Farm Star MP-214 User Manual
OWNER’S/
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.’s
MPLP-112
MP-114
MP-214
CAUTION
For Safe Operation
Read Rules And
Instructions Carefully
SINO LEEINGLES, PIDAAYUDA
A AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA
PARA QUE LE TRADUZCA LAS
MEDIDAS DE SEGURIDAD.
3 PT. MOLDBOARD PLOWS
Safety Instructions Assembly & Mounting
Tractor Preparation Maintenance
Operating Instructions Repair Parts
2 Bottom
Standard
1 Bottom
Standard
Low
Profile
CAUTION
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO BEGIN ASSEMBLING THIS MACHINE
1. Select an area for assembly that is clean and free of any
debris which might cause persons working on the
assembly to trip.
2. Do not lift heavy parts or assemblies. Use crane, jack,
tackle, fork trucks or other mechanical devices.
3. Preview the assembly instructions in your operator’s
manual before proceeding further.
4. If the assembly instructions call for parts or assemblies to
be blocked up, use only blocking material that is in good
condition and is capable of handling the weight of the
assembly to be blocked. Also insure that the blocking
material is on a clean, dry surface.
5. Never put hands, or any part of body, under blocked up
assemblies if at all possible.
6. After completing assembly, thoroughly inspect the
machine to be sure that all nuts, bolts, hydraulic fittings
or any other fastened assemblies have been thoroughly
tightened.
7. Before operating the machine, thoroughly read the
operation section of your operator’s manual.
8. Before operating, read the maintenance section of your
operator’s manual to be sure that any parts requiring
lubrication, such as gearboxes, are full, to avoid any
possible damage.
9. Before operating equipment – If you have any
questions regarding the proper assembly or
operation, contact your dealer or representative.
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TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
OWNER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before using your Moldboard Plow. This manual is provided to give you the necessary
operating and maintenance instructions for keeping your plow in top operating condition. Please read this manual thoroughly. Understand what each control is for and how to use it. Observe all safety signs on the machine
and noted throughout the manual for safe operation of implement. Keep this manual handy for ready reference.
Like all mechanical products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the plow as specified.
Use only genuine Farm Star service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet standards
required for safe and satisfactory operation. Record the model and serial number of your plow here:
Model:________________________________________ Serial Number:_______________________________
RETAIL CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to read the Operator’s Manual, to operate,
lubricate, maintain, and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures.
Failure of the operator to read the Operator’s Manual is a misuse of this equipment.
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator’s responsibility to inspect the product and to have any part(s)
repaired or replaced when continued operation would cause damage or excessive wear to other parts or
cause a safety hazard.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized Farm Star Dealer, from
whom he purchased it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are covered by warranty.
Repairs to be submitted for warranty consideration must be made within forty-five (45) days of failure.
It is the Retail Customer’s responsibility for any cost incurred by the Dealer for traveling to or hauling
of the product for the purpose of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.
SINO LEEINGLES, PIDA AYUDA A
AIGUIEN QUE SI LO LEA PARA QUE
LE TRADUZCA LAS MEDIDAS DE
SEGURIDAD.
STATEMENT
OF POLICY
It is the policy of Farm Star
to improve its products
where it is possible and practical
to do so. Farm Star
reserves the right to make
changes or improvements in
design and construction at any
time, without incurring the obligation to make these changes on
previously manufactured units.
T o the Owner/Operator/Dealer
All implements with moving parts are potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded operator who recognizes the potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices. The manufacturer has designed this
implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of accidents.
BEFORE YOU START!!
Read the safety messages on the implement and shown in your manual.
Observe the rules of safety and common sense!
THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL IDENTIFIES IMPORTANT
SAFETY WARNING MESSAGES. CAREFULL YREAD EACH
WARNING MESSAGE THAT FOLLOWS. FAILURE TO
UNDERSTAND AND OBEY A SAFETY WARNING, OR
RECOGNIZE A SAFETY HAZARD, COULD RESULT IN AN
INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS AROUND YOU.
THE OPERATOR IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SAFETY OF HIMSELF, AS WELL AS OTHERS, IN THE
OPERATING AREA OF THE TRACTOR AND ATTACHED
EQUIPMENT.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your tractor,
before assembly or operating, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the implement owner’s responsibility, if this
machine is used by any person other than yourself, is loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to
operating:
1. Reads and understands the operator’s manuals.
2. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against by mechanical
means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read and understand this entire manual, paying
particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using. If there is something in this manual you
do not understand, ask your supervisor, or your dealer, to explain it to you.
