AIRSEEDER OPERATORS MANUAL Model: Serial No: Description: TQC2 6000 Options Small Seeds Box Trailing Castoring Quad, 6000 litre, 2 bin, Ground Drive Linear Actuator For Instruction On: Castoring Machine Configuration Linear Actuator Operation Eagle Controller Operation Small Seeds Box Operation
Contents Section 1: Introduction Welcome to Simplicity Australia Company Profile Product Overview Page 1.1 1.2 1.3 Page 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Page 3.
Contents Section 4: Maintenance Lubrication and Maintenance Overview Daily Checklist After Sowing Maintenance Lubrication and Maintenance Schedule Location of Grease Points and Lube Intervals Oil Levels Blower Maintenance Hydraulic Filter Replacement Clutch Maintenance Air Leak Check Service and Repair Records Notes Page 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.7, 4.8 4.8 4.9-4.12 4.13 4.14 Page 5.1, 5.2 5.3 5.
Introduction Welcome to Simplicity Australia The Management and Staff of Simplicity Australia would like to thank you and congratulate you on your decision to purchase a new Simplicity Air Seeder. The design of your Simplicity Air Seeder incorporates many innovative features to make your farming operations easier, more efficient, and as the name suggests, simpler. Your Simplicity Air Seeder has been designed and manufactured with the utmost care and pride.
Introduction Company Profile Simplicity Australia Pty Ltd designs and manufactures the most comprehensive and innovative range of Air Seeders and Tillage Equipment in Australia today. Simplicity Australia has its origins as a small business in Dalby Queensland that started manufacturing Air Seeders in 1979, utilising an auger type metering system. David Law, owner and Director of Simplicity Australia, saw the potential and bought the Business in 1982.
Introduction Product Overview Design Specifications Bins Bins, powder coated inside and out for first class corrosion protection, are fully sealed and feature strong leak proof joins, heavy duty ladder, safety rails, walkways and fully adjustable lids. A swing away bottom door as well as an externally controlled clean out door for easy cleaning of bins. Heavy duty chassis and choice of bin split for double and triple shooting as well as splitting and blending practices.
Safety Safety Instructions All equipment manufactured by Simplicity Australia has been designed to provide long term trouble free operation with the personal safety of the Operator and others the number one priority. The equipment can only be manufactured as safe as the person operating it. With this in mind it is very important that the information contained in this Operator’s Instruction Manual is read and understood.
Safety Location of Safety Decals LHS and Rear WARNING: Ensure all hitch point safety chains are in place. A safety chain will assist in maintaining control of the equipment should it become separated. An uncontrollable machine could cause serious injury or death. WARNING: Confined Space. Do not enter any bin unless tractor is switched off and keys removed. Always have another person present when working in the bin Inside bin WARNING: Rolling Hazard. Ensure wheels are securely blocked before unhooking.
Safety Location of Safety Decals RHS and Front WARNING: Confined Space. Do not enter any bin unless tractor is switched off and keys removed. Always have another person present when working in the bin CAUTION: Do NOT open bin lids while blower is operating. Release of lids under pressure will cause unwanted movement of seed or fertilizer which could result in injury. WARNING: A ‘crush zone’ is developed in this area when connecting the implement to the seeder.
Safety Road and Field Travel Simplicity Air Seeders are designed for the infield applications of fertiliser and sowing of seed and therefore are not designed for continuous, high speed, road travel. However, it is understood that the locations of some working areas would necessitate that the Simplicity Air Seeder be moved on public roads from time to time for the purpose of carrying out sowing operations.
Operation Hooking Up Overview – Castoring Front Axle (TQC Models) All Simplicity Air Seeders fitted with a castoring front axle (TQC) are positioned at the rear of the cultivator. The standard connection of the Air Seeder to the cultivator is achieved using a fixed clevis hitch, stiff bar with stablising chains and pivoting clevis hitch. The fixed clevis hitch is mounted in the centre of the rear bar of the cultivator using the hardware supplied.
