Great Plains 3PNG15 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 28)

24 3PNG12 and 3PNG15 Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
202-553M 10/06/2008
Leveling Drill
Drill height directly affects the working range of the open-
ers. The initial opener tool bar height of 18
1 ⁄
4
in (46.4cm),
recommended on page 12, provides the maximum range
of opener vertical motion for following terrain and riding
up over obstructions.
As the 3-point hitch is normally free to float up, the drill
gauge wheels must be adjusted to maintain the tool bar
height.
To keep the openers level, the drill must be level front-to-
back.
Make these adjustments in the field or on ground with
similar conditions, so that the openers can penetrate.
Lower the drill and pull forward before making height
adjustments.
Gauge-Wheel Adjustment
To adjust drill height:
Refer to Figure 14
1.
Loosen the jam nut near the bottom clevis of each
gauge-wheel turnbuckle.
Note: The lower clevis is slotted. Measurement and ad-
justment must be made with the drill lowered.
2. Bolt the upper clevis in the upper mounting hole.
3. Set the turnbuckle length. Turn the turnbuckle to
shorten or lengthen as necessary. Initially set the
length to 20
3 ⁄
8
in (51.75cm) between pin centers to
achieve the 18 1 ⁄
4
in recommended tool bar height.
When adjusting the turnbuckle, remember:
Lengthening the turnbuckle raises the drill and
allows less downward float of the openers.
Shortening the turnbuckle lowers the drill and allows
less upward float of the openers.
Note: Remember that lowering the drill increases the risk
of opener damage on rocks or obstructions.
4. After adjusting both turnbuckles, be certain they are
the same length, then tighten the jam nuts.
Refer to Figure 15
5.
After setting the turnbuckles, level the drill from front-
to-back with the top hitch link. When the drill is level,
the gap between the spring-rod casting and the
cross bolt will be about 2 inches. This is a general
dimension that will vary with the amount of down
pressure required for your planting conditions.
Figure 14
Gauge Wheel Turnbuckle
10546
20 3 ⁄
8
in
51.75cm
Figure 15
Normal Spring Rod Compression
10548
IMPORTANT !
Do not use the links to adjust opener depth. To
achieve desired seeding depth, set press wheel
height (page 28).