ABI Attachments ASR74CSTRL User manual

Operator’s Manual
COMMAND SEEDER
Full-width primary seeder
ASR74CSTRL
(serial #328120 & above)
The operator’s manual is a technical service guide and must always accompany the machine.
Manual 980-396B
January 2017

SAFETY
Take note! This safety alert symbol found throughout this manual is used to call your
attention to instructions involving your personal safety and the safety of others. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in injury or death.
Signal Words
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal words for each have been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

31
PARTS MANUAL
30
WARRANTY
29
6 - TROUBLESHOOTING
285.04 - Storage 275.03 - Suggested Spare Parts 275.02 - Front Cultipacker Replacement 265.01 - Chain Case and Chain Replacement 26
5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
244.02 - Service 234.01 - Maintenance Safety 23
4 - MAINTENANCE
213.13 - Transporting 203.12 - Uneven Terrain 203.11 - Headland Procedure 203.10 - Working Speed 203.09 - Test Run 193.08 - Seed Conveyor Kit 183.07 - Start Up 153.06 - Seed Hopper Calibration 143.05 - Hopper Adjustment 133.04 - General Instructions for Use 113.03 - Attaching to the Tractor 113.02 - Pre-Operational Check 93.01 - Operational Safety 9
3 - OPERATION
72.03 - Messages and Signs 72.02 - Starting and Stopping 62.01 - Preparation 6
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
51.03 - Model and Serial Number ID 41.02 - Warranty Information 41.01 - General 4
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
INDEX 3 ABI ATTACHMENTS

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you and congratulations for having chosen our implement. Your new Command
Seeder is a technologically advanced machine constructed of high quality, sturdy
components that will fulfill your working expectations.
The Command Seeder is the ideal machine for commercial contractors and anywhere
the combination of lower labor costs and a professionally finished job is essential.
Read this manual carefully. It will instruct you on how to operate and service your
implement safely and correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury and/or
equipment damage.
1.01 - General
CAUTION: Unless otherwise specified, all hardware is metric. Use only metric
tools on metric hardware. Other tools that do not fit properly can slip and cause
injury.
CAUTION: Right hand and left hand sides of the implement are determined by
facing in the direction the implement will travel when going forward (see fig. 2).
1.02 - Warranty Information
Carefully read the Warranty section, detailing coverage and limitations of this warranty.
Warranty is provided for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as
described in this manual.
Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Cleaning, transporting, mailing and service call charges.
2. Normal wear items such as chains, cultipacker rings, seed cups, bearings, etc.
3. Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, accidents, improper maintenance,
improper protection or improper use.
4. The use of non-original spare parts and accessories.
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION 4 ABI ATTACHMENTS

1.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
Attached to the frame is an ID plate showing the model and the serial number. Record
your implement model and serial number in the space provided below. ABI needs this
information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order parts.
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION 5 ABI ATTACHMENTS
Model:
Serial:
Version:

2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety is the primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products.
Unfortunately our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single
careless act of an operator.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training
of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment. It is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand all safety and
operating instructions in the manual and to follow these.
Allow only properly trained personnel to operate the implement. Working with unfamiliar
equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operation, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the
implement owner’s responsibility, if this machine is used by any person other than
yourself, is loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to operating, reads
and understands the operator’s manuals and is instructed in safe and proper use.
2.01 - Preparation
1. Before operating equipment read and understand the operator’s manual and the
safety signs (see fig. 2).
2. Thoroughly inspect the implement before initial operation to assure that all
packaging materials, i.e., wires, bands, and tape have been removed.
3. Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and
gloves are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment,
maintaining and/or repairing the implement.
4. Operate the implement only with a tractor equipped with an approved
Roll-Over-Protective-System (ROPS). Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or
even death could result from falling off the tractor.
5. Clear area to be cut of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown,
causing injury or damage.
6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Ensure the implement is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating
condition.
8. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good
condition.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

