Farm Aid 680 User manual

1
680 Truck mount
Owner's manual
Owner ____________________
S/N ____________________
Dealer ____________________
Please file Owner's Warranty Registration in
the pouch on the back cover.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
CONTENT
4-6
WARRANTY
7
OPERATOR QUALIFICATION
8
SAFETY DECAL CARE
8
HOW TO INSTALL SAFETY DECALS
8-9
SAFETY LABELS
10-11
EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
12
PREPARING TRACTOR FOR MIXER
12
BEFORE OPERATION
13
LOADING THE MACHINE
14-15
OPERATION
16
HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORT OPERATIONS
16
FOLLOWING OPERATION
17
PERFORMING MAINTENANCE
17
CHAIN TENSION
17
LUBRICATION
17
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
18
POLY LINER CARE
18
WELDING ON THE MACHINE
19
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM
20
VALVE BODY, HYDRAULLICS
21
VALVE BODY, ELCTRICAL
Remainder
PARTS MANUAL

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Farm Aid Equipment, Inc.
Original Purchaser's Limited Warranty
1) Extent and Duration of this Warranty:
Subject to sections 2 through 7 of this warranty, your Farm Aid Equipment, Inc.
mixer is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use and service for a period of 1 year after date of purchase by the
original (first) retail owner, or until it is resold or transferred by you, the original
owner.
Truck, Tires and Scales Components are not included in this warranty. Scales
are warranted by the manufacturer against defects in materials and
workmanship.
2) Manufacturer and Warrantor of Equipment (Excluding truck, scales and tires):
Farm Aid Equipment, Inc..
40 East 1st Street
Corsica, SD 57328 [phone]
The manufacturer and warrantor of the scales has its name permanently marked
into the scale. We can file a claim on your behalf for the scale component with
the manufacturer or you may seek warranty through one of their authorized
service centers.
3) Repair or Replacement Procedure:
If your Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. mixer develops a defect (excluding scales
and/or tires) during the warranty period, promptly notify Farm Aid Equipment, Inc.
Until such notice is received, Warrantor will not be responsible for any repair or
replacement.
Upon receipt of notice from you, Warrantor will in its sole discretion choose one
of the following options to satisfy the warranty:
a. Warrantor may elect to ship a new part to its dealer to be exchanged free
of charge for the defective part returned by you to Farm Aid Equipment.
Any defective part will be repaired or replaced and returned to you free of
charge. Any part returned to Warrantor and found not to be defective will
be returned to you freight collect with an explanation; or
b. Warrantor may elect to ship a new part to its dealer to be exchanged free
of charge for the defective part returned by you to the dealer; or
c. Warrantor may elect to ship or deliver a replacement part to your address.

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4) Limitations on Warranty Coverage:
Coverage under this warranty will be effective only when a copy of the original
invoice, showing the date and location of purchase, accompanies any claim for
warranty.
Warrantor has no liability whatsoever and this warranty is null and void if any
Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. mixer has been subjected to neglect, negligence,
misuse, accident, or operated in any way contrary to the operating and
maintenance instructions as specified in the Farm Aid Owner’s Manual for that
mixer. This warranty does not cover any Farm Aid equipment that has been
altered or modified so as to adversely affect the Farm Aid equipment’s operation,
performance or durability, or that has been altered or modified to change the
intended use of the Farm Aid equipment. In addition, the warranty does not
extend to repairs made necessary by normal use or by the use of parts,
accessories or other equipment which in the sole judgment of Warrantor, are
either incompatible with the Farm Aid equipment, or adversely affect its
operation, performance or durability. This warranty does not cover:
a. Normal wear and tear (V belts/poly on paddles/sweep belt/chains/bolts for
the poly liner)
b. Road film or gravel damage to paint
c. Paint
d. Rust damage
e. Damage to mixer if loaded in excess of load limit. Load limits are printed
on the Loading label.
Warrantor has a policy of continuous product improvement. We reserve the right
to change or improve the design of any Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. mixer without
assuming any obligation to modify any Farm Aid Equipment previously
manufactured.

