PBZ CROPCARE ML4600 Owner's Manual

Plastic mulch bed shaper-layer

Advertisement

Quick Links

Owner's Manual
Plastic Mulch Bed Shaper-Layer
Dealer:_____________________________________________________
Contact:____________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________
Model #:____________________________________________________
Serial #:____________________________________________________
by PBZ
Model# ML4600
Manufactured by PBZ LLC
A Paul B Zimmerman Inc. Company
www.CropCareEquipment.com
Form: ML4600OM
Rev. A Date 4/21

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for PBZ CROPCARE ML4600

  • Page 1 PBZ Owner's Manual Plastic Mulch Bed Shaper-Layer Model# ML4600 Dealer:_____________________________________________________ Contact:____________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________ Model #:____________________________________________________ Serial #:____________________________________________________ Manufactured by PBZ LLC A Paul B Zimmerman Inc. Company www.CropCareEquipment.com Form: ML4600OM Rev. A Date 4/21...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents Identification of Machine ..........................................3 Introduction ................................................3 Safety .................................................4-7 Safety Alert Symbol ..........................................4 Signal Words .............................................4 Hazards ...............................................5 Preparation for Use ........................................5 General Guidelines ......................................5 During Use .............................................6 Transporting the Equipment ....................................6 Maintenance & Adjustment .....................................6 After Use / Storage ........................................6 Safety Signs ..............................................7 Operation ...............................................8-25 Operating Instructions ........................................8-24...
  • Page 3: Identification Of Machine

    Identification of Machine • Model# ML4600 • The serial number is located on a plate behind the lower lift arm pin location. Introduction Please read and understand this manual and its instructions and warnings completely before operating equipment. • This machine is intended for shaping raised beds for growing produce, and covering them with plastic mulch in a single pass. This machine can be used to shape beds without laying plastic mulch by removing the rear portion of the machine that lays the plastic on the beds.
  • Page 4: Safety

    Safety Safety Alert Symbol -The safety alert symbol for safety signs & decals that contain one of the three signal words (DANGER, WARNING, & CAUTION) will appear as shown in figure 1. Figure 1: Safety Alert Symbol Signal Words -There are three signal words; DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION. The signal words bring attention to the existence and relative seriousness of a hazard.
  • Page 5: Hazards

    Safety Hazards Preparation for Use 1.) General Guidelines Every year many unnecessary accidents occur due to improper equipment handling and a disregard for safety precautions. As the operator you can avoid accidents by observing the precautions in this section. • The best defense against accidents is a careful and responsible operator.
  • Page 6: During Use

    Safety During Use • Always be aware of bystanders, particularly children! Always look before moving the equipment. Bystanders should never be allowed near the equipment during operation. • No passengers are allowed on or in the tractor or equipment at any time. •...
  • Page 7: Safety Signs

    Safety Safety Signs Signs and decals used to indicate safe practices while preparing, transporting, and operating equipment. • Make sure that they are not obstructed by dirt. Clean as necessary. • Replacements can be ordered from a CropCare® Dealer Figure 1: Owner’s Manual Decal (DE39) Figure 2: Read Owner’s Manual (DE115)
  • Page 8: Operation

    Operation Operating Instructions Before operating the equipment, it is important that you read this entire manual and know all safety precautions. Always take your time and be alert when operating your equipment. This will allow you to safely operate without accident or interruption. General Terminology Tractor Wheel Spacing Center-to-Center / Wheel Centers...
  • Page 9: Pre-Start Instructions

    Operation Pre-start Instructions 1.) Bed Mulch Width and Row Spacing The desired Mulch Row Width and Row Spacing are to be determined before setting up the machine (shown in the figure below). Mulch Width Maximum 12” diameter plastic CUT OFF longer cores. mulch rolls.
  • Page 10 Operation 2.) Bed Top / Furrow Width, and Bed Height...Continued The Bed Height is determined by the Bed Height package selected when the unit was purchased. NOTE: Additional Bed Height package options are available. Refer to the chart below for Bed Top Width dimensions based on Bed Height. Heavy Washers (Installed on top of Side Shield Bed Width Adjustments...
  • Page 11: Furrow Shank Spacing / Shaper Opening

    Operation 3.) Furrow Shank Spacing / Shaper Opening Set the Furrow Shank Spacing and the Bed Shaper opening based on the type of raised bed that you will be using. Raised Bed Systems Raised Beds w/ Common Furrows This is a conventional row crop system. Furrows can be narrower for a guidance system or wider for walking or public access.
  • Page 12 Operation 3.) Furrow Shank Spacing / Shaper Opening...Continued Furrow Shank and Bed Shaper Settings for Raised Bed Systems Raised Beds w/ Common Furrows or Wide Spacing Furrow Shanks align with the tractor wheels to loosen soil compacted by the wheel. With common furrow beds, the furrow shank spacing matches the bed spacing, which aligns with the tractor wheels.
  • Page 13: Furrow Shank Depth

    Operation 4.) Furrow Shank Depth Loosen the bolts for the clamps holding the Furrow Shanks, and set depth based on bed height referenced in the figure and chart below. Bottom of Toolbar Bottom of Toolbar Installed in Middle Hole Toolbar Height (16”...
  • Page 14: Shaping Disk Depth

    Operation 5.) Shaping Disk Depth Loosen the bolts for the clamps holding the Shaping Disks, and set depth based on bed height referenced in the figure and chart below. IMPORTANT: Do NOT set the Shaping Disks deeper than the Furrow Shanks, as this could cause excessive wear or damage. Bottom of Toolbar Bottom of Toolbar Installed in Middle Hole...
  • Page 15: Shaping Disk Spacing & Angle

