Chapman machinery Mf350 User manual

MF350 Mounted Feeder

Original Instructions

Chapman Machinery Ltd, Hele Barton, Week St. Mary, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6XR

Tel: 01288 308149

Page 2 
 
 
 
Contents 
 
HSE Information...............................................................................................................................................3 
Important Safety Information..........................................................................................................................4 
DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................................4 
Safety Information.......................................................................................................................................4 
Transportation Safety ..................................................................................................................................4 
Operating Safety ..........................................................................................................................................4 
Description.......................................................................................................................................................5 
Identification................................................................................................................................................5 
Implement Decals ........................................................................................................................................6 
Component Identification............................................................................................................................6 
Attachment ......................................................................................................................................................7 
Before Attaching the Machine.....................................................................................................................7 
Attaching the Machine.................................................................................................................................7 
Drop Size Adjustment & Calibration................................................................................................................9 
Control Box ....................................................................................................................................................10 
Operation - Count Mode............................................................................................................................11 
Operation - Countdown Mode ..................................................................................................................11 
FAULT CODES .........................................................................................................................................11 
Operating Limits & Recommendations..........................................................................................................11 
Operating Limits.........................................................................................................................................11 
Forward Speed...........................................................................................................................................11 
General Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................................................14 
Storage.......................................................................................................................................................14 
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................15 
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY...............................................................................................................16 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THIS MANUAL MUST BE HANDED TO THE OPERATOR BEFORE USE. THE OPERATOR MUST UNDERSTAND FULLY 
THE CONTENT OF THIS HANDBOOK BEFORE USING THE MACHINE FOR THE FIRST TIME. OF THE IMPLEMENT IS 
RESOLD, THIS MANUAL MUST ACCOMPANY THE MACHINE. 
 
 
 
NOTE: 
 
The information contained in this manual is correct at the time of going to press. However, in the course of 
development, changes in specification are inevitable. Should you find the information given differs from your 
machine, please contact Chapman Machinery Ltd direct for advice. Use only Chapman Genuine Service Parts on 
Chapman Machinery and Machines. 

Page 3

HSE Information

Safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in agriculture and forestry –AIS Sheet 33

Introduction

This information sheet gives advice on the safe use of ATVs. It covers

the two main types used in off-road working in agriculture and

forestry, which are:

•sit-astride ATV / sit-in machines

•side-by-side mini-utility vehicles,

The Full HSE information sheet can be found here or using the QR

Code at the bottom of the article:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais33.pdf and must be read prior to

any ATV/UTV use. Below are related extracts to trailed machinery.

REMEMBER - GET PROPERLY TRAINED AND ALWAYS WEAR

HEAD PROTECTION

Training

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

(PUWER), there is a legal requirement for employers to provide

adequate training, and to ensure that only employees who have

received appropriate training in their safe use, including the use of

any towed equipment or attachments, are permitted to ride ATVs.

The same requirements apply to the self- employed. HSE regards

training provided by recognised training providers as being

adequate for the purposes of PUWER.

Protective clothing

More than half of all ATV riders have been thrown off at some time.

As these machines are not fitted with either a cab or roll bar, your

only protection is what you wear.

●

Head protection is vital. The majority of ATV fatalities in the

UK in the last ten years have been caused by head injuries.

Nobody who died from head injuries was wearing a helmet.

Helmets would certainly have prevented most, if not all, the

deaths. You should always wear a helmet when riding an

ATV. All helmets should have a chinstrap and be capable of

being used with suitable eye protection. The type of helmet

chosen should be based on an assessment of the

circumstances in which the ATV will be used, eg the types of

surface travelled over and anticipated speeds. The harder the

surface and higher the speed the greater the degree of

protection needed. NB: Forestry helmets and industrial hard

hats are not acceptable for any ATVoperations.

●

Wear clothing that is strong and covers your arms and legs.

Gloves are useful for protection and to keep hands warm in

cold weather for good control of the ATV.Wear sturdy, ankle-

covering footwear, eg boots or wellingtons that are strong,

supportive and have good wet grip.

●

Protect your eyes from insects and branches with either a

visor or goggles.

