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Therefore, some illustrations and/or text within this publication may differ from your machine. The copyright of this handbook is the property of Standen Engineering Limited, Hereward Works, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire. CB7 4BP. This handbook is issued on the condition that it must not be used, copied or exhibited without their...
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Introduction to the Handbook Warranty Replacement Parts SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Safety INSTALLATION Overview Tractor Suitability Attaching the Planter to the Tractor OPERATION Planting Land Wheel Adjustment Setting the Seed Spacing Setting the Planting Depth Floating Openers Soil Retention Panels Bed Forming Board and Ridger Bodies 1.10 Multi-Adjustable Moulding Board...
Introduction to the Handbook This handbook provides the information for the operation, adjustment and maintenance of your Standen SP Series 2/3 Row Potato Planter. To enable you to achieve the best results from the machine, the manufacturer recommends that you read the handbook thoroughly prior to using the machine for the first time.
The rear section of this handbook contains lists of spare parts available through your Standen Agents. Each illustration shows a complete unit or assembly in exploded form. Standen's policy of continual product development means that components or even complete assemblies are redesigned from time to time.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Safety The Standen SP Series Potato Planters have been designed to comply with current Safety Regulations. However, as with all machinery there will be inherent dangers whilst operating and carrying out maintenance on the machine. The following list of precautions should therefore be brought to the attention of all persons operating and working on the machine.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS When left free standing i.e. not attached to the tractor, the machine must be on level ground. The operator must not leave the tractor seat until the machine has been lowered to the ground, the tractor engine switched off, the handbrake applied and the ignition key removed.
INSTALLATION Overview Standen SP Series Potato Planters can be built in many forms e.g. 2 row, 3 row, manual space selector, hydraulic space selector etc. The machines are designed to plant potatoes with extreme gentleness and accuracy in either standard planting or bed work.
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INSTALLATION Connect the power lead directly to the tractor battery, blue lead to negative (-) terminal and brown lead to positive (+) terminal. Finally, connect the planter road lights plug to the tractor 7-pin socket. The parking stands (item 2, figure 1) must be raised before commencing work.
OPERATION Planting Careful planting is one of the pre-requisites for a good crop of high quality potatoes. The potatoes should be planted in straight ridges without gaps and at a correct and even depth. This is achieved when, at the beginning of planting, the functions of the planter and the different adjustments are carefully studied.
OPERATION Additional drive shafts are available from your Standen dealer (see the spare parts section of this handbook). To change the drive shaft: Loosen the chain tension roller (item 1, figure 2) and remove the drive chain (item 2, figure 2). Loosen the drive sprocket (item 3, figure 2) and adjacent locking collar (item 6, figure 2) and withdraw the drive shaft in the direction of the arrow.
OPERATION Floating Openers The bottom springs (item 1, figure 6) allow the openers (item 2, figure 6) to ride over obstructions reducing damage to the planter. The top springs/spacers (item 3, figure 6) carry the weight of the openers and prevent them from 'nose diving' in soft soil. The bottom springs should be set to allow the ground pressure during work to lift the opener into the working position as shown (see figure 6).
OPERATION 1.10 Bed Forming Board and Ridger Bodies (optional) The ridge shape and size is controlled by the height and width of the bed forming board (item 1, figure 9), the setting of the ridgers (item 1, figure 10), and the spring pressure exerted on the trailing arms (item 2, figure 9) and tool bar (item 3, figure 9).
1.11 OPERATION The wings (item 4, figure 10) can be adjusted by loosening the securing bolt (item 5, figure 10) and pulling them apart or pushing them together. In addition, the wings on some ridgers can be raised or lowered by loosening the bolt (item 6, figure 10). The lower the wing is positioned, the less soil will be lifted.
OPERATION 1.12 The angle at which the wings operate will determine the shape of the bed. To adjust, loosen the retaining bolt (item 6, figure 11) and rotate the wings to the required position. The top link (item 7, figure 11) sets the moulding board angle. Initially the angle should be set at approximately 5°...
1.13 OPERATION This impulse closes the circuit causing the relevant motor to engage and drive the feed belt to transport the potatoes to the feeding pocket. When the quantity of potatoes in the feeding pocket increases such that the distance between the potatoes and the sensor is approximately 8cm, the sensor gives the relay a new impulse which then causes the motor to disengage and so stop the drive to the feed belt.
OPERATION 1.14 Insert Cups The shape of the feeding cups is designed to pick up the irregular long shaped seed in a large grade. For a seed grade with a wide range of sizes and long seed, every alternate cup should be fitted with a medium insert. For a narrow range seed grade with more irregular shapes a full set of medium inserts should be fitted.
1.15 OPERATION Cup Belt Agitators The cup belt agitators control the number of potatoes in a cup. The planter can be fitted with either manually or electrically adjusted agitators. When planting seed of good quality and size it is possible to drive faster without compromising planting accuracy.