2.02 - Starting and Stopping
1. Be sure that no one is near the machine prior to engaging or while the machine is
working.
2. Be sure the tractor is in “Neutral” before starting engine.
3. Equipment operating power is ground driven. Know how to stop the tractor quickly in
case of an emergency.
4. After striking an obstacle, shut the tractor off, remove key and thoroughly inspect for
damage before restarting.
2.03 - Messages and Signs
1. Read and adhere to all safety and operating decals on this machine (see fig. 2).
2. Before dismounting tractor: Allow moving parts to stop, stop engine, set brake and
remove the key of unattended equipment.
3. Keep away from rotating parts.
4. Keep guards and shields in place and in good condition.
5. Do not use with bystanders in area.
6. Allow no riders on tractor or implement.
7. Allow moving parts to stop before repair.
8. Securely support implement before working underneath.
Additional warning and operating decals are available at no extra charge. Please specify
model and serial number when ordering.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

Fig. 2 - Safety decals; replace immediately if damaged.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 8 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
right side
left side
right side
left side
Red reflective decal

3 - OPERATION
The Command Seeder is a primary full width seeder ideal for seeding a wide variety of
grasses in lawns, golf courses, parks, sports fields and hay fields. Seeds are precisely
metered and placed at the ideal depth for proper seed germination.
Engineered for tractors ranging from 25 to 70 HP, the Command Seeder has a working
width of 74”. The seeder features a 6.7 cu. ft. capacity hopper equipped with 10 high
precision metering seed cups made of a special nylon/fiberglass composite that allows
them to work in both extremely warm or cold climates. The seed cups are placed 7”
apart to allow a uniform seed distribution across the full width of the machine.
The forward movement of the front cultipacker turns the chain transmission on the right
side of the machine which engages the metering cups and agitator inside the hopper.
This allows the machine to spread seed only while it is in movement and therefore
avoids any seed going to waste.
The front cultipacker evens out the surface and prepares the seed bed while the smaller
rear cultipacker helps incorporate the seed into the ground and gently applies pressure
through the 2 side springs to firm the surface after the seed has been placed.
3.01 - Operational Safety
CAUTION: Our machines are designed considering safety as the most important
aspect and are the safest available in today’s market. Unfortunately, human
carelessness can override the safety features built into our machines. Injury
prevention and work safety, aside from the features on our seeders, are very
much due to the responsible use of the equipment. It must always be operated
prudently following with great care, the safety instructions laid out in this manual.
1. The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be prevented
by mechanical means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read
and understand this entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and
operating instructions, prior to using.
2. Do not operate the tractor and implement when you are tired, sick or when using
medication.
3. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least 50 feet from the machine. Only properly
trained people should operate this machine.
4. The majority of accidents involve operators being knocked off the tractor by low
hanging limbs and then being run over by the implement. Accidents are most likely
to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not read the
operator’s manual and is not familiar with the implement.
OPERATION 9 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

5. Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition
key, lower implement to the ground and allow rotating parts to come to a complete
stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with the tractor
running.
6. Never place hands or feet under implement with tractor engine running or before you
are sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
7. Do not reach or place yourself under equipment until it is blocked securely.
8. Do not allow riders on the implement or tractor at any time. There is no safe place
for riders.
9. Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock and pets are 50 feet away to prevent
injury by thrown objects.
10.Before backing up, disengage the implement and look behind carefully.
11.Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
12.Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
13.Never operate tractor and implement under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators
can be knocked off the tractor and then run over by the implement.
14.Stop implement immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off, remove
key, inspect and repair any damage before resuming operation.
15.Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from drop-offs.
16.Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on
hillside, over rough ground and when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful
when turning sharp corners.
17.Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimize tipping or loss of control. Be
careful when changing directions on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on slopes.
Avoid operation on steep slopes.
18.When using a unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on
tractor front wheels. Without this weight, tractor could tip over, causing personal
injury or death. The weight may be attained with a front end loader, front wheel
weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of
tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS
weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. Do not guess or estimate!
19.Inspect the entire machine periodically1. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken
parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
20.Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up”
tractor and implement.
21.Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
22.Always use down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes.
Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping and/or loss of control.
OPERATION 10 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1See Chapter 4 - Maintenance.