Operation Filling and Emptying Bins Filling Simplicity Air Seeders are manufactured with either two or three bins. The procedures for filling and emptying all bins is essentially the same for all models. Any bin can be filled with either seed or fertiliser. The successful set up and calibration of the Simplicity Air Seeder is not dependant on the seed or fertiliser being placed in a specific bin.
Operation Filling and Emptying Bins Emptying Simplicity Australia Air Seeders are designed so that emptying the bins is a quick and simple operation. The method for transferring the product to storage should be determined prior to emptying the bins and would be dependant on how much product is left in the bins. A genuine Simplicity Australia load/unload auger is available for most Simplicity Air Seeders. If the Air Seeder has an auger fitted refer to Pages 7.5 – 7.
Operation Air Seeder Calibration Actuator Controlled Metering Linear Actuator Controlled Metering provides the Operator with the ability to change application rates ‘on the go’ from the tractor cabin. Used in conjunction with the Simplicity E15 Seeder Console, manual application rate adjustments can be made from the tractor cabin. Automated application rates are not possible with the Simplicity E15 Seeder Console as there is no GPS function or prescription mapping capabilities.
Operation Calibrating Sowing Rates To achieve accurate sowing rates it is important to have available: An accurate set of scales. A bag or two of each product to be sown A container to catch the product to be weighed. By carefully following the steps outlined below accurate sowing rates will be achieved. Step 1. Place one or two bags of seed or fertiliser into the bin to be calibrated. Important: Clean out door must be closed and locked prior to filling the bin with product. Step 2.
Operation Step 8. Using the large metering shaft calibration handle, turn the calibration shaft in a clockwise direction to produce an adequate sample size. NB. There is no need to count the calibration handle turns. Step 9. Record the weight of the product metered and enter into the Simplicity E15 Actuator Drive Seed Rate Controller as per the Actuator Drive Seed Rate Controller Operators Manual.
Operation Tips for Calibrating Sowing Rates When calibrating low sowing rates, the calibration handle should be turned as many times as to provide a reasonable sample size. Turn the calibration handle clockwise only. Always remember to ‘tare’ the container When using one product eg. Wheat and no fertiliser, it is possible to use more than one bin to increase the sowing capabilities of the Air Seeder.
Operation Higher Sowing Rates If higher sowing rates are required and cannot be achieved when the calibration dial is on 100%, the two sprockets on the metering unit can simply be reversed. These sprockets are located on the side of the metering unit opposite the calibration dial. To reverse the sprockets, firstly loosen the chain tensioner and remove the chain. Remove the spacing clips behind each sprocket. Move the sprockets inwards to allow access to the retaining pins.
Operation IMPORTANT The following pages contain the procedures required to calibrate the Air Seeder as Standard Ground Drive Metering, NOT Linear Actuator Controlled Metering, and should be used as a ‘check method’ if the Linear Actuator calibration is questionable or, to take over operation in the unlikely event that a linear actuator component fails.
Operation Step 3. Determine Corrected Tyre Circumference Corrected Tyre Circumference is the Actual Tyre Circumference divided by the ‘step up’ ratio of the ground drive mechanism of the Air Seeder. Record the Corrected Tyre Circumference in the space provided on this page. The ‘step up’ ratio (which is usually 3.0) is stamped on the Serial Number plate located on the rear left corner of the Air Seeder Step 4. Determining the number of Calibration Handle turns per hectare.
Operation Air Delivery System Overview The air volume required to move the product from the Air Seeder bin to the sowing boots is supplied by a hydraulically driven aluminum impellor encased in a cast housing. Air is drawn into the impellor through the hydraulic system oil cooler. The oil cooler is mounted on the rear of the bin high enough to clear raised dust and trash produced by the sowing operation.
