3-Pt. Cultivator. Owner s Manual

Transcription

1 3-Pt. Cultivator Owner s Manual WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury. Item #51446 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

2 Thank you very much for choosing a Nortrac product! For future reference, please complete the owner s record below: Serial Number/Lot Date Code: Purchase Date: Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin using it. This 3-Pt. Cultivator is designed for certain applications only. Northern Tool & Equipment is not responsible for issues arising from modification or improper use of this product such as an application for which it was not designed. We strongly recommend that this product not be modified and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed. For technical questions, please call Page 2 of 17

3 Table of Contents Intended Use... 4 Technical Specifications... 4 Important Safety Information... 4 Specific Operation Warnings... 5 Assembly Instructions... 7 Before Each Use... 7 Operating Instructions... 8 Maintenance Parts Diagram Parts List Replacement Parts Limited Warranty Page 3 of 17

4 Intended Use The Nortrac 3-Pt. Cultivator is built and designed for cutting through clods and manure. Its universal pin-style hitch can be used for towing behind ATVs, UTVs, and garden tractors. Technical Specifications Property Specification Product Type Cultivator Working Width (in.) 53 1/2 Hitch Type 3-pt. Category Type 1 Max. HP 50 Blades (qty.) 6 Blade Type Heat-treated shovels Important Safety Information Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury or property damage. The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this cultivator. Always be aware of the environment and ensure that the cultivator is used in a safe and responsible manner. Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the cultivator until they have read this manual and have developed a thorough understanding of how it works. Do not modify this cultivator in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or safety and could affect the life of the cultivator. There are specific applications for which the cultivator was designed. Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. It will be safer and do the job better at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended. Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements. WORK AREA SAFETY Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit. Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the cultivator in confined work areas may put you dangerously close to other cutting tools and rotating parts. Do not allow the cultivator to come into contact with an electrical source. The cultivator is not insulated and contact will cause electrical shock. Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the cultivator. Do not allow children to handle the cultivator. Page 4 of 17

5 Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury and/or property damage if contacted. PERSONAL SAFETY Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the cultivator. Do not use the cultivator while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the tool may result in serious personal injury. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents on the tool often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Remove keys or wrenches before connecting the tool to an air supply, power supply, or turning on the tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may cause personal injury. Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution allows for proper tool operation using both hands. PRODUCT USE AND CARE Do not force the cultivator. Products do a better and safer job when used in the manner for which they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct tool for the job. Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the cultivator will operate properly and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate the cultivator with a damaged part. Store the cultivator when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children. Inspect the tool for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your cultivator. Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure than the tool itself. Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the cultivator without the guards in place. Specific Operation Warnings WARNING CRUSHING AND PINCHING HAZARD Page 5 of 17

6 This implement is heavy. Use extreme caution when handling various parts of the machine. Hands, fingers, and other body parts could be crushed or pinched between the tractor and the implement. DO NOT stand between the tractor and the implement when the tractor is in gear. Operate controls from the tractor seat only. Make sure the parking brake is engaged before going between the tractor and the implement. DO NOT service the equipment while it s attached to the tractor. To prevent serious injury or death: Read and understand the Owner s Manual before operating, servicing, or repairing equipment. Stop the engine, remove the key, and set the brake before the dismounting the tractor. DO NOT operate without guards in place. Make sure the equipment is in good, working condition. Never allow riders on the equipment. Keep bystanders at least 50 feet away while operating. DO NOT operate or transport on steep inclines. DO NOT service or go under the implement when the tines are in the up position. DO NOT exceed this implement s maximum speed of 5 MPH. Exceeding this speed may result in loss of control during transport or braking. To prevent property damage, watch for and avoid catching the tines on stumps, large rocks, and other immovable objects. DO NOT use if the implement is damaged. Repair it before continuing use. Park and store on a hard, level surface. Store out of reach of children. Not for use by or around children. FALLING OFF CAN RESULT IN IMPALEMENT OR BEING RUN OVER. The tractor must be equipped with Roll Over Protection Structure (or ROPS CAB) and a seat belt. Keep foldable ROPS system in the locked up position at all times. Keep the seat belt securely fastened. Never allow riders on equipment. RAISED EQUIPMENT CAN DROP AND CRUSH. Before servicing, follow all instructions and safety rules in the Owner s Manual and securely block all corners of the equipment with jack stands. Securely blocking the equipment prevents it from dropping due to mechanical component failures. FALLING OFF OR FAILING TO BLOCK THE EQUIPMENT SECURELY CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Page 6 of 17

