Almaco SPC 20 User manual

Operator’s Manual
for
ALMACO SPC 20 COMBINE
99 M AVENUE
NEVADA, IA 50201
515-382-3506
FAX [phone]
WWW.ALMACO.COM

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SECTION A
FORWARD
Manual ID Number
MOC0207095

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TO THE PURCHASER:
We at ALMACO wish to extend to each customer our thanks and congratulations for your selection
of one of our Self Propelled Combines to be included in your agricultural experiments and field
production inventory.
We believe that our Self Propelled Combine series offers outstanding performance included with
“in-the-field” versatility.
Each ALMACO planter is virtually hand-assembled by our skilled craftsmen from durable
premium-grade materials to rigid production standards.
The result of our efforts and years of development with practicing agronomists has been a
“laboratory instrument” capable of volume production, yet still meeting the rigid requirements for field
trials and evaluations.
You and your company have joined the ever-growing group of agricultural researchers using
ALMACO products.
Please read the information contained within the operator’s manual carefully before operating your
machine.
Respectfully,
Gary W. Clem
President

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD..............................................................................................SECTION A
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................A-7
MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY..............................................................................A-8
COMPONENT DATA SHEET.....................................................................................A-9
SAFETY...................................................................................................SECTION B
GENERAL SAFTEY....................................................................................................B-3
BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH............................................................................B-6
OPERATIONAL SAFTEY............................................................................................B-7
SERVICE SAFTEY......................................................................................................B-9
SAFETY DECAL LOCATIONS....................................................................................B-12
OPERATION............................................................................................SECTION C
FUNCTION
COMBINE FUNCTION ..........................................................................................C-3
HEADER FUNCTION............................................................................................C-4
OPERATOR CONTROL FUNCTION....................................................................C-6
MACHINE SETINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS ..............................................................C-10
CONCAVE / CYLINDER CLEARANCE CHART...................................................C-11
HEADER SETTINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS
ROW CROP HEAD................................................................................................C-12
CORN HEAD .........................................................................................................C-13
STANDARD PLATFORM HEAD ...........................................................................C-15
TROUBLE SHOOTING...........................................................................SECTION D
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................SECTION E
GUIDELINES...............................................................................................................E-3
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE......................................................................................E-4
DAILY MAINTENANCE LOG......................................................................................E-5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS............................................................................................E-7
HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS .............................................................................................E-8
ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE...........................................................................E-9
CONVEYOR ROLLER ADJUSTMENT.......................................................................E-13
HIGH PRESSURE WASHING ....................................................................................E-14
STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION ...................................................SECTION F
RECEIVING THE COMBINE.......................................................................................F-3
TRANSPORTING THE COMBINE..............................................................................F-3
LOADING / UNLOADING PROCEDURE..............................................................F-3
TOWING......................................................................................................................F-4
STORING THE COMBINE..........................................................................................F-4
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................SECTION G

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INTRODUCTION
Read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with all aspects of operation and service of your
machine. It is important that all operators are properly trained. This manual contains safety
information that can prevent personal injury and equipment damage.
This manual is a permanent part of the machine and should remain with the machine for reference,
service, and resale. A storage compartment for manuals has been provided near operators seat.
Machine orientation for left-hand, right-hand, front, and rear in descriptions and drawings is
determined as if you are sitting in the operator’s seat.
Record keeping is an important part of machine operation. A Combine Component Data Sheet has
been provided to keep track of options, features, and part numbers specific to your combine. This
information will help when ordering replacement parts and identifying your combine during service
calls. Use the Parts Manual to help identify standard replacement parts.
All specifications, diagrams, and drawings in this manual are based on the latest information at
printing time. ALMACO reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please contact an ALMACO representative if you have any questions about:
- Material in this manual
- Function and operation of the plot combine
- Repair, maintenance, service, or other topics
ALMACO
99 M Ave.
PO Box 296
Nevada, IA 50201
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Beeper: [phone]
Web Page: www.almaco.com
E-Mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

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MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
We guarantee each ALMACO combine to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one
year from date of shipment from the factory.
Our obligation under this warranty is limited to the replacement or the repair at our Nevada, Iowa
factory of such part as shall appear to us, upon inspection, to have been defective in material or
workmanship.
This warranty does not obligate us to bear the cost of labor or any transportation charges in
connection with the replacement or repair of the defective parts, nor shall it apply to any part upon
which repairs or alterations have been made unless authorized by us.
We make no warranty in respect to trade accessories furnished on ALMACO products, such
accessories being subject to the warranties of their respective manufacturer.
We shall in no event be liable for consequential damages or contingent liabilities arising out of the
failure of any part to operate properly, or the operator’s failure to take proper safety precautions in
the operation of this equipment.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to make repairs to any part of this equipment found to be defective. Any such
repairs made to any part without written authorization from the manufacturer will void this
warranty.
The manufacturer reserves the right to modify, alter, and improve future models of the ALMACO
combine or parts of, without incurring any obligation to replace any products or parts previously sold
without such modified, altered or improved product or part.
Model No. _______________________________ Serial No. ________________________
Date Shipped. ________________________

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FORWARD A-9
COMPONENT DATA SHEET
Serial Number: _________________________ Date Shipped: ____________________
Tire Size: Front:_________________________ Rear: ___________________________
Sieve Type & Size: Top: __________________ Bottom:__________________________
Hydraulics: ____________________________
Engine Type:___________________________ Serial #: _________________________
Header(s):_____________________________ Reel:____________________________
Snout Style(s): _________________________
BELTS RIGHT SIDE:
Engine to Tandem Pump:__________________________________________________
Pump Jack Shaft to Main Jack Shaft:_________________________________________
Intermediate Drive to Winnowing Blower:______________________________________
Cyclone Blower Drive:_____________________________________________________
CONTROL CABLES:
Throttle:_______________________________ Ground Drive:_____________________
Foot Control:___________________________ Threshing Cylinder: ________________
Ground Drive Control:____________________ Model: __________________________
Throttle Control: ________________________ Model: __________________________

