This document is an owner's manual for a Stoltzfus "W-Chain" Spreader, model WC 50. It provides comprehensive information on the spreader's function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Stoltzfus "W-Chain" Spreader is designed for the application of various materials, likely fertilizers and lime, as indicated by the application rate calculations. It utilizes a "W-Chain" conveyor system to move material from the hopper to the spreading mechanism. The spreader is compatible with both open and closed center tractors, allowing for versatile hookup and operation. It features hydraulic spinners, which can be adjusted for speed using a flow control valve, and folding booms for efficient material distribution. The manual details procedures for calibrating the spreader to achieve specific application rates and patterns, ensuring uniform distribution of materials.
Important Technical Specifications
The WC 50 model is a 5 TON TANDEM AXLE spreader.
Weight (empty): 2,750 lb
Weight (max gross): 13,000 lb
Hopper Capacity (struck level): 151 cu.ft.
Length (booms unfolded): 156 in.
Length (booms folded): 179 in.
Width (outside tires): 75 in.
Wheel track (center-center): 64 in.
Width (hopper top): 78 in.
Height (overall): 77 in.
Tire size: 11L x 15 (8 ply)
Tire pressure: 36 psi.
Options:
- Single axle: 19.5L x 16.1, 10 ply tires
- 62" - 82" wheel track available
- 13.5L x 15, 8 ply flotation tires
PTO Drive: The spreader is designed to operate with a 540 RPM PTO. The hitch is designed for a standard tractor drawbar.
Sprocket Settings for Application Rates (540 rpm PTO, 30 ft booms):
- Low Range:
- PTO: 540, Sprocket: 18, Sprocket: 30, Gearbox: 15, Sprocket: 18, Sprocket: 45
- Final speed: 8.64 rpm
- High Range:
- PTO: 540, Sprocket: 18, Sprocket: 30, Gearbox: 15, Sprocket: 30, Sprocket: 35
- Final speed: 18.51 rpm
Usage Features
Preparation for Use: Before operation, a thorough inspection is recommended, including checking for damage, hydraulic leaks, belt and chain tension, loose setscrews, wheel bolt torque, tire pressure, and conveyor chain tension. The conveyor chain should touch the return track approximately 18 inches behind the front idler shaft.
Spreader Hookup: The spreader hitches to the tractor drawbar with a hitch pin. A 1" diameter hitch pin should be used, and the draw-bar should be located directly below the PTO drive line. For 540 RPM PTO, the hitch of the spreader is designed for a standard tractor drawbar.
Hydraulic Spinners (If Equipped): The spreader is compatible with both open and closed center tractors.
- Closed Center Tractors: The ball valve must be closed (handle in horizontal position).
- Open Center Tractors: The ball valve must be open (handle in vertical position).
Spinner speed is adjusted with the flow control valve, normally left fully open (10 position for 15 gpm to spinners). Tractor RPM must be high enough to pump 15 gpm.
Calibration: The manual provides a detailed procedure for calibrating the spreader to achieve desired pounds per acre and to set the spread pattern. This involves:
- Setting the tractor in the desired gear and counting teeth on the Body Chain Drive Sprocket while driving 72 feet (typically 20-30 teeth).
- Removing the shear bolt from the Sower Drive Sprocket to prevent sower chains from running.
- Removing front end plates from body channels to allow material flow for weighing.
- With material in the hopper, running body chains until the center sower trough is full and material spills out.
- Collecting material from both sides using plastic sheeting or buckets.
- Running the body chain until the Body Chain Drive Sprockets move the same number of teeth counted in Step #1.
- Multiplying the combined collected weight by 20.2 to calculate the rate per acre.
- Adjusting the four Sower Slides on the bottom of each section to ensure uniform material fall and some material return with the chain on the return track. All slides must be adjusted to the same hole opening.
Application Rate Calculations: A W-Chain calibration chart is provided for 30 ft booms and 540 rpm PTO, showing FERTILIZER @ 65 lb/cf and LIME @ 95 lb / cu.ft. rates at different speeds (4, 6, 8 mph) and body gate heights (1" to 6").
