Farm Star 580 User Manual
Page 10
9
14
S A F E T Y I N S T R U C T I O N S
(continued)
Never place hands or hand held tools (shovel) into the mixer drum while it is turning. It could catch on the mixer
paddles and whip around, possibly injuring the operator.
Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on hillside, over rough ground and
when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful when turning sharp corners.
Inspect the entire machine periodically as indicated in the Maintenance Section of this manual. Look for loose
fasteners, worn or broken parts, and worn PTO driveline joints and/or shields. Make sure all pins have cotter
pins and washers. Serious injury may occur from not maintaining this machine in good working order.
Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
Always drive down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes. Slow down on sharp turns
and slopes to prevent tipping and/or loss of control. Avoid slopes when surface is wet, slippery grass or soil.
Never attempt to check or adjust chain tension while implement is operating. Always stop it before this
operation.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY (continued)
Do not allow riders on the implement or tractor at any time. There is no safe place for any riders.
Disengage power takeoff (PTO) and place transmission into neutral before attempting to start engine.
Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.
This mixer is designed for use only on tractors with 540 RPM power takeoff.
A full mixer will put a heavy load on the rear of your tractor. Be sure front of tractor is properly counterbalanced
with weights.
T R A C T O R R E Q U I R E M E N T S
A N D P R E PA R AT I O N
The model 580 mixer requires a tractor with a Category
I hitch and to be of sufficient size to handle a loaded
mixer drum. Five cubic feet of concrete weighs 685 lbs.
and the 580 mixer weighs 215 lbs. for a total weight of
900 lbs. Always be sure your tractor is properly counter-
balanced for a safe operation.
A smaller size tractor (20-25 hp) equipped with front end
weights or equipped with a front end loader can usually
handle the mixer easily.
NOTE: Small low-profile tractors will generally not work
with the 580 mixer as they are so low they cannot dump
the mixer into forms of any height.
The tractor must have one hydraulic power remote to
power the dump cylinder.
The tractor must be equipped with a 540 rpm PTO
(power takeoff) in good working condition.
It is recommended that only tractors with wide front
axles be used with the mixer. Tricycle front wheel
arrangements are inherently unstable and tractor
roll-over accidents are more likely to occur.
The tractor also needs lift arm stabilizer bars or sway
blocks to control side movement of the mixer.
Check the tractor’s 3-pt. hydraulic lift system. Refer to
your tractor operator’s manual or dealer for any adjust-
ments necessary to put the hydraulic system in good
working order. (I&T shop manuals will list most specifi-
cations and adjustment instructions - available from most
farm equipment dealers.)
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate
tires to the proper recommended air pressure.
Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub
shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and fastened
securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old
shield is damaged or missing. (You may have to use a
tractor salvage yard for replacement parts on older
tractors.)
It is recommended that a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection
Structure) and a seat belt be installed on all tractors.
Contact your local dealer for a ROPS for your tractor.
C A U T I O N !
Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read all
the safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
Figure 1. Tractor Stability
W A R N I N G !
When using 3 pt. hitch equipment, a minimum 20%
of tractor and equipment weight must be on tractor
front wheels. Without this weight, tractor could tip
up, causing possible loss of control and possible
personal injury or death. The weight may be attained
with a front end loader, front wheel weights, ballast
in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining a
minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight on
the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS
weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equip-
ment. DO NOT GUESS OR ESTIMATE!
W A R N I N G !
A heavy load can cause instability in driving a tractor.
Make sure the front of the tractor is properly counter-
balanced with weights. Always drive slowly - especially
around turns. An unstable tractor could steer badly and
possibly tip over, causing injury or death.
I N S T R U C T I O N S
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this
mixer. The operator must be properly trained. Operators
should be familiar with the mixer and tractor and all
safety practices before starting operation. Read the
safety rules and safety signs on pages 3-13.
SAFETY . . .
YOU CAN LIVE WITH IT!