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Table of Contents Index Great Plains PLANTER OPERATOR MANUAL MODEL PL5505 Front-Fold Planter 421-056M Original Instructions Read the operator manual entirely. When you see this symbol, the subsequent instructions and warnings are serious - follow without exception. Your life and the lives of others depend on it! Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit.
Machine Identification Record your machine details in the log below. If you replace this manual, be sure to transfer this information to the new manual. If you or the dealer have added options not originally ordered with the machine, or removed options that were originally ordered, the weights and measurements are no longer accurate for your machine.
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Printed 08/08/2024 | English Great Plains reserves the right to revise and improve its products at any time. This publication describes the state of this product at the time of its publication, and may not reflect the product in the future. The content of this publication may be...
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Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: AccuShot, DrillCommand, Max-Chisel, Row-Pro, Singulator Plus, Short Disk, Swath Command, Terra-Tine, Ultra-Chisel, and X-Press. Registered trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: Air-Pro, Clear-Shot, Discovator, Great Plains, Land Pride, MeterCone, Nutri-Pro, Seed-Lok, Solid Stand, Terra-Guard, Turbo-Chisel, Turbo-Chopper, Turbo-Max, Turbo-Trill, Ultra-Till, Whirlfilter, and Yield-Pro.
Index Introduction Introduction Target Group for Operator Manual The Great Plains PL5505 front-fold planter is a pull- type implement with optional dry or liquid fertilizer Simplified Illustrations capability. The planter includes 05 Series openers Illustrations of the machine in the operator ®...
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The QR Code to the left will take you The QR Code to the left will take you to this machine’s parts manual. Use to Great Plains’ catalog of product your smart phone or tablet to scan manuals. Use your smart phone or and start viewing.
Non-Great Plains components on this machine may machine and advises on how to avoid it. contain additional safety information not found in this The notice symbol indicates a potential for manual.
Avoid contacting overhead obstructions such as low bridges, overpasses, and power lines. Do not operate near ditches, holes, steep slopes, embankments, or other surfaces which may collapse under the machine’s weight or tip the machine over. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Detach the tractor. Secure the implement using Stay clear of and never step over any rotating parts. blocks. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Read and follow decal directions. Keep all safety decals clean and legible. Replace all damaged, faded, or missing decals. Order new decals from your Great Plains dealer. One reflector on each bracket on the rear frame; Refer to this section for proper decal placement.
To Prevent Serious Injury or Death: Do Not exceed 20 mph maximum transport speed. Loss of vehicle control and/or machine can result. 818-188C Rev. C One decal on right-hand side of hitch. 68580A 68580A 71227 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
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To Avoid Injury for Unsecured Transport Tires: Never stand on or use transport tires as a step. Tires not in contact with the ground will rotate easily. 818-398C One on each wheel mount. 68580 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
To Avoid Inju ry or Ma chine Dam age from Imp roper Tire Inflation or Torquing of Wheel Bolts : Maxi mum inflation pressure of tires is 75 psi Torque wheel bolts to 240 lb-ft . 844-125C One decal on each wheel arm assembly. 71212 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
1. Use the jack to raise and lower the planter tongue. 71277 Single-Strap Hitch 71242 2. After hitching the planter to the tractor, store the jack on the storage tube on top of planter tongue. 68581A Scharmüller Hitch 71227 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
(2) to tractor harness, or Color Hydraulic Function any optional or after-market electrical connectors. These connections can be made in any order, and Grey Marker/Fold must be made before moving the planter. Blue Lift Black Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
10. to the ground. To level the planter, the distance from the bottom of the mainframe tube (1) to the ground, must be 26 in 68587 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Speed Sensor The seed monitoring system uses a pickup wheel for measuring planter ground speed. The speed sensor should be set at 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1.6 to 3.2 mm) from the pickup wheel. 25318 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Set fertilizer rate, if required. See the Material Rate manual. Check console observe diagnostic messages. Check chain tension. Make sure meter inlet gates are open to chart value. See Material Rate manual. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
It will be necessary to use the in-cab console to complete operations such as raising/lowering the planter and unfolding/folding the planter. Limited instructions may be found in this manual and will be noted as “with IRC”. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
6. If installed, remove cylinder locks on the lift 5. Set the tractor lift circuit lever to neutral to cylinder rods. prepare to set the lift valve. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Raising Planter with IRC 1. Move the planter to level, even ground. 2. Place the tractor in park and/or set the park brake. 3. Make sure markers, if installed, are fully folded. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
