abi 85G User manual

Absolute Innovations, Inc - 1320 Third Street, Osceola, IN 46561 - www.abiattachments.com
Classic Manure Spreader
Ground Drive 85/110 Models
Setup Guide
**Model 25 shown/some features may be optional
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BEFORE OPERATING!
Version 2.1.2

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Thank You,
On behalf of the ABI family we would like to thank you for your recent purchase of your Classic
Spreader. Our Company’s goal is to provide you, our customer; with innovative, quality tools as well as
first rate customer service.
These instructions are designed to help you, the customer; get your new Classic Spreader off the
delivery pallet and into use. Once you have put your Classic Spreader to work, if you have any
questions, please feel free to call and talk with our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Service
Department. To contact our Customer Service Department call 855-211-0598, M- Th 8am-8pm EST and
Friday 8am-5pm EST.
To order parts for your Classic Spreader please contact our Customer Support Department by phone at:
855-211-0598 M-TH 8am – 8pm and Friday 8am-5pm EST
Additional Contact Information –
Additional information on the Classic Spreader can be found on the ABI Support site at:
www.abisupport.com
To contact ABI’s Customer Service Department after hours go to the Help Desk on the ABI Support page
at: www.abisupport.com and send our Customer Service Department an email regarding any issue you
may be experiencing with the Classic Spreader.
To the Operator –
The information presented in this manual will prepare you to operate the Classic Spreader in a safe and
knowledgeable manner. Operating the Classic Spreader in a proper manner will provide a safer working
environment and create a more efficient result. Read this manual fully and understand the entire
manual prior to setup, operation, adjusting, performing maintenance, or storing the Classic Spreader.
This manual contains information that will allow you the operator to get years of dependable
performance from the Classic Spreader.
This manual will provide you with information on safely operating and maintaining the Classic Spreader.
Operating the Classic Spreader outside of the stated safety and operations guidelines may result in
injury to operator and equipment, or void the warranty.
The information provided in this manual was current at the time of printing. Variations may be present
as Absolute Innovations, Inc. continues to improve and upgrade the Classic Spreader for future use.
Absolute Innovations, Inc. reserves the right to implement engineering and design changes to the Classic
Spreader as may be necessary without prior notification.

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Operational Safety Rules-
Please exercise caution at all times when setting up, operating, or performing maintenance on the
Classic Spreader. Remember, any piece of equipment like the Classic Spreader can cause
injury/damage if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the
equipment. Exercise caution at all times with using the Classic Spreader.
Never permit any person to ride or board the CLASSIC SPREADER at any time. NEVER ALLOW RIDERS
ON THE CLASSIC SPREADER!
Use care and maintain minimum ground speed when operating the CLASSIC SPREADER on a hillside,
or when operating close to ditches, fences, or water sources.
Never place any body part under the while the CLASSIC SPREADER is in operation.
Never allow anyone near the CLASSIC SPREADER while in operation.
Operate the CLASSIC SPREADER in the daylight or under good artificial light. Operator should always
be able to clearly see where they are going.
Be alert for hidden hazards. Always operate the CLASSIC SPREADER with caution over work
environments that may have buried obstacles.
Stay well and clear of all moving parts. Keep all limbs clear of attachments when making
adjustments with all hydraulically operated attachments.
Use caution when operating the CLASSIC SPREADER in icy, wet, or snowy condition.
Do not use the CLASSIC SPREADER on highways or public thoroughfares. The CLASSIC SPREADER is
designed for off road use only.
Always follow Tractor Manufacturer’s rules for safe Operation of Tractor, and for proper procedures
for attaching and disconnecting attachments. Contact your local dealership for an Owner’s Manual
for any questions related to the safe operation of the Tractor.
Use caution when operating the CLASSIC SPREADER. Using the CLASSIC SPREADER outside of stated
safety and operations guidelines may result in injury to operator or others, property damage, or a void
in warranty.

