Great Plains 2525P Operator Manual
Operator’s Manual
2525P and 2520P
3-Point Precision Seeding System
Manufacturing, Inc.
www.greatplainsmfg.com
Read the operator’s 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!
22705
Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit.
© Copyright 2010 Printed 4/23/2010
118-915M
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Description of Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Intended Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Models Covered in this Manual. . . . . . . . . . 12
Using This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Preparation and Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Prestart Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Hitching Tractor to Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Hydraulic Hose Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Leveling the Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Prestart Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Field Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Meter and Sliding Seed Tube . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Opener Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Marker Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Transporting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Transporting with Markers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Side Gauge Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
20 Series Openers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Opener Down Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Opener Seeding Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Press Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
25 Series Openers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Opener Down Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Spring Down Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Opener Seeding Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Press Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
25 Series Lock-Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Frame Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Single Gauge Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Dual Gauge Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Seeding Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Maintenance and Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Veris Drive Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Seed Rate Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cleaning Out Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Finger Pickup Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Changing Seed Meter Wheel for
20 Series Openers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Changing Seed Meters for 25 Series
Openers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Changing Seed Meter Wheel for
25 Series Openers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adjusting Finger Pick Up Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
General Planting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Population Max Inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Checking Volumetric Seeding Rate . . . . . . . 45
Checking Singulated Seeding Rate . . . . . . . 46
Marker Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Bleeding Marker Hydraulics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Folding Speed with Needle Valves. . . . . . . . 49
Folding Speed with Sequence Valve . . . . . . 49
Marker Disk Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Changing disk angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Marker Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Transport Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Marker Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Seed-Lok™ Lock Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Seed Flap Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Torque Values Chart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Tire Inflation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Dual Gauge Wheel Sprocket Configuration . . . 154
Single Gauge Wheel Sprocket Configuration. . 155
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Drive Speed Range Sprockets . . . . . . . . . . 33
Transmission Sprockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Shutting Off Seed Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
© Copyright 2004, 2010 All rights Reserved
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While every precaution has been taken in the
preparation ofthis manual,Great PlainsManufacturing, Inc.assumes noresponsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed fordamages resultingfrom
the use of the information contained herein. GreatPlains Manufacturing, Inc. reserves theright to revise and improve its products as it sees fit. Thispublication describes
the state of this product at the time of its publication, and may not reflect the product in the future.
The following are trademarks of Great Plains Mfg., Inc.: Application Systems, Ausherman, Land Pride, Great Plains
All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
4/23/2010
Great Plains Manufacturing, Incorporated Trademarks
Printed in the United States of America.
118-915M
Important Safety Information
Look for Safety Symbol
The SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL indicates there is
a potential hazard to personal safety involved and
extra safety precaution must be taken. When you
see this symbol, be alert and carefully read the
message that follows it. In addition to design and
configuration of 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
equipment.
Important Safety Information
1
Be Aware of Signal Words
Signal words designate a degree or level of hazard seriousness.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is limited to the
most extreme situations, typically for machine
components that, for functional purposes, cannot
be guarded.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, 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 which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
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2525P and 2520P
2
Be Familiar with Safety Decals
▲ Read and understand “Safety Decals,” page 7,
thoroughly.
▲ Read all instructions noted on the decals.
Keep Riders Off Machinery
Riders obstruct the operator’s view. Riders could
be struck by foreign objects or thrown from the
machine.
▲ Never allow children to operate equipment.
▲ Keep all bystanders away from machine dur-
ing operation.
Shutdown and Storage
▲ Lower drill, put tractor in park, turn off engine,
and remove the key.
▲ Secure drill using blocks and supports pro-
vided.
▲ Detach and store drill in an area where chil-
dren normally do not play.
Use Safety Lights and Devices
Slow-moving tractors and towed implements can
create a hazard when driven on public roads.
They are difficult to see, especially at night.
▲ Use flashing warning lights and turn signals
whenever driving on public roads.
▲ Use lights and devices provided with imple-
ment.
OFF
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Transport Machinery Safely
Maximum transport speed for implement is 20
mph. Some rough terrains require a slower
speed. Sudden braking can cause a towed load to
swerve and upset.
