Great Plains NP4000B Operator Manual - Manual (Page 40)

36 2013+ NP4000/A/B Table of Contents Index Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
417-199M Table of Contents Index 2014-05-14
NP4000A: Get Expert Advice
Anhydrous ammonia is 82% Nitrogen, the highest of any
fertilizer. The compound NH
3
is normally a gas at
ambient temperatures. It is retained in the soil only by
chemical reactions and physical mechanisms, primarily
reactions with soil moisture.
Consult with your agronomist about optimal application
timing, rate and depth, based on proposed crop, soil
temperature, soil moisture content and ambient
temperature. Non-optimal applications can result in NH
3
loss to the atmosphere, soil drying, and undesired long
term changes in soil pH.
Pre-Application Setup
Complete this checklist before routine setup:
❑ Read and understand “Important Safety
Information”, pages 1 to 17.
❑ Check that all working parts are moving freely, bolts
are tight, and cotter pins are spread.
❑ Check that all grease fittings are in place and
lubricated. See “Lubrication and Scheduled
Maintenance” on page 139.
❑ Check that all safety decals and reflectors are
correctly located and legible. Replace if damaged.
See “Safety Decals” on page 9.
❑ Inflate tires to pressure recommended and tighten
wheel bolts as specified. See “Tire Inflation Chart”
on page 159.
Hitching Tractor to Applicator
This manual presumes the following (recommended)
operations sequence:
1. Hitch tractor to applicator for transport (next page)
2. Transport applicator separately from nurse tank:
page 59
3. Hitch nurse tank to applicator at field:
page 76
To prevent soil compaction on rows, set tractor wheels
between rows, for example: 60 inches center-to-center.
For hillsides and steep slopes, set tractor wheels as wide
as possible for maximum stability.
Anhydrous Ammonia Exposure Hazard:
NP4000A models: Use a tractor with a fully enclosed cab.
A tractor that is not fully enclosed exposes the operator to
substantially more NH
3
vapor, particularly if field
requirements result in downwind turns or downwind passes.
Repeated exposure to NH
3
vapor may exceed PEL
(Permissible Exposure Limits) and also induces olfactory
fatigue (adaptation). Over time, you become less sensitive to
ammonia odor, and may fail to recognize dangerously high
concentrations.
Loss of Control / Public Safety Hazards:
Do not transport on public roads with a conventional or
anhydrous nurse tank hitched to the applicator. Transport with
an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank hitched to an applicator is
illegal in many places. See “Transport” on page 59.