A1/A2 ports 5. Set the tractor lift circuit lever to neutral to prepare to set the lift valve. TP-75017 12. If installed, remove cylinder locks from the lift cylinder rods. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
2. Place the tractor in park and/or set the park brake. 3. Make sure markers, if installed, are fully folded. While using the console, you may tap the HOME icon from almost any screen to return to the MAIN SCREEN. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
LIFT icon. 13. After tapping the FOLD icon, the icon will change to a gray color, and it will change slightly in appearance, as shown. This will indicate the fold hydraulics are inactive. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
11. Retract the tractor circuit fold lever until the fold nuts to secure the bracket. cylinders (3) are fully retracted to bring the left and right wings forward until each wing hook (4) is resting on the tongue stop (5). 71153 68686 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Separate tubes (4) route air to each row unit. shows air direction Fan speed is controlled by the tractor circuit, not the seed monitoring system or in-cab console. 68688 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
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Do not operate in the ground with the fan shut off, or with insufficient air pressure. The 80495 meters will completely fill with seed. Meter clean-out may be required to resume normal operation. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
If the population is only slightly low, the problem reported population levels out at the target value. can be skips caused by empty disk cells. If slightly high, the problem can be doubles caused Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Make sure the Wait 5 to 10 seconds between adjustments, until hopper discharge opening is aligned with the skips occur (population begins falling below seed inlet tube. target). Note the pressure where skips begin. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
(170 ml per 100 liter) of seed. 68908 For milo, cotton, and sunflowers, double the application to one cup, or more, per 2 bushels or units (335 ml per 100 liter) of seed. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
5. Make sure the seed meter clamp (1) is aligned with the disk seat (2). 6. With the seed cell side facing the meter housing, place the new seed disk on the disk seat. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
The seed rate charts include suggested initial gate settings. Refine these settings based on experience |||| Large corn, heavily treated corn and the slope of the seed pool at the bottom of the Wide open - clean-out seed disk. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Make sure that all operating rows were at the correct initial gate setting. If so, reset the gates to the next higher opening. 68650B Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
After that, calibration is DRIVEN sprocket tooth counts match the seed recommended periodically, particularly soil rate chart. conditions change. See the Material Rate manual and the console manual for instructions for your seed Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Unit mount coulter (8) - Optional unit mount coulters cut remaining trash and begin opening the seed furrow. Working depth is set by row depth and a mounting hole selection. “Unit Mount Coulters” on page 38. 68641B Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
The springs allow the row units to float down into depressions and up over obstructions. The springs also provide down force on coulters when using optional row mounted coulters. 68641C Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
1 in. (2.5 cm). If you insert two pieces of paper between the blades, the paper should slide tip of cam Do not use Individual rows may be set higher if running in tire tracks. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
To adjust the side depth wheels: The goal is to have both disks and wheels turn freely, 1. Raise the planter slightly, removing the weight from the side depth wheels. 2. Loosen the bolt (1). Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
The To adjust depth wheel scrapers: amount of force needed will vary with field 1. Loosen the nut (1). conditions. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
3. Loosen the 1/2 inch bolts (2 and 3). maintain depth. Do not loosen the two front bolts (5). 4. Turn the hex head cam (4) under the bolt (2), and move the required amount. 5. Tighten both bolts. 25277 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
(2) for adjustment. using the table below. Depth of coulter blade relative Hole Number to opener blade 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) above opener 1/2 inch (3 mm) below opener 1/2 inch (13 mm) below opener 68602 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Know what to See the Material Rate manual for rate setting details. do in case of an accident. Set the fertilizer drive sprockets and piston pump rate adjuster according to the rate charts. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
If the ground is not level, one tank may fill faster delivery across the planter is controlled by orifice than the other. Reduce the inlet rate to allow size at the row unit drop-line points. them to balance. If one tank becomes full before Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
9. Open the seed meter gates. Great Plains recommends checking with your local 10. Monitor the fertilizer gauge. Make relief valve agronomist, as soil conditions vary. Conditions in adjustments as necessary.
