Amadas SPC-4 User manual

Hi-Speed
Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
SPC-4/SPC-6
3rd Edition, Beg. S/N 570000
MAN157
August 2019
©2019
Read this manual before
using this product. Failure
to follow the instructions
and safety precautions in
this manual can result in
serious injury or death.

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Choppers are manufactured
by Amadas Industries.
You can find us on the Web at:
www.amadas.com
or e-mail us at:
[email protected]
You can also contact us at:
P.O. Box 1833 / Suffolk, VA 23439
(mailing)
1100 Holland Road / Suffolk, VA 23434
(shipping)
[phone] (phone)
[phone] (FAX)
P.O. Box 3687 / Albany, GA 31701
(mailing)
1701 South Slappey Blvd. / Albany, GA 31706
(shipping)
[phone] (phone)
[phone] (FAX)

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Introduction
07/06/21 i MAN157
Table of
Contents
Welcome ................................................iii
Specifications ......................................vi
Dimensions...........................................vii
1. Safety.................................................... 1
Safety at All Times! .............................. 2
Safety Practices .................................... 3
Additional Safety for this Machine ....... 10
Safety Decals ...................................... 11
2. Preparation......................................... 15
Overview ............................................. 16
Set Row Width..................................... 16
Different Model Numbers..................... 16
Dealer Preparation............................... 17
Initial Inspection................................... 17
Install Blades ....................................... 18
Blade Positions................................ 19
User Preparation ................................. 21
Tire Pressure....................................... 21
Weight Addition .................................... 22
Dirt Shield ............................................. 23
3. Operation ........................................... 25
Important Information.......................... 26
Speed............................................. 26
Planting Lines................................. 26
Ground Density .............................. 26
Transportation..................................... 27
Machine Operation.............................. 28
Hitch............................................... 28
Lower Hitch Points...................... 28
Upper Hitch Points...................... 28
Attach to Tractor............................. 30
Adjust Height.................................. 30
Operate Machine............................ 31

Introduction Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
MAN157 ii 07/06/21
4. Adjustments....................................... 33
Weight Addition................................... 34
Inclination............................................ 35
Tire Pressure ...................................... 36
Rotor Distance from Pulling Wheels.... 37
Adjust the Rotor .................................. 38
Chain Tension..................................... 40
Change Row Width ............................. 41
5. Maintenance....................................... 45
Maintenance ....................................... 46
Gearboxes...................................... 46
Change Oil ................................ 46
Check Oil................................... 46
PTO Shafts..................................... 46
Lubricate ................................... 46
Double Universals .......................... 47
Lubricate ................................... 47
Clutch............................................. 47
Lubricate ................................... 47
Chains............................................ 47
Lubricate ................................... 47
Rotor Bearings ............................... 48
Lubricate ................................... 48
Puller Units ..................................... 48
Lubricate..................................... 48
Blades ............................................ 49
Lubrication Schedule........................... 50
End of Season Storage ....................... 51
Remove Wheels ............................. 51
Prepare Tanks................................ 51
General Cleaning............................ 52
6. Troubleshooting................................. 53
Warranty Statement

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Introduction
07/06/21 iii MAN157
Welcome
To
Amadas
Industries
With origins dating back to 1963, Amadas
Industries and its predecessors have a long
history of providing high quality, reliable,
innovative equipment for the farming
industry. Amadas equipment is currently at
work throughout the United States and in
many other countries. This equipment
ranges from the Self-Propelled Peanut
Combine, Tree Bark Processing and
Packaging Machinery, Reel Rain Traveler
Irrigation Systems, the 2120A Pull-Type
Peanut Combines, to the Hi-Speed Cotton
Stalk Puller/Chopper.