THIS SYMBOL MEANS
– A TTENTION!
– BECOME ALERT!
– YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING
and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal word for each has been selected
using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme
situations typically for machine components which, for
functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
If you have questions not answered in this manual or require additional copies or the manual is damaged, please
contact your dealer or the manufacturer directly.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed. It may also
be used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
3 20
SAFETY INFORMATION (continued)
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a new piece of equipment.
Designers and manufacturers build in as many safety features as possible. However, every year many
accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to
handling equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions in
this section. To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those working with you, or for
you, follow them.
To prevent injury or death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll-Over Protective System (ROPS). Do not paint
over, remove or deface any safety signs or warning signs on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and
practice the instruction on them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question –
DON’T TRY IT.
Do not modify the equipment in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or safety and
could affect the life of the equipment.
In addition to the design and configuration of this implement, including Safety Signs and Safety Equipment,
hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper
training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the machine. Refer also
to Safety Messages and Operation Instructions in each of the appropriate sections of the Tractor and
Implement Manuals. Pay close attention to the Safety Signs affixed to the Tractor and the Implement.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should be a
responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow
persons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a
thorough understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current sign.
Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
SAFETY SIGNS
SAFETY INFORMATION
(continued)
All equipment is potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded operator who
recognizes potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices.
When the use of hand tools is required to perform any part of assembly, installation, adjustment, maintaining,
repairing of the implement, be sure the tools used are designed and recommended by the tool manufacturer
for that specific task.
Personal protection equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves are recommended during
assembly, installation, operation, adjustment, maintaining, repairing of the implement.
Always use two people to handle heavy, unwieldy components during assembly, installation of the implement.
Never place any part of your body where it would be in danger if movement should occur during assembly,
installation, operation, maintaining, repairing of the implement.
Never place yourself between the tractor and implement while implement is in operation.
Do not work under a raised implement unless it is securely blocked or held in position. Do not depend on the
tractor hydraulic system to hold the implement in place.
Aheavy load can cause instability of the tractor . Use extreme care during travel. Slow down on turns and watch
out for bumps. The tractor may need front counter-weights to counter-balance the weight of the implement.
Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs which can hinder alertness or coordination while operating this
equipment. Consult your doctor about operating this machine while taking prescription medications.
Do not allow others to ride on the tractor with an operator. Riders are subject to injury such as being struck by
foreign objects or being thrown off. Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in unsafe operation. Never
allow anyone to ride on the implement!
Before you operate the equipment, check over all pins, bolts and connections to be sure all are securely in
place. Replace any damaged or worn parts immediately.
Do not allow anyone who is not familiar with the safety rules and operation instructions to use this equipment.
Never allow children to operate or be around equipment.
Know your controls and how to stop tractor, engine, and implement quickly in an emergency. Read this
manual and the one provided with your tractor.
Keep alert and watch the front as well as the rear when working with equipment.
5 18
SAFETY INFORMATION (continued)
When maneuvering close to buildings or passing through narrow areas, be sure to allow sufficient clearance
for the implement and tractor.
Do not operate close to ditches or creeks. Slow down when operating over rough ground.
When removing, or adjusting equipment, be sure that your feet are never under the implement.
Be careful to avoid catching the implements on stumps, rocks, or other immovable objects.
Use extra care when working on slopes.
Avoid excessive speed during operation.
Make implement adjustments only when the implement is attached to the tractor.
Do not replace shear bolt with a hard bolt. Damage could result to implement and sudden stop to tractor could
dislodge operator from tractor seat causing injury.
Always ease the tractor into the load.
Never operate tractor and implement under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators can be knocked off the
tractor and then run over by the implement.
When driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 20 mph (32 kph) at night or during the
day, use flashing amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem.
Always be sure the implement is in the proper raised position for transport.
Reduce speed when transporting mounted implements to avoid bouncing and momentary loss of steering
control. Reduce speed on rough roads.
Coulter blades are sharp. Do not allow blades to roll over or fall onto any part of body. Do not allow wrenches
to slip when working near coulter blades. Do not climb over machine above coulter blades when there is a
possibility of slipping and falling on them. Serious injury can result from carelessness while working near
coulter blades.
Be certain the tractor is in neutral or park position before starting engine.
Take all possible precautions when leaving unit unattended: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine
and remove key from ignition. Park in level area.
SAFETY INFORMATION
(continued)
Following operation or when unhooking, stop the tractor, set the brakes, shut off the engine, relieve all
hydraulic pressure and remove the ignition keys.
Store the unit in an area away from human activity. Do not park equipment where it will be exposed to livestock for long periods of time. Damage and livestock injury could result.
