ground logic Pathfinder - 6.2 Centering the Spread Pattern

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6. CALIBRATION CONTINUED
6.1 SPREADER FLOW RATE CALIBRATION CONTINUED
• Set the gate stop to a setting of 5. This will be used as the starting setting for dialing in the correct
gate stop setting for the particular material that is being used. Note that the spreader will have to be
recalibrated for each different type of material that is spread. Make sure to record the nal gate stop
setting once the correct application rate has been achieved.
• Place the spreader gate lever in the CLOSED position. Place enough material in the hopper to cover
1000 ft2.
• Begin the spreading operation while moving toward the 143 foot marker. With the machine moving at
full speed, the hopper should just empty out as the machine passes the marker. If the hopper empties
before the marker is reached, turn the gate stop dial to a slightly lower setting and repeat the process.
If the hopper empties after the marker is reached, turn the gate stop dial to a slightly higher setting and
repeat the process. Continue this process until the proper dispensing rate is achieved.
• When the calibration is complete, collect the fertilizer that has been dispensed for reuse. Never leave
the fertilizer on the pavement where it can wash away in runoff.
6.2 CENTERING THE SPREAD PATTERN
• The following instructions provide a method for adjusting the center of the spread pattern so that
fertilizer is evenly distributed over the width of the spread area.
• Obtain the following items:
• Eleven collection pans, 3 to 4 inches tall and 12 inches square (e.g. aluminum roasting pans).
• Clear tube, ½” internal diameter, 4 inches tall. Use a permanent marker to mark the tube at
¼” increments all of the way up the tube. This will act as a measuring device for the collected
fertilizer prills.
• A ruler or tape measure.
• A method of recording the collection amounts.
• Set the gate stop to a setting of 5.
• Move the gate lever to the OPEN position (the hopper must initially be empty).
• Turn the spread control lever counterclockwise to release the lock and move the lever in or out so that
the bafe can be seen centered just below the opening of the gate in the bottom of the hopper. Turn the
spread control lever clockwise to lock into position.
• Move the gate lever to the CLOSED position.
• Load the hopper with the fertilizer to be used for calibration.
• Place the eleven collection pans on a at paved surface in a straight line on two-foot centers. Using a
paved surface will allow the fertilizer to be recollected and will prevent burning the turf if the application
pattern is largely different from what is intended.
• Make at least three passes traveling directly over the center pan in a path perpendicular to the row of
pans. NOTE: All of the passes must be made in the same direction.
• Pour the contents of the rst pan on the left into the graduated tube and record the amount of material
that is in the tube. Repeat this measurement for each of the eleven collection pans.