Introduction Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
MAN157 iv 07/06/21
Hi-Speed
Cotton Stalk
Puller/Chopper
Congratulations on your purchase of the
AMADAS Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk
Puller/Chopper (SPC). The SPC is a
patented, uniquely integrated system used
for extracting and chopping up cotton stalks
and their roots.
This system provides you with a significant
advantage over conventional mowing and
discing. The SPC removes each stalk's
entire root system, effectively breaking up
the life cycle of insects and diseases that
overwinter in the remaining stalk and root
usually left behind by shredders and
mowers.
The effectiveness of the SPC lies in the two-
part system that is incorporated into a single
machine. The tandem, shaft-mounted,
heavy-duty turf tires rotate against one
another to grip the stalks, while the forward
motion of the tractor pulls the stalks and
root systems out of the ground and then
releases them. The rotating blade chopping
system at the rear of the machine then cuts
the stalks and roots into small pieces.
The AMADAS Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk
Puller/Chopper is designed to operate at
high speeds and handle the toughest stalks.
The SPC-4 is adjustable for 36", 38", or 40"
row widths; the SPC-6 is adjustable for 36”
or 38” rows.

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Introduction
07/06/21 v MAN157
Benefits
Your AMADAS Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk
Puller/Chopper will provide you with the
following benefits:
•Increased Residue Clearing
Capability. Removes and chops cotton
stalks and their root systems in a single
operation.
•Enhanced Soil Aeration. Double bevel
blade design provides deep soil
penetration.
•High Speed Operation. With the
machine operating within its normal
range of 6-10 MPH, you can easily
cover over 100 acres per day.
•Low Operating Costs. Per acre costs
are minimal, as removal and chopping
processes are completed in one
machine pass.
Features
The following are some of the significant
features of the AMADAS SPC Hi-Speed
Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper.
Pulling System
For each row, tandem, shaft-mounted, 18"
diameter turf tires rotate against each other
to grip and hold the stalks, while the forward
motion of the tractor pulls the root systems
out of the ground.
Chopping System
Ten, drum mounted, double beveled,
replaceable, hardened steel blades per row
provide linear rotary cutting action.
Total number of blades: 32 (SPC-4); 60
(SPC-6)
Frame
The machine is made up of heavy-duty,
welded box construction with a 6" x 12"
main frame.
Drive System
The entire drive system is ground driven
using heavy duty #80 chain drives, gear
boxes, and telescoping drive lines. With the
pulling wheels driven off of the chopping
rotor, the proper wheel speed is assured
regardless of ground speed. Drive train
safety is provided by a bi-directional ratchet
clutch.

Introduction Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
MAN157 vi 07/06/21
Specifications
SPC-4 SPC-6
Number of Rows: 4 6
Row Widths: 36", 38", 40" 36, 38”
Recommended Speed Range: 6-12 MPH 6-12 MPH
Tractor Requirements:
Standard CAT III or CAT IVN
3-Point or Quick hitch
Standard CAT III or CAT IVN
3-Point or Quick hitch
Tractor Recommendation:
Minimum 160 HP tractor
(geared to operate at 10+
MPH)
Minimum 190 HP tractor
(geared to operate at 10+
MPH)
Overall Length:13'7" (163") 19’8” (236”)
Overall Width: 5’8” (68”) 6’0” (72”)
Overall Height: 5’11” (71”) 6’1” (73”)
Number of Blades: 32 60
Shipping Weight (approx.): 4,800 lbs 9,800 lbs
Operating Weight (approx.): 6,500 lbs 11,500 lbs
Drum Diameter: 12” 16”

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Introduction
07/06/21 vii MAN157
Dimensions (SPC-4)

Introduction Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
MAN157 viii 07/06/21
Dimensions (SPC-6)

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Introduction
07/06/21 ix MAN157
SPC-4
SPC-6

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Safety
MAN157 07/01/21 1
1.
Safety
Safety at All Times! ...............................2
Safety Practices ....................................3
Additional Safety for this Machine .......10
Safety Decals ......................................11
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