Do not permit children to play on or around the stored unit.
Make sure all parked machines are on a hard, level surface and engage all safety devices.
If blocking is used, make sure it is solid and secure before leaving area.
Never replace hex bolts with less than grade five bolts unless otherwise specified, i.e. shear bolts. Refer to
bolt torque chart for head identification marking.
Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine factory replacement
parts must be used to restore your equipment to original specifications. The manufacturer will not claim
responsibility for use of unapproved parts and/or accessories and other damages as a result of their use.
If equipment has been altered in any way from original design, the manufacturer does not accept any liability
for injury or warranty.
Never work under equipment unless it is blocked securely. Never depend on hydraulic system to keep implement in raised position.
Keep all persons away from operator control area while performing adjustments, service, or maintenance.
Turn curves or go up or down hills only at a low speed and at a gradual steering angle. Make certain that at
least 20% of the tractor’s weight is on the front wheels to maintain safe steerage. Slow down on rough or
uneven surfaces, and loose gravel.
Pick up all rocks and other debris before operation. Enter new areas carefully. Never assume an area is clear.
Always Check!
7 16
TRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
AND PREPA R ATION
The One and Two Bottom Moldboard Plows provide
excellent soil tillage for small and hobby farms. Each
plow has shear-bolt protection to protect the unit from
underground objects.
The “low profile” one bottom 12” plow is designed for
small tractors having low profile configuration and a Cat.
O (20” spacing) or a Cat. I (26” spacing) with 7/8” pull
pins.
Coulters and trashboards are NOT available for this
model.
The one and two bottom 14” plows are for standard
size tractors equipped with a Cat. I (26” spacing) 3 pt.
hitch.
Generally, it requires 1 hp for each 1 inch of moldboard
plow width, ie, 12” plow requires 12 hp, 14” plow requires
14 hp, and a two bottom 14” plow requires 28 hp. Small
compact tractors may need to be larger than this general
rule.
Check the tractor’s 3-point hydraulic lift system. It
should operate up and down smoothly and hold its
position when set. Refer to your tractor owner’s manual
or dealer for any adjustments necessary to put the 3point hydraulic lift system in good working order. (I&T
shop manuals will list most specifications and adjustment
instructions – available from most farm equipment
dealers.)
Check the hydraulic system. Be sure the tractor
hydraulic oil and filter have been serviced according to
the tractor manufacturer’s recommendations.
Smaller size tractors may need front counter weights to
counter-balance the weight of the implement.
It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a
Rollover Protection System (ROPS) and a seat belt that
is used.
It is important that your tractor be properly prepared to
obtain the best and safest operation from your plow. The
following procedures are recommended. In addition,
review your tractor manual for instructions on adjustments and use of three point hitch control features,
ballast weighting, and tire pressures.
BALLAST WEIGHTING
Mounted plows normally require added weight to the
tractor to maintain proper stability and traction during
operation and transport.
1) An 80% tire fill of ballast fluid is usually enough for the
rear tires. It may be necessary in some cases to add
metal weights to prevent tire slippage.
2) Add front end weights if there is floating action on the
front of the tractor when plowing. Approximately 100 lbs.
of additional front end weight is usually needed for each
plow bottom when working in average soil.
3) To determine proper weighting, check the soil
between the rear tire lug prints. When pulling a full plow
load, the soil should be broken or shifted slightly. Too
much weight will cause sharp, firm tread marks. Slippage
results from insufficient weight, will show up in poorly
defined tread marks.
WHEEL TREAD SETTINGS
Fig. 1 & Table 1 (page 9)
The rear tractor wheel measurements should be made
from center line of tractor to inside wall of tires. The right
tractor wheel should be set to correspond exactly with
the right rear wheel as measured to inside walls of the
tires. See table 1 for correct wheel spacings for number
and size of plow bottoms being used.
TIRE INFLATION
Proper tire inflation can be determined by checking the
tire lugs on a cement surface. The tire is correctly inflated if approximately 90% of the lug makes contact with
the surface when the tractor is fully weighted.
COULTER ATTACHMENT
Rolling coulters are recommended to make plowing
smoother and neater. Coulters also make plowing easier
by reducing drag. (Not available on 12” low profile
model.)
NOTE: Quick hitches cannot be used with these 3 pt.
moldboard plows. They must connect directly to the
tractor lift arms.
INSTRUCTIONS
Be sure your tractor is in good condition and
properly equipped with counter weights. Read all the
safety precautions and make sure all tractor
operators are familiar with the safety rules of tractor
operation.
CAUTION!
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