▲ Do not exceed 20 mph. Never travel at a
speed which does not allow adequate control
of steering and stopping. Reduce speed if
towed load is not equipped with brakes.
▲ Comply with state and local laws.
▲ Do not tow an implement that, when fully
loaded, weighs more than 1.5 times the weight
of towing vehicle.
▲ Carry reflectors or flags to mark drill in case of
breakdown on the road.
▲ Keep clear of overhead power lines and other
obstructions when transporting.
Important Safety Information
3
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the
skin, causing serious injury.
▲ Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before
disconnecting hydraulic lines.
▲ Use a piece of paper or cardboard, NOT
BODY PARTS, to check for suspected leaks.
▲ Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or
goggles when working with hydraulic systems.
▲ If an accident occurs, see a doctor immedi-
ately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be
surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene may result.
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4
Practice Safe Maintenance
▲ Understand procedure before doing work. Use
proper tools and equipment. Refer to this manual for additional information.
▲ Work in a clean, dry area.
▲ Lower the drill, put tractor in park, turn off
engine, and remove key before performing
maintenance.
▲ Make sure all moving parts have stopped and
all system pressure is relieved.
▲ Allow drill to cool completely.
▲ Disconnect battery ground cable (-) before
servicing or adjusting electrical systems or
before welding on drill.
▲ Inspect all parts. Make sure parts are in good
condition and installed properly.
▲ Remove buildup of grease, oil or debris.
▲ Remove all tools and unused parts from drill
before operation.
Prepare for Emergencies
▲ Be prepared if a fire starts.
▲ Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
OFF
▲ Keep emergency numbers for doctor, ambu-
lance, hospital and fire department near
phone.
Wear Protective Equipment
▲ Wear protective clothing and equipment.
▲ Wear clothing and equipment appropriate for
the job. Avoid loose-fitting clothing.
▲ Because prolonged exposure to loud noise
can cause hearing impairment or hearing loss,
wear suitable hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs.
▲ Because operating equipment safely requires
your full attention, avoid wearing radio headphones while operating machinery.
911
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Handle Chemicals Properly
Agricultural chemicals can be dangerous. Improper use can seriously injure persons, animals,
plants, soil and property.
▲ Read and follow chemical manufacturer’s
instructions.
▲ Wear protective clothing.
▲ Handle all chemicals with care.
▲ Avoid inhaling smoke from any type of chemi-
cal fire.
▲ Store or dispose of unused chemicals as
specified by chemical manufacturer.
Use A Safety Chain
▲ Use a safety chain to help control drawn
machinery should it separate from tractor
drawbar.
Important Safety Information
5
▲ Use a chain with a strength rating equal to or
greater than the gross weight of towed
machinery.
▲ Attach chain to tractor drawbar support or
other specified anchor location. Allow only
enough slack in chain to permit turning.
▲ Replace chain if any links or end fittings are
broken, stretched or damaged.
▲ Do not use safety chain for towing.
Tire Safety
Tire changing can be dangerous and should be
performed by trained personnel using correct
tools and equipment.
▲ When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and
extension hose long enough for you to stand
to one side–not in front of or over tire assembly. Use a safety cage if available.
▲ When removing and installing wheels, use
wheel-handling equipment adequate for
weight involved.
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6
Safety At All Times
Thoroughly read and understand the instructions
in this manual before operation. Read all instructions noted on the safety decals.
▲ Be familiar with all drill functions.
▲ Operate machinery from the driver’s seat only.
▲ Do not leave drill unattended with tractor
engine running.
▲ Do not dismount a moving tractor. Dismount-
ing a moving tractor could cause serious injury
or death.
▲ Do not stand between the tractor and drill dur-
ing hitching.
▲ Keep hands, feet and clothing away from
power-driven parts.
▲ Wear snug-fitting clothing to avoid entangle-
ment with moving parts.
▲ Watch out for wires, trees, etc., when folding
markers or raising drill. Make sure all persons
are clear of working area.
▲ Do not turn tractor too tightly, causing drill to
ride up on wheels. This could cause personal
injury or equipment damage.