OPERATION 1.16 Hydraulic Depth Control Hydraulic depth control allows the depth at which the openers dig to be adjusted whilst planting. A depth ram (item 1, figure 20) replaces the top link between the planter and tractor. The ram is actuated from the tractor via the control valve (item 2, figure 20).
1.17 OPERATION The speed at which the ram moves can be adjusted using the valve control knob (item 5, figure 20). The ram should be set to move slowly and smoothly. The depth ram should only control planting depth when in work. The wheel legs should be adjusted if a more permanent depth is required (see section ‘Setting the Planting Depth’) Optional Automatic Depth Control (prior to 2013)
OPERATION 1.18 Fully lower the auto-depth sensor leg (item 2, figure 21) and then gradually raise it until the point at which both ‘up’ and ‘down’ sensor lights illuminate (approx 460mm above bed). Ensure the sensors are sensing the height of the bed and not any other surface in-between.
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1.19 OPERATION Gradually raise the sensor leg until the ‘up’ sensor indicator switches off leaving the ‘down’ sensor indicator illuminated. This is the neutral (dead-band) position where no actuation (raise/lower) of the control valve will occur. Continue to raise the sensor leg until both sensor indicators switch off. This point is the ‘lower’...
OPERATION 1.20 Hydraulic Space Selector The hydraulic seed space selector (if fitted) comprises of an electro-hydraulic drive assembly with both oil supply and electrical connection from the tractor. The unit replaces the chain drive transmission from the RH land wheel to the planter elements.
1.21 OPERATION Calibrating the Control Box to the Motor Valve Owing to the manufacturing tolerances of the motor valves, it is necessary to calibrate each control box (item 1, figure 25) to its own motor valve assembly (item 1, figure 26). Calibration will have been checked at the factory prior to dispatch. However, it may be necessary to carry out a further check as the tractor used may have a different hydraulic system and/or output.
OPERATION 1.22 Calibrating the Control Box Area Recorder To ensure accuracy, the area recorder 'count' must be calibrated to suit the particular field conditions and also preference for information to be displayed in acres or hectares. The area recorder receives impulses from the wheel monitor which together with wheeling (bed width) information is processed into acres/hectares planted.
1.23 OPERATION Seed Spacing Press button selection is provided for 40 different seed spacings ranging from 10cm to 51cm (4" to 20"). The selected spacing is shown by the control box LH digits. To increase the spacing press the 'Up' arrow. To decrease the spacing press the 'Down' arrow.
OPERATION 1.24 Area Recorder The 'Area' button when pressed, provides a record of the number of acres/hectares that have been planted. This information is automatically stored by the memory bank after the wheelings have been programmed (see Seed Population). It can be accessed at any time by pressing 'A'.
1.25 OPERATION Proximity Sensor Adjustment The hydraulic space selector proximity sensors are activated by the teeth of the monitor wheels passing in front of them. When activated a red light appears on the sensor body. Should the sensor not activate, the gap between the sensor and the monitor wheel may need adjustment.
If the seals become damaged it may be possible for dirt to enter the bearing causing accelerated wear. Use only the BP lubricants recommended by Standen or an exact equivalent recommended by your lubricant supplier. Medium grease = BP...
1.27 MAINTENANCE As the tractor supplies the oil for the machine’s hydraulics, ensure that the tractor hydraulic system is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent any contamination of the machine’s system. To extend the life of the hydraulic components it is important to monitor the condition of the hydraulic oil.
Check metalwork for any damage or wear and repair or replace as necessary. Inspect wheel bearings and check for excessive wear, replace as necessary. Re-pack with fresh grease on re-assembly. Replace the pressure filter element. Use only genuine Standen replacement parts. THESE ARE NOT WASHABLE ELEMENTS. Out of Season Storage The machine can frequently operate in soils which contain chemical fertilisers etc.
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1.29 MAINTENANCE Ensure that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Ensure that the hydraulic hose quick release couplings and the electrical connectors on the machine are kept clean and dry. Check the whole machine carefully and note any repairs that may need to be carried out.
SPECIFICATIONS 1.30 Machine Dimensions Length (SP200, 240, 244) 2.30 m Length (SP300) 2.60 m Width 2.30 m Height 2.23 m Machine Weight SP200 (2-row) 960 kg SP240 (2-cup QUAD) 970 kg SP244 (4-cup QUAD) 1000 kg SP300 (3-row bed) 1150 kg Technical Data Row widths (2 row) 71 cm (28”) to 91 cm (36”)
APPENDIX 1.32 Optional Automatic Depth Control (from 2013) Automatic depth control ensures that the desired planting depth is maintained irrespective of the contours of the bed. The ultrasonic sensor (item 1, figure 32) activates the hydraulic control valve operating the depth ram (item 1, figure 20). The depth ram then raises/lowers the planter relative to the wheels thus maintaining planting depth.
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1.33 APPENDIX Engage the auto-depth control by setting the control box ‘OFF/ON AUTO’ switch to the ‘ON’ position. If necessary re-adjust the height of the sensor leg to regain the desired planting depth. Drive forward and check the planting depth. Make further adjustments if necessary.
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