Great Plains P17398E Operator Manual - Manual (Page 21)

21 Flatliner 500
Operating Instructions
4. Adjustment / Operation
4.7 Operation
With the Flatliner 500 mounted on the tractor
three-point linkage, lower the machine until
the foot of the leading tine is resting on the
ground. The trailing tines should be 50 to
125mm clear of the ground, depending on
the width of the implement and what the
desired operating depth is to be. Set the
trailing tines by adjusting the length of the
toplink (A).
Once in work the operating depth of the
machine has to be controlled by the roll unit
or else it will attempt to go deeper. The roll
unit is set using the toplink (C).
The roll unit serves two functions; it conserves
soil moisture, breaking up any clods left by
the tines and limits the operating depth of the
machine. The pressure that may be exerted
upon the clods by the roll is limited by the
weight of the implement and the downward
tine thrust. This downward thrust can be
increased by fitting wider wings, or slightly
increasing the angle of the points and wings
(shortening the toplink - A), and by minimising
any draft control setting on the tractor. This
is the first area to be investigated, if more
crumbler pressure should be required. Draft
control can also inhibit initial penetration
if the implement is lowered too quickly on
the move into work. The rapid increase in
draft is sensed by the tractor, which then
inhibits further penetration. The solution is
to gradually lead the implement into work,
thereby not imposing a rapid increase in
pulling force.
In most cases where a significant roll
pressure is required it is advisable to
eliminate draft control if possible.
The Flatliner 500 must run reasonably level
or slightly nose down to achieve consistant
results across its width and any increase in
downward thrust will significantly increase
the pull required.
Fig. 4.06: Flatliner Operation