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Important Safety Information
7
Safety Decals
Your implement comes equipped with all safety
decals in place. They were designed to help you
safely operate your implement.
▲ Read and follow decal directions.
▲ Keep all safety decals clean and legible.
▲ Replace all damaged or missing decals. Order
new decals from your Great Plains dealer.
Refer to this section for proper decal placement.
▲ When ordering new parts or components, also
request corresponding safety decals.
▲ To install new decals:
1. Clean the area on which the decal is to be
placed.
2. Peel backing from decal. Press firmly on
surface, being careful not to cause air
bubbles under decal.
818-003C
Slow Moving Vehicle Label
838-266C
Red Reflectors
Reflectors on outside ends and off center of walkboards; four reflectors total.
17769
19189
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8
838-265C
Amber Reflectors
Reflector on both ends of drill; four reflectors total.
18262
838-267C
Decal Reflectors Daytime
Reflectors on inside ends and off center on walkboards next to red reflectors; four reflectors total.
818-339C
High Pressure Hazard
19189
18262
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818-587C
General Instructions
Important Safety Information
18262
9
818-590C
Crushing Hazard
838-102C
Falling Hazard
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1826218262
19195
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2525P and 2520P
10
818-398C
Falling Hazard
19197
818-855C
Tire Pressure
818-229C
Amber Reflector
Reflector on each optional marker.
19197
18270
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818-682C
Crushing Hazard
Two decals on first section of each optional marker;
four decals total.
Important Safety Information
1827018270
11
818-337C
Excessive Speed Hazard
818-752C
Tire Pressure
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21641
21641
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12
Introduction
Great Plains welcomes you to its growing family of
new product owners. This drill has been designed
with care and built by skilled workers using quality
materials. Proper setup, maintenance and safe
operating practices will help you get years of satisfactory use from the machine.
Description of Unit
The 2525P and 2520P model drills are a 3-point
mounted precision seeding system equipped with
25 and 20 Series openers. The openers are staggered for easy residue flow. Opener depth can be
adjusted.
Intended Usage
Use the drill to seed production-agriculture crops
only. Do not modify the drill for use with attachments other than Great Plains options and
accessories specified for use with the drill.
Models Covered in this Manual
2525P and 2520P
22705
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Using This Manual
This manual will familiarize you with safety, assembly, operation, adjustments, troubleshooting
and maintenance. Read this manual and follow
the recommendations to help ensure safe and efficient operation.
The information in this manual is current at printing. Some parts may change to assure top
performance.
Definitions
The following terms are used throughout this
manual.
Singulated Seeds - seeds that are metered individually, such as soybeans, corn, cotton and milo.
The seed meter separates individual seeds from
the seed pool and distributes them one at a time.
The seed rates are designated as seeds per acre.
Introduction
13
Volumetric Seeds - seeds that are metered by volume such as wheat and rice. The seed meter
separates multiple seeds from the seed pool and
distributes them at a constant flow rate. The seed
rates are designated as pounds per acre.
Sliding seed tubes - telescoping tubes which connect the seed box and seed meters.
Seed meter - the component which separates the
seeds for distribution.
Seed meter wheel - a changeable wheel inside
the seed meter with small pockets for separating
seeds.
Seed wheel pockets - indentations on the seed
meter wheel which collect seeds for distribution to
the opener seed tube.
Refer to Figure 1
Right-hand and left-hand as used in this manual
are determined by facing the direction the machine will travel while in use unless otherwise
stated.
Machine travel
direction
Left-hand
side
Right-hand
side
A crucial point of information related to the preceding topic. For safe and correct operation, read and
follow the directions provided before continuing.
NOTE: Useful information related to the preceding topic.
4/23/2010
Figure 1
18327
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2525P and 2520P
14
Owner Assistance
If you need customer service or repair parts, contact a Great Plains dealer. They have trained
personnel, repair parts and equipment specially
designed for Great Plains products.
Refer to Figure 2
Yourmachine’s parts were specially designedand
should only be replaced with Great Plains parts.
Always use the serial and model number when ordering parts from your Great Plains dealer. The
serial-number plate is located on the main frame
tube on the left end of the drill.