7 Assembly Instructions Tractor Requirements The tractor horsepower and hitch category should be within the range noted below. Tractors outside the horsepower range must not be used. Tractor Horsepower Rating Up to 50 HP 3-Point Hitch Category Category I Ballast weights may be required to maintain steering control. Refer to your tractor s Owner s Manual to determine proper ballast requirements. Dealer Set-Up The #51446 is shipped fully assembled. When adjusting the angle of the cultivator, wear gloves to help protect your hands from bruises and pinch points. Operating Checklist Before Each Use Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training involved in the operation, transport, storage, and maintenance of the cultivator. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that no one operates the cultivator without first having read, fully understood, and become totally familiar with the Owner s Manual. Make sure the operator has paid particular attention to: Important Safety Information Assembly & Set-up Adjustments Operating Instructions Maintenance Pre-Field Inspection Make the following inspections with the cultivator attached to a tractor: 1. Fully inspect the tractor safety equipment to make sure it is in good working condition. 2. Inspect the cultivator for loose bolts and nuts. Tighten all loose bolts and nuts. 3. Carefully raise and lower the implement to ensure the drawbar, tires, and other equipment on the tractor do not contact the cultivator frame. 4. Check for and remove foreign objects wrapped around the cultivator and frame. Block the cultivator up before removing any objects. 5. Check for missing, bent, broken, and worn cultivator. Replace any cultivator as necessary. Page 7 of 17

8 6. Verify that the cultivator is level from left to right and front to back. Field Inspection Do not use the cultivator in wet conditions. Wet material will build up causing the cultivator to lose effectiveness. 1. Thoroughly inspect the area to be cultivated for ditches, drop-offs, stumps, post, rocks, and other unforeseen objects that the cultivator or the tractor can snag on or hit. Mark all potential hazards before working the area. 2. Verify the cultivator is set at the correct working height. 3. After the first 50 feet, stop and check to see that the cultivator is adjusted properly. 4. Periodically turn the tractor off, remove the switch key, and check for foreign objects wrapped around the cultivator and frame. Block the cultivator up before removing objects. 5. Frequently inspect the cultivator for loose bolts and nuts. Tighten all loose hardware. Operating Instructions Do not operate the cultivator with loose pins, bolts, and nuts. Loose hardware can result in a serious breakdown, causing bodily injury or death. Transporting When traveling on public roads, use accessory lights, SMV signs, clean reflectors, and other adequate devices to warn operators in other vehicles of your presence. Always comply with all federal, state, and local laws. 1. Reduce the tractor ground speed when turning, and leave enough clearance so the cultivator does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees, or fences. 2. Limit the transport speed to 20 mph. Transport only with a tractor of sufficient size and horsepower. 3. When traveling on roadways, transport in such a way that faster moving vehicles may pass you safely. 4. Shift the tractor to a lower gear when traveling over rough or hilly terrain. Field Uses Firming Seedbeds Most seedbeds are too loose and fluffy. Research shows that by firming the seedbed, the planting depth can be better controlled, resulting in very large increases (up to 54%) in germination rates. A firm seedbed also gives better seed/soil contact for proper germination. Leveling Soil Leveling soil eliminates troublesome ridges left by some tillage tools and helps provide consistent planting depth across the width of the drill, seeder, or planter. Spreads Residue Page 8 of 17

9 The cultivator handles large amounts of residue while spreading it to manageable levels, allowing tillage and planting tools to do their part without the plugging associated with heavy residue. It s a must-have tool for processing no-till residue. Breaking-up Residue This cultivator will pull 7 to 10 MPH on a hot, dry day while shattering residue, turning it into mulch. Conserving Moisture Cultivating behind a primary tillage tool helps seal the open soil and lowers the evaporation rate of moisture in the freshly broken soil. Also, cultivating soil that has crusted, breaks the capillary action that releases moisture out of the soil. Controls Sprouting of Volunteer and Cheat Dry years delay sprouting of volunteer. By stirring the soil with the cultivator, the dormant seed contacts the moist soil and sprouts prior to planting season. This allows time to control the volunteer and cheat before planting a new crop. Incorporates herbicides Pre-plant herbicides can be incorporated as deeply or shallow as desired. Covers Broadcast Seed Wheat pasture and cover crops can be planted inexpensively by spreading the seed with a fertilizer spreader and covering it with the cultivator. Decreases Chemical Usage Cultivating pulls out small weeds and volunteer, uncovers overwinter insects to expose them to the elements for fewer insect problems, and firms the soil to speed germination of weed and volunteer seed so they can be destroyed prior to planting. Good for Alfalfa Fields The cultivator makes a perfect alfalfa seedbed. Use this tool on existing alfalfa fields before spring to level the ground, control gopher mounds, and to pull out small weeds. It also aerates the soil for root/oxygen exchange, and breaks up and spreads clumps of old residue. Good for Grasslands This tool grooms grass plants, knocks down gopher mounds, and pulls out small weeds. General Operating Instructions Before using the cultivator, it is very important that you: familiarize yourself with the Owner s Manual, properly attach the cultivator to your tractor, make leveling and angle adjustments, and conduct pre-field and field inspections. Before starting the tractor, make sure that it is out of gear, the park brake is engaged, and the cultivator is resting on the ground. Start the tractor and set the engine throttle speed at a low idle. Raise the cultivator with the tractor s rear hydraulic lift control lever to transport position, making sure that the tractor does not contact the cultivator. Lower the cultivator to the ground and position the 3- Page 9 of 17

