The Abbey AP Multi-Spreader is a trailed agricultural machine designed for transporting and spreading farmyard manure and slurries. It is available in AP700 and AP900 models. The machine's core function involves a central auger within its hopper-shaped tank, which feeds manure to a side-mounted rotor. This rotor then shreds and spreads the material. The spreader is filled from the top of the hopper using a front loader or loading shovel.
Function Description:
The primary purpose of the Abbey AP Multi-Spreader is to efficiently move and distribute large quantities of farmyard manure. While primarily designed for agricultural slurries and farmyard manures, it can, in certain circumstances, be used for land spreading other types of slurry. It's important to note that the standard Abbey Side Spreader is not designed for travel speeds exceeding 40 km/h. The central auger ensures a consistent supply of material to the rotor, which then processes and spreads it.
Important Technical Specifications:
- PTO Speed: The maximum recommended PTO speed is 540 rpm.
- Travel Speed: Not designed for speeds over 40 km/h.
- Tyre Pressures (for various tyre sizes):
- 18.4/15 x 26: 32 PSI
- 1300 X 530/533: 51 PSI
- 23.1 X 26: 36 PSI
- 600/55 X 26.5: 36 PSI
- Noise Levels:
- Continuous A-weighted sound level at workstations: exceeds 70 dB(A).
- Peak C-weighted instantaneous sound pressure: exceeds 63 Pa.
- Shear Bolt Protection: The gearbox-driven machine is fitted with shear bolt protection. If the M10x40 8.8 shear bolt breaks, an M10x40 10.9 bolt can be used temporarily to unload the machine. The M10x40 8.8 bolt must be refitted before reloading. If the M10x40 10.9 bolt breaks, manual unloading and blockage clearing are required, or the amount of material loaded should be reduced.
Usage Features:
- Connection: Connects to a tractor via a pick-up hitch or drawbar. Ensure a minimum 6-inch PTO shaft closure for turning. An optional hitch eye reducer bush is required if connected to the tractor drawbar.
- Hydraulic System: Connect hydraulic hoses to the tractor. Verify proper operation of hydraulic brakes and the spreader door.
- Lighting: Check that all spreader lights are working correctly.
- Pre-Operation Check: Before filling, ensure the spreading rotor rotates freely with the tractor engine stopped and PTO shaft disconnected. Run the machine at low revs for a short period to confirm correct function before filling.
- Filling: Close the machine door to the locked vertical position (hydraulic or manual control) before filling. Fill the hopper to its maximum load level or top edges.
- Operation: With the door closed and forward gear selected, engage the PTO at low revs to start the spreading rotor. Increase PTO revs to 540 rpm and open the machine door to the correct setting. Operate at a low ground speed, gradually increasing as needed.
- Application Rate Control: The application rate is controlled by PTO speed, door setting, and forward ground speed, allowing for variation based on conditions.
- Shut-down Procedure: Always close the machine door before shutting off the tractor PTO to prevent premature shear bolt failure on the next start.
- Dry Manure Handling: When working with very dry manure (e.g., un-rotted from a shed), it is advisable to fill the spreader level to the edge of the hopper.
- Reverser Shaft: The gearbox includes a second 6-spline reverser shaft, allowing the main auger to be reversed to clear foreign objects. Engage the PTO at low speeds when reversing.
- Lifting: Use the lifting lugs provided at either end of the machine hopper if the machine needs to be lifted off the ground.
Maintenance Features:
- Safety First: Always stop the tractor engine, apply the parking brake, and disengage the PTO before any maintenance or adjustments. Ensure PTO guards/covers are in place and closed.
- Rotor and Auger Inspection: Regularly inspect rotor tips and auger springs for wear or damage and replace as needed to prevent vibration or damage.
- Wheel Maintenance: Daily check wheel nuts for tightness for the first week, then weekly thereafter. Grease wheel hubs.
- Hydraulic Hoses: Periodically check hydraulic hoses for damage and replace if necessary.
- PTO Shaft: Inspect PTO shaft guards and replace if necessary. Refer to the accompanying shaft instruction and maintenance manual.
- Tyre Pressure: Maintain recommended tyre pressure.
- Part Refitting: Ensure all parts are refitted correctly to avoid risks to the operator. Contact the dealer if unsure.
- Rotor Tip Replacement: Replace rotor tips when their teeth are completely worn to prevent rotor wear.
- Cleaning: The machine can be cleaned by filling it with water and engaging the PTO while opening the machine door.
- Greasing Chains: When greasing chains, stand clear of the PTO shaft.
- Reverse Rotor Tips: Always disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor before attempting to reverse rotor tips.
- AP 900 Chain Tensioning:
- Ensure sprockets on the frame and gearbox are in-line.
- Loosen bolts linking the gearbox corner to the frame.
- Pull the gearbox to the right front side of the machine and tighten link bolts. A wedge may be used to hold the gearbox, but must be removed before tensioning.
- Remove the wedge.
- Tighten the bearing housing adjuster plate to leave 40-45 mm of play in the chain mid-point. This procedure is crucial for initial tensioning and re-tensioning after use, especially in high horsepower applications, to prevent excessive tension and rapid chain failure.
- Daily Maintenance Intervals:
- Grease bearings on each end of the auger tube and rotor.
- Grease universal joints on each end of the PTO shaft.
- Weekly Maintenance Intervals:
- Remove the front cover, grease chains, drive shaft bearings, and all sprockets.
- Check and adjust drive chain tension by loosening bearing bolts and moving shaft slider plates. Always replace and close the front cover after maintenance.
- Oil the door hinges and its operating mechanism.
- Check tyre pressure, tighten wheel nuts, and grease wheel hubs.
- Examine the rotor for loose bolts or missing tips; tighten or replace as required.
- Check the PTO shaft according to its instruction manual.
Need help?
General
To Next Page