Trailed equipment and loads

Ensure all riders know the manufacturers recommended

towing capacity and drawbar loading limit. Always operate

within these requirements.

Remember that your ability to control the ATV by your body

movements will be considerably reduced when carrying a load or

towing a trailer.

●

When selecting trailed equipment look for:

over-run brakes;

a swivel hitch drawbar;

bead lock rims on wheels;

a low centre of gravity and a wide wheel track;

a long drawbar; and

attachment points for securing a load.

●

Check the weight ratio between your ATV and its trailed load.

This needs to be assessed for each operation. As a general

guide, on level ground, braked trailed equipment can be a

maximum of four times the unladen weight of the ATV.For

unbraked trailed equipment the maximum should be twice

the unladen weight. These loads should be reduced when

working on slopes, uneven ground or poor surface

conditions. Follow the manufacturers advice for your

particular machine.

●

Weight transfer is also important. Stability and resistance to

jack-knifing is improved if some load is transferred onto the

ATVʼs drawbar. Approximately 10% of the gross weight of the

loaded trailer is recommended, but this should not exceed

the manufacturers drawbar loading limit. Remember that

weight transfer can change dramatically when you start going

up or down hill.

●

When selecting mounted equipment, make sure it is within

the manufacturers approved weight limit, with a low centre

of gravity, and controls which are easy to operate but do not

create a hazard. Where equipment is added to one end of the

machine, add ballast at the other end to maintain stability.

●

Loads carried on racks must be well secured, e.g. with ratchet

straps, and be evenly balanced between the front and rear,

except where they are deliberately altered to aid stability

when going up or down a slope.

●

Only tow a load from the hitch point. Loads towed from other

points such as the rear rack have caused sudden rear

overturning even on slight slopes or with slight acceleration.

Ropes or chains should not be used to drag a load where they

can become caught on a wheel. This may lead to

entanglement with the brake cable, causing unexpected

braking.

Further information

For information about health and safety go to

https://www.hse.gov.uk/

may be freely reproduced, except for

advertising, endorsement or

commercial purposes. First published

05/99. Please acknowledge the source

as HSE.

Page 4

Important Safety Information

Always read this manual before fitting or operating the machine –whenever any doubt exists contact

your dealer or the Chapman Machinery Service Department for advice and assistance.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply throughout this manual:

WARNING - An operating procedure, technique etc., which can result in personal injury or loss of life if not

observed carefully.

CAUTION - An operating procedure, technique etc., which can result in damage to either machine or

equipment if not observed carefully.

NOTE - An operating procedure, technique etc, which is considered essential to emphasis.

LEFT & RIGHT HAND - This term is applicable to the machine when attached to the towing vehicle and is

viewed from the rear –this also applies to tractor references.

Safety Information

•Do not operate this equipment unless you have studied this manual in full

•Only use this machine for its designated task - improper use is both highly dangerous and damaging to

machine components

•Both operators & maintenance fitters should be familiar with the machine and fully aware of dangers

surrounding improper use or incorrect repairs

•Before starting, carry out a visual check on both machine & towing vehicle as regards functionality,road

safety & accident prevention rules

•Even when using the machine correctly, accidents can occur. It is imperative that nobody stand within

the danger area. If working near roads, buildings or animals, special attention must be taken to ensure

safety.

•Never wear loose clothing which could get caught in rotating equipment

•Never carry passengers on the towing vehicle

•Do not stand near the machine when operating

•Damaged or missing safety decals must be replaced immediately

Transportation Safety

•When transporting, especially over rough ground, reduce speed to prevent damage to machine.

•This machine must be securely strapped into the bed of the UTV or pickup to which it is mounted at all

times, do not move the carrying vehicle without first ensuring the feeder is attached securely.

Operating Safety

•Pay attention when working with the machine not to harm livestock if crowding around the machine

•If anything should become entangled in the mechanism, or blocked in the chute, stop the machine and

disconnect the power before attempting to clear the blockage. DO NOT REACH INTO THE MECHANISM

WHEN RUNNING AS INJURY MAY RESULT.

•Ensure carrying vehicle has sufficient bed load rating to carry the weight of the feeder + feed when full.