10 point adjustable stop on the hydraulic lift lever so that the cultivator can be consistently returned to the same 3-point hitch height for field work. You should now be ready to transport to your cultivating site at a safe ground speed. On roadways, transport in such a manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when travelling over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the cultivator doesn t come in contact with obstacles such as trees, buildings, or fences. Use accessory lights and appropriate reflective devices to provide adequate warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when traveling on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply with all local, state, and federal laws. Before or after you arrive at the site, it is important that you inspect the area you will be cultivating and clear it of safety hazards and foreign objects. Never assume the area is clear. Cultivate only in areas you are familiar with and those that are free of debris and unseen objects. In the event that you do strike an object, stop the cultivator and tractor immediately to inspect and make necessary repairs before resuming operation. It s always beneficial to inspect a new area and to develop a safe plan before cultivating. Now that you re prepared and well briefed, you may begin cultivating. You will need to maintain a 7 to 10 MPH ground speed to shatter residue. Make a tractor gear and range selection that will enable you to maintain these speed combinations. Avoid crossing the face of steep slopes and sharp drops. Cross diagonally through dips to prevent hanging up the tractor and cultivator. When turning, use slower speeds and make wide turns when possible. The three-point hitch should be lifted into transport position to make tight turns and to turn around in the field. Try increasing or decreasing ground speed to determine the effect on quality of work. Remember to look back often. With a little practice you will be pleased with what you and your cultivator can do. Whether you have finished cultivating, need to take a break, or just need to make adjustments to the cultivator, remember to: reduce the tractor engine s RPM, stop the unit on level ground, set the tractor park brake, turn off the engine, and remove the key before dismounting the tractor. Maintenance Proper servicing and adjustment is the key to the long life of any implement. With careful inspection and routine maintenance, you can avoid costly downtime and repair. The parts on your cultivator have been specially designed for the cultivator and should be replaced with genuine Nortrac parts only. Do not alter the cultivator in a way which will adversely affect its performance. Check all bolts and pins after using the unit for several hours, and on a regular basis thereafter, to ensure they are tight and secured. Replace worn, damaged, or illegible safety labels by obtaining new labels from your Nortrac dealer. Page 10 of 17

11 For safety reasons, each maintenance operation must be performed with the cultivator lowered completely to the ground or safely supported on blocking, with the tractor park brakes engaged, the engine shut off, and the ignition key removed. Storage When you are ready to park or store your cultivator, it is best to park it on a dry, hard packed gravel or concrete surface where it remains visible and grass and weeds cannot grow up through it. A cultivator sitting in deep grass and weeds can be hard to locate and hazardous to vehicles, livestock, and people not seeing the cultivator covered in vegetation. Clean, inspect, service, and make necessary repairs to the cultivator when parking it for long periods, and when parking it at the end of a working season. This will help ensure the cultivator is ready for field use the next time you hook up to it. Always secure the cultivator in the UP position with solid supports before servicing the underside of the cultivator. Never work under equipment supported by hydraulics. Hydraulics can drop equipment if controls are activated or if hydraulic lines burst. Either situation can drop the cultivator instantly, even when power to hydraulics is shut off. The hitch, when not hooked to a tractor, can fall backwards unexpectedly causing bodily injury. When not in use, always store the cultivator with the hitch pivoted down onto the cultivator frame. Complete these steps for storage: 1. Clean off any dirt and grease that may have accumulated on the cultivator and moving parts. 2. Scrape off compacted dirt and then wash surface thoroughly with a garden hose. 3. Check the teeth and locknuts to make sure they are not missing, broken, or excessively worn. 4. Replace the cultivator teeth as needed. 5. Inspect for loose, damaged, or worn parts and adjust or replace as needed. 6. Replace all damaged or missing decals. Page 11 of 17

12 Parts Diagram Page 12 of 17

13 Page 13 of 17

14 Parts List Item Description Qty. 1 Cultivator Frame 1 2 Bolt M16 x Spring Tooth 6 4 Lock Washer M Nut M Locking Nut M Washer M Chisel Tooth 6 9 Flat Head Bolt M12 x Flat Head Bolt M10 x Nut M Lock Washer M Washer M12 6 Page 14 of 17

15 Replacement Parts For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence. When ordering parts, the following information will be required: item description, item model number, item serial number/item lot date code, and the replacement part reference number. The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines and manuals without notice. Page 15 of 17

16 Limited Warranty Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc. ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only ("You'' or Your ) that the Nortrac product purchased will be free from material defects in both materials and workmanship, normal wear and tear excepted, for a period of one year from date of purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a commercially reasonable time, either replace the product or product component without charge to You or refund the purchase price (less shipping). This limited warranty is not transferable. Limitations on the Warranty This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect, misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication, overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to product instructions and in a workmanlike manner. Obligations of Purchaser You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at , identify the product by make and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store. Remedy Limits Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including, without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind for any reason. Assumption of Risk You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk. Governing Law This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes relating to this warranty. Page 16 of 17

17 Distributed by: Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc. Burnsville, Minnesota Made in China Page 17 of 17