Section 3: Operating Instructions
STH2024 Spike Tooth Harrow 322-315M
12/10/18
17
Section 3: Operating Instructions
Operating Checklist
Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent
upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper
training involved in the operation, transport, maintenance
and storage of the Spike Tooth Harrow. Therefore, it is
absolutely essential that no one operates the Spike Tooth
Harrow unless they are age 16 or older and have read,
fully understood, and are totally familiar with the
Operator’s Manual. Make sure the operator has paid
particular attention to:
•
Important Safety Information
, page 1
•
Section 1: Assembly and Set-up,
•
•
Section 3: Operating Instructions
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Section 4: Maintenance & Lubrication
Pre-Field Inspection
Make the following inspections with harrow attached to a
tractor:
1.
Inspect tractor safety equipment to make sure it is in
good working condition.
2. Inspect harrow for loose bolts and nuts. Tighten all
loose bolts and nuts as indicated in the “Torque
Values Chart” on page 26.
3. Verify lift cylinder stop is adjusted correctly for the
wings to be supported by the cross support angle.
4. Check for and remove foreign objects wrapped
around the spike teeth and frame. Raise harrow
sections up, fold wings in and secure wings with
transport chains before removing foreign objects.
5. Check for missing, bent, broken and worn spike
teeth. Replace spike teeth as required. Refer to
“Spike Tooth Replacement” on page 21.
Field Inspection
Do not harrow in wet conditions. Wet material will build up
causing harrow to not be as effective.
1.
Thoroughly inspect area to be harrowed for ditches,
drop-offs, stumps, post, rocks, and other unforeseen
objects that the harrow or tractor can snag on or hit.
Mark all potential hazards before working the area.
2. After the first 50 feet, stop and check to see that the
harrow is pulling on the leading and trailing chains
correctly and that no sections are entangled.
3. Periodically turn tractor off, remove switch key and
check for foreign objects wrapped around the spike
teeth and frame. Raise harrow sections up, fold
wings in and secure wings to transport chains before
removing foreign objects.
4. Frequently inspect the Spike Tooth Harrow for loose
bolts and nuts. Tighten all loose hardware as
indicated in the “Torque Values Chart” on page 26.
Field Uses
•
Firming Seedbeds
Most seedbeds are too loose and fluffy, Research
shows that by firming the seedbed, planting depth can
be better controlled resulting in huge increases (up to
54%) in germination rates. A firm seedbed also gives
better seed/soil contact for proper germination.
•
Leveling Soil
Eliminates troublesome ridges left by some tillage
tools and helps provide consistent planting depth
across the width of the drill, seeder or planter.
•
Spreads Residue
This harrow handles large amounts of residue while
spreading it to manageable levels to allow tillage and
planting tools to do their job without the plugging
associated with heavy residue. It is a must-have tool
for processing no-till residue.
•
Breaking-up Residue
This harrow pulled 7 to 10 MPH on a hot, dry day will
shatter residue, turning it into mulch.
•
Conserving Moisture
Harrowing behind a primary tillage tool helps seal the
open soil and lowers the evaporation rate of moisture
in the freshly broken soil. Also, harrowing soil that has
crusted, breaks the capillary action that releases
moisture out of the soil.
•
Controls Sprouting of Volunteer and Cheat
Dry years delay sprouting of volunteer. By stirring the
soil with the harrow, the dormant seed contacts the
moist soil and sprouts prior to planting season. This
allows time to control the volunteer and cheat before
planting a new crop.
•
Incorporates herbicides
Preplant herbicides can be incorporated as deeply or
shallow as desired.
•
Covers Broadcast Seed
Wheat pasture and cover crops can be planted
inexpensively by spreading the seed with a fertilizer
spreader and covering it with the harrow.
•
Decreases Chemical Usage
Harrowing pulls out small weeds and volunteer,
uncovers overwinter insects to expose them to the
elements for fewer insects problems and firms the soil
to speed germination of weed and volunteer seed so
they can be destroyed prior to planting.
•
Good for Alfalfa Fields
Makes a perfect alfalfa seedbed. Use on existing
alfalfa fields before spring to level the ground, control
gopher mounds, ant hills and pulls out small weeds. It
also aerates the soil for root/oxygen exchange, breaks
up and spreads clumps of old residue.
•
Good for Grasslands
Grooms grass plants, knocks down gopher mounds
and ant hills, helps removes sticks and small limbs and
pulls out small weeds.