Operation Setting the Blower Speed Setting the blower speed to correctly match the equipment and required sowing rates is important for operating the Air Seeder to maximum efficiency. The Air Seeder blower motor is hydraulically driven. Controlling the amount of oil flowing to the motor controls the blower speed and the amount of air volume the blower can produce. Closed Centre Hydraulic System IMPORTANT Seeding kit size, layout and setup is directly related to blower performance.
Operation Blower speed and pressure does not control the sowing rate but it is very important that enough air is available to move the required amount of product from the bin to the top of the secondary head without blocking (too little air volume) or causing seed bounce (too much air volume) Operating pressure above 8 kpa should be considered excessive.
Operation Double or Triple Shooting and Splitting Double or Triple Shooting and Splitting are techniques used to improve the practice of deep banding and side dressing as well as separating or mixing seed and fertilisers to meet specific requirements. Double or Triple Shooting refers to the practice of sowing seed and fertiliser through separate air lines so that they are placed separately in the soil.
Operation Blower Metering (bin 1) - Grain Metering Unit (Bin 2) – ‘N’ Fertiliser Unit 1 2 Levers place Grain into 3 separate primary lines Metering Unit 3 (Bin 3) – ‘P’ Fertiliser Levers place ‘N’ into 3 separate primary lines P&N Grain & P P&N Grain & P P&N Grain & P Simplicity Australia Levers place ‘P’ Fertiliser partly into 3 seed primary lines and partly into 3 fertiliser primary lines Page 3.15 Version 1.
Operation Plan View – Six Row Double Shoot Metering Unit vanes positioned to direct SEED into air streams 2,4 & 6 Metering Unit vanes positioned to direct ‘P’ FERTILISER into air streams 1 – 6, mixing with seed in air streams 2,4 & 6 Metering Unit vanes positioned to mix ‘N’ FERTILISER with ‘P’ FERTILISER in Lines 1,3 & 5 Simplicity Australia Page 3.16 Version 1.
Operation Worksheet – Double, Triple Shooting and Splitting Simplicity Australia Page 3.17 Version 1.
Operation Use of Air Restrictors The use of air restrictors may be necessary while double or triple shooting when rates vary greatly. eg. 4kg/ha of canola in one shoot and 100 kg/ha of fertiliser in the second shoot. Air will always take the line of least resistance Naturally, increased air volume is required to move higher rates of heavier product.
Operation Use of Metering Unit Spool Covers When seed is not required from a particular metering spool, it may be simply and quickly blanked off using a spool cover to cover 100% of the metering spool.
Operation Canola Covers Canola covers are used to restrict spools being used to meter small seed, such as canola. These covers are similar to the 100% spool cover except for a hole in either the right or left side. The metering spool length of 75mm is divided into two sections. One section is 25mm wide and the other is 50mm wide. The canola cover effectively blanks off the 50 mm section and meters the seed through the hole which lines up with the 25mm section of spool.
Operation Notes Simplicity Australia Page 3.21 Version 1.
Operation Calculating required Bin Split To calculate the bin split most suited to the sowing program, choose the product to be used and record the application rates for each product. For this example the following assumptions will be made: The sowing program requires 60 kg/ha of Grain, 60 kg/ha of Super and 70 kg/ha of Urea. *60 kg of grain is equal to 77 litres, 60 kg of Super is equal to 60 litres and 70 kg of Urea is equal to 90 litres.
Operation Bin Split Plan 6000 Double 6000 Triple Simplicity Australia Page 3.23 Version 1.
Operation Changing Bin Splits The bin dividers have either been set in the factory or by the Dealer as to the Customers initial requirements. Simplicity Australia recognises that farming practices change from time to time and have provided the versatility of simply being able to reposition bin dividers which will change each bins capacity should the need arise. Changing the bin dividers is a relatively simple task that requires two people. Allow two hours maximum, depending on the change required.
Operation Seeding Kit Components and Terminology Simplicity Air Seeders are designed to suit, and work efficiently with, all makes and models of cultivator or seeding tool. As Simplicity Australia has no control over which cultivator is to be used, a common seeding kit has been developed to suit all. Seeding kits are an integral part of the Air Seeders performance. Incorrectly fitted or incompatible seeding kits can have a severe adverse effect on the performance of the Air Seeder.