3.02 - Pre-Operational Check
Although the machine usually arrives set up, ready to use, it is important to check
certain aspects of the machine before using it. Adjustments are normally necessary in
order to adapt the Command Seeder to work under a given condition.
CAUTION: Stand clear of bands when cutting as they could be under sufficient
tension to cause them to fly loose. Take care in removing bands and wire. They
often have extremely sharp edges and cut very easily.
DANGER: Never trust the tractor hydraulics alone to support the machine. Never
do any repairs or adjustments under the machine unless it is safely blocked.
Check each of the following, carefully, prior to engaging machine:
1. Ensure that the drive chains are well greased in the chain housing on the right side
of the implement (see fig. 11).Drive chains are supplied with an automatic chain
tensioner.
2. Grease all cultipackers supports (see fig. 11).
3. The hopper and seed cups to ensure they are mounted correctly.
4. No wrappings or foreign objects are on the machine.
5. All hardware for tightness, especially the bolts holding the 3 point hitch2.
6. All safety shields and guards are in their place and tightly attached.
7. No people or animals are in the work area.
8. When working, make sure that the rear cultipacker locking pin has been removed.
9. When working, make sure the Command Seeder has its full weight riding on the
cultipackers (see fig. 4).
3.03 - Attaching to the Tractor
Unit may be used on tractors ranging from 25 to 70 HP with a category 1 three point
hitch3.
DANGER: Never attempt to attach the Command Seeder to the tractor or make
any adjustments to it without first turning the tractor off.
OPERATION 11 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
3See Table 5, page 22.
2See Table 4, page 22.

DANGER: Failure to ensure a secure coupling of the implement to the tractor can
cause injury and damage to the implement or tractor. If necessary, wheel weights,
front tractor weights and/or tire ballast should be used to improve stability. Be
sure that the tractor tire pressure is correct. It is important to strictly follow the
safety guidelines and instructions laid out in the tractor operator’s manual.
To attach the implement to the tractor do the following:
Back the tractor up to the Command Seeder in order to slip the tractor hitch arms over
the hitch pins bolted to the frame. Turn off the tractor engine.
OPERATION 12 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1
2
3
5
4
6
7
8
Fig. 3
1. lift hook
2. hopper
3. top hitch
4. seed cups
5. lower hitch
6. safety stand
7. track removers
8. front cultipacker
Machine parallel to
Fig. 4
the ground.

The lower hitch pins (see fig. 3) may be put in either of 2 positions (upper or lower)
depending on the tractor. Secure the two arms with the lynch pins. Tighten the tractor
arms side movement with either the sway chains or blocks to limit side swing to 2”-3”.
Connect the top link, locking it in place with the top hitch pin. Adjust it so the Command
Seeder is as near parallel to the ground as possible. A 1° to 2° rearward tilt is
acceptable (see fig. 4).
After use, the machine should be lowered and allowed to rest on the stand, and the rear
cultipacker should be blocked by inserting the two locking pins secured with hairpin
cotters (see fig. 5).
3.04 - General Instructions for Use
After you have read the Operator’s Manual, have gone through the Pre-Operational
Checklist and have correctly connected the Command Seeder to the three-point hitch of
the tractor, simply fill the hopper with seed, adjust the required calibration and
distribution and you are ready to begin work.
Seed distribution is achieved from the forward motion of the tractor. As the front
cultipacker of the Command Seeder moves forward, the movement of the front
cultipacker is transmitted by chains through a series of gears, to the seed cups which
control the release of seed from the hopper. This allows for the seed to be sown
constantly and in proportion to the distance covered by the tractor without being
affected by its speed.
If the area to be seeded has already been tilled, then the front cultipacker will level the
soil to provide a better seed bed. If, on the other hand, the land has not been prepared
in any way, the cultipacker will break up the crust, splitting the largest clods, burying the
smaller stones and basically preparing a no-till seed bed.
The seed is distributed with precision and in a predetermined manner in the area
between the two rotors. The rear cultipacker then incorporates the seed into the soil to
improve germination.
Avoid seeding when it is raining or when the soil is too wet.
OPERATION 13 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1
2
Fig. 5
1. stand
2. locking pin

