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!
Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit.
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. While every precaution has been
taken in the preparation of this manual, Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. reserves the right to revise and improve its products as
it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product at the time of its publication, and may not reflect the product in the future.
07/02/2013CoverIndex586-239Q
Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: Singulator Plus, Swath Command, Terra-Tine.
Registered Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include:
Air-Pro, Clear-Shot, Discovator, Great Plains, Land Pride, MeterCone, Nutri-Pro, Seed-Lok, Solid Stand,
Brand and Product Names that appear and are owned by others are trademarks of their respective owners.
Printed in the United States of America
iv1200-4000TCTable of ContentsIndexGreat Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
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Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Table of ContentsIndex1
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.
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.
Use Adequate Lifting Means
The frame sections and gangs of this machine are
extremely heavy. If using multiple lifters, make sure each
is rated for at least its share of the load.
> 14,000
POUNDS
Prepare for Emergencies
▲ Be prepared if a fire starts
▲ Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
▲ Keep emergency numbers for doctor, ambulance, hospital
and fire department near phone.
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Be Familiar with Safety Decals
▲ Read and understand the “Safety Decals” section of the
Operators Manual.
▲ Read all instructions noted on the decals.
▲ Keep decals clean. Replace damaged, faded and illegible
decals.
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 hear-
ing impairment or hearing loss, wear suitable hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs.
▲ Because operating equipment safely requires your full
attention, avoid wearing entertainment headphones while
operating machinery.
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, seek immediate medical assistance
from a physician familiar with this type of injury.
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 driv-
ing on public roads.
Use lights and devices provided with implement
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 during operation.
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Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Table of ContentsIndexImportant Safety Information3
Shutdown and Storage
▲ Lower implement, put tractor in park, turn off engine, and
remove the key.
▲ Secure Turbo-Chopper using blocks and supports provided.
▲ Detach and store Turbo-Chopper in an area where children
normally do not play.
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.
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 machine functions.
▲ Operate machinery from the driver’s seat only.
▲ Do not leave machine unattended with tractor engine run-
ning.
▲ Do not stand between the tractor and machine during
hitching.
▲ Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven
parts.
▲ Wear snug-fitting clothing to avoid entanglement with mov-
ing parts.
▲ Watch out for wires, trees, etc., when folding and raising
machine. Make sure all persons are clear of working area.
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Introduction
The Turbo-Chopper has been designed with care and
built by skilled workers using quality materials. Proper
setup, maintenance, and safe operating practices will
help the customer get years of satisfactory use from the
machine.
Description of Unit
The 1200-4000TC Turbo-Chopper is a one, three or five
section “vertical” tillage tool. Working width ranges from
12 to 40 feet. The implement is designed to cut and size
residue, till soil for faster seedbed warming, break up soil
crust on hard dried fields while eliminating compaction
layers.Various finishing attachments are also available to
further smooth, redistribute residue, kill weeds, and break
clods
Models Covered
1200TC12’ (10in) spacing
1500TC15’ (10in) spacing
1800TC18’ (10in) spacing
2400TC24’ (10in) spacing
3000TC30’ (10in) spacing
4000TC40’ (10in) spacing
Document Family
586-239QPre-Delivery Manual (this document)
586-239MOperator Manual
586-239PParts Manual
Tools Required
• Basic Hand Tools
• Torque Wrench
• Fork Truck, Overhead Hoist or Loader
Pre-assembly Checklist
1. Before assembling, read and understand “Important
Safety Information” in front part of this manual.
2. Have at least two people on hand while assembling.
3. Make sure area is level and free of obstructions (preferably an open concrete area).
4. Have all major componets
5. Have all fasteners and pins shipped with machine.
Figure 1
1800 Turbo-Chopper
42096
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Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Table of ContentsIndexIntroduction5
Using This Manual
This manual was written to help you assemble and prepare the new machine for the customer. The manual
includes instructions for assembly and setup. Read this
manual and follow the recommendations for safe, efficient
and proper assembly and setup.