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Information on the ABI Classic Spreader –
1/3 Heavier Than Most Competitor's Equivalent:
When it comes to equipment made of steel; weight is a good thing. The heavier the manure spreader is the more
high density steel is being use. The more high density steel is being used the longer the manure spreader will last
and the better it will perform. Weight is a quality metric you can feel. In this case it is significant. ABI Classic
manure spreaders are 1/3 heavier for about the same price!
Shredded Output:
Shredding the material offers a number of advantages. It exposes more of the manure to sunlight which reduces
parasite eggs/fly larva and allows the manure to decompose far more quickly than non-shredded material. It
enables the manure to decomposition quickly to encourages a healthy pasture and greatly reduces the amount of
time between spreading and horses grazing again on the pasture.
Variable Flow Control:
Variable flow control enables the operator to apply just the right amount of material to the ground. This ensures
proper application rates of material to maximize its nutritional value; minimizing waste and reduces nitrogen burn
to vegetation. All ABI Classic manure spreaders feature the ability to control the flow rate of manure being applied
to the ground. The ground drive manure spreaders have 4 different speed settings that are controlled by the lever
(ground drive units). Flow control is accomplished by speeding up or slowing down the apron chain (or conveyor)
that feeds manure to the back beaters. You now have a choice of emptying the spreader as fast as possible or
applying controlled amounts of manure.
Eco Smart Results From A Classic Design:
The combination of the shredded output, controlled spread and variable flow control make the ABI Classic Manure
Spreader one of the most eco-friendly spreaders on the market.
All Welded COR-TEN Steel Construction: **Exclusive Feature**
All ABI Classic manure spreaders are fully welded for long life and made of COR-TEN steel to resist rust and
corrosion. COR-TEN steel is a "weathering" steel originally engineered as a corrosion resistant steel for the
construction industry. This steel may be exposed to the elements, even unpainted, and not rust through for many
years. (ABI manure spreaders are painted black for cosmetic purposes however.) ABI classic manure spreaders are
fully welded to take on the most punishing situations for many years. ABI classic manure spreaders weigh about
1/3 more than most competitors!
Easy Operating Levers:
ABI Classic Manure Spreaders have two levers at the front of the spreader that control the unit. These easy to use
levers control the engagement of the apron chain (conveyer) and the beaters. As you look from the front to the
back of the manure spreader the left lever engages the apron chain and has 4 web speed settings and the right
lever controls the beater engagement

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4 Speed Variable Flow Control: **Exclusive Feature**
All ABI Classic Manure spreaders feature the ability to control the flow rate of manure being applied to the ground.
The ground drive units have 4 different speed settings that are controlled by the lever (ground drive units). Flow
control is accomplished by speeding up or slowing down the apron chain (or conveyor) that feeds manure to the
back beaters. You now have a choice of emptying the manure spreader as fast as possible or applying controlled
amounts of manure to specific areas to maximize the nutrient fertilizer value of the manure and minimize negative
environmental issue such as run-off into water supply.
Unique Chain Engagement Mechanism: **Exclusive Feature**
To virtually eliminate drive chain slip when engaging and disengaging the drive chain, ABI Classic Manure spreaders
utilize a mechanism that gradually lifts the chain off the sprocket one tooth at a time to disengage. To reengage,
this mechanism then gently lays the chain back on the sprocket seating the chain on each tooth of the sprocket.
This process keeps the chain and sprocket in alignment and reduces the possibility the chain will slip or fall off the
sprocket causing unneeded repair, wear and tear and breakage. This mechanism is controlled by the front right
operating lever (as you are looking toward the back of the spreader). Most competitor engagement mechanisms
do not keep the chain and sprocket in alignment and do not assist in the reseating of the chain on each sprocket
tooth.
Dual Wheel Ground Drive With Ratcheting Hubs:
Unlike many ground drive systems all ABI Classic Ground Drive Manure Spreaders incorporate a sophisticated
system that enables better ground traction and provides constant power to the apron chain and beater bars. As
you look from the front to the back of the spreader the left wheel primarily drives the apron chain (conveyer) and
the right wheel primarily drives the beater bars, however both wheels also work in unison to maximize traction
and prevent the apron and beater from running at different speeds. This works similar in concept to a locking
differential on a truck which is designed to "lock" both wheels on an axle together as if on a common shaft. This
forces both wheels to turn in unison, regardless of the traction (or lack thereof) available to either wheel
individually. This eliminates slipping and binding of the moving parts and reduces wear and tear and breakage to
the chains, sprockets & gears. But that is not all! The hubs on the ABI manure spreaders have a ratcheting override
when moving in reverse or taking sharp corners. This allows the wheels to move independently when taking sharp
corners or moving in reverse even while engaged. This smart design makes maneuverability a breeze and protects
moving parts from damage.
Shredder Beaters: **Exclusive Feature**
Unlike most manure spreaders that use one beater bar to spread material, ABI Classic manure spreaders use 2 or 3
beaters depending on the unit size. On 85 - 110 cu ft units ABI Classic manure spreaders have 2 shredder beaters.
One small beater at the top of the spreader to shred the top of mounded material and a large shredder beater just
in front of the wide spread beater. The shredder beaters are geared slower than the wide spread beater to
maximize shredding power. the 85 cu ft units feature 100 shredder blades, 110 cu ft units feature 120 shredder
blades. The top shredder bar also helps to deflect flying material away from the operator and tow vehicle.