Before beginning seeding, make sure that the rear cultipacker locking pins have been
removed (see fig. 5). Also remove any obstacles present on the ground, particularly
large stones.
Slowly lower the three point hitch and the seeder to the ground. Proceed slowly until
you have become familiar with the machine. For better results, select a tractor speed
between 3 to 5 mph. As you approach the end of a seeding lane, stop the tractor and
raise the Command Seeder from the ground. With the machine raised, turn the tractor
and align it ready for the next passage. With experience, your ability to seed correctly
will improve.
3.05 - Hopper Adjustment
The Command Seeder hopper holds 6.7 cu. ft. The hopper runs the entire width of the
machine and has a continuously rotating ground driven agitator to breakup clods and
ensure free flow through the distribution system. On the bottom of the hopper there are
10 rectangular slots to allow material passage. The seed cups mounted under the
hopper, which are made entirely of non-corrosive material (nylon and fiberglass),
contain an internal gear that rotates inside a housing. A calibration handle located on
the rear left hand side of the hopper regulates how far to insert the gear inside the
housing. The position of the handle, which has a scale from 0 to 6, determines the
amount of seed distributed (see fig. 6). The seed cups are a force feed system driven
by the cultipacker.
The material is held inside the groove of the gear until the groove rotates to the opening
at the bottom of the hopper. This rotation is driven by the cultipacker as it moves along
the ground. When the handle is in position “0” the gear is completely outside the seed
cup and no seed is distributed. With the handle in position “6” the gear is totally inside
the cup and distributes at its maximum potential (see fig. 6).
OPERATION 14 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Fig. 6
Seed calibration handle.

A secondary regulation is the lever located on the side of each cup housing. This
controls the position of the gate inside the seed cup (top, middle, bottom and clean out).
The positioning of this lever is determined by the size and shape of the material being
dispersed (see fig. 7). The top position is for the smaller seeds, while the middle and
bottom positions are for larger seeds. The clean out position should only be used to
flush any remaining seed out of the seed hopper. The seed distribution table values are
based on the lever being set in the top position. Typically, most seeds used with this
seeder will require you to use the top lever position on the seed cups. If using a larger
seed the seed cups are not discharging properly, try using the middle or bottom lever
handle positions. Attached to the bottom of each cup is flexible tubing that the material
flows through. As the material exits, it hits a split ring which divides the flow until it hits a
splash pan and uniformly spreads over the entire working width of the Command
Seeder.
The hopper is ground driven by the cultipacker which comes with two separate chains
with automatic chain tensioners.
Although in essence a seeder, the Command Seeder has all the technology to ensure a
precise calibrated flow. Being ground driven, the disbursement of the material in the
hopper is totally independent from the ground speed. This is regulated solely by the
regulation levers of the seed cups and hopper.
3.06 - Seed Hopper Calibration
There are two adjustments to be made to calibrate the hopper:
1. The amount of gear inside the seed cup housing.
2. The position of the regulation lever of each individual seed cup.
This system allows use of a wide variety of seeds.
OPERATION 15 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
123
4
Fig. 7
1. seed cup
2. gear support
3. drive shaft bushing
4. seed cup regulation lever

The output of seed differs greatly depending on their size, density, dampness,
and shape. Other output factors depend on the conditions in which the machine is
operating such as, in slick conditions where the cultipacker may slip.
Table 1 lists the distribution rate in pounds per acre for various seeds that may be used.
Keep in mind that the hopper and seed cup openings measure in volume and not in
weight. Due to the many variables, the distribution rate, when using Table 1, may not be
always accurate. Only a test run will help determine if the desired amount of seed is
being spread.
TABLE 1 - AMOUNT OF SEED DISTRIBUTED IN LB/ACRE
5234844323933533022652251741409644
Vetch
66961755150045038233028021316111043
Alfalfa
50046441638034329425922318613910354
Sand love grass
53649844841037532528625020016312268
Weeping love grass
1421321191089884736348392814
Crested wheat grass
1581451301171058976644836247
Western wheat grass
4384063633303002572241931501188738
Bermuda (hulled)
224217194176155131109906343250
Buffalo grass
57253047443238933429125019415111051
Red clover
69764457552347140135029722817612354
White clover
210206194176158134114957152304
Fescue K-31
26124121519617714912810983624316
Fescue fine blade turf type
375346309281252214187158120926427
Perennial ryegrass
341315279254228193166140105795419
Annual ryegrass
22321219417816113812210581614318
Kentucky bluegrass
306290268251230202182156124897134
Bentgrass
65.554.543.532.521.510.5 Calibration handle positionSeed type
Use Table 2 and 3 to determine if the rate you are getting is correct.
There are two ways of setting the calibration:
1. With the machine stopped and raised, or;
2. With the machine attached to the tractor and working.
TABLE 2 - WORKING SURFACE
57 front cultipacker revolutions = 1000 sq. ft.
2498 front cultipacker revolutions = 1 acre
1 front cultipacker revolution = 17.44 sq. ft.
Command Seeder 74”
To set the calibration with the machine stopped, do the following:
1. Support the machine securely, but in a way to allow the cultipacker to turn freely.
2. Fill the hopper with the seed you intend to spread.
OPERATION 16 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

