Great Plains PT8030 V1013 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 21)

19
Section 3 Adjustments
PT6030 and PT8030 Pull-Type Planter 401-032M-A 10/10/12
Great Plains Mfg., Inc.
Granular Chemical Rates
The application rate is determined by:
• the size of the opening on the meter and
• travel speed.
The size of the opening is adjustable, but ground speed
has the greatest impact on the application rate. For exam-
ple, if speed is reduced from 6 to 3 mph, chemical concen-
tration will nearly double.
Application rates will also vary with the consistency and
composition of the chemicals, air temperature, humidity
and ground speed. Because of the wide variability in ap-
plication rates, you must field check the actual rate of ap-
plication for each meter.
!
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:
1. Select a meter setting as a starting point.
• If the chemical manufacturer recommends ounces per
1000 linear row feet or pounds-per-acre for a given
band width and row spacing, use the recommended
meter setting as a starting point.
• If the chemical manufacturer recommends pounds
per acre for complete (broadcast) coverage, you must
calculate the pounds per acre for your band width and
row area. Refer to Conversion from Broadcast to Row
Coverage, page 19.
• If the meter setting is not available from the chemical
manufacturer, use “Granular Chemical Rate
Charts” on page
21. The charts are approximate and
are based on a ground speed of 5 mph. Use these
charts as a starting point for setting the meter.
2. Turn meter knob until the display shows the correct
number. See Figure 3-3.
3. Fill the hoppers with chemical.
4. Attach a plastic bag to each chemical
diffuser.
5. Drive 500 feet at a normal planting speed.
6. Weigh the contents of the bag in ounces.
7. Multiply weight by 2.2 to determine the pounds
per acre.
8. If necessary, adjust the meter setting and repeat
steps.
Figure 3-3
Hopper Knob
14947
IMPORTANT: If a significant difference in rate is ob-
served between rows, the meter may require recali-
bration. Refer to Recalibrating Chemical Meter, page
20.
Conversion from Broadcast to Row Coverage
If the chemical manufacturer recommends pounds per
acre for complete (broadcast) coverage, you must reduce
the pounds per acre rate to match for your band width and
row area. Use the following formula to find the pounds per
acre for your band width and row spacing.
A X B/C = Pounds per Acre Application Rate
Where:
A = Recommended rate in pounds per acre for complete
(broadcast) coverage
B = Band width in inches
C = Row spacing in inches
NOTE: Measure the actual band width applied in your con-
ditions and use this width in your calculations.
Example: The chemical manufacturer recommends
20 pounds per acre for complete broadcast coverage.
The band width is 14 inches. The row spacing is 30
inches.
20 x 14/30 = 9.3 pounds per acre
Set meter to setting recommended for 9.3 pounds per
acre.