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Reproduction
25
Calibration
Spreader Flow Rate Calibration
The following instructions provide a method for adjusting the
flow of fertilizer from the hopper so that the correct amount of
fertilizer is applied to a 1000ft² area. The machine is designed
to apply fertilizer evenly by overlapping each pass by 50%.
The spread width for most products is approximately 14
ft. This means that the center of each pass should be
approximately 7 ft from the center of the previous pass. The
effective material spread width is 7 ft and is the basis for
calibration.
1. Set the ground speed to 5 mph. See
Setting the Ground
Speed
in the Operation section.
2. Measure a distance of 143 ft on a flat, paved surface.
Using a paved surface will allow the fertilizer to be
recollected and will prevent burning the turf if the
application rate is largely different from what is intended.
Travelling 143 ft with the machine equates to covering
approximately 1000 ft^2 (7 ft x 143 ft = 1001 ft^2) with
fertilizer.
3. Set the gate stop to a setting of 5. This will be used as the
starting setting for dialing in the correct gate stop setting
for the particular material that is being used. Note that the
spreader will have to be re-calibrated for each different
type of material that is to be spread. Make sure to record
the final gate stop setting once the correct application rate
has been achieved.
4. Place the hopper gate control in the "CLOSED" position.
Place enough material in the hopper to cover 1000ft².
5. Begin the spreading operation while moving toward
the 143 ft marker. With the unit moving at 5 mph, the
hopper should empty out as the unit passes the marker. If
the hopper empties before the marker is reached, turn
the gate stop dial to a slightly lower setting and repeat
the process. If the hopper empties after the marker is
reached, turn the gate stop dial to a slightly higher setting
and repeat the process. Continue this process until the
proper dispensing rate is achieved.
6. When the calibration is complete, collect the fertilizer that
has been dispensed for reuse. Never leave fertilizer on
the pavement where it can wash away in runoff.
Centering the Spread Pattern
The following instructions provide a method for adjusting
the center of the spread pattern so that fertilizer is evenly
distributed over the width of the spread area.
1. Obtain the following items:
• Eleven collection pans, 3 to 4 inches tall and 12
inches square (e.g. aluminum roasting pans).
• Clear tube, 0.5 inches internal diameter and 4 inches
tall. Use a permanent marker to mark the tube at 0.25
inch increments all the way up the tube. This will act
as a measuring device for the collected fertilizer pills.
• A ruler or tape measure.
• A method of recording the collection amounts.
2. Set the gate stop control to a setting of 5.
3. Move the hopper gate control to the "OPEN" position. The
hopper must initially be empty.
4. Turn the pattern control
counter-clockwise
to release
the lock and move the lever in or out so that the baffle
can be seen centered just below the opening of the
gate in the bottom of the hopper. Turn the pattern
control
clockwise
to lock into position.
5. Move the hopper gate control to the "CLOSED" position.
6. Load the hopper with the fertilizer to be used for
calibration.
7. Place the eleven collection pans on a flat, paved surface
in a straight line on 2 foot centers.
8. Make at least 3 passes traveling directly over the center
pan in a path perpendicular to the row of pans.
Note: All of the passes must be made in the same direction.
9. Pour the contents of the first pan on the left into the
graduated tube and record the amount of material that
is in the tube. Repeat this measurement for each of the
eleven collection pans. Add together all of the eleven
amounts to find the total material that was dispensed.
10. Divide the amount caught in each pan by the total
amount. This is the percentage that was caught in each
pan.
11. The distribution should increase towards the center pan
and decrease towards the outside pans. The distribution
should be approximately the same on each side. If it
appears that the left side is receiving more material,
push the pattern control lever in slightly and repeat the
process. Only slight adjustments are needed to make
spread pattern changes.
12. Once the correct distribution is achieved, measure the
distance from the console surface to the top of the pattern
control lever. Record this measurement as the setting to
be used to the particular fertilizer being evaluated.
Note:
The spreader will have to be calibrated for each
different type of material that is spread.
13. When the calibration is complete, collect the fertilizer that
has been dispensed for reuse. Never leave the fertilizer
on the pavement where it can wash away in runoff.
Calibrating the Spray Flow Rate
The following instructions provide a method for verifying the
amount of flow being dispensed from the spray nozzles.
1. Fill the spray tanks with water.
2. Adjust the system pressure so that the pressure gauge
reads 30 psi
3. Engage the parking brake on the machine and ensure
that the ground speed control levers are in the neutral
position.
