PL5500 Planter
Operation
Great Plains | 411-633M | 2021/10/21
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Fan Hydraulics
Two hydraulic hoses to the fan must be properly
connected for the fan to operate in the correct
direction (1), at recommended speeds, and without
damage.
Connect the motor return line (2) to the remote circuit
return (extend port) or to the sump.
A pressure
-
relief quick-disconnect coupler for the
return line prevents motor damage if the return line is
not connected, or is connected incorrectly. However,
an oil spill results if the return line is not correctly
connected.
Connect the motor inlet line (3) to a tractor remote
capable of 5 gal/min (20 liter/min). If a priority remote
is available, use it for the fan.
A check valve (4) provides a relief path for oil at
motor shutoff. If hydraulic hoses to the fan are
reversed, flow through this valve results in low fan
rpm.
If the fan is connected in reverse, it may not run at all
due to no oil source at the return connection. If oil is
present, oil bypass at the check valve prevents the
fan from reaching operating rpms. A reversed fan is
not capable of providing enough air flow for planting.
If a reversed fan is suspected, observe during shutoff
since the direction of the motor is easier to see at
lower rpms. Initial startup is nearly instantaneous,
making observing at startup difficult.
Fan speed can change as oil heats to operating
temperature. Check meter pressurization more often
during early operations.
Stop the fan by setting the circuit to neutral or float.
The check valve slows the blades to a stop by locally
recirculating the oil.
Fan Operation
Low Population Risk at Turns
Aggressive lift operations and simultaneous
marker operations can reduce fan rpm below
that needed to pressurize meter disks. If seed
falls out of cells, low population bands will
occur shortly after turns.
Use tractor remote hydraulic valve flow control to set
the fan speed. Always start the fan with a low flow
setting. Observe fan rpm with the seed monitoring
system.
Gradually bring the fan up to the recommended initial
meter pressure.
The Material Rate manual provides initial values
for meter pressurization. Normal gauge readings
are in the 4/5 in. to 40 in. water pressure range
and vary considerably with the crop.
If the tractor has marginal flow available, you may
need to experiment with combinations of fan flow.
For any setup adjustment, operate the tractor engine
at typical field rpms, and not at idle.
Dry fertilizer fan operation - preset the butterfly valve.
Use any setting that you previously developed for the
crop/disk/range. If the tractor has fine control of
remote flow rates, and consistent flow at varying
tractor engine rpm, initially set the butterfly valve to
30° or less. If the tractor has only coarse control of
flow, initially set the butterfly valve to 45°. Fine tune
meter pressure with the butterfly valve.
The fan requires up to 4.5 gal/min (17 liter/min). This
does not include oil for lift/lower or for marker
operation.
Unless the tractor has generous oil flow capacity,
raise/fold markers before lift, and lift slowly. Watch
meter pressure and tune operations to keep it at
planting levels in turns.
At excessive rpm, too much air flow can cause oil
heating or slow lift times.
If desired pressure cannot be reached, the fan may
be running backwards. Reverse the inlet/return lines
at the hitch.
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