Page 5

Description

The MF350 Mounted Feeder is designed for mounting into the bed of a UTV or pickup, for feeding livestock, through

deposition of pre-defined drops of feed, onto clear ground.

It is recommended to use this attachment with free-flowing feed, eg. Rolls or cobs, to prevent bridging in the hopper.

The MF350 operates with an electric motor mechanism, ensuring accurate disposition. The rotor and wiring

mechanism are all IP67 rated, to ensure trouble-free usage in even the toughest winter conditions.

The MF350 has approximately 300kg carrying capacity (feed material dependant), a galvanised metal hopper and

PVC cover. Please ensure the carrying vehicle has sufficient capacity for the base machine weight (circa 90kg) + the

weight of feed in the hopper when full.

These machines should however only be used to perform tasks for which they were designed - use of the machine

for any other function may be both dangerous to persons, and potentially damaging to components. Use of the

machine beyond the stated usage may invalidate any applicable warranty, as well as being potential in breach of

applicable safety regulations.

Identification

Each machine is fitted with a serial plate (shown below) which details the following:

1. Model

2. Date of Manufacture (DOM)

3. Serial Number

4. Mass

When enquiring regarding spares or additional

equipment, ensure you have this information to hand.

Page 6

Implement Decals

If your implement does not contain all of the decals shown below, please contact Chapman Machinery for

replacement decals before use. Note: All decals must be present and visible. It is imperative that these are replaced

if damaged to prevent potential harm to users.

Carefully read operators

manual before handling

this machine. Observe

instructions and safety

rules when operating.

Caution - Entanglement

Hazard. Keep hands away

from moving parts

Component Identification

Page 7

Attachment

Before Attaching the Machine

Before attachment, ALWAYS ensure the following:

- The carrying vehicle has sufficient capacity for the fully laden unit (Machine weight circa 90kg + Max feed capacity

(varies with feed used, this must be checked!) = total laden weight

- All safety guards & decals are in good working order and correctly fitted

- Electrical connections are free of dirt and moisture

Attaching the Machine

NOTE: This machine is designed to attach to the carrying vehicle using 4 x ratchet straps. Never use less than 4

straps to secure the load as movement may result!

1. Remove tailgate from carrying vehicle.

2. Load MF350 into bed using forklift slots or

suitable lifting strops rated to carry plated

unladen weight. If fitting for the first time

and the hopper has been shipped ‘upside

down’ then it can be carefully rolled into

the pickup bed by 2 people, as shown

below. Ensure that the control box and

cabling do not get trapped or damaged

during this procedure!

Page 8

3. Centralise hopper in bed and attach using 4

x supplied ratchet straps, 2 straps per side.

Ratchet straps must be fitted in a crossing

manner as shown below! It is the user’s

responsibility to ensure the unit is securely

fitted in the bed.

4. Fit the cover support bar to prevent the

cover sagging as shown below. Fit

tarpaulin cover on top of hopper.

5. Route control module cabling through the chassis so that the control box is within easy reach of the operator

when driving the vehicle. A mounting bracket is supplied for easy fitment, along with plenty of cable to route

around obstructions. The unit is designed to be hard-wired direct to the battery of the vehicle with a dedicated

feed. It is recommended that the control unit be hard-wired into the vehicle to ensure cables do not get snagged

and damaged by tools, equipment, dogs etc; should the hopper need to be removed at a later stage, the plug can

be disconnected from the hopper and the control module can remain in the vehicle when not in use.

6. Calibrate the drop size for the feed being used. This should be completed every time different feed is used to

ensure accurate feed rates. Instructions for calibration are included on the following page.

IT IS THE USER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE CONTROL EQUIPMENT IS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO THE TOWING VEHICLE BEFORE USE! DAMAGE RESULTING FROM POOR

FITMENT OF LACK OF CARE THEREOF WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY!

Page 9

Drop Size Adjustment & Calibration

Initially set the Feed adjustment plate to setting 4, as indicated by the arrow on the drop adjustment plate. To

adjust, loosen BOTH hand wheels, and slide the unit forwards or backwards to the desired value. Tighten securely.

