Great Plains P14975 Serial No 18009754 - Manual (Page 22)

Flatliner 500
Operating Instructions
22
4.6 Operation
4.6.1 Mounted Machines
With the Flatliner 500 mounted on the tractor
three-point linkage, lower the machine until the
foot of the leading tine is resting on the
ground. The trailing tines should be 50 to
125mm clear of the ground, depending on the
width of the implement and what the desired
operating depth is to be. Set the trailing tines
by adjusting the length of the toplink (A).
Once in work the operating depth of the
machine has to be controlled by the roll unit
or else it will attempt to go deeper. The roll
unit is set using the toplink (C).
The roll unit serves two functions; it conserves
soil moisture, breaking up any clods left by
the tines and limits the operating depth of the
machine. The pressure that may be exerted
upon the clods by the roll is limited by the
weight of the implement and the downward
tine thrust. This downward thrust can be
increased by fitting wider wings, or slightly
increasing the angle of the points and wings
(shortening the toplink - A), and by minimising
any draft control setting on the tractor. This is
the first area to be investigated, if more
crumbler pressure should be required. Draft
control can also inhibit initial penetration if the
implement is lowered too quickly on the move
into work. The rapid increase in draft is
sensed by the tractor, which then inhibits
further penetration. The solution is to gradually
lead the implement into work, thereby not
imposing a rapid increase in pulling force.
In most cases where a significant roll pressure
is required it is advisable to eliminate draft
control if possible.
The Flatliner 500 must run reasonably level
or slightly nose down to achieve consistant
results across its width and any increase in
downward thrust will significantly increase the
pull required.
4. Adjustment / Operation