Agricultural Avoid contact with skin or eyes. Avoid chemicals can be extremely hazardous. breathing dust. Great Plains recommends checking with your local Loading fertilizer before transport agronomist before setting the rate, as soil conditions recommended. Although the meters are not turning vary.
4. Exchange sprockets so the new DRIVING and 71235 DRIVEN sprocket tooth counts match the seed rate chart. 5. Install the retaining pins on the sprockets. Store and pin the removed sprockets onto the storage towers. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Measure from the centerline of the outside active row to the mark in the ground made by the marker disk. When correctly adjusted, there is a gap of one row space between passes as measured between centerlines of outside rows. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
1. Move the planter to level ground with adequate overhead side-to-side clearances unfolding/folding markers. 2. Place the tractor in park and/or set the park brake. 3. Set the tractor marker circuit lever to neutral to prepare to set the marker valve. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Plan the route. Avoid steep hills. Verify that the lights operate correctly. Always have lights on for highway operation. Remember that the planter may be wider than the tractor. Allow safe clearance. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
8. Clean the planter of mud, dirt, excess oil, and grease. 9. Lubricate all points listed in “Lubrication” beginning on page 57. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Replace any worn, damaged, or illegible safety decals Maintain proper air pressure in tires. by obtaining new decals from your Great Plains Keep disk scrapers properly adjusted. dealer. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
If you discover or suspect a leak, or damaged or worn parts, contact your Great Plains dealer for service on your hydraulic system by a trained professional. Rephase Lift System...
Finding an occasional cracked seed hung up on 13. If the planter will be stored: a tuft fiber is not uncommon, and is not an a.Close the seed inlet gate. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
2. Remove the tufted brush assembly (2), and replace with a new assembly. 68647A 3. Insert the bolts and start the nuts. Carefully tighten each nut just until there is no play under the screw heads. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
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Seed Drop Brush Replacement 68912 1. Insert the flat blade of a large screwdriver into the slots of the brush holder snaps (2). 2. Turn each snap clockwise to release the brush holder (3). Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Use warm or hot water, mild soap, and a sponge or soft brush to remove buildup on seed disks.If disks are washed, allow to dry completely before storage. Keep original shipping cartons for disk storage. Otherwise, store on edge (not leaning), or stacked Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
When performing periodic lubrication, check chain check outside scrapers for proper adjustment condition. Replace chain if any frozen kinks are not corrected by lubrication. Chain Slack New chains may slack during the first few hours of operation. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
The marker arm is attached to the marker body with Chain Type Chain Slack a 3/8 x 4 inch Grade 5 shear bolt. If the shear bolt breaks, replace with Great Plains part number 802- Long chains over 36 in. (91 cm) 1/4 in/ft (2.1 cm/m) 223C or equivalent.
