PRESEEDER OPERATION

NOTE: When clearing an area with excessive rocks, adjust rotor depth so it just touches soil surface, then proceed to work and windrow rocks.

NOTE: Rock windrows should be picked up before they become too large. Large windrows affect performance and cause premature wear of the Preseeder tiller.

The adjustable angling feature of the tiller provides added efficiency when clearing an area. By reversing the angle, it is possible to continue moving rocks toward the collection area, while traveling in either direction.

2.TILLING is the main operation the machine performs. Experience will give the operator a feel for the best setting to use. Excessive depth can cause rock jamming.

In rocky conditions the tiller should be set at a shallow working depth for more effi- ciency. When there is a build-up of soil in front of the rotor, the soil build-up prevents rocks from being discharged away from the rotor and thus the machine jams much more readily. It is more efficient to make an extra pass at a shallower setting.

Overloading can be caused by an object such as a rock or root caught in the machine or by tilling too deeply in heavy, wet soil. Release clutch immediately when belt slippage occurs.

3.LEVELING occurs during the tilling process. Deeper rotor depth produces the best leveling. More shallow settings pro- duce the smoothest seedbed.

When possible, it is best to work along contours rather than across them. The leveling function will cut off ridges and fill in valleys.

The operator may choose to angle the rotor parallel to the tractor axle to gain maximum leveling. However, when the rotor is straight (See Figure 26), rocks will not discharge to the side. All dirt and rocks gather in front of the rotor. The operator should be careful

not to overload the tiller when the rotor is in this position.

Learning to operate your tiller properly will allow you to get the most efficient use from it with minimal downtime. By keeping the following points in mind, you will be able to work more effectively and efficiently.

Survey the area: Take a few minutes to walk around the jobsite. These few minutes are time well-spent because you can:

1.Plan a strategy. Ask yourself some questions about doing the job most effi- ciently. Where are the highest points on this job? Where are the lowest? Where should I start? Where should I deposit the rocks? These are the types of ques- tions that you should ask yourself before starting each job.

2.Look for obstructions. Walk around the jobsite to spot the enemies of your tiller. These enemies include: roots, steel strapping, rope, wire, plastic wrapping, or anything that may hinder or damage your machine. Remove these enemies before you start operating. Also, look for permanent objects that may often be buried or hidden on jobsites. These include: drainage pipe, electrical wiring, sewer vents, well covers, concrete slabs, etc.

Be aware of electrical wires or pipes which may have a

shallow cover of earth.

3.Prepare for final clean-up.Clean-up is made easier when you choose an area beforehand that is better for gathering and cleaning up rocks. Areas that are close to your trucks, on solid ground, along a street or grass-covered are ideal for depositing rocks and debris. Work the final windrows towards this area.

SECURING THE MACHINE

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