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Wide Spread Beater:
The component that actually throws the manure from the manure spreader is the wide spreader beater. These
beaters are expertly designed to further break down the manure and evenly distribute it on the ground. The 85 cu
ft manure spreaders have 8 larger paddles and the 110,cu ft manure spreaders have 10 larger paddles.
All Welded COR-TEN Steel Box Design: **Exclusive Feature**
The box on the ABI classic manure spreaders is very different from most competitors. The ABI box is not bolted
together; it is fully welded and made of 12 gauge COR-TEN steel. This is thicker gauge steel than any other
spreader, in this class, that we know of. ABI has chosen not to use galvanized steel as it is toxic to weld; therefore
most competitors that use galvanized steel have resorted to bolt together construction. With the corrosion
resistance of COR-TEN steel and the ability to have a fully welded box we feel our design is the best of both worlds.
The box has flared sides to maximize capacity, lower the loading height and aid in keeping heaping loads of
manure in the box when in transit. These flared side also add further structural strength to the box.
Coal Tar Epoxy Box Liner and Tongue & Groove Poly Floor:
To further prevent corrosion and rust the inside of the box is sprayed with a Coal Tar Epoxy box liner. This box liner
is not a traditional truck bed plastic insert liner that can cause corrosion under it and it is not a soft rubbery
material that can rip. This box liner is ideally suited for the unique demands of a manure spreader. Coal Tar Epoxy
offers great "flex" so it is perfectly suited to expand & contract with climate and can handle the abrasion and
acidity of manure flowing through the spreader. Coal Tar Epoxies are famous for protection from moisture and are
commonly used on garage floors, underground pipelines/tanks even the hulls of barges. The floor of the ABI Classic
Manure Spreader box is not steel and it is not wood. It is plastic! The floor is constructed of a tongue and groove
poly lumber so it will never rot or rust. Even better yet the "tongue and groove" construction prohibits the
individual poly boards that make up the floor from warping that would cause the apron web to get caught and
bind on the flooring. This is premium maintenance free flooring that will last and comes with a limited lifetime
warranty.
"5 Point" Corrosion & Rust Resistance:
Corrosion and rust resistance is one of the top concerns customers have in buying manure spreaders. ABI does not
take this concern lightly. To ensure our Classic Manure Spreaders will last for many years to come we have
implemented a suite of measures to prevent corrosion and rust.
1. We start with corrosion resistant COR-TEN steel.
2. All steel components are sand blasted before painting. This cleans the impurities off the steel and opens
the pores to absorb the paint for the best bond.
3. Rust-Oleum "Stops-Rust" paint is applied. This paint is easy to repair and touch up and unlike powder
coating moisture cannot get behind the paint to rust from the underside.
4. Coal Tar Epoxy box liner is applied inside the box.
5. Tongue and groove poly (plastic lumber) floor will not rust, corrode or rot. This floor has a Limited
Lifetime Warranty.

