The Proseeder HP600 is a seed drill designed for manual operation, specifically for sowing grass seed in various settings such as house gardens, golf courses, sports pitches, and courts. Its primary function is to accurately distribute grass seeds over a designated area, ensuring even coverage and efficient seeding.
Function Description:
The HP600 operates by allowing the user to push or pull the machine, which in turn rotates a roller mechanism. This rotation drives a chain system connected to a dosing disk, which regulates the amount of seed released from the seed box. The seed falls through an opening, and the quantity is controlled by adjusting the position of a shutter. The design emphasizes precision and ease of use, making it suitable for both professional and amateur users who need to seed grass areas effectively.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific dimensions and weight are not provided in the manual, the device is designed for manual handling, implying a manageable size and weight for a single operator. The seeding mechanism involves a roller, a chain drive, and a dosing disk. The manual mentions a conversion rate for calibration: 1 revolution of the roller equals 1 meter of seeding, covering 0.6 m². This specification is crucial for accurately calibrating the seed rate. The machine is constructed with a steel frame and features components like a seed box, operating bar, and various bearings and fasteners. The parts list includes items such as M12x60 screws, M8x16 screws, different types of bearings (roller bearing, chain bearing, eccentric roller bearing), a chain, a dosing disk, a shutter, and a butterfly nut for adjustments. The seed box (item 112230) is a key component, as is the frame complete (item 112284). The operating bar (item 102292) is adjustable for height and can be configured for either push or pull operation.
Usage Features:
- Seed Rate Adjustment: The HP600 offers a precise method for adjusting the seed rate. Users first close the shutter completely by turning the operating handle clockwise. Then, a butterfly nut is loosened, and the dosing disk is rotated to the desired value (e.g., 3.5), after which the butterfly nut is tightened. To begin seeding, the operating handle is turned counter-clockwise until the shutter is stopped by the dosing disk. It is critical to always turn the handle from the closed position counter-clockwise to ensure a uniform opening.
- Calibration: To ensure accurate seeding, the machine can be calibrated. This involves turning the roller a specific number of times (1 revolution = 1 meter = 0.6 m²) and collecting the distributed seeds in a provided calibration tray. The weight of the collected seeds is then measured, and the shutter opening is adjusted as needed, repeating the process until the desired seed rate is achieved.
- Push or Pull Operation: The operating bar can be configured for either pushing or pulling the machine. This is achieved by removing the bottom split pin on each side, pulling the operating bar out of the steel tube, and then re-mounting it on the opposite side, securing it with the two split pins. This flexibility allows users to choose the most comfortable and efficient method of operation for their specific terrain and preference.
- Height Adjustment: The height of the operating bar can be adjusted by selecting a different hole in the inner tube, accommodating users of different heights and improving ergonomic comfort during operation.
- Exclusivity for Grass Seed: A critical usage feature is that the machine is exclusively designed for sowing grass seed. Using it for other purposes will void the warranty, highlighting the specialized nature of its design.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Cleaning and Inspection: The manual recommends thorough cleaning and inspection of the seed drill after every 100 hours of operation or every 3 months, whichever comes first. This ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the machine.
- Chain Tensioning: Over time, the chain may stretch due to wear, becoming loose. To tighten the chain, the eccentric roller bearing on the right side needs to be loosened. Using the supplied spanner, the bearing is turned until the chain is suitably tensioned, and then the bearing is retightened. This maintenance step is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the seed distribution mechanism.
- Spare Parts Availability: The manual includes a detailed spare parts list with part numbers, descriptions, and quantities, facilitating easy identification and ordering of replacement parts. This ensures that users can maintain and repair their HP600 effectively, extending its operational life. The list covers everything from screws and bearings to the seed box and operating bar, emphasizing the modularity and repairability of the device.
In summary, the Proseeder HP600 is a specialized, manually operated seed drill designed for precise grass seed distribution. Its key features include adjustable seed rate, calibration capability, flexible push/pull operation, and user-friendly maintenance, all contributing to efficient and effective grass seeding.