Safety Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
2 07/01/21 MAN157
Safety Signal Words Used
Three safety signal words are used on the
machine and in this manual to indicate the
degree or level of hazard seriousness. These
three words are:
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is to be
limited to the most extreme situations,
typically for machine components that, for
functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
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. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
Safety at All Times!
You, the operator, can help avoid accidents
or injury by observing the precautions in
this section and insisting that others
working for or with you also follow them.
•Do NOT attempt to operate this
equipment under the influence of drugs
or alcohol, or prescription/over-the-
counter drugs that may cause
impairment.
•This equipment is dangerous to
children and persons unfamiliar with its
operation. They should never be
allowed to operate this machinery or
remain in its vicinity while in operation.
•Only a trained operator familiar with this
machinery and trained in its operation
should be allowed to operate this
machine. Do NOT allow any person to
operate or perform maintenance on this
machine until he or she has read this
manual and understands the safety
precautions.
•To prevent injury or death, use a tractor
equipped with a Rollover Protective
System (ROPS).
•NEVER exceed the limits of a piece of
machinery. If its ability to perform a job
safely is in question, DO NOT TRY TO
DO THAT JOB.
Look for the Safety Alert Symbol!
The Safety Alert Symbol indicates a potential
safety hazard to personnel and that extra
precaution must be taken. When you see this
symbol on the machine, remain alert and
carefully read the message that follows it.
ALWAYS follow the recommended
precautions and safe operating procedures
accompanying this symbol. If you have any
questions, please contact your dealer or the
manufacturer.
Safety Decals
•Replace any CAUTION, WARNING,
DANGER, or instruction safety decal
that is not readable or is missing.
•Do NOT paint over, remove, or deface
any safety sign or warning decals.
Shields
•Certain photographs or illustrations in
this manual may show a safety shield
removed. However, NEVER operate
this machine without all shields
correctly in place!
•If a shield must be removed to make a
repair or adjustment, replace the shield
prior to use.

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Safety
MAN157 07/01/21 3
Safety Practices
Transport Machine Safely
•Comply with state and local laws.
•Be familiar with tractor operations and
follow all safety instructions in the tractor’s
manual.
•Before moving away, always check
immediate vicinity (e.g., for children).
•NEVER exceed a maximum speed of 25
MPH.
•Always adapt ground speed to road or
field conditions, making sure you have
adequate control of steering and stopping.
•Avoid sharp turns, holes, ditches, and
obstructions which may cause the tractor
to tip, particularly on hillsides.
•Use following tow load weight ratios as
guidelines:
25 MPH when weight is less than or
equal to the weight of the tractor
10 MPH when weight is more than
weight of the tractor
•NEVER tow a load more than double the
weight of the tractor!
•Sudden braking can cause a towed load
to swerve and upset. Reduce speed if
towed load is not equipped with brakes.
Avoid Electrical Power Lines
•Make sure all components are secured in
the proper position before transporting
machine (for example: basket bin lip
extension, mower deck, off-loading
conveyor, etc.).
•AVOID all lines, particularly low-hanging
electrical cables, during transport.
DANGER
Contact with electrical lines will cause the
operator to suffer severe electrical shock
or possibly death.
Use a Safety Chain
•Use a safety chain to help control
machinery if it separates from the tractor
drawbar.
•Use a chain with strength rating equal to
greater than the gross weight of the
towed machine.
•Attach the chain to the tractor drawbar
support, allowing only enough slack in
the chain for turning.
•Do NOT use a safety chain for towing.
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.

Safety Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
4 07/01/21 MAN157
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
CAUTION
•Use extreme care when working with
hydraulic components and high pressure
sprays.
•Escaping fluid or spray under pressure can
penetrate the skin, causing serious injury.
•To avoid injury, relieve pressure before
disconnecting hydraulic or other lines.
•Tighten all connections before applying
hydraulic or spray pressure.
•Search hoses/connections for leaks with a
piece of cardboard.
•Take appropriate safety measures to
protect hands, body, and face from high
pressure fluids.
•Always wear appropriate safety gear to
protect hands, body and face from
exposure to high pressure fluids.
•Never try to block the flow or search for
leaks of high pressure fluids with your
hands even if wearing gloves. High
pressure fluids can penetrate gloves as well
as your skin.
•Always avoid direct contact of any high
pressure fluid low.
•If an accident occurs, respond as follows:
oSeek medical treatment
immediately. Any fluid injected into
the skin must be surgically removed
within a few hours or gangrene may
result.
oAlert the medical professionals that
a fluid injection or high pressure
spray injury has occurred.
oGive information on the type of fluid
or spray and time the accident
occurred. If known, include the
amount of fluid injected and/or the
system injection pressure.
oSurgery will most likely be required,
so no food or drink for the affected
person.
Doctors unfamiliar with this type of injury
should reference a knowledgeable medical
source. Such information is available in
English from Deere & Company Medical
Department in Moline, Illinois, U.S.A., by
calling 1-800-822-8262 or +1 309-748-
5636.
VERY IMPORTANT!! Although in some
cases there is little or no pain from an
injection or high pressure spray accident,
THIS IS A SERIOUS EVENT THAT MUST
BE TREATED BY MEDICAL
PROFESSIONALS!!!