An operator’s and parts manual is also provided with the
new machine. Read and understand “Important SafetyInformation” and “Operating Instructions” in the operator’s manual before assembling the machine. Refer to the
parts manual for proper part’s identification. As a reference, keep the operator’s and part’s manual on hand while
assembling.
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.
A crucial point of information related to the preceding topic. Read
and follow the directions to remain safe, avoid serious damage to
equipment and ensure desired field results.
Note: Useful information related to the preceding topic.
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.
An orientation rose in some line art
illustrations shows the directions of: Up,
Back, Left, Down, Front, Right.
R
F
U
B
L
D
R
L
Figure 2
Right / Left
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Shipping
The Turbo-Chopper will be shipped partially pre-assembled.
Refer to Figure 3
• Models 1200-1500 Will be shipped fully assembled,
except for hitch assembly with hydraulic system
charged.
• Models 1800-2400 will be shipped with wings folded
and hydraulic system charged, hitch assembly will
need to be installed.
• Models 3000-4000 will be shipped with center frame
parts installed, wings and attachment frames (if
equipped) will be stacked on stands and banded
together.
• Finishing attachments (if equipped), will be will be
shipped with mounted brackets assembled, reel
assemblies assembled and all bolts will be in a box.
• Remove unit from shipping stands (if equipped), after
machine is lowered to ground and carefully un-band
all componets.
• The shipping stand bolts are not used in the assembly
of unit.
• The shipping stands do not need to be returned to
Great Plains.
1
Figure 3
Turbo-Chopper Shipping
2
42097
Unloading
Be sure the truck is on level ground, preferably concrete.
Centering componets:
Be sure and center fork truck or chains (overhead hoist) on componets
so they won’t slide and cause injury.
Unload Smaller Items First
Unloading the Turbo-Chopper is a potentially dangerous
operation.
Reduce risk and complications by first unloading
1. gangs and finishing attachments
2. misc. boxes
3. Turbo-Chopper
(described in the next section)
Unload Turbo-Chopper
4. Place these components well out of the manoeuvring area needed for unloading the Turbo-Chopper.
5. Double-check that all chains and tie-down straps
have been released and stowed.
6. Set parking brake on trailer tractor.
7. Slowly lift the Turbo-Chopper off trailer bed using two
fork lifts.
8. Stop lifting about 12” above the bed.
9. Have the truck driver slowly pull the trailer straight
out from under the Turbo-Chopper.
10. Making sure to keep level from front to back and side
to side, slowly lower the Turbo-Chopper.
11. Lower theTurbo-Chopper down until the shipping
stands are about 12” off ground.
12. Remove shipping stands.
13. Remove tongue jack from field positions and put in
storage position with foot of jack towards ground.
14. Slowly lower Turbo-Chopper until it resting on the
center transport tires and front tongue jack.
Unpacking Boxes
Note: Position boxes in area that you can maneuver
components up to machine to assembly.
15. Carefully remove banding from boxes.
16. Carefully remove banding from gangs and finishing
reels.
17. Locate and identify all componets before assembling.
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Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Table of ContentsIndexIntroduction7
Assembly and Setup Assistance
To order additional copies od pre-delivery instructions or
operator.s and parts manuals, write to the following
address. Include model numbers in all correspondence.
If you do not understand any part of this manual or have
the assembly or setup questions, assistance is available.
Contact:
Product Support
Great Plains Mfg. Inc., Service Department
PO Box 5060
Salina, KS 67402-5060
(800)255-9215
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Assembly
Hitch Assembly
Refer to Figure 4
Note: The center will be shipped pre-assembled.See “Parts
Manual for partnumbers and description ofparts.Place
center frame on stands if available, if not, place turbo
gangs on floor and for ease of attaching wing frames
put a cut anglein center lift cylinders to raise gangs
off floor.
18. Remove the 1 1/4x8Gr.8boltsfrom the rear of hitch
assembly. Bolt he hitch assembly to center frame
with the 1 1/4 x 8 Gr. 8 bolts and 1 1/4 top lock nuts.
Tighten bolts snug, do not torque, as the hitch must pivot
freely.
19. Instal jackon front outside of hitch to support the front
of hitch.