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Specifications-
Model
85G
110G
# of Horses
Up To 20
Up To 25
Capacity Heaped
85cu.ft.
110cu.ft.
Capacity Struck
47cu.ft.
76cu.ft.
Total Length
200"
216"
Total Width
72"
80"
Total Height
59"
66"
Box Length
100"
114"
Box Width
40"
48"
Box Height
20"
24"
Box Flared Width
45"
53"
Loading Height
43"
47"
Frame & Hitch Construction
All Welded Corrosion Resistant High Strength COR-TEN Steel!
Box Sides Construction
All Welded 12 Gauge Corrosion Resistant High Strength COR-TEN Steel!
Box Floor
Corrosion Proof Poly Tongue & Groove Lumber!
Outside
Body Finish
Rust-Oleum Rust-Stop Paint Applied To Sandblasted COR-TEN Corrosion Resistant Steel!
Inside Box Sides Finish
Rust-Oleum Rust-Stop Paint + Hard Shell Epoxy Box Liner (Spray-On) Applied To Sandblasted
COR-TEN Corrosion Resistant Steel!
Tires
Ag Traction Tires For Extra Grip & Power
Hubs
In Forward Motion Both Tires Move In Sync For Powerful Non-Slip Performance. In Reverse
Hubs Ratchet To Auto-Disengage For Ease Of Maneuvering & To Prevent Apron Binding and
Damage.
Drive Mechanism
No Slip - No Bind - Dual Tire Ground Drive System. With Independent control over Apron
Speed & Beater Engagement.
Roller Chain
CA550
Apron Chain
High Strength T-Rod Web
Spread Speed
Variable Apron Web Speed - 4 Speed Settings
Total # of Beaters
Three
Wide Spread Beater
Single Wide Spread Beater With 8 Large
Aggressive Paddles
Single Wide Spread Beater With 10 Large
Aggressive Paddles
Shredder Beater
Dual Shredder Beaters With 10 Bars & 100 Blades
Dual Shredder Beater With 10 Bars & 120 Blades
Shedder Hood & Spray
Shield
N/A
Hitch Stand
2,000 lbs. Swing Away Jack Stand With Skid Plate
Unit Weight
In lbs.
1670
2,130
Empty Tongue Weight
170 lbs.
250 lbs.
Tractor Requirements
25+ hp
Standard
30+ hp
Standard
ATV / UTV Requirements
N/A
N/A
Warranty
Two (2) Year Limited Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty on Poly Floor

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Usage:
Swing Away Jack(with optional wheel jack):
Spreader Bed:
The swing away jack is used to hold the spreader in a
safe level position when not connected to a tow
vehicle. Use the jack to raise or lower the spreader
for easy connection to the tow vehicle. With
optional wheel attachment the spreader can be
easily maneuvered around without having to attach
the spreader to a tow vehicle. To rotate the jack
remove the attached pin from the holder, rotate,
and reinsert pin. To keep the jack from catching
during use always raise the jack when in operation.
Never Disconnect the Spreader from the Tow Vehicle
without securing the swing away jack in the down
position.
Make sure to rinse out the bed of the ABI Classic
spreader after every use. This will help to ensure
longevity of your spreader. It is important to avoid
putting excess soil or stones into the spreader. The
ABI Classic spreader was not designed to spread soil
or stone. Getting stones caught in the bed will
damage the Classic Spreader and is not covered
under warranty.
**Use caution when spreading wet manure. You will
want to use a slow speed to prevent bridging or
build up, and to allow the manure to be properly
shredded and spread.

