FT TRUCK MT
20
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
IT PAYS!
The handling and spreading of commercial fertilizers is very corrosive on the metal parts of your
spreader due to the chemical agents in the material. Without an established preventative
maintenance program, your spreader will decay in a relatively short time. If the cleaning,
lubrication, and maintenance recommendations that we provide are followed, your spreader will
have a much longer life, more satisfactory service, and overall costs will be lower.
Hydraulic System
If your unit has a self-contained hydraulic system, the right grade and type of oil is critical for it
to function properly. A good, quality
30-weight
oil is used in BBI systems. Next in importance
is that the oil must be clean. To help achieve this, keep the hydraulic oil in closed containers and
clean the top of the container before opening and pouring. If you must transfer the oil to another
container, measure or transfer through a funnel, make sure they are very clean. Refer to the
appendix at the end of this manual for a general hydraulic schematic.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
1. Check the hydraulic fluid level daily. Add oil if needed. Periodically inspect the hoses and
fittings for leaks.
2. Change the hydraulic oil filter after the first 50 hours of work every season.
3. After the first filter change, replace the filter, as the schedule requires.
4. The reservoir should be drained through the drain plug (not through the suction outlet),
flushed, refilled, and the element filter changed annually. If the oil or filter shows any signs
of breaking down (i.e. discoloration, etc.) under continuous high-pressure operation, change
the oil and filter.
Conveyor Chain
Hose down the machine and remove any material build-up on the sprockets or under the chain.
If material is allowed to build up, the chain may ride up and damage the chain and the body.
NOTE: If material builds up under the chain, the chain will ride on the material instead of the
bottom panel. The more material allowed to build, the closer the chain becomes to the chain
shields. If the chain should catch a chain shield, it could permanently distort the chain, the chain
shield, or the body. In the same manner, if the material is allowed to build up in the sprockets,
the same sort of damage will occur. Do not remove material while the chain or spinners are
running.
Lubricate the conveyor chain at least once a week. Use a mixture of 75% fuel oil and 25% SAE
10 oil in a pressurized hand sprayer.
DANGER!
When the conveyor is running, stay out of the hopper and away from all
moving parts, nor should you use tools on the conveyor while it is
operating. To lubricate chain, shut down spinners, and run conveyor very
slowly, spray the oil mixture between the links. Do this once a week after
washing the machine, allow it to dry before lubricating.
MAINTENANCE