Operation Seeding Kit Components and Terminology (con’t) Secondary Lines The Secondary Line is either a 44.5mm or 50mm (depending on the primary divider) internal diameter smooth bore hose that transfers the air and the metered product from the primary divider to the secondary head up tube. Secondary Head Uptube The Secondary Head Uptube is either 44.5mm 50mm or 63 mm outside diameter tube which transfers the air and metered product from the secondary line up to the secondary head.
Operation Optional Seeding Kit Components Cyclones Cyclones are used as a quick and convenient way of changing sowing configuration. In row cropping operations a quick change, for example, from a thirty two row winter crop configuration to an eight row summer crop configuration is easily achieved by rerouting four secondary lines through one cyclone to one sowing boot. For this example the thirty two secondary lines would be connected to eight cyclones and which would then deliver product to eight tynes.
Operation Seeding Kit Configurations and Terminology There are a number of different configurations and combinations for Seeding Kit set up. Single Shoot – Single shoot seeding kits are used when the product is delivered to one sowing boot only. Double Shoot – Double shoot seeding kits are used when two products are kept separate and placed in two separate zones. Double shoot requires the use of two separate seeding kits.
Operation Seeding Kit Setup Overview Simplicity Australia designs a seeding kit to achieve maximum performance from the Simplicity Air Seeder. Seeding kits and the correct fitment has a direct relationship to Air Seeder performance. Incorrect seeding kit set up can result in problems such as blockages, force feeding, unacceptable distribution, poor Air Seeder performance and low or uneven crop yields.
Operation Step 1. Sketch secondary head position and plan the positioning of the secondary head uptubes. Step 2. Mount secondary head risers into position Step 3. Fold the implement and check for clash points Step 4. Mount primary dividers in position considering that the secondary hoses should all be the same length and no more than five metres long (refer to examples below) Step 5. Connect secondary hoses. Fold implement and check that secondary hose doesn’t kink or foul on fold lines Step 6.
Operation Simplicity Australia E15 Seeder Console The Simplicity Australia E15 Seeder Console used in conjunction with the Linear Actuator controlled ground drive metering system will monitor the Air Seeder functions below as well as manually* control the application rates ‘on the go’ from the tractor cabin.
Operation Software and Hardware Versions The above screen is displayed for 60 seconds each time the Seeder Console is switched on using the ‘power’ switch. It is not necessary to have this information displayed for the full 60 seconds if not required. When the screen is displayed simply push the ‘enter’ button to move into the working screen.
Maintenance Lubrication and Maintenance Owners of Simplicity Australia product are encouraged to adopt a regular lubrication and maintenance program. Proper care, regular maintenance and lubrication will ensure years of trouble free operation and product life By following the Pre Season, Daily, Weekly and After Sowing lubrication and maintenance programs outlined in this Operators Manual and in conjunction with your preferred Simplicity Australia Dealer, long and trouble free operation is achievable.
Maintenance Daily Checklist (To be carried out daily before using the Air Seeder) The following checklist is essentially the same for all Simplicity Air Seeders. It should be followed after the initial installation of the air seeder is completed then on a daily basis. Periodically check wheel nut tension throughout the first days after delivery until wheel nut tension is maintained. Ensure all hydraulic lines are correctly coupled at all breakaway connections.
Maintenance After Sowing Maintenance Simplicity Australia does not recommend washing any part of the Air Seeder with high pressure water as component life can be shortened due to water ingress. The use of water while carrying out After Sowing Maintenance should be limited to washing the exterior of the Air Seeder with regards to the note below.
