The Riteway Rock Picker 250 is an agricultural implement designed for efficient rock removal from fields. This manual provides comprehensive information on its operation, maintenance, and parts, ensuring years of successful service.

Function Description:

The Rock Picker 250 is primarily used to clear fields of rocks, improving soil conditions for planting and harvesting. It features a variable hydraulic drive system that powers the reel, rake, and bucket functions. The machine is designed to pick up rocks from the surface and deposit them into a bucket for later dumping. Its hydraulic hitch allows for easy connection and positioning with a tractor.

Important Technical Specifications:

Drive: Variable Hydraulic Drive
Reel: 2 Bat
Reel Chain: #80
Weight: 2,931 lbs / 1,330 kg
Picking Width: 50" / 127 cm
Minimum Rock Diameter: 2" / 5 cm
Maximum Rock Diameter: 24" x 45" / 61 cm x 114 cm
Bucket Capacity: 1.25 cu yd / 0.96 cu meter
Reel & Bucket Control: Electric over Hydraulic
Weight Capacity: 3,600 lbs / 1,650 kg
Dumping Height: 38" / 0.97 m
Tires: 12.5L x 15-6 ply
Hitch: Multi-Position, Hydraulic Swing
Hydraulic Requirements: 15 gal/min. @ 1200-1500 PSI, 45-57 L/min @ 83-103 bar
Maximum Transport Speed: 18 mph (29 km)
Power Requirement: 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 HP per foot

Usage Features:

The Rock Picker 250 is designed for user-friendly operation with several key features:

Hydraulic Hitch: Allows for easy connection to the tractor and precise positioning of the implement. The hitch jack should be lowered onto firm ground and tires chocked when unhooking.
Adjustable Reel RPM: The reel speed can be adjusted based on rock size to optimize picking efficiency. Recommended RPMs are provided for different rock sizes:
- 2" – 6" rocks: 45 RPM
- 6" – 12" rocks: 35 RPM
- 12" – 16" rocks: 25 RPM
- 16" – 24" rocks: Shut off rotary reel. Pick up stone with rake. Lift approximately half way up, turn on rotary reel to push rocks to the back of the bucket.
Flow Control Valve: This valve allows for fine-tuning of the reel speed.
Electric Selector Manifold (Parker 12-Volt – ½” ORB, 1C-3914): A rotary switch on the control panel allows the operator to select between "Rake," "Bucket," and "Hitch" functions.
- Rake Position: Used for picking stones. Only surface rocks should be picked to avoid damage to the unit.
- Bucket Position: Used for dumping. The rake must be fully lowered to the ground before dumping.
- Hitch Position: Used to control the hydraulic hitch for positioning.
Actuation Switch: Prevents the bucket from dumping if the rake is too high, ensuring the rake is in the lowest position before dumping.
Safety Features: Includes a "SLOW MOVING VEHICLE" sign (if applicable), locking pins/ram locks, and safety chains for transport.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the Rock Picker 250.

General Maintenance:
- Repack wheel hubs after the first 500 travel miles, then yearly.
- Visually inspect wheel bolts daily for tightness. Riteway torque recommendation is 110 ft-lbs after the first few hours of operation, then frequently thereafter (manufacturer recommendations 90 to 131 ft-lbs).
Every 8 Hours (Daily):
- Grease all pins and knuckles. Specific grease locations are detailed with diagrams in the manual (e.g., x2 for reel bearings, x1 for hitch pivot, x3 for rake pivots, x2 for wheel hubs).
Every 100 Hours (Monthly):
- Visually inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks or damage.
- Inspect the lighting system and electrical harness for damage.
Annually:
- Inspect wheel bearings/hubs and grease.
- Check wheel bolts and re-torque.
- Check tire pressure according to manufacturer inflation recommendations.
- Visually inspect the unit for loose, worn, or damaged components.
Storage:
- Coat any exposed cylinder shafts with thick oil or grease.
- Ensure parking jacks are on firm ground. Note: If jack pads sink into the ground, it will be difficult to hook up the unit.
- Lock all applicable safety pins into place.
Drive Chain Adjustment: After some use, the drive chain may stretch. Loosen the nuts and bolts on the motor mount to adjust the chain, allowing for 1½" of deflection. Re-tighten the nuts and bolts. The same adjustment applies to the bat springs.

The manual also includes a pre-delivery inspection checklist, service and warranty policy, and a torque chart for various bolt grades and sizes, ensuring proper assembly and maintenance.

RITEWAY ROCK PICKER 250 - Page 3