Great Plains SR5030 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 11)

9
Section 2 Operating Instructions
4/12/05 SR5030 Split-Row Planter 401-140M-A
Great Plains Mfg., Inc.
Section 2
Operating Instructions
This section covers general operating procedures. Experi-
ence, machine familiarity and the following information will
lead to efficient operation and good working habits. Al-
ways operate farm machinery with safety in mind.
Prestart Checklist
1. Carefully read “Important Safety Information,” be-
ginning on page 1.
2. Lubricate planter as indicated under Lubrication,
“Maintenance and Lubrication,” page 24.
3. Check that planter tires are the correct size and prop-
erly inflated as indicated on Tire Inflation Chart, “Ap-
pendix,” page 30.
4. Check all bolts, pins and fasteners. Torque as speci-
fied on Torque Values Chart, “Appendix,” page 31.
5. Check the chains for proper tension and alignment as
shown in Maintenance, “Maintenance and Lubrica-
tion,” page 20.
6. Check planter for worn or damaged parts. Repair or
replace them before going to the field.
Field Operation
1. Perform all checks listed on Prestart Checklist, this
page.
2. Hitch planters to a tractor with sufficient weight and
horsepower. Refer to Tractor Requirements, “Specifi-
cations and Capacities,” page 30, and Hitching
Planters to Tractor, “Preparation and Setup,” page 7.
3. Set and calibrate planting rate as explained under
Planting Rate, “Adjustments,” page 14.
4. Clear seed hoppers of foreign objects. Load seed
hoppers with clean seed. Add 1 teaspoon of graphite
to each seed hopper. Replace hopper lids.
5. Adjust down pressure on row units to match field con-
ditions. Set row units to desired planting depth. Refer
to Row Unit Adjustments, “Adjustments,” page 11.
6. Check if planters are level. Refer to Leveling Planter,
“Preparation and Setup,” page 8.
7. Lower planters, pull forward and begin planting.
8. Always raise planters for field turns. Meters will stop
automatically as you raise planters.
Meter Clutches
To disengage seed-hopper clutches, pull and rotate knobs
until meters are disengaged. See Figure 2-1.
17887
Figure 2-1
Meter Clutch
To engage clutches, pull and rotate knobs until meters
reengage.
Row Unit Operation
Never back up with row units in ground. If you do, check all
openers to be sure none are clogged. Always lift planter
out of ground when turning at ends of field rows and for
other short-radius turns.
For information on planting-depth and down-pressure
adjustments, refer to Row Unit Adjustments, “Adjust-
ments,” beginning on page 11.
Transporting
!
WARNING!
Towing the planter at high speeds can lead to loss of vehicle
control. Loss of vehicle control can lead to serious road acci-
dents, injury and death. Do not exceed 20 mph. To maintain
steering control, ballast may need to be added to tractor front
end. To determine the amount of ballast required refer to your
tractor’s operator manual.
Before transporting the planter, check and practice the fol-
lowing items.
1. Check that planters are securely hitched to a sufficient
tractor. Refer to Tractor Requirements, “Specifica-
tions and Capacities,” page 30 and Hitching Planters
to Tractor, “Preparation and Setup,” page 7.