Disconnect, rotate & grease all swivel hitch components As per “After Sowing Maintenance” Page 3 X Check ‘T’ Box oil levels Check Zeromax box oil levels All chains tension Grease metering unit bearings Grease ‘T’ Box drive shafts Grease wheel bearings Check clutch retaining bolt X X X X X Check sealing of bin lids Safety chains in place Hitch pins in place & secure Clean oil cooler core Check wheel bearing preload Adjust wheel nut tension Change hydraulic filter Check swing away door s
Maintenance Grease Points and Lube Intervals Daily Seasonal Page 4.6 Zeromax Drives Seasonal Seasonal Metering Units Daily 100 Page 4.6 Seasonal T Boxes Metering Units & Drive Shafts Page 4.7 Oil Cooler Page 4.7 Filter Simplicity Australia Page 4.5 Version 1.
Maintenance Oil Levels ‘T’ Box The Airseeder can be fitted with up to five (depending on the number of bins) angle drive gearboxes commonly known as ‘T’ boxes. Proper maintenance of the ‘T’ boxes will ensure the metering drive system remains in good order throughout the sowing season. The oil level in each ‘T’ Box should be checked at the start of the sowing season.
Maintenance Blower Maintenance Oil Cooler Air is drawn into the blower through a hydraulic oil cooler/heat exchanger as explained on Page 3.11 Keeping the passage of air through the oil cooler/heat exchanger clear and unrestricted is vital to the optimum performance of the Air Delivery System.
Maintenance Replacing the Hydraulic Oil Filter (con’t) The hydraulic filter element should be changed after the initial ten hours work and then prior to each sowing season or if the service indicator shows red at any time during sowing operations. The hydraulic system must be ‘off’ and lines must be ‘depressurised’ before changing the filter. Using an oil filter wrench, remove the filter bowl and drain the oil into a suitable container.
Maintenance Checking for Air Leaks During sowing operations the bins are pressure equalised with the metering units. It is therefore very important that there are no air leaks in the air delivery system. Leaks can occur in various places and can cause loss of pressure or pressure unbalance with the result of sowing rates becoming erratic or stalling. To avoid problems with the sowing rates it is recommended to check for air leaks prior to sowing.
Maintenance Check the seal inside the bin lid for damage. If damaged replace the seal. Check that the seal is positioned so it will contact the lip around the top of the bin when the lid is closed. When closing the lids check that the latches close with ‘over centre’ force. This will ensure that the lids are tight and pressure is applied to the seal.
Maintenance Check the seal inside the doors for damage. If damaged replace the seal. When closing the door make certain that there is nothing likely to be wedged between the door seal and the sealing surface. Further sealing adjustment can be achieved by adjusting the three screws when the door is closed.
Maintenance WARNING: Confined Space. Do NOT enter any bin unless tractor is switched off and keys removed. Always have another person present while working in the bin. If a leak has occurred a visual check will show a clean area on the bin wall that is usually dusty. This is caused by an air stream coming through the bin divider and blowing product from a section of the wall around the leak area.
Maintenance Record of Service and Repairs Date Service/Repair Simplicity Australia Carried out by: Dealer/Owner Page 4.13 Comments Version 1.
Maintenance Notes Simplicity Australia Page 4.14 Version 1.
Trouble Shooting Sowing Operation Concern Application Rates too low Probable Cause Suggested Remedy a) Bin lid leaking a) Check bin lid is closed and latched b) Check condition of lid seal and replace if necessary c) Check for broken or loose over centre bin lid latch or hinge d) Check and adjust bin lid for air tight seal b) Scales not accurate a) Refer Page 3.7 for more information concerning accuracy of scales.
Trouble Shooting Sowing Operation Concern Sowing Tubes Blocking Probable Cause Suggested Remedy a) Air Volume too low Check and adjust blower air volume to the minimum required especially with small seeds. Refer Pages 3.12 &3.13 b) Sowing tube restrictions a) Check for, and repair any, air line restrictions eg. kinked hoses, sowing boot blockage etc. b) Check seeding kit layout for unnecessary dips or curves etc.