Setting 1: Minimum drop size Setting 8: Maximum dropsize

Fill the hopper 50% full of the feed to be distributed. With the machine attached to the towing vehicle and on level

ground, switch the control box on and deposit 20 drops of feed into a bucket. Measure the weight of the deposited

feed and divide by the number of drops (in this case 20) to give the weight per drop.

On mounted models, due to unusual shape of the hopper, the feed rate may change slightly as the hopper empties,

especially if feed is used which is not very free running. Please be aware of this when feeding and ensure the hopper

is full when heading out to feed, or alternatively you can (on first use) measure the feed in the hopper before and

after feeding to ensure the correct amount of feed is being put out. It is not recommended to use this feeder with

‘sticky’ feedstuff eg. home blends or those containing molasses which can bridge in the hopper

Adjust the feed adjustment plate as required to increase or decrease the drop size, checking after each adjustment

for the average drop size. Individual drop sizes can vary, the average however over a complete hopper should

remain relatively constant.

It is recommended that the feed be deposited in round numbers, ie. 1kg, 2lb etc. This allows easy calculation of

required number of drops for different livestock numbers.

Once you have set the machine to the desired drop size, securely tighten the two retaining handwheels to

ensure this does not change during use. It is also advisable to make a mark on the adjustment marker in

indelible ink with the feedstuff being used, subsequently the feeder can quickly be changed between feed types

using these marks.

Page 10

Control Box

The Control Module has two modes of operation;

Count Mode: Unit counts up from 0 e.g. 1,2,3,4,5 indefinitely, until the count is paused or theunit

switched off. If the counter reaches 999 then it will reset to 000.

Countdown Mode: The desired drop count is set using the up / down arrows in increments of 5. Theunit will

then count down and stop at zero. THIS IS THE RECOMMENDED MODE OF OPERATION!

The unit can be fixed to a suitable surface on the towing vehicle using screws through the fixing lugs hidden under

the two flaps on the left and right of the unit.

Specification

Supply Voltage: 12V DC nominal, 16V MAXIMUM Power

Consumption: OFF: 0.01A

ON: 0.05A

MOTOR RUNNING: 5A *If at all possible wire direct to battery due to current draw*

Operating Temperature: -10°C to +40°C

Fuse: Thermal Reset Polyfuse (Non-serviceable)

Operating life: 100,000 cycles

Protection rating: IP67

Incorrect polarity protection: Yes, diode.

WARNING: This control box features several thermal-rest polyfuse. If this fuse is tripped through a fault

condition, the fuse will reset after approximately 10 seconds when the fuse has cooleddown

sufficiently. In hot ambient conditions this can take significantly longer; likewise, in cold ambient conditions this

will take less time.

Page 11

Operation - Count Mode

1. Switch the unit on by pressing the ON / OFF button. All segments of the display will lightup.

2. After approx. 3 seconds the display will show 000.

3. Press Run / Pause to start the motor. The unit will count up from 0. Pressing RUN / PAUSE when the unit is

running will stop the motor and pause the counter. Holding RUN / PAUSE for 3 seconds will reset the counter to 0.

4. Pressing the ON / OFF button at any time switches the unitoff.

Operation - Countdown Mode

1. Switch the unit on by pressing the ON / OFF button. All segments of the display will lightup.

2. After approx. 3 seconds the display will show 000.

3. Using the UP / DOWN arrows set the desired dropcount.

4. Press the RUN / PAUSE button to start the motor and countdown. The countdown can be paused or resumed

at any time using the RUN / PAUSE button.

5. Once the countdown reaches 000 the unit will stop.

FAULT CODES

OL = Overload. Motor or slide plate jammed, or plug / socket connection is poor. Check plug / socket connection

and check slide plate is not jammed.

F1 = Sensor Fault. No output is being received from sensor. Check plug / socket for dirt or corrosion preventing

contact. Check sensor for damage or corrosion. The unit will continue to operate with this fault but will not count.

To exit this fault condition once the problem has been identified turn the unit off.

Operating Limits & Recommendations

Ensure that the operator is suitably qualified to use a machine of this nature and that they have fully read and

understood this manual - they should be aware of all safety aspects relating to the safe use of the machine.

