Guidelines for Operation

• Use recommended size tractor. See Specifications section.

• IMPORTANT: Avoid tractor to tow-between (TBT) cart interference during sharp turns. If tractor is equipped with triple or dual 710 or 800 metric tires, set tires in as narrow as possible.

  Verify that tractor and machine have been properly prepared. See Prepare Tractor—General and Prepare Machine sections.
• Verify seed rates carefully.
• Verify tire pressure before seeding.
• Allow tractor hydraulic oil to warm up thoroughly before seeding. Cold oil causes slower fan speeds.

• IMPORTANT: Fan motor must be shut off by moving SCV lever to “Float” position. Moving SCV lever into “Neutral” detent can cause fan motor damage.

  Run fan at recommended speed; excessive speed causes increased wear on air system and damage to seed.
• Whenever machine has been standing for an hour or more during period of high humidity, run fan at recommended rpm with machine stationary for 10 minutes.

• IMPORTANT: In adverse operating conditions (heavy crop residue, wet grass, slopes), additional ballast or slower operation is required to maintain traction and proper control.

  Operate at a ground speed of 6.4 km/h to 12.9 km/h (4 mph to 8 mph).
• Control product application with buttons on GreenStar display or remote seeder switch. To avoid meter overload, only engage clutches when fan is turning.
• To avoid plugging, have machine moving forward before lowering openers.
• Raise openers fully out of the ground before making sharp turns or backing machine.
• To prevent skipping, back machine up 5 m (15 ft.) after stopping.
• Use clean seed for best metering.

• CAUTION: To keep from being severely injured, handle and apply fertilizers and chemically treated seeds according to manufacturers recommendations.

  Avoid using fertilizers such as 46-0-0 that absorb moisture readily, especially during periods of high humidity. Also avoid fertilizers that contain a high percentage of fine dust, as these materials can plug meter rollers and coat the inside of seed distribution system resulting in more frequent cleaning.
• For even metering run-to-run, in-tank product level must be kept above 152 mm (6 in.) minimum. When product level falls below 152 mm (6 in.), pressure disturbances inside the tank adversely affect product delivery to the meter inlets. Do not empty tank completely; refill when product level indicator first shows empty condition [approximately 304 mm (12 in.) of product still in tank].
• After each day of operation, empty remaining product from tank and clean caked-on material from manifolds, rollers, meter cartridge, and inside towers. Open tank lids and remove any obstructions (rocks, twigs, sticks, or straw) from meter inlet openings.

  More frequent cleaning (possibly as often as every other tank fill) is recommended when product contains a high level of debris (rocks, twigs, sticks, or straw).

• After each fill, verify product flow to all openers by activating the meters with the calibration switch for a few seconds.
• Recognize and correct warning and alarm conditions as indicated on the display monitor.
• When using stationary double-shoot manifold system:
  • Larger seed, such as soybeans or chick-peas, always feed into the top primaries.
  • Airflow distribution (damper position) is set to feed equal or higher rates through the top primaries.
  • Material can collect in the valve assemblies on each end of the manifold as well as the center cover plate. Use of unclean seed, granular treatments, or fine fertilizers require more frequent cleanout.
  • Cycle each meter slide daily when product is in the tank to keep slide free.
  • When operating under high-humidity conditions or during drizzle, moisture enters the airstream and mixes with metered material. As the cart air passages dry naturally once parked, material can harden on the slide surfaces and hinder slide operation. Before parking cart after operating in moist conditions:

  Cycle meter slide back-and-forth several times with fan running to clear most material from passages.

  Cycle meter slide back-and-forth at start of next use.

• Operate each meter half-width disconnect throughout full working range. Position as needed.
• Unused primary tubes are capped at the cart exit and plugged above the manifold. With the stationary double-shoot manifold system, material collection within these unused, capped primaries is typical. The cover plate on the bottom of the manifold can be removed regularly to drain collected material.