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Safety
MAN157 07/01/21 5
Work in Ventilated Area
Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or
death.
•If it is necessary to run an engine in an
enclosed area, remove the exhaust fumes
from the area with an exhaust pipe
extension.
•If you do not have an exhaust pipe
extension, open the doors and get outside
air into the area.
AMADAS DOES NOT RECOMMEND
RUNNING ANY ENGINE IN AN ENCLOSED
AREA EVEN WITH VENTILATION.
Prepare for Emergencies
•Be prepared if a fire starts.
•Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher
handy.
•Keep emergency numbers for doctors,
ambulance service, hospital, and fire
department near your telephone.
Handle Fuel Safety – Avoid
Fires
•Handle fuel with care; it is highly
flammable.
•Do NOT refuel the machine while
smoking or when near open flame or
sparks.
•Always stop engine before refueling
machine.
•Fill fuel tank outdoors.
•Prevent fires by keeping machine clean
of accumulated trash, grease, and
debris.
•Always clean up spilled fuel.
Wear Protective Clothing
•Wear close-fitting clothing and safety
equipment appropriate to the job.
•Operating equipment safely requires
the full attention of the operator. Do
NOT wear radio or music headphones
while operating machine.
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.

Safety Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
6 07/01/21 MAN157
Practice Safe Maintenance
•Understand the service procedure before
doing work. Use proper tools and refer to
the User Manual.
•Keep service area clean and dry.
•Lower machine to ground, engage parking
brake, turn off engine, and remove key
before performing maintenance.
•Allow time for the machine to cool
completely.
•Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine
while it is moving.
•Keep hands, feet, and clothing from power-
driven parts.
•Securely support any machine elements
that must be raised for service work.
•Keep all parts in good condition and
properly installed.
•Fix any damage immediately; replace worn
or broken parts.
•Keep the machine free of any buildup of
grease, oil, or debris.
Handle Chemical Products
Safely
•Direct exposure to hazardous chemicals
can cause serious injury. Potentially
hazardous chemicals used with AMADAS
equipment include such items as
lubricants, coolants, paints, and
adhesives.
•Before you start any job using a
hazardous chemical, check the MSDS so
that you are aware of the risks and know
how to proceed safely. Carefully follow
all procedures, using only recommended
equipment.
•See your AMADAS dealer for MSDS on
chemical products used with AMADAS
equipment.
Avoid Contact with Moving Parts
•Wear close-fitting clothing to avoid
entanglement with moving parts.
•Keep hands, feet, and clothing away
from power-driven parts.
•Never clean, lubricate or adjust machine
when it is running.
Remove Accumulated Crop
Debris
•The buildup of chaff and crop debris near
moving parts or heat sources is a
hazard.
•Check and clean these areas frequently.
•Before performing any inspection or
service, engage parking brake, turn off
engine, and remove key.
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Safety
MAN157 07/01/21 7
Remove Paint/Protective Coating
Before Welding Or Heating
•Avoid potentially toxic fumes and dust.
•Hazardous fumes can be generated when
paint or coatings are heated by welding,
soldering, or by using a torch.
•Do all work outside or in a well-ventilated
area.
•Remove paint/coatings before welding or
heating:
oIf you sand or grind paint, avoid
breathing the dust. Wear an approved
respirator.
oIf you use solvent or paint stripper,
remove stripper with soap and water
before welding.
oRemove solvent or paint stripper
containers and other flammable
material from the area.
oAllow any fumes to disperse for at least
15 minutes before welding or heating.
•Do NOT use a chlorinated solvent in areas
where welding will take place.
•Do all work in an area that is well-
ventilated to carry toxic fumes and dust
away.
•Dispose of paint/coatings and solvent
properly.
Avoid Using Heat Near
Pressurized Fluid Lines
•Flammable spray can be generated by
heating near pressurized fluid lines,
resulting in severe burns to yourself and
bystanders.
•Do NOT heat by welding, soldering, or
using a torch near pressurized fluid lines
or other flammable materials.
Pressurized lines can accidentally burst
when heat goes beyond the immediate
flame area.
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.
Keep Riders off of Machine
•Only allow the operator on the machine.
Riders obstruct the operator’s view,
which results in the machine being
operated in an unsafe manner.
•
Riders are subject to injury such as
being thrown off of the machine.
•Children should NEVER be allowed on
the machine.