It is advisable that all ‘first time’ operators practice using the machine in a safe space ‘in the yard’ to familiarise

themselves with the operation before attempting use with stock.

AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR OF WORK WITH A NEW MACHINE, ALL NUTS, BOLTS AND DRIVE BELTS

SHOULD BE CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS AND ADJUSTED AS NECESSARY!

Operating Limits

Minimum / Maximum Temperature: -15°C / +40°C

Forward Speed

The forward working speed will affect the distance between drops of feed - to increase the distance between drops

use a faster forward speed, to reduce the distance use a slower forward speed.

DO NOT OPERATE BEYOND OPERATING LIMITS, DAMAGE TO MACHINERY OR INJURY TO

OPERATOR MAY OCCUR.

Page 12

Counter Troubleshooting

If your control box is showing an F1 error and not counting correctly, you may have a problem with the connectors

and/or the sensor may need adjustment. The control box MUST receive a signal from the sensor in order to ‘park’ the

motor in the correct position with the slide SHUT. If no signal is received for 5 seconds the F1 error will show up. If this

is the case the unit can be switched off by holding down the ON/OFF button for several seconds, however please not

that the motor may stop with the slide plate open in this case, allowing feed to escape! If you have an F1 error

showing you will need to fix it.

First, check the plug and socket connection between the control box and the feeder –THIS IS THE MOST COMMON

CAUSE OF PROBLEMS! If required check continuity with a multi-meter.

Plug/socket wiring;

Brown = 7 = Motor –

Red = 3 = Motor +

Green = 5 = Sensor Brown Cable

White = 1 = Sensor White Cable.

If the connectors are functioning correctly then the unit may need adjustment of the sensor and magnet located

within the machine.

Procedure

1. Remove the belly pan in order to access the running gear. You may find it easier to remove the entire metering

assembly from the hopper so that the unit can be worked on easier. The metering unit is secured to the

hopper with 6 x M10 bolts around the bottom of the hopper, and 2 x M10 bolts adjacent to the electrical

socket on the frame.

2. The sensor can be accessed through the recess in the slide plate shown in the RH corner of the image below.

You should not need to remove the slide plate to access the sensor. If you do need to remove the slide plate

for access, this can be achieved by unclipping the spring from the slide plate and removing the 5 x bearings

and associated bolts which locate the plate. TAKE NOTE OF THE NUMBER OF WASHERS AS THESE NEED TO BE

RE-FITTED IN THE SAME ORDER TO ENSURE THE SLIDE MOVES SMOOTHLY.

Page 13

3. In the Picture below you can see the sensor (with the wire) and the magnet (fitted to the disc) are facing each

other with approximately 2mm gap between them. The sensors also need to be aligned vertically (so that they

are approximately level with each other).

If required you can bend the sensor support bracket up or down to get vertical alignment, and you can move

the sensor in or out on the slotted holes to get horizontal alignment.

FOR MACHINES USED WITH DUSTY FEED OR FEED WITH ADDITIVES SUCH AS MOLLASES, BUILD UP OF DIRT

CAN AFFECT THE SENSOR OPERATION –IN THIS CASE CLEAN WITH A LOW-PRESSURE WATER JET.

Consult the relevant parts diagram for the sensor part number if spares are required, alternatively contact

your distributor.

4. Parts are re-fitted as a reverse of removal, taking care to ensure all bolts are secure and tight. If adjustments

have been made to the sensor, ensure the cable is secured with cable ties or similar to prevent accidental

damage.

Once this has been checked and all dirt removed, your problem should be resolved.

If the problem persists, please contact us 01288 308 149 or email us on sales@chapman.co.uk and we will be more

than happy to help.