    Operation 6.) Shaping Disk Spacing and Angle • To set the spacing of the Shaping Disks, loosen the bolts for the clamps holding the Shaping Disks, and set the spacing in relation to the spacing of the Furrow Shanks (referenced in the figure and chart below). NOTE: The spacings are approximate and are not critical.
  • Page 16: Adjusting Plastic Mulch Layer

    Operation 7.) Adjusting Plastic Mulch Layer The following steps are for adjusting the plastic mulch layer portion of the machine to match the desired bed width. To remove the Plastic Mulch roll carriage, loosen one side of the mulch Mulch Width Toolbar Inner Roller Length layer frame.
  • Page 17: Press Wheels

    Operation 8.) Press Wheels • The Press Wheels are used to pull the plastic mulch down into the bottom of the furrows, and to stretch the plastic tight over the bed as needed. • NOTE: The adjustment of the Press Wheels can be done in advance of use, but may need to be adjusted during use based on conditions.
  • Page 18: Covering Disks

    Operation 8.) Press Wheels...Continued • The Press Wheels can be made rigid to act as gauge wheels for allowing the covering disks to have depth control based on the bottom surface of the furrow (Figure 14). IMPORTANT: Do not use Rear Gauge Wheels if Press Wheels are rigid, or if the plastic layer toolbar clamps are in place (Figure 16).
  • Page 19: Rear Gauge Wheels

    Operation 10.) Rear Gauge Wheels • The Gauge Wheels at the rear of the unit allow the mulch layer frame of the machine to float and follow the surface of the covering soil. IMPORTANT: Do not use rear gauge wheels if the plastic layer portion of the machine is clamped in place. Remove clamps to allow the plastic layer to float.
  • Page 20: During Operation

    Operation During Operation 1.) Adjust the Tractor Hitch • Hook the machine up to the tractor hitch. Make Turn the top link to level the machine. adjustments to the top link as needed to level the machine. • Let the full weight of the machine down, and make minor adjustments to the amount of soil buildup / flow Level by adjusting the top link.
  • Page 21 Operation 2.) Loading / Setup of the Mulch Roll...Continued Mulch Rollers Rear Roller Ground Roller Figure 21: Plastic Mulch Rollers Figure 20: Loading Mulch Roll Ground Roller Eye Bolt Ground Roller Spring Roll Brake Centering Thumbscrew Screw Figure 22: Mulch Roller Braking and Ground Roller Tension...
  • Page 22: Plastic Mulch Tension On Bed Top

    Operation 3.) Plastic Mulch Tension on Bed Top • After starting a row, if the plastic stretched over the top of the bed isn’t tight enough, or is tearing, adjust the tension on the plastic mulch by rotating the Press Wheel. •...
  • Page 23: Shaping Beds & Laying Plastic

    Operation 5.) Shaping Raised Beds and Laying Plastic Mulch When shaping raised beds there are different driving patterns based on how the bed rows are laid out. Driving Patterns for Raised Beds with Common Furrows When shaping raised beds with common furrows and laying plastic mulch in a single pass, there are two driving patterns to use in order to make sure that the bed top stays level after the first row (preventing the example in Figure 25 below).
  • Page 24: Driving Pattern For Beds W/ Space Between

    Operation Driving Pattern 2 (Alternating Rows) This method alternates the rows being shaped, allowing the tractor and machine to stay level. Start the first row at the side of the field. Form every other bed first, then come back through and form the beds in between. NOTE: When forming the in between beds, it may be necessary to remove the outside furrow wings.
  • Page 25: Troubleshooting

    Operation Troubleshooting -Information for fault diagnosis and remedy of problems in operation. Issue Probable Cause Solution Furrow Shovels and Shaping Disks set too Adjust depth of Furrow Shovels and Shaping Disks (See Furrow deep. Shank Depth and Shaping Disk Depth). Machine tends to drift 3pt top link is set to have the machine too low.
  • Page 26: Maintenance & Adjustments

    Maintenance and Adjustments Maintenance Schedules -Information concerning periodic maintenance tasks and the recommended frequency. Frequency Maintenance Tasks Check for broken or stressed parts. Every Use Check for loose connections (hardware). Check tire pressure (visual). Check condition of wear parts. Every Season Repack Shaping Disk and Covering Disk hub bearings with grease.
  • Page 27: Maintenance Materials

    Maintenance and Adjustments Maintenance Materials Specifications, including quantities / capabilities for normal maintenance materials, such as: • General-purpose lithium grease. • Paint Adjustments Information concerning adjustments required to adapt the machine to different tasks or operating conditions. • See the Operating section of this manual for adjustments to be made before and during use. •...
  • Page 28: Accessories & Attachments

    Accessories and Attachments Information on accessories and attachments available for the machine and / or approved for use with the machine. • Drip Tape Applicators (Single or Dual Reel). See Drip Tape Applicator Owner’s Manual for details. • Bed Height Options: (see the Bed Top Width, Furrow Width, and Bed Height section for details.) •...
  • Page 29: Transportation

    Transportation Transporting the Equipment • When transporting the equipment on public roads, always follow state and local regulations regarding safety and transportation requirements. Use the necessary lights and slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems. • Never exceed the tractor’s tow ratings. •...
  • Page 30: Cropcare ® Limited Warranty

    ® CropCare Limited Warranty Warranty Coverage CropCare® hereby provides a Limited Two (2) Year Warranty on the Products manufactured by CropCare® that such Products shall be free from manufacturer’s defects in any of the Product’s components in the 24 month period following the original date of purchase from the authorized dealer (the “Warranty Period”).
  • Page 32 PBZ Manufactured by PBZ LLC A Paul B Zimmerman Inc. Company www.CropCareEquipment.com *This owners manual template was derived from the ASABE standard for an operator’s manual...

Table of Contents