Record your drill model and serial number here for
quick reference:
Model Number:__________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________
Your Great Plains dealer wants you to be satisfied
with your new machine. If you do not understand
any part of this manual or are not satisfied with the
service received, please take the following
actions.
1. Discuss the matter with your dealership service manager. Make sure they are aware of
any problems so they can assist you.
2. If you are still unsatisfied, seek out the owner
or general manager of the dealership.
3. For further assistance write to:
Product Support
Great Plains Mfg. Inc., Service Department
PO Box 5060
Salina, KS 67402-5060
Figure 2
Serial Number Plate
18307
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Preparation and Setup
This section will help you prepare your tractor and
drill for use. Before using the drill in the field, you
must hitch the drill to a suitable tractor and level
the drill.
Prestart Checklist
1. Read and understand “Important Safety Information,” page 1.
2. Check that all working parts are moving freely, bolts are tight, and cotter pins are spread.
3. Check that all grease fittings are in place and
lubricated. Refer to “Lubrication,” page 71.
4. Check that all safety decals and reflectors are
correctly located and legible. Replace if damaged. See “Safety Decals,” page 7.
Preparation and Setup
15
5. Inflate tires to pressure recommended and
tighten wheel bolts as specified. See “Appendix,” page 152.
Hitching Tractor to Drill
You may be severely injured or killed by being crushed
between the tractor and drill. Do not stand or place
any part of your body between drill and moving tractor. Stop tractor engine and set park brake before installing the hitch pin.
1. Raise or lower tractor three-point arms as
needed and pin lower arms to drill.
2. Pin upper arm to drill. For category III and IIIN tractors, install hitch pin in the lower hole.
For category IV-N tractors, install hitch pin in
the upper hole.
3. Slowly raise drill. Watch for cab interference.
4. Adjust top three-point link so that top edge of
drill box is parallel with ground when drilling.
NOTE: Do not use link to adjust opener depth. For
opener adjustments, refer to page 25.
5. Set your tractor three-point-draft control to
float position.
6. Plug lead from drill light harness into tractor
receptacle.
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16
Hydraulic Hose Hookup
Refer to Figure 3
Great Plains hydraulic hoses are color coded to
help you hookup hoses to your tractor outlets.
Hoses that go to the same remote valve are
marked with the same color.
Color Hydraulic Function
Orange Marker Cylinders
To distinguish hoses on the same hydraulic circuit, refer to plastic hose holder. Hose under
extended-cylinder symbol feeds cylinder base
ends. Hose under retracted-cylinder symbol
feeds cylinder rod ends.
17641
Figure 3
Hydraulic Hose Label
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Leveling the Drill
20 Series Opener Single Gauge Wheel
Refer to Figure 4
Initially adjust drill so bottom of opener tube runs
24 inches above ground when drill is lowered in
the field.
Refer to Figure 5
To adjust:
Preparation and Setup
17
1. Make sure block mount of the spring linkage
(2) is in the lower mount hole for planting in
bedded irrigation. The upper hole is for nonbedded ground.
2. Set spring linkage length. Turn spring linkage
to shorten or lengthen as necessary. Initially
set length to 6 1/8 inches between pin centers
to achieve the 24-inch dimension mentioned
above. When adjusting the linkage length, remember:
• Lengthening linkage raises drill.
• Shortening linkage lowers drill.
3. Level drill with top three-point link.
Refer to Figure 6
NOTE: When drill is level, parallel links will be
running slightly uphill towards the front.
The 1-inch dimension shown is a general dimension that will vary with planting conditions.
Make sure the opener mount is running higher than
the opener body. This will ensure an ample reserve
for opener upfloat in case the opener strikes a rock or
other object.
21685
Figure 4
Initial Operating Height
Figure 5
Spring Linkage
18280
4/23/2010
Figure 6
Leveling the Drill
18288
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2525P and 2520P
18
20 Series Opener Dual Gauge Wheels
Refer to Figure 7
Initially adjust drill so bottom of opener tube runs
24 inches above ground when drill is lowered in
the field.