20. Remove pins and from turnbuckle assembly.
Install the turnbuckle assembly between the level bar
rocker and hitch frame ear with the1x91/2pin ,3/8x
1 3/4 quick pin (rear) and the 1 x 3 3/8 clevis pin,
machine washer and 3/16 x 2 cotter pin (front).
21. Bolt the spring hose holder with 1/2 x 1 1/2 bolt, 1/
2 flat washer, 1/2 lock washer and 1/2 nut.
33
4
3
1
2
2
567
7
5
6
89
8
9
5
1
4
Figure 4
Hitch
7
R
F
2
U
B
L
6
3
D
42072
Wing Assembly
Refer to Figure 5
Note: The wings will come pre-assembled. Models 1800 and
2400 will be shipped with wings attached. On models
3000 and 4000, place wing frame assemblieson
stands next to center frame.
22. Remove 1 1/4 x 10 boltsfrom center frame hinge. Bolt
wing frame assemblies to center frame with the 1 1/4
x 10 bolts 1 1/4 top lock nuts. Tighten bolts snug, do
not torque, as the wing must pivot freely.
23. Remove 1 x 3 bolts from turnbuckle assembly.
Align holes in cylinder mount bar and turnbuckle
assembly, re-install the 1 x 3 bolts, 1 machine
washer and 1 lock nut.
24. Attach wing lift cylinder to torque tube with 1 x 3 1/
8 pin clevis, 1 machine washer and 3/16 x 2 cotter
pin.
25. Attach rod end of fold cylindersto wing frame assemblies with 1 x 3 1/8clevis pin 1 machine washer
and 3/16 x 2 cotter pin.
26. Do not hook up rod end of fold cylinder until system is
purged of air. See “Purging Hydraulic System” on
page 15.
27. Bolt may be tightened to specs, See “Torque ValuesChart” on page 23
2
43
6
86
1
2
1
34
5
79
10
11
1
6
11
2
10
U
2
R
F
B
L
D
6
3
6
1
6
5
4
7
8
9
Figure 5
Wing
41024
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4000 Outer Wing Assembly
Refer to Figure 6
Note: The outer wings will come pre-assembled. Place outer
wing frame assemblieson stands next to center
frame.
28. Remove 1 x 6 bolts Gr. 8 special thread bolts from
center frame hinge. Bolt outer wing frame assemblies
to inner wing frame hinge with the 1 x 6 bolts Gr. 8
special thread bolts and 1 top lock nuts. Tighten bolts
snug, do not torque, as the wing must pivot freely.
29. Bolt the rocker linkon outer wing, rod end of fold cylin-
56
ders to inside wing fold link with 1 x 7 Gr. 8 special
thread bolts, four, 1 flat washersand 1 top lock nuts.
Tighten bolts snug, do not torque, as the cylinder must
pivot freely.
Note: Do not hook up rod end of fold cylinder until system
purged of air. See “Purging Hydraulic System”on
page 15.
78
4
1
2
1
3
2
R
F
5
U
B
L
D
8
6
7
2
3
4
8
1
Hitch Hose & Light Harness Assembly
Refer to Figure 7
Note: The hydraulic hoses and light harness are all attached
to center frame and rolled up for hitch.
30. Un-roll the hoses and route them along right side of hitch
and through spring hose loop as shown. All hoses and
light harness will run through the same double hose
clamps.
31. Fasten hoses to hitch frame with bolts and clamps (provided) on hitch frame.Attach hose wraps on hoses to
prevent hoses from dragging or getting pinched.
32. See “Attach Hose Clamps and Hose wraps” on
page 14 for proper assembly.
R
F
U
D
Figure 6
4000 Outer Wing
B
L
Figure 7
Hitch Hose & Light Harness
41222
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3000 Hydraulic Wing Lift Assembly
Refer to Figure 8
Note: The hydraulic hoses are all attached to center
frame and rolled up for wings.See hydraulic layout
drawings in “Appendix” for complete hose routing.
33. Un-roll the hoses and route them along wing frame
as shown.