3. Make sure the seed cups are not plugged with leaves, grass or other obstacles and
that the seed cup regulation levers are all adjusted to the same opening position.
4. Remove the seed tubes from the lower bar and attach bags to the ends to allow the
material to be collected.
5. Move the calibration handle located in the rear of the hopper to a position between
0.5 and 6 (see fig. 6).
6. Turn the front cultipacker by hand in complete turns for a minimum of 20 turns. The
greater the number of turns the more accurate the measurement will be.
7. Gather up and weigh all the material distributed in the bags. Divide this by the
number of turns the cultipacker made. This will give the amount of material
dispersed per turn of the cultipacker.
8. Each cultipacker revolution, on the Command Seeder, corresponds to a surface
area of 17.44 square feet, therefore 57 revolutions equal to 1,000 square feet and
2,498 cultipacker revolutions equal to 1 acre. To obtain the amount of seed spread
per acre, multiply the quantity obtained with each revolution by 2,498 (see Table 2).
9. If the results do not correspond to the desired amount which needs to be distributed,
adjust the calibration handle accordingly.
TABLE 3 - AMOUNT OF MATERIAL DISTRIBUTED IN LB/ACRE
91.5101.7114.5130.8152.6183.2228.9305.2457.9915.7
10
87.096.6108.8124.2145.0174.0217.4290.0435.0869.9
9.5
82.491.6103.1117.7137.4164.8206.0274.7412.1824.1
9
77.886.597.3111.2129.7155.7194.6259.4389.2778.3
8.5
73.281.491.6104.7122.1146.5183.1244.2366.3732.6
8
68.776.385.998.1114.4137.4171.7228.9343.4686.8
7.5
64.171.280.191.6106.8128.2160.2213.7320.5641.0
7
59.666.274.485.099.2119.0148.8198.4297.6595.2
6.5
55.061.168.778.591.5109.9137.4183.2274.7549.4
6
50.455.962.971.983.9100.7125.9167.9251.8503.7
5.5
45.850.957.265.476.391.5114.5152.6228.9457.9
5
41.245.851.558.968.782.4103.0137.3206.1412.0
4.5
36.640.745.852.461.173.391.6122.1183.2366.3
4
32.135.640.045.853.464.180.1106.8160.3320.5
3.5
27.530.534.339.345.855.068.791.5137.3274.7
3
22.925.528.632.738.245.857.376.3114.4229.0
2.5
18.320.422.926.230.536.645.861.191.5183.1
2
13.715.217.119.622.827.534.445.868.7137.4
1.5
9.210.111.413.015.318.322.830.445.891.6
1
4.55.05.76.57.69.211.415.322.845.7
0.5
0.80.91.11.21.51.92.33.14.69.2
0.1
1,000900800700600500400300200100 Distance traveled in feetLb. collected
all seed cups
To calibrate the Command Seeder while it is working, do the following:
1. Measure out a predetermined distance on the ground (for example 200 linear feet),
keeping in mind that the further the distance, the more precise the measurement.
2. Fill the hopper with the seed you intend to spread.
3. Make sure the seed cups are not plugged with leaves, grass or other obstacles and
that the seed cup regulation levers are all adjusted to the same opening position.
OPERATION 17 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

