FarmTek PolyMax H1-10 User manual

1
Revision date: 05.13.20
©2020 FarmTek®
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.
112529 PolyMax® H1-10
Dutch Bucket System
Versatile PolyMax® Dutch Buckets are ideal for both small- and large-scale hydroponic growing.
PolyMax® Dutch Buckets
*Actual system may differ.
STK# DIMENSIONS
112529 19" W x 26" H x 118" L*
*Dimensions have been rounded and are approximate.
Dimensions are of the frame only; they do not include
buckets, reservoir, or drain plumbing.

2112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
TOOLS
The following list identifies the tools needed to
assemble the Dutch bucket system described within
this guide. Additional tools and supports may be
needed depending on the application.
• Tape measure and gloves.
• Marker to mark locations on PVC tubing and
frame.
• Variable speed drill (cordless with extra batteries
works best).
• 5/16" drill bit
• 1" and 2" hole saw bits
• Level and carpenter's square
• Wrench and ratchet and socket set.
READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR 112529 DUTCH BUCKET SYSTEM.
This guide provides helpful hints and important information needed to safely assemble and properly maintain the 112529 PolyMax H1-10 Dutch Bucket System.
Read and understand this guide before you begin.
Important Information
SAMPLE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
The steps outlining the sample table system assembly
process are as follows:
1. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment.
Notify customer service for questions or concerns.
2. Read these instructions and all additional
documentation included with the shipment before
you begin.
3. Gather the tools and assistants needed to
assemble the product.
BASIC CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper care and maintenance of your system
is important. Check the following items
periodically to properly maintain your Dutch
bucket system.
• Check connections and all fasteners to
verify that they remain tight.
• Verify that the pump is working properly.
• Check and clean all filters to optimize
performance.
• Clean the reservoir periodically to prevent
unwanted contamination of solution.
• Monitor temperatures (room and solution)
to maximize plant growth.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Apply PVC primer and cement in a well-ventilated
area. Follow all instructions on containers.
• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter) when working with electric power tools
and cords. Use battery-powered tools if possible.
• Exercise caution when using all tools.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when drilling and
cutting.
UNPACK AND IDENTIFY PARTS
The following steps will ensure that you have all the
necessary parts before you begin assembly.
1. Unpack the contents of the shipment and place
where you can easily inventory the parts. Refer
to the Bill of Materials/Spec Sheets.
2. Verify that all parts listed on the Bill of Materials/
Spec Sheets are present. If anything is missing
or you have questions, contact Customer
Service.
WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL
CORDS AND CONNECTIONS OUT OF THE
RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES
OF A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO
ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY CONNECT THE
PUMP TO A POWER SUPPLY.
ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE
DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL
AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES AND
STANDARDS.
ATTENTION: Install all fittings so they are fully
inserted into the 3/4" tubing. Use a hair dryer
to gently heat the tubing for easier installation.
Do not overheat!
Use pliers to gently squeeze ratchet clamps
around tubing.
Heat tube with a
hair dryer for easier
assembly. Do not
overheat!

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
Important Information
PICTORIAL GUIDE
The following graphics and photos will help you identify the different
parts of the system. Consult the Quick Start Guide for additional
details and diagrams. (All parts are sold separately.)
Siphon Elbow
111044
Threaded Tee
Dutch Bucket
111627
3/4" White Polyethylene Tubing
110407
Dripper Stake
110725
Air Pump
109260 Air Stone 110721
Utility Pump
110743
3mm Punch
110408
1/8" White Polyethylene Tubing
110091 Clear Vinyl Tubing 112531 Heavy Duty Timer (1)
111698 Ratchet Clamp Plastic Pipe & Tube Cutter
WF1023 Filter (1)

