Great Plains P12719 2005 - Manual (Page 22)

Flatliner 500
Operating Instructions
22
4.8 Operation
4.8.1 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 (not applicable to Aqueels) 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 consistent
results across its width and any increase in
downward thrust will significantly increase the
pull required.
4. Adjustment / Operation