Refer to Figure 8
To adjust:
1. Loosen jam nut near top clevis of each
gauge-wheel turnbuckle.
NOTE: Jam nut is left-hand threaded.
2. Make sure upper clevis (2) is in upper mount
hole as shown.
3. Set turnbuckle length. Turn turnbuckle to
shorten or lengthen as necessary. Initially set
length to 17 1/2 inches between pin centers to
achieve the 24-inch dimension mentioned
above. When adjusting the turnbuckle length,
remember:
Figure 7
Initial Operating Height
18280
• Lengthening turnbuckle raises drill.
• Shortening turnbuckle lowers drill.
4. After adjusting both turnbuckles to the same
length, tighten jam nuts.
5. Level drill with top three-point link.
Refer to Figure 9
NOTE: When drill is level, parallel links will be
running slightly uphill towards the front.
The 1-inch dimension shown is a general dimension that will vary with planting conditions.
Make sure the opener mount is running higher than
the opener body. This will ensure an ample reserve
for opener upfloat in case the opener strikes a rock or
other object.
Figure 8
Gauge-Wheel Turnbuckle
22845
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Figure 9
Leveling the Drill
18288
4/23/2010
25 Series Openers Single Gauge Wheel
Refer to Figure 10
Initially adjust drill so bottom of opener tube runs
26 inches above ground when drill is lowered in
the field.
Refer to Figure 11
To adjust:
1. Make sure block mount of the spring linkage
(2) is in the lower mount hole for planting in
bedded irrigation. The upper hole is for nonbedded ground.
Preparation and Setup
19
2. Set spring linkage length. Turn spring linkage
to shorten or lengthen as necessary. Initially
set length to 6 1/2 inches between pin centers
to achieve the 26-inch dimension mentioned
above. When adjusting the linkage length, remember:
• Lengthening linkage raises drill.
• Shortening linkage lowers drill.
3. Level drill with top three-point link.
Refer to Figure 12
NOTE: When drill is level, parallel links will be
running level or slightly uphill towards the
front.
The 1-inch dimension shown is a general dimension that will vary with planting conditions.
Make sure the opener mount is running higher than
the opener body. This will ensure an ample reserve
for opener upfloat in case the opener strikes a rock or
other object.
22847
Figure 10
Initial Operating Height
Figure 11
Spring Linkage
22530
4/23/2010
Figure 12
Leveling the Drill
22823
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2525P and 2520P
20
Operating Instructions
This section covers general operating procedures. Experience, machine familiarity and the
following information will lead to efficient operation and good working habits. Always operate
farm machinery with safety in mind.
Prestart Checklist
Escaping fluid under pressure can have sufficient pressure to penetrate the skin. Check all hydraulic lines
and fittings before applying pressure. Fluid escaping
from a very small hole can be almost invisible. Use paper or cardboard, not body parts, and wear heavy
gloves to check for suspected leaks. If injured, seek
medical assistance from a doctor that is familiar with
this type of injury. Foreign fluids in the tissue must be
surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene
will result.
1. Carefully read “Important Safety Information,”
page 1.
2. Lubricate drill as indicated under “Lubrication,” page 71.
3. Check all tires for proper inflation. See “Appendix,” page 152.
4. Check all bolts, pins and fasteners. Torque as
shown in “Appendix,” page 152.
5. Check drill for worn or damaged parts. Repair
or replace parts before going to the field.
6. Check hydraulic hoses, fittings and cylinders
for leaks. Repair or replace before going to
the field.
7. Rotate both gauge wheels to see that the
drive and meters are working properly and
free from foreign material.
Watch your step when walking on drill ladder and
walkboard. Falling from drill could cause severe injury or death.
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Field Operation
You may be severely injured or killed by being crushed
between the tractor and drill. Do not stand or place
any part of your body between drill and moving tractor. Stop tractor engine and set park brake before installing pins.
Operating Instructions
21
1. Hitch drill to asuitable tractor orhitch. Refer to
“Hitching Tractor to Drill,” page 15 or your
hitch operator’s manual.
Refer to Figure 13
2. Make sure proper seed meter wheels are in
place. For information on how to change the
seed meter wheels see page 37.