Maintenance Features
Lubrication:
- Grease Zerks: One or two shots with a hand-held grease gun, avoiding over-lubrication to prevent bearing seal damage.
- Roller Chains: Soak all roller chains in #30 engine oil.
- Chain Tighteners: These are spring-loaded tighteners on the roller chains.
- Drag Chain Slack: Measured from the front idler shaft to the point where the drag chain touches the return track (18 inches). Both sides should be adjusted equally.
- Gearboxes: Fill to proper level with SAE #90 gear oil.
Maintenance Schedule:
- Daily: Lubricate universal joint bearings (4), drive line bearings (9), body shaft bearings (4, low rpm), auger pivot points (3, if applicable), telescoping shaft (1), clutch engagement guide (1). Check sprocket set screws and lug nuts.
- 1/2 hour: One full stroke of grease gun.
- 20 hours: One full stroke.
- After adjustment: Fill 2 tighteners, fill tube with grease.
- Weekly: Lubricate shear hub, spring suspension (14, 8 ton only).
- 5 hours: Lubricate sower spindle bearings.
- Each Season: Check #90 gear oil.
End of Season Storage:
- Clean all material out of the hopper. Sand and paint all bare spots.
- Perform maintenance and lubrication.
- Check chain tension: If drag chain is near maximum adjustment, remove links. If roller chains show excessive wear, replace entire section.
- Check all bearings: If shaft can be moved 1/32" in the bearing, replace.
- Check sprockets: Steel sprockets that are worn to a sharp point should be replaced. Cast iron sprockets that show excessive wear should be replaced.
- Check Wheel Bearings: Clean all parts in solvent, check for rough bearings or cracked spindles. Clean and inspect brake drums, linings, and mechanisms. Repack bearings, squeeze grease between rollers. Do not overtighten spindle nut when reassembling.
- Store out of weather: Spreaders should be stored under a roof if possible. Do not store with the tarp on as condensation will occur.
- If spreader is stored outside: Daily and weekly lubrication recommendations should be performed once a month.
Warranty: Stoltz Mfg., LLC warrants its spreaders for six months from the date of purchase against defects in material or workmanship under normal operating conditions. The warranty covers only those items, parts, and assemblies manufactured by Stoltz Mfg., LLC. Damage caused by misuse, abuse, accident, repair, overloading, or lack of adequate maintenance is not covered. Damage caused by loose fittings is not covered by warranty. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear items.
Safety Notice: The manual includes numerous safety warnings, such as:
- Always shut off power, block the wheels, disconnect PTO drive shaft, and unhook hydraulic hoses before working on the machine.
- Hydraulic system and oil can get hot.
- Do not operate on side slopes exceeding 10 degrees (5:1 slope) with a full load, as the vehicle has a very high center of gravity.
- Do not weld on spreader without unhooking all electronics first.
- Always keep hands, feet, and clothing away from moving parts.
- Do not insert a stick, tool, or hands into conveyor or spinner parts.
- Do not breathe dust when spreading dusty materials.
- Do not climb on any part of the spreader at any time.
- Do not step over the PTO shaft.
- Do not operate the PTO above the normal RPM rating.
- Do not tow at speeds in excess of 20 MPH.
- Observe all applicable traffic laws when transporting on public roadways.
- The spreader is intended for off-road usage; Stoltz recommends transporting the spreader between job sites on a trailer.
- Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious injury.
- Fine spray from a small hydraulic oil leak can be highly explosive.
- Do not operate without PTO drive shaft guards and on tractor.
- Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this spreader.
- If the spreader becomes clogged, shut off the tractor engine and allow all mechanisms to stop. Relieve hydraulic pressure.
- Inspect the unit regularly to ensure all connections and bolts are tight and secure.
- Do not operate the unit unless all shields, covers, and guards are in place.
Need help?
General
To Next Page