Great Plains PT8030 V1012 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 31)

29
Section 5 Adjusting Planting Rates
PT6030 and PT8030 Pull-Type Planter 401-032M 10/10/12
Great Plains Mfg., Inc.
Drive Wheel Slippage
Another item that may cause the actual rates of seed or
fertilizer to differ from the delivery rates shown in the oper-
ator’s manual is the amount of drive wheel slippage.
While a certain amount of wheel slippage is normal, ex-
cessive drive wheel slippage may cause undesirable
changes in the actual rates.
Excessive drive wheel slippage may be caused by binding
or poorly lubricated parts, misaligned bearings or caked
material in the pesticide or fertilizer hoppers.
In addition, down pressure springs, coulters, tine tooth at-
tachments, or any other attachment that removes frame
weight from the drive wheels, may contribute to drive
wheel slippage and lower than expected rates.
If in-field checks indicate that the planter is planting at a
rate significantly different than the seed transmission rate
chart indicates, investigate the following in the order listed:
•
Ensure that ALL transmission sprockets are set accord-
ing to the rate chart.
•
Excessive unit bounce can cause low population and re-
duced spacing control. Reduce excessive unit bounce
by increasing unit down force, or drive slower.
•
Ensure that the planter drive wheel slippage is close to
normal. Variations in drive wheel slippage can be
caused by crop residue, tire inflation pressure, soil con-
ditions and unit down force.
Adjusting Granular Chemical Rates
The optional chemical applicators are adjusted by
varying the opening on the chemical meter housing. The
field check is very important because temperature, humid-
ity, speed, ground conditions, flowability of chemicals, and
obstructions affect the application rate.
!
WARNING!
Agricultural chemicals can be dangerous if not selected and
handled with care. Always read and follow directions supplied
by the chemical manufacturer.
To adjust the chemical rate do as follows:
1. Select a setting from the “Granular Chemical Rate
Charts” on page
33, as a starting point.
2. Slide the handle on the meter to the setting,
see Figure 5-2.
3. If the meter has a knob, turn until the display shows
the appropriate number, see Figure 5-3.
4. Fill the hoppers with chemical.
5. Attach a plastic bag to each chemical
diffuser.
6. Drive 1320’ at a normal planting speed.
7. Weigh the contents of the bag in ounces.
8. Multiply ounces by 0.83 to determine the pounds
per acre.
9. If required, adjust the meter setting and repeat steps 4
through 7 until the desired rate is reached.
Chemical Meter with Handle
Figure 5-2
12350
Chemical Meter with Knob
Figure 5-3
14914
Liquid Fertilizer Attachment
!
WARNING!
Agricultural chemicals can be dangerous if not selected and
handled with care. Always read and follow directions supplied
by the chemical manufacturer.
On machines equipped with the squeeze pump option, the
rate of liquid fertilizer application is determined by the
combination of sprockets on the squeeze pump driven and
drive shafts. When changing sprocket combinations,
make sure sprockets are in alignment, sprocket retaining
collars are tight and chain tension is sufficiently restored.
The “Liquid Fertilizer Rates” on page 40 provides an
approximate application rate only. Actual delivery will vary
with temperature and the particular fertilizer being used.
IMPORTANT: Certain analysis of fertilizer if placed too
close to the seed may cause germination of seedling
damage especially if used in amounts in excess of fertiliz-
er manufacturer’s recommendations. Check with your fer-
tilizer dealer or manufacturer for the correct amount and
placement.