Trouble Shooting Blower Operation Concern Blower does not operate Probable Cause Suggested Remedy a) Tractor hydraulic system failed Consult the authorised Tractor Dealer b) Hydraulic line from the tractor to the blower motor not connected Check all breakaway couplings between the Airseeder hydraulic blower motor and the tractor are connected c) Breakaway coupling failed Check all coupling ball or pintle ends are free, in position and not under pressure Blower operates erratically a) Tractor hydr
Troubleshooting Notes Simplicity Australia Page 5.4 Version 1.
Miscellaneous Tyre Specs and Operating Pressures Tyre Pressure Chart Standard Tyre Configuration Pressure Model Front psi kPa TR2 3000 Optional Tyre Configuration Pressure Rear psi kPa 14.9-24 22 152 Pressure Front psi kPa Pressure Rear psi kPa 18.4-30 14 97 TQC2 4500 11.0-16 30 207 14.9-24 14 97 TQC3 4500 11.0-16 30 207 14.9-24 14 97 TR2 4500 18.4-30 20 138 23.1-30 14 97 TR3 4500 18.4-30 20 138 23.1-30 14 97 TR2 4500 2MC 15.
Miscellaneous Useful Formulae/Conversions Length 1 km = 0.62 mile 1 mile = 1.609 km 1m 3.28 ft 1 ft 0.304 m 1 mm = 0.039 inch 1 inch = 25.40 mm Area 1 ha 10,000 m2 = 2.47 acre 1 acre = 4840 sq. yd = 0.40 ha 1 km2 = 0.38 sq. mile 1 sq. mile = 2.589 km2 Volume 1 m3 = 35.31 cu.ft 1 cu.ft = 0.028 m3 1 litre = .22 gal. 1 gal 4.54 litre 1 litre = 0.26 US gal 1 US gal = 3.78 litre 1 bushel = 8.00 gal 1 litre = 0.027 bushel 1 Bushel = 36.36 litre Pressure 1 psi = 6.
Miscellaneous Risk Assessment Hazard Checklist for Air Seeders Product Description Simplicity Air Seeder Model Serial Number Date of Inspection Location of Inspection Inspected by: Signature Hazard Risk Source Safety Measure Dalby Safety Measure Check? Yes Incorrect Operation Lack of Information Comprehensive Operator’s Manual with safety and operating information Slipping or Falling Riding on the Air Seeder Ladder Warning decal fitted Standard step height and hand rail Non s
Miscellaneous Notes Simplicity Australia Page 6.4 Version 1.
Optional Equipment Small Seeds Box The Small Seeds Box is an optional extra designed to fit most Simplicity Australia Air Seeders and is supplied factory fit when the seeder is manufactured or can be retro fit at a later time. The small seeds box is available in five different litre capacities dependent on the Air Seeder to which it is to be fitted. 3000 litre air seeders can be optioned with a 4500 6000 9000 12000 15000 200 225 300 450 600 600 litre small seeds box.
Optional Equipment Step 7: Weigh the metered product and adjust the calibration dial up or down to achieve the correct rate. Step 8: Refit the bottom calibration door and any drive shafts that have been removed. Use of Restrictors with Small Seeds Box As small seeds are usually applied at lower rates, restrictors can be necessary for similar reasons to those outlined on Page 3.18. A 2.5” – 1.75” restrictor for the small seeds box is installed at the factory in the metering unit outlet/s.
Optional Equipment Lubrication and Maintenance Pre Season Prior to the sowing season the small seeds box drive components should be checked to ensure all is in good order. Proper care, regular maintenance and lubrication will ensure years of trouble free operation and product life Check small seeds box drive chain and tensioner rollers for wear and proper alignment.
Optional Equipment Notes Simplicity Australia Page 7s.4 Version 1.
Simplicity Australia Pty Ltd 18 Loudoun Road P.O. Box 267 Dalby QLD 4405 Australia www.simplicityaus.com.au Disclaimer: We reserve the right to alter the design or discontinue any of the Company’s products or services without notice. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, our Company Policy of continual research and product development necessitates changes and refinements which may not be reflected in these pages.