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SPC 20 SPECIAL OPTIONS
1.___________________________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________________
4.___________________________________________________________________________
5.___________________________________________________________________________
6.___________________________________________________________________________
7.___________________________________________________________________________
8.___________________________________________________________________________
9.___________________________________________________________________________
10.__________________________________________________________________________
11.__________________________________________________________________________
12.__________________________________________________________________________
13.__________________________________________________________________________
14.__________________________________________________________________________
15.__________________________________________________________________________
16.__________________________________________________________________________
17.__________________________________________________________________________
18.__________________________________________________________________________
19.__________________________________________________________________________
20.__________________________________________________________________________
21.__________________________________________________________________________
22.__________________________________________________________________________

SPC 20 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SAFETY B-1
SECTION B
SAFETY

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B-2 SAFETY

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SAFETY B-3
GENERAL SAFETY
Every year, many accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a safer approach
to handling farm machinery and implements.
Designers build in as many safety features as possible, such as safety shields for belts, chains and sprockets, etc.,
but the designer cannot guarantee safety. Safety is up to the operator. These general safety precautions and the
safety decals on the machine are intended to help avoid accidents and create a safe working environment.
RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
This is the safety-alert symbol. When you
see this symbol on your machine or in this
manual, be alert to the potential for personal
injury.
Follow recommended precautions and safe
operating practices.
UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS
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.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully read all safety messages in this
manual and safety decals on your machine.
Keep all decals in good condition and
replace any that are missing or damaged.
New decals are available from ALMACO,
refer to Safety Decal Locations later in this
section for ordering information. Be sure
new equipment, components and repair
p
arts dis
p
la
y
all
r
e
q
uired safet
y
decals.

SPC 20 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
B-4 SAFETY
PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
Be prepared if a fire starts.
Keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
handy. All machines come from the factory
equipped with a fire extinguisher. Make
sure the extinguisher is properly charged
and in working order.
Keep emergency numbers for doctors,
ambulance service, hospital and fire
department near your telephone.
WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Wear close fitting clothing and safety
equipment appropriate to the job. Hearing
protection is required for all operators.
Operating equipment safely requires the full
attention of the operator. Do not wear radio
or music headphones while operating
machine.
HANDLE FUEL SAFELY — AVOID FIRES
Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
Always stop engine before refueling
machine. Do not refuel the machine while
smoking or when near open flame or sparks.
Fill fuel tank outdoors.
Prevent fires by keeping machine clean of
accumulated trash, grease, and debris.
Always clean up spilled fuel.

SPC 20 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SAFETY B-5
OBSERVE ROAD TRAFFIC
REGULATIONS
Always observe local road traffic regulations
when usin
g
p
ublic roads.
USE SAFETY LIGHTS AND DEVICES
When transporting your machine on a public
road either during the day or at night, use
the necessary safety lights. You are
required by law to have lights if operating on
a public roadway after dusk.
Keep safety items in good condition.
Replace missing or damaged items.
A-Lights
B-Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem
C-Reflector Tape
D-Reflectors

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B-6 SAFETY
Battery Disconnect Switch [#16243]
ALMACO combines are equipped with a battery disconnect switch. The switch can be used to
protect against battery drain or to prevent accidental starting. In the “OFF” position the switch can
be locked in order to comply with proper Lockout / Tagout Policy to ensure operator safety while
performing maintenance on the machine (Figure B-1B).
Figure B-1: Battery Disconnect Switch

SPC 20 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SAFETY B-7
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
DRIVING THE COMBINE
Always check the road and general
operating safety of the machine before
using. Make sure bystanders are in a safe
position before starting or operating the
machine. The operator must remain seated
while the machine is moving.
Learn how to operate the machine and how
to use controls properly. Do not let anyone
operate the combine without instruction. Do
not operate the combine on side hills. Avoid
making sharp turns, especially when on
slopes or at high speeds. When making
turns, always remember the rear of the
combine swings out.
KEEP RIDERS OFF MACHINE
Only allow passengers and operators where
proper seating is supplied. Do not allow
people to climb on the combine while in
motion. Riders are subject to injury such as
being thrown from the machine. Riders also
obstruct the operator’s view, which is
unsafe.
GUARDS AND SHIELDS
Keep guards and shields in place at all
times. They are protecting you from -
potential hazards due to moving parts.
Ensure that they are serviceable and
installed correctly.
Always disengage clutch, head, and
threshing cylinder, shut off engine, and
remove key before removing any guards or
shields or making any adjustments.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from
movin
g
parts.

SPC 20 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
B-8 SAFETY
STAY CLEAR OF HEADER
Rotating knives, gathering belts, conveyor
belts of row crop head, etc., cannot be
completely shielded due to their function.
Stay clear of these moving parts during
operation.
Always disengage header drive, shut off
engine, and remove key before servicing or
unclogging header.
STAY CLEAR OF AUGER
The auger located inside the grain tank
cannot be completely shielded against
accidental contact. Use a rod to clear
blockages. Never use hands or feet to clear
blockages or take samples. Never enter
grain tank while engine is running.
OPERATING THE ENGINE
Never operate the engine in an enclosed
building.
Make sure the ground drive lever is in
neutral, the clutch and head switches are
off, and the brake is on before starting
engine.
TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
Make sure all equipment is in the
travel/transport position.
Fold or stow components so equipment is
within legal travel height and width to avoid
damage to equipment and/or severe
electrical shock to the operator.