FARM STAR BSF-1523, Owner'S/Operator'S Manual

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate the engine of the towing vehicle in a closed building.
The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
Before working on this machine, drive to a level area, disengage the PTO, lower implement (or if working
underneath, raise and block securely), shut off the engine, set the brakes, and remove the ignition keys.
Never work under equipment unless it is blocked securely. Never depend on hydraulic system to keep
implement in raised position.
Always use personal protection devices such as eye, hand and hearing protectors, when performing any
service or maintenance.
Keep all persons away from operator control area while performing adjustments, service, or maintenance.
Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws and check that all cotter pins are properly installed to ensure unit
is in a safe condition.
When completing a maintenance or service function, make sure all safety shields and devices are installed
before placing unit in service.
Never use your hands to locate a hydraulic leak on attachments. Use a small piece of cardboard or wood.
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can penetrate the skin.
Openings in the skin and minor cuts are susceptible to infection from hydraulic fluid. If injured by escaping
hydraulic fluid, see a doctor at once. Gangrene and death can result. Without immediate medical treatment,
serious infection and reactions can occur.
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
Check to ensure all safety signs are installed and in good condition. (See safety sign section for location
drawing.)
Never replace hex bolts with less than grade five bolts unless otherwise specified, i.e. shear bolts. Refer to bolt
torque chart for head identification marking.
CAUTION!
Be sure your tractor is in good condition. Read
all the safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
WARNING!
A heavy load can cause instability in driving a
tractor. Make sure the front of the tractor is properly
counter-balanced with weights. Always drive slowly
– especially around turns. An unstable tractor could
steer badly and possibly tip over, causing injury or
death.
WARNING!
Do not exceed the maximum recommended large
round bale weight listed for each of the loader spear
models. Damage to the equipment or serious
personal injury could result.
Figure 1.
Tractor Stability
WARNING!
When using the unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and
equipment weight must be on tractor front wheels.
Without this weight, tractor could tip up, causing
possible loss of control and possible personal injury
or death. The weight may be attained with a front end
loader, front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front
tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of
tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels,
you must not exceed the ROPS weight certification.
Weigh the tractor and equipment. DO NOT GUESS
OR ESTIMATE!
INSTRUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION
——————————————————
Rear 3 pt. hitch mounted bale spears are designed,
depending on model, to handle up to 3,000 lb. bales. All
models feature a tapered “forged” spring steel spear
designed for tight center bales allowing easier spear pen-
etration into and withdrawal from bales. A special tapered
socket provides support for the spear.
The 3 pt. spear models fit most Category I and II
hitches. They do not connect to quick-hitches.
NOTE: The maximum load for the attachments is as
follows:
Model Capacity
BSF-1523 . . . . . . 1,800 lbs.
BSF-122 . . . . . . . 2,200 lbs.
DBFS-30 . . . . . . 3,000 lbs.
BSFA-20 . . . . . . 2,000 lbs.
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
AND PREPARATION
——————————————————
The required size of the tractor will be determined by the
size and weight of the bales to be handled.
Remember, high moisture hay (silage) bales are very
heavy in relation to similar size dry hay bales.
Always use a tractor large enough to safely handle your
bales.
Check the tractor’s 3 point hydraulic lift system. It should
operate up and down smoothly and hold its position when
set. Refer to your tractor owner’s manual or dealer for any
adjustments necessary to put the 3 point hydraulic lift
system in good working order. (I&T shop manuals will list
most specifications and adjustment instructions –
available from most farm equipment dealers.)
Tractor should be equipped with stabilizer bars,
adjustable sway chains, or sway blocks to keep the
implement from swinging side to side.
Smaller size tractors may need front counter weights to
counter-balance the weight of the implement.
It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a
Rollover Protection System (ROPS) and a seat belt that
is used.
WARNING!
Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or ROPS
cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely fastened.
Falling off power unit can result in death from being
run over or crushed. Keep foldable ROPS systems in
“locked up” position at all times.