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85874 & 85875 Rev C
TURFCO T3000i SERIES APPLICATOR
3-1/2 MPH SPREADER CALIBRATION
Two facts you need to know before you begin -
● The pounds of fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft. you want to spread.
● The actual ground speed of your unit
WHEN USING 3-1/2 MPH SPEED
.
Time the ground speed of your machine for Trim Speed calibration -
Set the 3-1/2 mph speed lever forward.
(See Figure 19)
At full throttle, drive your unit in a straight line for 111 feet. The time should be 22 seconds. That means you will
cover 1000 sq. ft. every 22 seconds spreading a 9 foot effective swath at 3-1/2 mph.
Next drive your unit in a straight line for 166 feet. The time should be 32 seconds. That means you will cover 1000
sq. ft. every 32 seconds spreading a 12/6 foot swath at 3-1/2 mph.
Note: Your times may be off a second or so due to temperature, weight and other elements. As long as you are
within a second or so of 22 and 32 do not worry about the times.
Write your times down on the table on page 29.
Calibration for 4 lbs of fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft. at 18/9 foot spread pattern at 3-1/2 mph.
You will be using your ground speed time for 111 feet at 3-1/2 mph.
Step 1.
Start with an empty hopper. Remove the spreader spinner wheel and shaft. Remove the pull pin at the very
bottom of the shaft under the bearing and remove the pin that holds the spinner wheel in place. Pull the shaft up
and out of the hopper removing the spinner wheel. Place a pin in the shaft and set it back into the hole to prevent
fertilizer from falling out.
Step 2.
Remove the plastic carrying tray from behind the hopper and place it under the hopper to catch the fertilizer.
This saves the fertilizer and makes clean up easy.
Step 3.
Set the white plastic gate rate adjuster dial on the front of the hopper so the silver pointer lines up with 4.5
on the cam wheel. The pointer sliding up to the cam is what determines the gate opening inside the hopper. Note:
The white cam is calibrated into ones and tens. Each number has 10 clicks between them so make note of your
settings. Example - set at 4 plus 5 clicks is 4.5 for an opening setting.
Step 4.
Move the spreader gate control handle to make sure the gate is operating correctly.
Step 5.
Fill the hopper with at least 20 lbs of fertilizer.
Step 6.
Move the Spreader Gate Control Handle to the right or out from the machine so it misses the Vari-Rate
Gate Stop.
Step 7.
Open the fertilizer gate by pushing the Spreader Gate Control Handle forward all the way, allow the spring
to snap it forward. Time the fertilizer flow for 1 minute and 28 seconds (4 times the 22 second speed). That is equal
to 4000 sq. ft. of coverage at 3-1/2 mph.
Note: During this procedure you will need to shake the hopper to simulate driving vibration and move the fertilizer
from under the gate so it does not slow down the flow.
Step 8.
After 1 minute and 28 seconds of flow, weigh the fertilizer in the green plastic tray. There should be 16
pounds total in the tray enough for 4000 sq. ft. Divide that by 4 and you get 4 lbs per 1000 sq. ft.
Step 9.
If you did not get 16 lbs. you will need to try again. Less than 16 open the gate a couple clicks. More than
16 reduce the gate setting a couple clicks. Then repeat steps 7 and 8 until you get the correct setting you require.
Write down this setting noting that it is for this fertilizer at 4 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. on an 18/9 foot spreading swath.
When you finish with this calibration you will be ready to set the Vari-Rate Gate Stop. Go to page 30.
SPREADER CALIBRATION
OP85874-35RevC
FIGURE 19
3-1/2 MPH
SPEED
LEVER