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➢Exclusion of Implied Warranties:
The only warranty provided for this product is the limited warranty contained in
section 1, above. All implied warranties are expressly excluded, of which include
but are not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, implied warranties of
fitness for a particular purpose, and any implied warranties arising from course of
dealing or usage of trade. There are no warranties that extend beyond the
description on the face of this warranty.
Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties and this limitation may
not apply to you.
5) Limitation on Consequential Damages:
Warrantor’s responsibility under this warranty extends only to repair or
replacement of your Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. mixer and its component parts.
Warrantor does not assume responsibility for, nor shall be liable for, any special,
incidental or consequential damages.
Warrantor assumes no responsibility to the owner for loss of use of the Farm Aid
equipment, loss of time, inconvenience or other damage consequential or
otherwise, including, but not limited to, loss of income or revenue, additional
operating expenses, expense for gasoline, expense of transporting the Farm Aid
equipment to the dealer and expense of returning the Farm Aid equipment, travel
time, telephone charges, road service/towing charges, rental of another mixer
during the time that warranty repairs are being performed, travel, lodging, loss or
damage to personal property.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
6) Exclusive Warranty:
This is the only express warranty made by Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. on your
Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. mixer and only the plant manager and/or a corporate
officer of Farm Aid Equipment, Inc. is allowed to change or add to this warranty.

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OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS
This mixer should only be operated by an experienced and competent person.
Working with or around any mixer requires good common sense.
Considerations of who is qualified to operate the mixer:
1. All who operate this power machine are required to read and understand this manual.
2. Current OSHA/CCOHS regulations generally require that operators of machinery
must be trained before initial operation and annually at a minimum. Please review their
recommendations at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1928
3. Local regulations may specify the minimum age, often sixteen (16) years or older to
operate power machinery. You must know what regulations apply to you.
4. Unqualified persons are to not operate the equipment and should stay a safe
distance away.
5. In general the minimum qualification for operating this implement is a responsible
adult familiar with farm equipment and trucks who has read this manual.
6. The truck used has a gross weight of over 24,000 pounds. This will require a CDL
license to drive it on public roads unless there is a farm exclusion in your area.
7. There are not a complete set of instructions for safely operating the truck in this
manual. Only allow people who are used to operating trucks operate this mixer mounted
on a truck.

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SAFETY DECAL CARE:
➢Keep safety decals and signs clean and legible at all times.
➢Replace safety decals and signs that are missing or have become illegible.
➢Safety decals or signs are available from your dealer or the Farm Aid
manufacturing plant.
HOW TO INSTALL SAFETY DECALS:
Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry. Decide on the exact position before
you remove the backing paper. Remove the smallest portion of the split backing paper.
Align the decal over the specified area and carefully press the exposed sticky backing in
place. Slowly peel back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion
of the decal in place.
SAFETY LABELS: -ATTENTION! -BECOME ALERT!
-YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
KEY WORDS: The safety labels start with a key word. The key words used are:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
serious injury or death.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result
in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
Here are the safety labels on your machine. Take the time to review them so that
when you see them on your machine you will be knowledgeable about the risk.

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EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL SHOWN BELOW AND FOUND
THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL IS USED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO
INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVINGYOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF
OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY
OR DEATH. THIS SYMBOL MEANS
-ATTENTION!
-BECOME ALERT!
-YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
THE SYMBOL SHOWN BELOW AND FOUND
THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL IS USED TO INSTUCT YOU IN WAYS THAT WILL
MAKE YOUR MACHINE LAST LONGER, WORK BETTER, AND PREVENT DAMAGE
TO IT. THIS SYMBOL MEANS
TAKE NOTE
UNDERSTAND
LEARN