Page 14

General Troubleshooting

Problem

Possible Causes

Remedies

Unit will not light up when on

button pressed

Low Supply Power

Charge Battery

IncorrectPolarity/poor

connection

Check connection

Shortage in wiring

Checkwiringloomfordamage

andrepair/replaceasrequired

Motor does not operate even

though control box is on

Poor connection between control

box and TF350

Check plug is clean and moisture

free

Shortage in wiring (may be

indicated by unit losing powerwhen

run button pressed)

Check wiring for damage

Motor Fault

Replace motor, contact distributor

Counter does not operate

Poor connection

Check plug is clean and moisture

free

No signal (Fault F1)

Adjust or replace sensor (see

handbook)

Sensor fault

Replace sensor

No material is fed

Jammed slide plate

Check for blockages and remove

Hopper bridging

Agitate hopper contents

Drop size varies

Drop adjustment plate loose

Adjust and tighten hand screws

Feed leaking out from chute

Jammed slide plate

Check for blockages and remove

Slide plate ‘sticking’ (May be ap-

parent on feeds with high molasses /

binding content

Clean slide plate area. A stronger

return spring can be provided if

required for very sticky feed.

Storage

For extended periods of storage, it is advisable that the machine be kept in a clean dry environment protected from

the elements to avoid risk of corrosion.

The machine should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated prior to storage. At this point it is good practice to check

the machine for worn or damaged components - any parts that require replacing should be ordered and fitted at

the earliest opportunity so the machine is fully prepared for the next seasons work.

Page 15

Warranty

The Chapman Warranty

Chapman Machinery Ltd (herein ‘Chapman’ or ‘Chapman Machinery’) warrants that the machine referred to in the Warranty Registration Form will be free

from manufacturing defects for a period of 24 months from the date of sale. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights, but merely adds to them.

Should you have a problem within 24 months from the date of sale please contact your original dealer, or Chapman Machinery’s Service Department.

Any part found to be defective during this period will be replaced or repaired, at our discretion, by the dealer or a authorised Service Engineer.

Warranty Conditions

1. The Warranty Registration Form must be completed and returned to Chapman Machinery Ltd within 30 days of the date of sale

2. This warranty does not cover defects arising from fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, misuse, abnormal working conditions, use in competition,

failure to follow Chapman Machinery’s instructions (oral or written, including all instructions and recommendation made in the Operator’s Manual) or

alteration or repair of the

machinery without prior approval.

3. The machinery must have been serviced in accordance with the Operator’s Manual and the Service Log must have been

kept up to date and made available tothe

dealer should service, repair or warranty work be undertaken.

4. This warranty does not cover claims in respect of wearing parts such as blades, flails, paintwork, tyres, belts, hydraulic hoses, bearings, bushes, linkage pins,

top links, ball ends unless there is a manufacturing or material defect or the cost of normal servicing items such as oils and lubricants.

5. This warranty does not cover any expenses or losses incurred whilst the machinery is out of use for warranty repairs or parts replacement.

6. This warranty does not extend to parts, materials or equipment not manufactured by Chapman Machinery, for which the Buyer shall only be entitled to the

benefit of any such warranty or guarantee given by themanufacturer to Chapman Machinery. Only genuine replacement parts will be allowable for warranty

claims.

7. All parts replaced by Chapman Machinery under warranty become the property of Chapman Machinery and must be returned to Chapman Machinery if

so requested. Such parts may only be disposed of after a warranty claim has been accepted and processed by Chapman Machinery.

8. Chapman Machinery is not liable under this warranty for any repairs carried out without Chapman Machinery’s written consent or without Chapman

Machinery being afforded a reasonable opportunity toinspect the machinery the subject of the warranty claim. Chapman Machinery’s written consent must,

therefore, be obtained before any repairs are carried out or parts replaced. Use of non- Chapman Machinery parts automatically invalidates the Chapman

Warranty. Failed components must not be dismantled except as specifically authorised by Chapman Machinery and dismantling of any components without

authorisation from Chapman Machinery will invalidate this warranty.

9. All warranty claims must be submitted to Chapman Machinery on Chapman Machinery Warranty Claim Forms within 30 days of completion of warranty

work.

Using the machine implies the knowledge and acceptance of these instructions and the limitations contained in this

Manual.

Transfer of Warranty

The Chapman warranty be transferred to a subsequent owner of the machinery (for use within the UK only) for the balance of the warranty period subject to

all of the stated warranty conditions and provided that the Change of Owner form is completed and sent to Chapman Machinery within 14 days of change of

owner- ship.