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Operating Levers:
Chain engagement Mechanism:
Apron adjustment:
The operating levers engage the apron chain as well
as the beater bars. The operation lever labeled #1 is
used to engage and disengage the apron chain.
There are 4 speeds to choose from when engaging
the apron chain for use. The top slot is fully
disengaged and the bottom slot is fully engaged. To
engage either lever squeeze the latch handle fully,
and lower the lever. Make sure the latch is fully set
in its slot before operating the Spreader. When the
spreader is not in being used to spread, set the
levers back to the disengaged position; for
transporting.
The operating lever labeled #2 in the above photo
controls the chain engagement mechanism. This
allows the chain to be disengaged and engaged one
tooth at a time and helps keep the chain and
sprocket in alignment. This also helps reduce
unneeded repair, wear and tear, and breakage.
To adjust the apron chain you will need to loosen the
two bolts labeled #1 in the attached photo. Then
turn the adjustment nut labeled #2 to adjust the
tension on the apron chain. For proper tension on
your apron chain you want to have no more than 3”
of lift in the middle of the bed, on the apron chain.
You will need to make this adjustment to both sides
of the apron chain. Make sure to keep track of how
many times you turn the adjustment nut. To keep
the apron level you must adjust both sides of the
apron chain the same amount.
** Once you have adjusted the apron chain
remember to retighten bolt set #1 before use.
#1
#2
#2
#1

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Operating Lever Rod adjustments:
Tightening Beater Bar Chain:
Both operating levers are attached to a rod used to
engage parts of the spreader. These rods may need
to have the play taken out over time. To remove this
play from the rods put the levers in the top or
disengaged position. Loosen the bolts holding the
rod in place and take up any of the play in the rods.
Then retighten the bolts when done. For the Chain
drive mechanism rod, the adjustment is located
toward the front (labeled #1 in the photo to the left)
for the apron rod adjustment the adjuster is located
in the back above the left side hub (labeled #2 in the
photo to the right).
Over time the chain that controls the Beater bars my
get slack in it. To take this slack out you will need to
loosen the two bolts located on the sprocket holder
pointed out in the picture. There is a sprocket holder
with two bolts on both sides of the beater bar (a
total of 4 bolts) that will need to be loosened. Once
the bolts have been loosened, have someone help
by gently pulling the whole beater bar back till most
of the slack is gone from the chain. Make sure that
the beater bar is not sitting at an angle before using
the spreader. If the beater bar is sitting at an angle
please readjust the bar as it may cause damage to
your spreader.
Once the excess slack is gone from the
chain re-tighten all 4 bolts back down. Make sure to
allow some slack so that the sprockets do not seize
up when in use. Over tightening may cause damage
to chain, sprockets, spreader, or all parts previously
mentioned.
#1
#2

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Optional Feature:
End Gate:
Exclusive Feature:
Shredder Hood & Spray Shield:
The optional end gate is used to prevent manure
from spilling out during filling or transportation, and
to help further deflect material from the operator
during spreading. The end gate should never be
down when spreader is in use. For models 25 – 50
the end gate must be operated manually. For larger
models 85 – 130 there is an optional hydraulic lift
arm. Having this down during use may cause damage
to the hood or tool.
This exclusive feature offers two features. First is
prevents any manure from flowing over the beaters,
and second it acts as a shield for spray off. This helps
with “clean” spreading and prevents spray off from
hitting the operator.

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Maintenance:
Grease/Lubrication Points:
Each area where the arrows point indicates where a grease/Lubrication point is located. Stickers on the
Spreader body further indicate where grease/lubrication points are located.
The spreader should be greased using a grease gun every 25-30 loads and before storage. Make sure to grease all
available grease areas before any period of storage. Use caution to not over grease fittings as it may damage the
bearings.
When greasing the hubs for the ABI Classic Ground Drive Spreader use caution to make sure you do not over grease
the hubs. You will want to put about 2-3 full pumps of grease into each hub using a manual grease gun every 30-35
loads. Hubs may need to be cleaned out once a year to remove old grease build up.

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Every 30 -50 loads you may want to clean off the paws on the sprockets located on the right side of the spreader from
the back of your ABI Spreader. Grease from the hub may gather on the paws and will need to be cleaned to prevent
damage to the paws.
Clean chains after every use and oil chains after every 25-30 loads, or before and periods of storage. Oiling the chains
before periods of storage will help prevent rusting of the chains. For oiling the chains you can use SAE 30 or higher
rated oil for all the chains. It is not recommended to pour oil directly into the bed when oiling the apron chain. To oil
the apron chain you may want to use a cloth with oil on it to apply oil to the apron and drive chains.
Make sure to check all nuts and bolts to ensure they are tight after every 25-30 loads. If any nuts or bolts are found to
be loose, be sure to tighten them properly before use.