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Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns all equipment manufacturers. It is
considered in the design and development of a new piece of equipment. In spite of this,
many accidents occur which could have been avoided by the operator being more
careful. The operator, You, can avoid most if not all accidents by observing and
following the instructions in the manual. Use common sense and require those working
with you do the same.
SAFETY FIRST
Do not allow personnel other than the qualified operator near the machine.
Never start a machine until all guards and safety shields are in place.
Do not lubricate, clean or adjust the machine while it is in motion or under power.
If any WARNING or DANGER label is damaged, obscured or missing replace it.
Do not paint over any labels. The location of all safety related labels are in the
first few pages of the parts portion of this manual.
Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Have all operators review the safety instructions annually.
Keep all children and bystanders a safe distance away from this truck, it is
dangerous to the uninformed. The discharge elevator can be remotely lowered or
raised suddenly. The discharge chain can start remotely. These are controlled by
the operator in the cab of the truck who may not be able to see all sides of the
elevator.
The limits of the machine are noted on the loading instruction label on the front of
the machine. Do not exceed them.
This machine is designed to mix roughage and food supplements for ruminating
animals. Do not use it for any other purpose.
Remove key from the ignition before removing shields for maintenance,
adjustment or service.
Never enter a mixer/feeder while in operation.
Keep transmissions in gear when traveling downhill.
Keep sparks, lighted matches, and open flame away from the top of battery.
Battery gas can explode. Never check battery charge by placing a metal object
across the posts. Do not charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm battery
to room temperature before charging.
Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury or
death. Avoid the hazard by relieving hydraulic pressure before disconnecting any
lines. Tighten all connections before applying pressure. Search for leaks with a
piece of cardboard or wood. Protect hands and body from high pressure fluids. If
an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin
must be surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene may result.

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REMEMBER
Your best assurance against accidents is a careful and responsible operator. If
there is any portion of this manual or function you do not understand, contact
your dealer or Farm Aid Equipment.
BEFORE OPERATION:
Carefully study and understand this manual.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothing which may catch in moving parts.
Always wear protective clothing and substantial shoes.
Keep wheel lug nuts or bolts tightened to specified torque.
Make sure the tires are inflated properly.
Give the unit a visual inspection for any loose bolts, worn parts or cracked welds,
and make necessary repairs. Follow the maintenance safety instructions included
in this manual.
Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear of people, especially
children and animals.
Practice operation of your mixer/feeder and its attachments. Completely
familiarize yourself and other operators with its operation before using.
Be sure all shields are in place before operation.

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LOADING THE MACHINE:
➢Before starting the truck make sure the mixer is empty. Zero out the scale.
➢Empty mixer of any standing water in it by removing the drain plug. The water
can soak the hay making it mix different possibly causing the machine to bind.
Be sure that there are no tools lying on or in the mixer/truck.
Beware of bystanders, animals and, particularly children!
Always look around to make sure that it is safe before starting the engine of the
truck. It is hard to hear people with the newer quiet cabs.
➢Do not add side board extensions to the mixer.
➢Mixer must be rotating when feed is added to the mixer.
➢Do not overload the mixer. Mixer capacity can be reached by weight or volume.
The maximum weight is 680 model 15,500 Pounds.
➢Lower density commodities (hay/silage) decrease the capacity of the mixer. The
maximum height of feed in the mixer is one foot less than the top of the spiral.
Generally the highest point is above the discharge door. Overloading certain high
roughage rations may bunch up and “barrel roll” resulting in poor mixing.
➢Do not "Dump" commodities into the mixer especially roughage. This can cause
the roughage to bind between the reel/spiral and the mixer wall. Wet or stringy
hay is more prone to this. It can damage the mixer.
➢Load feed starting with the lightest and then the heavier commodities. Example:
Ground hay, Silage, Distillers grains, then corn. Loading corn first may result in
the mixer “kicking” it in the air. Loading hay last may result in damage to mixer.
➢However, when adding minute supplements or medication in non liquid form load
these first in the mixer.
➢Damage to the mixer springs will occur if Liquid feed and Corn/Distillers grains
are put in the mixer before roughage.
➢Load from the auger side of the mixer. The top of the spiral moves from the high
side to the low side. If the loader bucket touches the spiral/reel it is less likely to
damage the spiral/reel loading from the high side. It is more likely to damage the
spiral/reel if it comes in contact with the spiral/reel if loading from the low side.
➢Loading on the high side will result in faster/better mixing. Feed that falls out
closer to the loader will get caught in the return auger and most feed will interact
with the reel breaking up clumps. Stringy hay clumps can get caught between the
spiral/reel and binding the machine.
➢Wet hay mixes very differently than dry hay. Wet hay bunches up. It can get
caught between the reel and the tank wedging the machine. Use caution and add
this commodity very carefully.
➢Do not fill mixer and allow it to settle before feeding. Filling the mixer the night
before and parking the mixer may result in damage to the mixer or work for the
owner. Certain rations will settle and bind together resulting in a locked up
machine. It is not unusual to open the feed door on a mixer that has had a ration
sitting in it overnight being so bound up that it does not fall out of the mixer onto
the elevator chain.

