Great Plains 3PYP Operator Manual - Manual (Page 39)

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. Table of Contents Index Operating Instructions 35
2014-09-09 Table of Contents Index 401-312M
Airbox Operation
Refer to Figure 33
The function of the airbox is to mix seed with turbulent
air from the hydraulic fan, which exit through a manifold
to the seed tubes which serve the row unit meters.
Fan Operation
The hydraulic fan must hook up to the case drain line
first. Check with tractor manufacturer for proper
connection of oil sump return line.
Use tractor remote hydraulic valve flow control to set fan
speed. Start with flow on low setting. 8 to 12 gallons per
minute is average flow.
Note: Do not apply pressure to the return line or operate
with restricted return line or motor seals will be
damaged.
Recommended butterfly valve setting is 0
°
.
Recommended fan speed depends on planter
configuration:
Do not run the fan at speeds over 4500 rpm or speeds
under 3000 rpm. Fans operating at too high a speed
create too much air flow causing seed to plug up the air
box. Fans operating too slowly do not create enough air
flow to push the seed to the meter, causing the seed tube
to plug. If air system does not operate suitably with fan
speeds between 3000-4500 rpm, refer to the
troubleshooting chart, and then adjust the fan butterfly
valve. See “Fan Adjustments” on page 56
Watch monitor and adjust fan speed by increasing or
decreasing hydraulic flow from tractor.
When starting empty you must blow seed out to the
meters for two to four minutes to fill meters.
The monitor has a level sensor below the hopper or seed
box to warn when seed box is empty. There are three to
four acres of seed in the system when the sensor first
indicates box empty.
Before the first planting each season, or when using new
meters or meter wheels for the first time, for the first time
at the start of each season, add
1 ⁄
3
cup graphite to
bottom of airbox.
3800 rpm 2008+ planters using 2008+ 82 bu. hoppers
(or older hoppers with the vent line update)
3500 rpm 2006- planters, or any planter using bulk seed
boxes or unvented hoppers
Figure 33
Air Box Seed Inlet
27412
1
1
Refer to Figure 34
Y-tube gates can be shut off to feed only one row for
single-row planting on 15 inch, 20 inch, or twin-row
machines. In the photograph, both meter tubes are open.
Note: For precise centerline alignment, it is also
advisable to offset the hitch. See “Hitching
Tractor to Planter” on page 13
You can also shut off the Y-tube gates to clean out the air
system and meters. Refer to “Cleaning Out Air System”
on page 87.
Figure 34
Seed Y-Tube
22843
Y-Tubes