34. Hook the hose that is fastened to rod end of cylinder
to base end of wing cylinder.
35. Attach longer hose from tee on center frame to the
rod end of wing cylinder.
36. Fasten hoses to wing frame with bolts and clamps
(provided) on hitch frame.Attach hose wraps on
hoses to prevent hoses from dragging or getting
pinched.
37. See “Attach Hose Clamps and Hose wraps” on
page 14 for proper assembly.
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Figure 8
3000 Hydraulic Wing Lift
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4000 Hydraulic Wing Lift & Fold Assembly
Refer to Figure 9
Note: The hydraulic hoses are all attached to center
frame and rolled up for wings.See hydraulic layout
drawings in “Appendix” for complete hose routing.
38. Un-roll the hoses and route them along wing frame
as shown.
39. Hook the hose that is fastened to rod end of cylinder
to base end of wing cylinder.
40. Attach longer hose from tee on center frame to the
rod end of wing cylinder.
41. Fasten front fold hose from tee to base end of outer
fold cylinder.
42. Attach other front fold hose from rod end of inner fold
cylinder to rod end of outer fold cylinder.
43. Fasten back fold hose from rear tee to base end of
outer fold cylinder.
44. Fasten hoses to wing frame with bolts and clamps
(provided) on hitch frame.Attach hose wraps on
hoses to prevent hoses from dragging or getting
pinched.
45. See “Attach Hose Clamps and Hose wraps” on
page 14 for proper assembly.
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Figure 9
4000 Hydraulic Wing Lift & Fold
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u
e
.
Refer to Figure 10
Attach Hose Clamps and Hose wraps
46. When all the hoses are hooked up and tightened properly, put hose clamps on hoses as shown.
47. Install hose wraps on hoses as needed.
Note: Be sure and get hoses and light wiring harness fas-
tened properly so they do not drag. Check to be sure
there is enough slack in hinge area when folding machine the first time.
Hydraulic Hose Hookup
48. 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.
ColorHydraulic Function
BlackLift (2 hoses)
GreenFold (2 hoses)
Refer to Figure 11
Hose Handles
49. To distinguish hoses on the same hydraulic circuit, refer
to hose handles. The hose under an extended-cylinder
symbol feeds a cylinder base end. The hose under a
retracted-cylinder symbol feeds a cylinder rod end.
50. Once all hoses are tightened, hook hoses to tractor
Figure 10
Hose Clamp Assembly
High Pressure Fluid Hazard:
Relieve pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines. Use
paper or cardboard, NOT BODY PARTS, to check for leaks.
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles when
working with hydraulic systems. Escaping fluid under press
can have sufficient pressure to penetrate the skin causing s
ous injury. If an accident occurs, seek immediate medical
assistance from a physician familiar with this type of injury
Only trained personnel should work on system hydraulics.
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Figure 11
Hose Handles
41552
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Table of ContentsIndexAssembly15
Purging Hydraulic System
Refer to Figure 12
51. Charge the lift system first. Extend the lift cylinders
(black handles) until the center section is fully raise.
Remove the cylinder transport locks and store on lift
mechanism links. Raise and lower the gang system
several times to purge air from system. Watch for leaks
and retighten fittings if necessary.
52. You may now charge the fold system. Before charging
the fold cylinders, make sure the rod end of the cylinders are un-bolted or un-pinned and block is under cylinders as shown, so that when the rod is extended, it will
clear the wing fold brackets. Extend the fold cylinders
(green ends) completely and then close them. Extend
and retract the cylinders several times to purge air from
the system. Now the cylinders may be extended far
enough to be connected to the wing fold brackets.
53. See “Bolt may be tightened to specs, See “Torque
Values Chart” on page 23” on page 8 and See “3000
Hydraulic Wing Lift Assembly” on page 10 for hooking
up rod end of fold cylinders.
3
4
2
1
3
1
2
4
4
4
U
R
F
B
L
D
Figure 12
Purging Hydraulic System
41030
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Light Bracket and SMV Assembly
Note: The light brackets will be shipped in right location,
but u-bolts will need to be removed and brackets
will need turned to correct position.