Fill the pump with RV antifreeze and cap off. 4. Wash all spilled fertilizer off the planter. Tank Clean-Out 1. If the pump has already been filled with RV antifreeze for storage, close the pump valve. 31322 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
71239 5. Operate the dry fertilizer ground drive wheel until the hopper is empty. 6. For extended storage, use a hose and clean water to wash out the hopper, meters, hoses, and applicator tubes. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Apply grease to one grease fitting on each coulter until grease emerges. 71239 Bearing Wheel Bearings Repack two bearings on each wheel. Seasonal 71157 Marker Disk Hub Bearings Repack two bearings on each marker. Seasonal 20332 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
2. Check the seed 3. Resume planting. and inspect. pool for foreign 4. Check the seed matter. pool for foreign 3. Resume planting. matter. 5. Perform a one- row seed pool recovery. 6. Resume planting. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Turn the set screw (4) on the meter face until it reads zero from the tractor driver’s viewing position. Inaccurate Reading Hazard Gauge readings may be inaccurate or sluggish below 20° F. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
After ruling out population problems, re-check geography. Excess seed remaining page 44 Excessive gaps between planter Adjust marker ( passes Incorrect speed calibration Perform SPEED CALIBRATION operation. See console manual for instructions for your seed monitoring system. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
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Check seed tubes for damage and replace as needed Row-unit not penetrating low spots Adjust row unit (page 32). Rough planting conditions Rework the field. Seed firmer not in place and set to See “Keeton® Seed Firmer” on page 39. correct tension Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Empty cells in seed disk due to rough Decrease field speed or increase the air pressure in the field conditions causing seeds to fall meter. from the disk Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
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Improper gap on speed sensor Check speed sensor on planter (page 13). Adjust as needed. Incorrect speed sensor constant Perform SPEED CALIBRATION operation. See console manual for instructions for your seed monitoring system. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Marker folding linkage does not have Maximum down float should be limited by the slot at the enough slack to allow marker disk to row end of the marker cylinder. drop into field depressions Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
(page 56). Switch to a larger screen size if materials clog strainer rapidly and large size orifices are in use. Relief valve setting too low Review relief valve setting according to the Material Rate Dumping at normal manual. pressure Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
High flow transmission sprockets selected actual rate and speed. Metering is higher at low speeds. Release height too high Lower release height. Fertilizer on surface Coulter depth too shallow Increase coulter depth (page 43). Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
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Solution Lack of airflow, other If low flow problems persist after checking all other settings Low Fertilizer Flow and hardware, swap blank plates in fertilizer meters to mesh screens found in the manual pack. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
20 ft 8 in (6.3 mm) Capacities Seed - 3 bu hopper 24 bu (864 liter) Seed - 1.6 bu hopper 12.8 bu (451 12.8 liter) Liquid Fertilizer 300 gal (1136 liter) Dry Fertilizer 53 cu ft (1500 liter) Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
0.048 in 1.17 mm Great Plains dealer. 832-057C 0.059 in 1.76 mm 832-055C 0.080 in 3.24 mm 832-059C 0.098 in 4.87 mm a. Sizes standard in many fertilizer bundles. Check your accessories before ordering. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Part Number Unit Mount Coulter Kit 207-371A Unit Mount Coulter Kit 207-372A Coulter Mounted Row Cleaner TP-71569 68608 Description Part Number Description Part Number Coulter Mounted Double Row Kit 207-342K Marker Option 411-604A Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
The kit does not include, but will require, fasteners for the in-cab mounting brackets. Description Part Number PL5505 PM300 Console 431-908A PL5505 PM300 Console/Ground Drive 402-740A Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
** Up to three cameras may be used with XD-Plus console. One camera may be used with XD console. *** One adapter harness is required for each Camera. For online resources and manuals, create an account https://mytopconnow.topconpositioning.com search for XD/XD+ in the search bar. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
3. Use the pins to secure the base ends of the fold cylinders (3) to the tongue. 25383 68724A 4. The hydraulic hoses should be attached to and run through the tongue. See “Hydraulic Diagrams” beginning on page 59 for connecting the hoses. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
(12) and cotter pin. 5. Repeat step 1 through step 4 for the other marker. 71266A 8. Use the hydraulic diagram on page 60 to connect the hydraulic hoses to the marker cylinders and marker valve. 68726 Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
8. Remove one or both opener disk blades to gain access to the opener frame (11). 9. Install the scraper assembly (12) between the middle four lower square holes (13) of the opener frame. Great Plains | 421-056M | 08/08/2024...
Great Plains reserves the right to make changes in materials or design of the product at any time without notice. This warranty is not valid unless the unit is registered with Great Plains within 10 days from the date of the original purchase.
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