4. Remove the seed tubes from the lower bar and attach bags to the ends to allow the
material to be collected.
5. Move the calibration handle located in the rear of the hopper to a position between
0.5 and 6.
6. Drive the tractor forward pulling the machine along the predetermined distance. It is
important for the cultipacker to remain on the ground at all times and to roll
continuously.
7. Collect all material distributed and weigh.
8. Using Table 3 determine the amount of material distributed. Example: If the
distance traveled is 100 ft. and 0.1 lb. of material is collected, then 9.2 lb. per
acre of material is being distributed.
9. If the results do not correspond to the amount that needs to be distributed, adjust the
calibration handle accordingly.
3.07 - Start Up
DANGER: Never allow anyone around the Command Seeder when it is in
operation.
CAUTION: Before starting work, clear the area of any obstacles or foreign objects
and make sure that the rear cultipacker locking pins have been removed (see fig.
5).
Start out with the tractor in the lowest gear, increase gears slowly if necessary.
Avoid working in reverse.
Before beginning work always remember that the operator is responsible for:
1. Safe and correct operation of the tractor and Command Seeder.
2. Learning and following precise, safe operating procedures for both the tractor and
the Command Seeder.
3. Ensuring all maintenance and lubrication has been performed on the Command
Seeder.
4. Having read and understood all safety aspects for the Command Seeder in the
operator’s manual.
5. Having read and understood all safety decals on the Command Seeder.
6. Checking that there are no wires, weeds, grass or other objects wrapped around the
cultipackers.
7. Checking to see if front weights need to be added to the tractor in order to maintain
balance.
8. Checking the tractor tires for the proper pressure in accordance to the tractor
operator’s manual.
OPERATION 18 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

9. Checking that all shielding is on the machine and securely in place.
10.Making sure the proper attire is worn. Avoiding loose fitting clothing which can
become entangled. Wearing sturdy, tough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hands, ears and head. Never operate tractor or implement
barefoot, or wearing sandals or sneakers.
11.Checking area for stones, branches and other debris that might be thrown.
12.Ensuring proper lighting is available, sunlight or good artificial lighting.
DANGER: Never use the machine without first assuring all protective devices are
properly installed.
3.08 - Seed Conveyor Kit
The seed conveyor kit for the hopper is designed to help feed all the seed to the seed
distribution cups and reduce the amount of residue left over in the seed box. This is
particularly useful with seed that is distributed in very low volumes since often times the
seed box is not filled completely. When filling the seed box equipped with the seed
conveyor kit, pay particular attention to filling the seed evenly across the whole hopper.
Hoppers filled incorrectly could cause seed to be distributed unevenly.
The seed conveyors (see #1, fig. 8) are secured to the seed box using the fixing plates
(see #2, fig. 8). No additional hardware is required as the fixing plates are fastened to
the same holes on the hopper used to secure the seed cups (see #3, fig. 8).
OPERATION 19 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1
2
3
Fig. 8
1. seed conveyor
2. fixing plate
3. seed cup

3.09 - Test Run
After the first 200-300 feet it is important to stop and raise the machine. Lower the
machine, turn off the tractor engine and remove the key.
At this point make sure the Command Seeder is performing correctly. Check for loose
bolts or nuts.
3.10 - Working Speed
Ground speed is determined by the soil condition and tractor power. Simple
experimentation will soon determine the best speed for the desired results, usually 3 to
5 mph.
3.11 - Headland Procedure
When the headland is reached, it is important that the following be observed:
1. Raise the machine from the ground.
2. Turn the tractor facing the new desired direction of travel.
3. Begin working again.
NOTE: Best practice dictates that the machine be lifted no more than just enough
to clear the ground.
3.12 - Uneven Terrain
DANGER: Be careful when operating tractor and machine over uneven ground to
avoid rollover.
The following precautions should always be observed when working on uneven terrain:
1. In extremely uneven terrain rear wheel weights, front tractor weights, and/or tire
ballast should be used to improve stability.
2. Observe the type of terrain and develop a safe working pattern.
3. Operate the implement up and down steep slopes, not across slopes, to prevent the
tractor from tipping. Avoid sudden stops and starts, and slow down before changing
directions on a slope.
4. Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent hanging up the
tractor and implement.
5. Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping or loss of control.
6. Watch for holes, roots or other hidden objects. Do not use near the edge of a gully,
ditch or stream bank.
OPERATION 20 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND SEEDER OPERATOR’SMANUAL