Operation; Spreader Operations - Exmark Z-Plug Operator's Manual

Operation

Spreader Operations

Overview
The Spreader Motor Control determines the speed of
the impeller in the front on the machine. The machine
is capable of varying its spread pattern from 3–25
feet with this control. Being hydraulically driven, the
spread pattern is independent of the ground speed.
The hopper control cable opens and closes the door
inside the base of the hopper. The maximum size of
the opening will be determined by the rate adjustment
on the knob dial. This will set your rate gate linkage
bar to limit and stop the rate the door can open.
The Diffuser adjustment allows the user to adjust the
intensity of the spread pattern. A small turn shifts
the product placement on the impeller. This in turn
balances the spread pattern heavier to the left (back
side ramp) or heavier to the right (front side ramp).
Adjustment is very sensitive, so multiple adjustments
may be required.
The machine is equipped with the 120 lb model
spreader. The hydraulic spreader motor with the
spreader motor control has the ability to vary
spread widths from 3 to 25 feet. This depends on
volume/density, particle size and rate of travel, and
weather conditions. The pattern can be increased or
decreased while spreading depending on needs. A
typical pattern is to overlap fertilizer pattern back to
the tire tracks.
The spread thins and feathers at the outer edges,
eliminating sharp "edge to edge" lines which cause
stripes and streaks.
Determine a dial setting on the low side. If setting
is too low, cover the area more than one time. A
higher setting can be used when a proven dial setting
is established. Travel at a constant speed.
Remember-Published dial settings are approximate
only. Open the hopper door after the spreader is
turned on at operating speed.
Operations
Upon turning the key on to start the unit, apply full
choke. Once unit has started, release first the choke
and then the brake. Push Joy Sticks forward equally
to move unit forward. Should you want the unit to
backup in the reverse direction, pull back on the Joy
Sticks. If a turn is desired, push opposite Joy Stick of
the direction you want the unit to head forward (if
wanting to turn left, push the right Joy Stick forward
while keeping the left Joy Stick slightly back of the
right thus allowing the right tire to turn more than the
left. Push more on the left Joy Stick if you desire to
turn the unit to the right). Be cautious as turn radius
changes with the speed you are going and the amount
each Joy Stick is positioned forward or backward.
Using the spreader system, there are two cables to
operate the hopper door (top cable), the diffuser
(right cable). By pulling on the top hopper door
cable, this will open the door and allow product to
fall on the spinner. Adjustments as to how wide the
door opens are made on the front on the hopper
with the Hopper Rate Dial. This limits how wide
the door will open and how much granular product
will be coming out. The diffuser cable (right cable)
controls the spread pattern. Turning the cable knob
counter-clockwise will loosen the cable lock and allow
you to adjust (pull further out or push further in) this
cable. Doing this will allow you to spread granular
product heavier to the left, consistent in the middle
or heavier to the right. Once you have adjusted to
your desired pattern, turn the knob clockwise to lock
in position.
During normal spreading applications, the deflector
shield would stay in the up position. When wanting
to close off the left side and use the deflector shield,
engage the parking brake and shut off the machine.
Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operator's position. Go to the front of the machine
and push the deflector to the down position.
The Locking Caster System ( Figure 3) allows the
operator to lock the front caster wheels in the
forward position to create more side hill stability. The
Locking Caster System is applied when the operator
compresses the Locking Caster System foot pedal
located on the right side of the foot plate. When
compressing the foot pedal, locking mechanism
slides over the caster pin locking the wheel in the
forward/straight position. This system is spring
loaded, so by releasing this pedal it will release the
lock on the front caster wheels.
15
Operation