Refer to Figure 14
3. Make sure all seed meter clean out doors are
closed and pinned. For more information see
page 35.
4. Set seeding rate as explained in “Seeding
Rate”, page 32.
Refer to Figure 15
5. Open and pin sliding seed tubes. For further
information see page 34.
6. Load box with clean seed and talc.
7. Raise drill. Rotate gauge wheel. Check that
seed meters, seed tubes and drives are working properly and free from foreign material by
looking for seed flow under each opener.
Seed
meter
wheel
Figure 13
Seed meter wheel in place
Seed meter
clean out door
Retaining
clip
Figure 14
Seed meter clean out door in closed position
18261
22851
8. Record acremeter readout. Subtract initial
reading from later readings to determine
acres drilled.
9. Pull forward, lower drill and begin seeding.
10. Always lift drill out of the ground when turning
at row ends and for other short-radius turns.
Seeding will stop automatically as drill is
raised.
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Sliding seed
tubes
Figure 15
Sliding seed tubes in open position
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22
Meter and Sliding Seed Tube
Refer to Figure 16
Before operation, make sure you are using the correct seed
meter wheel for the seed you are using.
For information on meter adjustments, refer to “Seeding Rate”,
page 33.
If your drill has been exposed to the elements for a period of time
with seed in the boxes, check to make sure the seed in the seed
tubes and meters has not become wet.
Talc Lubricant (1# bottle P/N: 821-046C)
(5# jug P/N: 821-048C)
All talc is not created equal, use Great Plains brand talc
for optimum seed flow.
Talc lubricant is mandatory for all seeds, especially
treated or inoculated seed.
Recommended usage:
Seed tube
Seed
meter
Opener
seed tube
Sliding
Figure 16
Seed Meter
Spring-loaded
idler
18286
For clean seeds sprinkle (1) one cup of talc per 3
bushels of seed.
For seed with excessive treatment, or for humid planting
environments, double or triple talc rate as needed.
Do not use hands or any part of your body to mix talc
lubricant.
Graphite Lubricant (P/N: 821-042C)
For Milo Planting Only
Powdered graphite must be mixed with the milo seed in
combination with talc for proper seed singulation.
Recommended usage:
For clean seeds sprinkle (1) one cup of graphite per 9
bushels of seed.
For seed with excessive treatment, or for humid planting
environments, double or triple graphite rate as needed.
Graphite Powder (1# bottle P/N: 821-042C)
(5# jug P/N: 821-060C)
For Finger Pick Up Meters Only
Use only approved Graphite Powder available from
Great Plains Mfg. Inc. or Precision Planting to ensure
proper lubrication of finger pick-up corn seed meters.
Recommended usage:
For finger pick up meters, add (1) one teaspoon of
graphite for each 4 units of seed corn (320,000 kernels).
In high humidity conditions or if you are using seedbox
seed treatments, or seed corn treated with any insecticides or polymers (Poncho, Prescribe, Cruiser, etc.),
add one teaspoon of graphite for each unit of seed corn
(80,000 kernels).
Do not use hands or any part of your body to mix graphite
lubricant.
118-915M
Do not use hands or any part of your body to mix graphite
lubricant.
4/23/2010
Opener Operation
Do not back up with openers in the ground. To do so
will cause severe damage and opener plugging.
For information on opener adjustments, refer to
page 26 or page 28. For more information on troubleshooting opener problems, see
“Troubleshooting”, page 54.
Marker Operation
Optional marker attachments are available from
your Great Plains dealer. Before operating markers, make sure hydraulics are properly bled as
described under “Marker Adjustments”, page 48.
Dual markers equipped witha sequence valve are
powered off the same hydraulic circuit. Starting
with both markers folded, the folding sequence is:
1. Activate lever - Right unfolds; left stays
folded.
Operating Instructions
23
2. Reverse lever - Right folds; left stays folded.
3. Activate lever - Left unfolds; right stays
folded.
4. Reverse lever - Left folds up; right stays
folded.
5. Sequence repeats.
You can adjust marker folding speed. Refer to
“Marker Adjustments”, page 48, and adjustfolding
speed to a safe rate. Folding markers at high
speed can damage markers.
