CrustBuster 4600 Series, Operation Maintenance Manual & Parts List

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10
Field Operation
Conventional Field Conditions
For tilled field conditions, the lightest spring
setting (top notch) is recommended. More
weight will be transferred to the carrying wheels
of the drill when the toolbar is rotated. Behind
tractor and drill tires it may be necessary to
adjust individual row units for extra down pres-
sure or different depth setting. Setting the
drill in conventional tillage will be easier if
the tillage trips are kept shallow (2" - 4").
If the first notch presents too much down pres-
sure, the down pressure spring assembly can
be removed. With the spring assembly re-
moved, the effective down pressure of the
opener is approximately 60#.
With the openers rotated clear of the ground,
release the latches on the spring top assem-
blies. With the spring top ears between the
parallel arms, raise the opener halfway and
push the bottom of the spring and spring pin
forward out of the cradles.
Minimum Tillage Conditions
The most challenging condition is often pre-
sented when a high level of residue is present
in a "loose" soil environment. The opener
blades will not cut residue cleanly and can often
have a tendency to push or "bulldoze" residue
ahead of the opener discs.
For minimum tillage operations, the lightest
spring (top notch) is recommended. Firming
the ground using a culti-packer or similar tool
can aid in packing the residue for better cutting
and blade penetration with less hairpinning.
The All Plant drill will work well in minimum
tillage conditions if a "stale seedbed" is created.
Soil worked at an earlier date, and allowed to
firm and crust over can give the opener more
resistance, allow for better cutting action, and
create a firmer seed furrow. The first or second
notch will usually provide enough down pres-
sure to penetrate the soil.
No-Till Conditions
No-till presents many different conditions.
Residue level and condition, previous tillage
strips (ridges, plow dead furrows), soil type, soil
moisture and rocky conditions all increase the
demands on the no-till drill. Many variables and
conditions not removed by tillage trips require
greater attention to settings and speed. In
some circumstances, it may be desirable to drill
at a slight angle to existing rows. This will also
randomize the opener disc wear and extend the
maintenance interval for new blades.
As a general rule, less than ideal conditions will
require slower speeds, to reduce hairpinning,
improve opener penetration and residue cut-
ting, reduce rock damage, and maintain good
furrow formation and seed placement.
It is recommended you set the drill beginning
with light down pressures and work your way
up to heavier settings. If the presswheel
presses firmly on the seed slot and control
depth evenly, it is unnecessary to add more
pressure. When increased down pressure
does not improve penetration, or carrying
wheels lose ground contact (and seed drive
shaft stops), begin adding ballast with weight
bars and/or suitcase weights.