scale plate lever. Put
the seed gate middle plate into the closed position.
Loosen the control rod adjustment bolt (this bolt con-
nects the lever to the control rod and screws into an
adjustment button). The adjustment button should now
be able to slide on the control rod.
NOTE: If the paint on the control rod does not allow the
button to slide on the control rod, it may be necessary to
sand some of the paint off with emery paper.
With the seed gate (middle plate) in the closed position,
place the scale plate lever in the closed position.
Retighten the adjustment bolt so that the adjustment but-
ton is tight on the control rod.
Move the lever and check to see that the seed gate
(middle plate) is moving with the lever.
Place the lever at the desired setting on the scale plate
and locate the stop bolt so that each time the lever is
pulled to the open position it will be at the same position.
Tighten the stop bolt.
Mount the seeder on your tractor by sliding the lift arm
ball sockets over the seeder pull pins and secure with
Be sure your tractor is in good condition and
properly equipped with counterweights. 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 !
ALWAYS OBEY ALL SAFETY RULES!
ALWAYS BE CAREFUL!
I N S T R U C T I O N S I N S T R U C T I O N S (continued)
S T O R I N G S A F E LY
• Never store equipment with fuel in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in an
enclosure.
• Do not run engine indoors - exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
• Sand areas where paint is chipped or worn and
repaint to prevent rust. Lubricate all pivot locations on
hitch kit to prevent moisture damage during storage.
W A R N I N G !
▲ Keep clear of rotating parts; stay on tractor seat
until all motion has stopped.
▲ Be sure tractor engine is off and key is removed
before making any adjustments.
▲ Do not get under machine to make measurements
or adjustments without securely blocking imple-
ment first.
O B E Y A L L
S A F E T Y
W A R N I N G S !
M A I N T E N A N C E (continued)
and core can be removed. To remove core from case,
take off PTO adapter by removing the spiral roll pin
and remove core from opposite end.
3. Grease shaft housing (under spreader fan) before
each use.
4. Always store seeder/spreader in a clean, dry place.
5. Before using, check to make sure all nuts and bolts
are tight.
6. Paint any bare metal or rusty spots for longer life.
H E L P F U L T R O U B L E - S H O O T I N G
TIPS
1. Not feeding even –
A. Seed gate opening may be set too close for the
material being spread. To overcome, set the open-
ing larger and driver faster to obtain same spread
rate.
B. Check material for foreign matter.
C. Check agitator cotter pin for shear.
3. Roll pins shearing between PTO adapter and
flexible PTO driveshaft –
A. Operator is starting PTO when hopper is full of
material. PTO should be kept in gear to avoid
“shock starts” on shaft. Use control lever to start
and stop material flow – NOT PTO!
B. Flexible shaft is being operated with excessive
tight radius bends or is kinked.
C. Material being spread has large lumps or foreign
material jamming agitator.
D. Flexible shaft needs lubrication.
E. Roll pin hole is worn in PTO adapter or flexible
shaft end.
2. Poor spread –
A. Too much speed (over 560 PTO rpm) can cause
uneven spread.
B. PTO speed too slow (PTO rpm under 520 rpm) will
result in a narrow spread.
C. Bent fan blades.
D. Cotter pin sheared or missing on fan hub.
E. Too windy for material being spread.
F. Agitator problems – check tips above, under “Not
feeding even.”
G. Operator not spacing spread runs properly for cor-
rect overlap.
For best results, cover area twice over at one-half
recommended material usage rate, the second
time over to run halfway between first spreading
width or in a criss-cross pattern. This method
allows the most complete and even coverage, as
well as to give operator a chance to adjust gate
setting to compensate for too thin or too heavy a
covering the first time over.
H. Seeder/spreader should run level or tilted slightly
forward. Make sure lift arms on tractor are
adjusted so one side is not lower than the other.
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