Section 12: Troubleshooting
PFS4000, PFS5060 & PFS8010 Pendulum Spreaders 309-124M
11/20/20
51
Troubleshooting Chart
Problem
Cause
Solution
Field Skips
Not traveling parallel to the preceding pass
at half the spread width away from the
pass.
Travel parallel to the preceding pass at half
the spread width away from the pass with
slight overlapping of each pass.
Set spreader to disperse product at half the
rate and go over the field plot twice using a
2nd pattern that crosses the first pattern.
Wind is blowing the product around.
Spread product on a calm non-windy day.
Spread width not suitable
Pendulum swing not adjusted correctly.
Readjust Pendulum swing.
Wind is blowing product around.
Spread product on a calm non-windy day.
Incorrect working height.
Adjust 3-point so that end of pendulum is
29 1/2" above the ground.
Hopper & pendulum is not parallel to the
ground.
Adjust 3-point lower arms and center link to
level hopper parallel with ground.
Effective spread pattern not
correct
Incorrect pendulum attached to spreader.
Change pendulums.
Travel speed is incorrect.
Set tractor power take-off speed to 540.
Power take-off speed can be slowed a little
to disperse product at a smaller width.
Pendulum is worn, cracked or broken.
Replace pendulum.
Uneven distribution of product
Roughness of terrain.
Slow down and decrease gate openings.
Wind is blowing product around.
Spread product on a calm non-windy day.
Product won’t discharge out of
end of pendulum properly
Product is too wet or humid.
Use dry product only.
Excessive fertilizer lumps, product
particulates are larger than normal or
foreign body in product.
Clean product or replace product.
Hopper exits are clogged.
Clean hopper exits.
Pendulum is plugged.
Clean pendulum.
Discharge gate won’t open.
Check gate operation for obstructions.
Clean obstructions from gate operation.
Check gate mechanics for bent or broken
parts. Repair or replace parts.
Pendulum spout is worn, cracked or
broken.
Replace pendulum spout.
Deflector on end of pendulum spout is
worn, cracked or broken.
Replace pendulum spout.
Spreader Chart is inconsistent
with actual discharge rate
Varying product size, specific gravity,
treatment, moisture content, inert material
in product, lumps, different mixtures and
roughness of terrain can cause the chart to
be inconsistent.
Make adjustments to adjust nut on the
regulation bar and to tractor gear speed to
achieve desired discharge rate. Refer to
“Set Hopper Discharge Rate” on page 35.
Section 12: Troubleshooting