Safety Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper
8 07/01/21 MAN157
Dispose Of Waste Properly
Improperly disposing of waste can threaten the
environment and ecology. Potentially harmful
waste includes items such as oil, fuel, coolant,
brake fluid, filters, and batteries.
•Use leak-proof containers when draining
fluids.
•Do NOT use food or beverage containers
that may mislead someone into drinking
from them.
•Do NOT pour waste onto the ground, down
a drain or into a water source.
•Inquire about the proper way to recycle or
dispose of waste from your local
environmental or recycling center, FEMA,
or from your AMADAS dealer.
Support Machine Properly
•Always lower the attachment or implement
to the ground before you work on the
machine. If the work requires that the
machine or attachment be lifted, provide
secure support for them. If left in a raised
position, hydraulically supported devices
can settle or leak down.
•Do NOT support the machine on cinder
blocks, hollow tiles, or props that may
crumble under continuous load.
•Do NOT work under a machine that is
supported solely by a jack.
•Follow all safety procedures in this manual
for supporting the machine.
•When implements or attachments are used
with a machine, always follow safety
precautions listed in the implement or
attachment operator’s manual.
Service Drive Belts Safely
When servicing drive belts, always observe
these precautions:
•Avoid serious injury from hand or arm
entanglement. Never attempt to clean,
check, or adjust belts while the machine
is running. Always shut off the engine,
set the parking brake and remove the
key.
•Do NOT attempt to clean belts with
flammable cleaning solvents.
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.

Hi-Speed Cotton Stalk Puller/Chopper Safety
MAN157 07/01/21 9
Service Tires Safely
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts
can cause serious injury or death.
•Do NOT attempt to mount a tire unless you
have the proper equipment and experience
to perform the job.
•Always maintain the correct tire pressure.
•Do NOT inflate the tires above the
recommended pressure.
•Never weld or heat a wheel and tire
assembly. The heat can cause an
increase in air pressure resulting in a tire
explosion. Welding can structurally
weaken or deform the wheel.
•When inflating the tires, use a clip-on
chuck and extension hose long enough to
allow you to stand to one side and NOT in
front of over the tire assembly. Use a
safety cage if available.
•Check wheels for low pressure, cuts,
bubbles, damaged rims, or missing lug
bolts and nuts. NEVER fill a damaged tire
or one that is missing lug bolts or nuts.
NOTE! This section covers general safety. Some items may not apply to this type of machine.
Pay Close Attention to Notes
•Throughout the manual, information that
needs to be emphasized is set apart with
either a "NOTE!" or "IMPORTANT!"
heading.
•
Please be sure to carefully read this
information, as it usually indicates a
situation that could cause machine
damage.
Maintain Your Machine
•It is crucial you maintain your machine in
proper working condition.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance and
repairs in a timely manner.
•Do NOT perform unauthorized
modifications to the machine as these
could impair the function and/or safety of
the machine and affect machine life.
Use Safety Lights and Devices
Slow moving tractors, self-propelled
equipment and towed implements or
attachments can create hazards when
driven on public roads. They are difficult to
see, especially at night.
•Whenever you drive on public roads, use
flashing lights and turn signals according
to local regulations.
•To increase visibility, use the lights and
devices provided with your machine.
•Keep safety items in good condition.
•Replace missing or damaged items.