Great Plains 3PYPA Operator Manual - Manual (Page 45)

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. Table of Contents Index Operating Instructions 41
03/20/2012 Table of Contents Index 401-647M
Fertilizer Operation (Option)
Agricultural Chemical Hazard:
Avoid contact with skin or eyes. Wear proper protective equip-
ment as required by chemical manufacturer. Avoid prolonged
breathing of chemical fumes. Wear respirator as required by
chemical manufacturer. Some chemicals will cause serious
burns, lung damage, and death. Seek medical assistance imme-
diately if accident occurs. Know what to do in case of acci-
dent.
A fertilizer distribution system is optional on the 3PYPA
planter. The Great Plains provisioned components
include:
• the lines to the row units (connected to Keeton seed
firmers if present),
• orifice fittings for each row
• distribution lines
• manifold
• pressure gauge
• relief valve
• inlet (1in female NPT) from pump system on tractor
If installed, there are five points of fertilizer setup and/or
adjustment:
1. Pump drive connection and valves
These are separately provisioned tractor-mounted
components, and are not described in this manual.
2. Strainer setup
This is a separately provisioned tractor-mounted
component, but the mesh screen size must be com-
patible with the orifice plates in the distribution sys-
tem. See this page and “Fertilizer Orifice Plates”
on page 65.
3. Relief valve setting
See “Fertilizer Row Shut-Off” on page 66.
4. Pump drive rate
This is a separately provisioned tractor-mounted
capability. Rate setting is described in the 401-647B
Rate manual, but system operation is not.
5. Row orifice setup
See “Fertilizer Rate” in the 401-647B Rate manual.
Great Plains recommends checking with your local
agronomist, as soil conditions vary. Soil conditions in
your area may need less or more fertilizer than repre-
sented in the charts. Do not exceed 12 gallons per acre
in any case.
The liquid fertilizer system is designed to operate (ide-
ally) between 15 and 40 psi, but in no case more than 85
psi. Several system elements affect system pressure,
and need initial setup, periodic maintenance, and adjust-
ment when changing seed rates.
Null4:
Liquid Fertilizer Strainer
A strainer is commonly supplied with a fertilizer pump
option and is plumbed between the tank(s) and the
pump.
The strainer may have been delivered with a mesh
screen. You need to check that it is an appropriate size
for the orifice plates you plan to use.
The standard orifice plates for the 3PYPA are size 48.
Sizes 34 and 28 are also provided.
If changing screen sizes, keep in mind the following:
• Generally, select a mesh screen the same or slightly
smaller than the orifice size.
• A substantially smaller mesh (e.g. 100) will reduce
manifold orifice plates plugging, but the strainer
screen will have to be cleaned more often.
• A much larger mesh (e.g. 50 or 30) will pass more
material but should only be considered when using
large manifold orifice plates.
• A plugged or partially plugged screen will starve the
pump and will result in a reduced application rate.