Great Plains PT8030 V1012 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 30)

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Section 5 Adjusting Planting Rates
10/10/12 PT6030 and PT8030 Pull-Type Planter 401-032M
Great Plains Mfg., Inc.
This section discusses the adjustments and settings for
seeding and chemical rates.
Planting Rates
Please read the following sections. Complete understand-
ing of this process will help to prevent problems.
Transmission Adjustment
Planting population changes are accomplished by setting
the sprocket transmission. By changing the combination
of sprockets the desired planting populations can be
achieved.
To change the sprocket combination refer to “Planting
Rates for Finger Pickup Corn Meters” on page
30:
1. Select the sprocket combination for your planting pop-
ulation.
2. Remove the cover from the transmission by loosening
the knob on the cover.
3. Release the spring tensioner on the idler, see Figure
5-1.
Spring Tensioner on Transmission
Figure 5-1
12349
4. Remove the chain and sprockets.
5. Exchange the sprockets with the desired sprockets,
selected in step 1, on the storage bracket.
Note: When not in use, keep all extra sprockets on
the storage bracket.
6. Place the sprockets on the drive/driven shafts.
7. Loop the chain over the sprockets and between the 2
idlers.
8. Turn the idler plate counter-clockwise (ccw) to take up
the slack. Hook the spring onto the idler plate Rotate
the tensioner over center. If the chain is too loose,
hook the spring onto the next notch in the plate.
9. Replace the transmission cover and hand tighten the
knob.
Checking Planting Population
After setting the transmission, ALWAYS check the planting
population in the field.
Follow these steps to check the planting population:
1. Tie up 1 or more closing disks and wheels with a chain
or heavy wire to the hopper support. Releasing the
spring pressure on the disks and wheels will make this
easier. Adjust the planting depth to a shallow setting. It
may be necessary to tie up the seed lok wheels so that
the seeds are easier to find.
2. Plant at a normal speed for a short distance.
3. Measure 1/1000 of an acre. For 30" row planter
1/1000 of an acre is 17' 6".
4. Multiply the number of seeds counted by 1000. This
gives you total population.
Example: (for one row)
•
30” row spacing
•
17’ 6” of seed trench measured off
•
24 seeds counted in measured distance
24 Seeds Counted X 1000 =
24,000 Plant Population Per Acre
If the planting population is significantly different than the
desired planting population, make the following checks:
•
Check the sprocket combination in the transmission, re-
fer to the “Planting Rates for Finger Pickup Corn
Meters” on page
30.
•
Check the tire pressure in the gauge wheels in “Section
10 Appendix” on page
62.
•
Check for meter malfunction, see Finger Pickup Corn
Meter in “Section 6 Troubleshooting” on page
42.
Planting Recommendations
To get the best planting results, follow these recommenda-
tions:
•
Plant at 5 mph
•
Add 1 teaspoon of graphite to each seed hopper.
•
Maintain tire pressure in the gauge tires.
•
Replace worn meter parts.
Section 5
Adjusting Planting Rates