Transporting
Towing the drill at high speeds or with a vehicle that is
not heavy enough could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Loss of vehicle control could lead to serious road accidents, injury and death. To reduce the hazard, do not
exceed 20 mph. Check that your tractor has enough
ballast to handle the weight of the drill. Refer to your
tractor operator’s manual for ballast requirements.
NOTE: For transporting with drill attached to a
hitch, refer to your hitch operator’s manual.
Before transporting the drill, follow and check
these items:
Unload seed box. Unload seed box before transporting if at all possible. To do so:
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118-915M
2525P and 2520P
24
• Place tarp under drill or a bucket under each
• Use large bucket to empty box as much as
The drill can be transported with a full box of grain,
but the added weight will increase stopping distance and decrease maneuverability.
NOTE: To maintain steering control, you may
need to add ballast to your tractor front end.
Refer to your tractor operator’s manual for ballast required.
Road rules. Comply with all federal, state and lo-
cal safety laws when traveling on public roads.
Refer to Figure 17
seed meter.
possible. Make sure sliding seed tubes are in
the open position. Open seed meter clean out
to empty seed out of sliding seed tube and
meter.
Clearance. Remember that the drill is wider than
the tractor. Allow safe clearance. Fold up walkboard ladder for maximum clearance.
Transporting with Markers
Always transport markers in the folded position.
Parking
For information on long-term storage, refer to
“Storage”, page 70.
Empty seed box before unhitching drill to prevent drill
from falling backward.
NOTE: For parking with drill attached to a hitch,
refer to your hitch operator’s manual.
1. Empty seed box.
2. Park drill on a level, solid surface.
3. Lower three-point hitch until drill is on the
ground.
Figure 17
Ladder Folded for Transport
22878
4. Extend or retract the top link of the tractor until
top three-point pin is free. Remove pin.
5. Remove pins from lower links.
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Adjustments
Adjustments
25
Side Gauge Wheels for 20 and 25 Series
Openers
Refer to Figure 18
The side gauge wheels have two, interrelated adjustments:
• angle of side gauge wheel, and
• distance between side gauge wheel and row unit disk.
Refer to Figure 19
Adjust side-gauge-wheel angle so wheels contact row unit
disks at bottom of wheel at 2” planting depth.
At the same time, keep side gauge wheels close to opener
disks so openers do not plug with soil or trash. However,
wheels should be but far enough out so disks and wheels turn
freely.
• If contact point is between 4 to 8 o’clock but distance
to tire is not correct, add or remove shims as needed. DO
NOT ADJUST BEARING THAT WILL ADJUST WHEELTO-DISK CONTACT AREA ONLY.
Refer to Figure 20
Opener
Disks
Side Gauge
Wheel
Incorrect Correct
Note: Wheel touches at bottom and gaps open
3/8” to 5/8” at top.
Figure 18
Side Gauge Wheels
Side Gauge
Wheel
To adjust Wheel-to-Disk contact area:
1. Raise drill slightly to remove weight from side gauge
wheels.
2. Loosen hex-head bolt (1). Move wheel and arm out on oring bushing.
3. Loosen pivot bolt (2). Turn hex adjuster (3) so indicator
notch (4) is at 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock. Use this as the starting
point for adjustment.
4. Move wheel arm in so side gauge wheel contacts row unit
disk. Tighten hex-head bolt (1) to clamp arm around bushing and shank.
5. Check wheel-to-disk contact at 2” planting depth. Lift
wheel and arm. When let go, wheel should fall freely.
• If wheel does not contact disk at bottom to area where
blade leaves contact with soil, move hex adjuster until
wheel is angled for proper contact with disk.
• If wheel does not fall freely, loosen hex-head bolt (1) and
slide wheel arm out just until wheel and arm move freely.
Retighten hex-head bolt (1) according to grade:
• 1/2” Gr 5 bolt on 25 series, 75 ft-lbs.
• 7/16” Gr 8 bolt on 20 series, 70 ft-lbs.
