Great Plains 3S-3000F Operator Manual v2 - Manual (Page 40)

38
Section 3 Adjustments
3S-3000 Three-Section Folding Drill 195-110M-A 11/9/07
Great Plains Mfg., Inc.
Fertilizer Adjustment
The 3S-3000F has chain drives powered off the gauge
wheels to meter fertilizer. Adjust the application rate by
changing the drive sprockets.
Fertilizer application rates will vary with fertilizer type, den-
sity and particle size. Relative humidity and field condi-
tions can also affect application rates. Initially set the rate
according to the charts, then calibrate the drill to your ma-
terial as described under Fertilizer Rate Calibration on this
page.
Fertilizer metering is controlled by separate sprocket sets
on each drill box. After setting and calibrating the metering
rate for one drill box, install the same sprockets on the re-
maining drill boxes.
1. Refer to the fertilizer rate charts on page 39 to find
sprocket sizes for your drill and desired meter rate.
2. To switch between high and low range, loosen and
slide the idler sprocket out of the chain shown in Fig-
ure 3-5. Remove the lynch pin from the end of the
shaft and install correct sprocket.
•
For high range, install the 16-tooth sprocket and
shorten the chain by removing a 16-pitch strand.
•
For low range, install the 44-tooth sprocket and
lengthen the chain by reinstalling the 16-pitch
strand.
Move idler sprocket back into place. Chain should
have 1/4-in. slack.
Hi/Low Range Sprocket
Figure 3-5
3. To change the driver/driven ratio, refer to Figure 3-7.
Loosen and slide idler sprockets out of the chain. Re-
move the lynch pins from the shafts. Place the correct
sprockets on the shafts. Store sprockets not used. Re-
install chain and slide idlers back into place. Chain
should have 1/4-in. slack.
IMPORTANT: The fertilizer meter rate charts are for
granular fertilizer with a density of 65 pounds per cubic
foot. If you are applying fertilizer with a different densi-
ty, use the density conversion chart on page 39.
16379
16T/44T
Driver/Driven Sprockets
Figure 3-6
NOTE: The driver and driven sprockets must be next to
the shaft bearings. Use the end of the shafts to store
sprockets not used.
Fertilizer Rate Calibration
The charts on page 39 are based on fertilizer with average
particle size and a density of 65 pounds per cubic foot. Dif-
ferences in particle size, density and shape can cause
wide variations in actual metering rates. Tire pressure and
field conditions can also affect metering rates. After setting
the rate as described under Fertilizer Adjustment, com-
plete the following procedure to calibrate your drill.
1. Raise the drill with the tractor hydraulics so the gauge
wheels are off the ground. Rotate the gauge wheels to
see that the metering system is working properly and
free from foreign material.
2. Check that your gauge-wheel tires are 9.5L x 15 and
properly inflated. Refer to Tire Inflation Chart, “Ap-
pendix,” on page 64. Place several pounds of fertilizer
over three fertilizer feed cups on the outside end of the
drill box. Pull the fertilizer tubes off of these three disk
openers.
3. Place a container under the three tubes to gather me-
tered fertilizer.
4. Turn the gauge wheel 175 rotations until one acre has
been tallied on the acremeter. Check that the three feed
cups have plenty of fertilizer coming into them.
5. Weigh the metered material. Divide by three. Multiply
by the number of openers on your drill to determine to-
tal pounds-per-acre metered. If this figure is different
than desired, reset sprockets accordingly.
NOTE: You may want to repeat the calibration procedure if
your results vary greatly from the meter rate chart.
6. When satisfied with the metering rate, install the same
range, driver and driven sprockets on each drill box.
7. When drilling, check the rate by noting acres drilled,
amount of fertilizer added to drill and level of material
in drill box. If you are applying more or less than de-
sired, adjust the metering rate slightly to compensate
for field conditions.
Dr
iven
Dr
iver
16378