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OPERATION:
➢Your truck engine powers the mixer. It gets the power from the side of your
transmission through a PTO (Power Take Off). This power take off drives a load
sensing hydraulic pump. Hydraulic force turns the mixing Reel, turns the
conveyor, raises/lowers the feed door and the conveyor. The system is designed
to have the truck engine running at 1,000 rpm when in use.
➢To turn the PTO on turn the switch shown in figure 1 to the "on" position. It may
not engage the PTO if the engine is off or running too fast. The PTO is also
controlled by the truck’s TCM (Transmission Control Module). The TCM will turn
off the PTO if the engine speed is too high to prevent damaging the pump. The
TCM in this truck has been reprogrammed to turn off the pump at 1,670 engine
RPM. It will reengage the PTO when the engine speed is below 1500 rpm.
➢Only when the PTO switch is on and the TCM allows the PTO to run will the red
light next to the PTO switch illuminate indicating there is hydraulic force
generated by the pump. This is also the only time there is electrical power in the
mixer control box. Only then will the switches illuminate indicating if either
hydraulic motor is running. See figure 2 for the control box illustration.
➢The reel switch turns on the mixing reel. The system has a “soft start” to slowly
start the reel. If the operator or the TCM turns off the PTO the reel will stop. Once
the PTO is turned on again it will go through a soft start cycle. A green light will
illuminate in the switch for the reel if it is on. The knob above the on/off switch
controls the speed of the reel.
➢The elevator switch starts the elevator chain. The system has a “soft start” to
slowly start the chain. If the operator or the TCM turns off the PTO the chain will
stop. Once the PTO is turned on again it will go through a “soft start” cycle. A
blue light will illuminate in the switch if it is on. The knob above the on/off switch
controls the speed of the chain.
➢The bottom elevator switch controls the height of the elevator. Tap the switch to
the right or left to raise or lower it.
➢The feed door switch controls the feed door height of the elevator. Tap the switch
to the right or left to open or close it.
➢To feed we recommend that you start the truck, turn on the PTO, set the engine
speed at 1,000 RPM, turn on the reel and set the speed-try 50%. Once at the
feeding bunks, lower the elevator, turn on the elevator, set the speed, try 50%,
and open the feeding door. Let the truck roll along filling the bunks. Modulate
your vehicle speed and therefore the amount of feed in the bunks by using the
truck brake.
figure 1
figure 2

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Keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
Do not clean, lubricate or adjust your mixer/feeder while it is moving or in
operation.
Be especially observant of the operating area and terrain - watch for holes, rocks
or other hidden hazards. Always inspect the area prior to operation.
Do not operate near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
Do not operate on steep slopes as overturn may result.
Operate up and down (not across) intermediate slopes.
Avoid sudden starts and stops.
Pick the most level route when transporting across fields. Avoid the edges of
ditches or gullies and steep hillsides.
Maneuver the truck at safe speeds.
Avoid overhead wires or other obstacles. Contact with overhead lines could
cause serious injury or death.
Be alert to the length of the machine when backing up.
Keep all bystanders, pets and livestock clear of the work area.
Operate the truck from the operator’s seat only.
Never leave running mixer/feeder unattended.
➢Lower the discharge elevator before opening the feed door.
➢Open the feed door only as much as is needed to get a steady supply of feed. Do
not fully open at the start.