• 1/2” Gr 8 bolt on 25 series, 110 ft-lbs.
• 5/8” Gr 8 bolt on 20 series, 150 ft-lbs.
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22531
Figure 19
Wheel-to-Disk Contact Area
3
1
2
4
Starting Point
Figure 20
Side Gauge Wheel Adjustment
NOTE: Use “Torque Values Chart”, on page 152
for reference.
6. Keep turning hex adjuster and moving wheel arm
until wheel is adjusted properly. When satisfied,
tighten pivot bolt (2) to 110 foot-pounds.
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26
20 Series Openers
Opener Down Pressure
Refer to Figure 21
Opener springs provide the down pressure necessary for opener disks to open a seed trench.
The springs allow the openers to float down into
depressions and up over obstructions.
You can adjust down pressure individually for
each opener. This is useful for penetrating hard
soil and planting in tire tracks.
Use enough down pressure to cut the seed trench
and maintain proper soil-firming over seed. Excessive opener down force will lead to premature
wear on opener components.
Refer to Figure 22
To adjust down pressure, use adjustment tool
stored under walkboard. Position tool in holes on
spring mounting plates, and pull down. Move the
adjustment cam to the new setting.
Opener spring
Disk
20 Series Opener with Meter
Figure 21
18273
Refer to Figure 23
Minimum and maximum settings are indicated by
position of adjustment cam.
Adjustment
tool
Press Wheel Adjustment
Minimum setting
Adjustment Cam Settings
Figure 22
Figure 23
18409
Maximum setting
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Opener Seeding Depth
Refer to Figure 24
Side depth wheels beside the opener disks control opener seeding depth. The position of an
adjustable stop determines seeding depth.
Refer to Figure 25
Disk
Adjustments
Side depth wheel
Figure 24
20 Series Side Depth Wheel
27
18273
Set opener seeding depth by adjusting handles.
To adjust, first raise openers slightly, then lift and
slide handles on top of openers. Adjust all handles to the same setting.
• For shallower seeding, slide handles forward
toward drill.
• For deeper seeding, slide handles back away
from drill.
Press Wheel
Press wheels are attached to each opener body.
The press wheels close the seed trench and gently press soil over seed.
An adjustable spring in the press-wheel mechanism creates the down pressure needed to close
the seed trench. The amount of force needed will
vary with field conditions.
Handle
Figure 25
20 Series Opener Depth
Less down
pressure
18285
Refer to Figure 26
To adjust, move adjustment handle as shown in.
• For less down pressure, move handleforward
toward drill.
• For more down pressure, move handle back
away from drill.
NOTE: Increased press wheel spring force
may require increased opener down force to
maintain depth.
4/23/2010
Figure 26
Press Wheel Adjustment
More down
pressure
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2525P and 2520P
28
NOTE: The factory setting on the press wheel
is staggered to achieve optimum residue flow.
Refer to Figure 27
If you want to adjust press wheels from staggered
to even, remove 5/8 inch bolt (1), lock washer (2)
and nut (3). Reinstall spacer (4), press wheel (5)
and hardware to the other hole location.
25 Series Openers
Do not back up with openers in the ground. To do so
will cause severe damage and opener plugging.
Opener Down Pressure
Refer to Figure 28
Opener springs provide the down pressure necessary for opener disks to open a seed trench.
The springs allow the openers to float down into
depressions and up over obstructions.
Opener spring
Hole
locations
Figure 27
Press Wheel Stagger
18410
You can adjust down pressure individually for
each opener. This is useful for penetrating hard
soil and planting in tire tracks. For best results always adjust tractor tires so they are not ahead of
30” rows.
Use only enough down pressure to cut the seed
trench and maintain proper soil-firming over seed.
Excessive opener down force will lead to premature wear opener components. Excessive down
force will also cause uneven seed depth.
Refer to Figure 29
To adjust down pressure, use adjustment wrench
stored under the walkboard or a 1 1/8” open end
wrench. Position wrench on the nutand pulldown.
Move the adjustment cam to the new setting.
Figure 28
25 Series Opener Springs
Figure 29
Opener Down Pressure Adjustment
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118-915M
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