Preparation for field operations – Great Plains 2SF30 Operator Manual User Manual
Page 19
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
Preparation and Setup
15
2014-01-09
155-015M-A
Preparation for Field Operations
Most of the procedures described in this section require
the use of a tractor with hydraulic remotes. Before
proceeding with the first time setup, or before making
any adjustments mentioned in this section, make every
effort to obtain and hitch a tractor to the drill.
24foot drill: minimum of 125 horsepower
30foot drill: minimum of 150 horsepower
Be certain that the drill tires have the proper inflation as
listed in the “Tire Inflation Chart” on page 68.
Load seed box with seed. Use clean seed to get the best
results. Always have the drill hitched securely to a tractor
with safety chain connected. Lower the drill before
loading.
This drill can be transported with a full box of grain. It is
best NOT to do this unless necessary because the
increased weight does increase the chances for
problems on the road. DO NOT exceed 20 miles per
hour.
Calibrate each seed box for a proper rate based on the
seed that you are drilling. Calibration information is
located on the inside of your box lid or under "Seeding
Adjustments," page 21. Make sure the seed rate is
adjusted the same across the entire drill.
If your drill comes equipped with an acremeter, it should
be mounted on the left gauge wheel axle on the outboard
side. It will accumulate the total acres drilled with the
drill. In order to find out the acres covered, write down
the beginning reading and subtract it from the ending
reading for the total acres planted.
This drill is offered in different row spacings; therefore,
some of the drill boxes do not have the same number of
seed cups between each internal box divider. The
section with the largest number of cups will tend to empty
sooner.
Make sure that the seed-cup-door adjustment handles
are set the same across the drill.
If you notice excessive cracking on large-grain seeds,
adjust all seed cup door handles to a wider setting.
Machine Damage Risk:
Never back up with openers in the ground. If you do, check all
openers to be sure none are clogged.
After lowering the drill into planting position, observe the
drill from the side. Check to see that the tongue is level to
the ground. If it is not, a hitch height adjustment is
needed. See “Tractor Draw Bar Hook-Up” on page 14.
It is especially important to check for this if the drill has
been hitched to a different tractor.
This drill is not designed to be turned sharply in the field.
ALWAYS lift the drill COMPLETELY out of the ground
when turning at ends of field rows and other short-radius
turns. If the drill is not completely raised, the lift
hydraulics will be out of sequence. Refer to “Lift
Cylinders” on page 26.
Crushing Hazard:
Never allow anyone to ride on the drill.
Maximum seeding speed will vary according to soil
conditions.
You can adjust the tension on each disk spring. This is
especially useful in applying more pressure in tractor tire
tracks.