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HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORT OPERATIONS:
Adopt safe driving practices.
Always drive at a safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your
speed is low enough for an emergency stop to be safe and secure.
Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid the risk of overturning.
Avoid sudden uphill turns on steep slopes.
Always keep the truck in gear when going downhill. Do not coast.
Do not drink and drive.
Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of
farm machinery on public roads.
Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
Be a safe courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations,
including narrow bridges, intersections, etc.
Be observant of bridge loading ratings. Do not cross bridges rated lower than the
gross weight at which you are operating.
Watch for obstructions overhead and to the side while transporting.
Always operate mixer/feeder in a position to provide maximum visibility at all
times. Make allowances for increased length and weight of the mixer/feeder
when making turns, stopping the unit, etc.
FOLLOWING OPERATION:
Make sure that you have emptied out feed from the machine.
Following operation stop the truck, set the brakes, disengage the PTO and all
power drives, shut off the engine and remove the ignition keys.
Store the unit in an area away from human activity.
➢Do not park equipment where it will be exposed to livestock for long periods of
time. Damage and livestock injury could result.
Do not permit children to play on or around the stored unit.
Make sure parked machine is on a hard, level surface and engage all safety
devices.

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PERFORMING MAINTENANCE:
Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate the engine in a closed
building. The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
Before working on the mixer/feeder, stop the truck, set the brakes, disengage the
PTO and all power drives, shut off the engine and remove the ignition keys.
Be certain all moving parts on attachments have come to a complete stop before
attempting to perform maintenance.
Always use the proper tools or equipment for the job at hand.
Never use your hands to locate hydraulic leaks on attachments. Use a small
piece of cardboard or wood. Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can
penetrate the skin. When disconnecting hydraulic lines, shut off hydraulic supply
and relieve all hydraulic pressure. Openings in the skin and minor cuts are
susceptible to infection from hydraulic fluid. If injured by escaping hydraulic fluid,
see a doctor at once. Gangrene can result. Without immediate treatment, serious
infection and reactions can occur.
Replace all shields and guards after servicing and before moving.
After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed.
Do not allow grease or oil to build up on any step or platform.
Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing,
genuine factory replacement parts must be used to restore your equipment to
original specifications. Farm Aid Equipment will not claim responsibility for use of
unapproved parts and/or accessories and other damages as a result of their use.
If equipment has been altered in any way from original design, Farm Aid
Equipment does not accept any liability for injury or warranty.
A fire extinguisher and first aid kit should be kept readily accessible while
performing maintenance on this mixer/feeder.
CHAIN TENSION
The chains should be checked yearly. They should be adjusted so that the center of the
chain can be moved freely at the center of the span as listed below:
Front chain: 3/4"
Inside rear chain: 1"
Big rear chain: 2"
LUBRICATION
Every 120 hours:
1 nipple on the front side 3 pumps and the front center spiral zerk gets 6 pumps
3 nipples on the rear side 3 pumps and the single nipple on the other side 6 pumps
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The oil in the hydraulic system is 30 weight non-detergent oil. On the side of the
reservoir there is a level and temperature indicator. If the oil appears gray or milky it has
been contaminated with water and needs to be drained and replaced.
Daily check oil level and color
Annually replace the spin on oil filter

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POLY LINER CARE:
The poly liner will grow and shrink dependant on temperature. Excessive heat combined
with sunlight can cause the liner to warp or bulge. All engineered polymers are
adversely affected by harmful ultraviolet light decreasing the life of the liner. Park inside
or in a shaded area to increase the life of your poly liner.
The liner will outlast the bolts that hold it in place. The feed is abrasive and wears the
head. Inspect the large headed fasteners that hold the poly liner in. If they are not round
or larger than the size of a quarter they are worn and need replacing. If the bolts fail it
will lead to premature failure of the liner. The bolts will last about 1/3 to 1/5 the life of the
liner and are easier and much less expensive to replace.
WELDING ON THE MACHINE:
➢When welding on your mixer/feeder, do not allow the current to flow through the
ball bearings or the roller chains. Ground directly to the item being welded.
➢Always disconnect the scale from the weigh bars. Be sure the current does not
pass through weigh bars or load cells or scale indicator.
➢Disconnect the power wire from the scale.

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