4112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
Important Information
Reservoir Reservoir Cover 111049 Perlite
FAG102B FALF15B
FAPA14 AC2804
WF3411 WF1384 WF6627 112603
WF1574 WF1970
112604
111074
110729
FALB04B
106742
PICTORIAL PARTS GUIDE—CONTINUED
Porthole Cover
112066 (1) Shut-
off to attach to
WF1023 filter.
ATTENTION: Reservoir and lid
style shown throughout this guide
may vary. When needed, critical
dimensions are noted for hole
locations.
WF6990
PVC Cement and
113372 Purple Primer
PVC PRIMER & CEMENT
Follow all directions printed on pvc primer and
cement containers. Purple color of primer
does not fade! Use caution during application
to reduce spills and over application at joints.
Prime all joints before assembly.
WR1095
Tape

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
Assembly Instructions
1
Required Parts:
• FALB04B 3/8" nuts (12) and 106742 3/8" x 2-1/2" carriage bolts (6)
• FAG102B 1/4" x 3/4" bolts (18) and FALF15B 1/4" lock nuts (18)
• 112529VFRM: Frame End and Mid Supports (3)
• 112529HANG: Frame Side Rails (2)
• 112529NBRC: Diagonal Brace (6)
ASSEMBLE TABLE FRAME
STEP 1: Install 3/8" x 2-1/2" leveler bolts as shown. Do not tighten at this time.
STEP 2: Attach side rails to end and mid frame supports using the 1/4" x 3/4" bolts and 1/4" lock nuts. Position rails on top of the end and mid frame
supports. Finish the frame assembly by installing all diagonal braces using the same 1/4" fasteners. Tighten all nuts until snug.
3/8" Leveler
Side Rail
STEP 1
STEP 2
Side Rail
End Frame
Support
Diagonal Brace Mid Frame
Support
ATTENTION: Use a carpenter's square
to square the frame during assembly and
before you tighten all the fasteners.
Carpenter's
Square

6112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
Assembly Instructions
2
Complete these steps:
1. Locate and mark the center at each end of the frame.
2. Center the WF4140 tube on the mark and place the
FAPA14 pipe clamp over the tube. Align the pipe clamp
with the outside edge of the frame to prevent conflicts
with the Dutch bucket at each end.
3. Hold the assembly steady and mark the bolt hole
locations on the top of the end frame support.
4. Using a drill and 5/16" bit, drill the two (2) mounting
holes for the clamp.
5. Take the 1/4" fasteners and attach the clamp. Do not
fully tighten these bolts at this time. PVC tube should
slide into the clamp.
6. Move to the opposite end of the frame and repeat the
steps to install that clamp.
7. Finally, install the center pipe clamp using the above
steps as a guide. Center this clamp on the frame
member.
8. Continue with the next procedure.
INSTALL 1-1/2" DRAIN TUBE CLAMPS
Locate and
mark center
of frame at
each end.
STEP 1
Align center of
tube with center
of frame.
STEPS 2 & 3 STEP 4 STEP 5
Drain Tube
STEP 7
Required Parts:
• WF4140 PVC tube (1) and FAPA14 pipe clamp
for 1-1/2" PVC
• FAG102B 1/4" x 3/4" bolts (6) and FALF15B
1/4" lock nuts (6)

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
1. With the drain tube in place on the frame, snap a chalk line from end-to-end along the top of the drain tube.
2. Next measure 6" in from one end and mark the position on the chalk line.
Assembly Instructions
3MARK AND DRILL BUCKET DRAIN HOLES
Required Tools:
• Drill with a 1" hole saw. Example shows using a
step bit. Keep holes aligned and uniform.
• Marker, chalk line, and tape measure
6" 6"12" 12"
Hole Spacing for Dutch Buckets Chalk Line
WF4140 PVC Tube: 120"
3. From the 6" line measure 12" and mark that position.
4. Continue marking hole locations at 12" intervals until you reach the end of the tube. There will be ten (10) hole locations in all–one for each Dutch bucket.
5. Take a 1" hole saw and drill the 10 drain holes in the pvc drain tube. Keep all holes aligned and centered on the chalk line.
6. Remove the tube from the frame and clean all debris from the drain tube and from around the drain holes.
7. Slide the tube through the clamps and into position on the frame and add the buckets. Adjust the tube as needed to allow the end buckets to set on the
side rails of the frame. See photo above.
8. Continue with the next procedure.
STEP 7
Complete these steps:

8112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
4
Assembly Instructions
ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL SIPHON ELBOWS
Siphon Elbow
32
5
1
678
4
Drain Tube
Complete these steps:
1. Assemble the siphon elbows as shown. Two (2) elbows are used for each
assembly.
2. Take the elbow assembly and install one inside each Dutch bucket.
3. Check bucket position on the frame and verify that each bucket drain nipple is
inserted in the drain hole of the pvc drain tube.
4. Return to and tighten all pipe clamp mounting bolts to secure the drain tube and
to lock buckets in place. Tighten bolts until snug. Do not overtighten bolts. Doing
so will damage the clamps.
5. Continue with the next procedure.

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
5
Assembly Instructions
ASSEMBLE FILTER AND RELATED FITTINGS
Complete these steps:
1. First remove the WF1023 filter cap and replace it with the 112066 shut-off valve. Tape the filter
threads before installation. Tighten valve until snug.
2. Take the WR1095 thread tape and wrap the threads of each component four or five times.
Apply tape in a direction that prevents unwrapping during assembly.
3. Assemble the filter and related fittings as shown. Tighten each connection by gently gripping
the coupling with a pair of adjustable pliers and turning the adapter using an adjustable wrench
or similar wrench. Tighten until snug. Do not overtighten and do not crush fittings.
4. Gently squeeze all ratchet clamps around tube connections using a pair of pliers.
5. Continue with the assembly of the pump and supply tube.
WF1023 Filter (1)
WF1970 111074
WR1095
Tape
112066 (1) Shut-
off to attach to
WF1023 filter.
WF3411
AC2804
111698
Ratchet Clamp
Attach 112066
Shut-off valve.
Wrap treads
with tape.
Assemble. Gently tighten fittings until snug.
WF1023
Filter
11" Piece of 3/4"
tubing to connect
to pump.
111698
Clamp
111698
Clamps
AC2804
Valve
111074
Adapter
111074
Adapter
112066
Shut-Off
WF1970 WF3411
5" Piece of
3/4" Tubing

10 112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
6
Assembly Instructions
DRILL HOLES IN RESERVOIR COVER
Drill 2" Drain Tube Hole
1. Position the reservoir under the Dutch bucket
frame and determine in which corner you want to
drill the drain tube hole in the cover.
2. Remove the cover from the reservoir and drill
the drain hole in the corner using a 2" hole saw.
Do not drill cover over the reservoir. Debris will
damage the pump and clog the filter.
Drill 1" Supply Tube Hole
1. Using a 1" hole saw, drill the hole for the 3/4"
supply tube from the pump. Drill this hole at the
edge of the port hole opposite the drain tube hole.
See the X's in the photo to the right.
2. Carefully remove the cover material between the
port hole and the 1" hole using a hand saw.
Drill 5/16" Holes for the Air Pump Tubing
1. Take a 5/16" drill bit and drill two holes 2" apart
through cover. See photo below for location.
ATTENTION: X marks hole locations based on reservoir
design and position. Drill one 2" drain tube hole and one
1" supply tube hole. Always space holes apart as shown.
If 2" drain hole position is the other corner, drill the 1"
supply tube hole on the opposite side of the port hole.
Move cover off reservoir. Place on support to
drill the 2" drain hole.
2. Remove all debris from the cover and around all
holes to prevent it from dropping into the reservoir
when cover is set in place.
Drill 2" Drain Tube Hole
x
x
Actual cover may differ slightly from
what is shown in this example.
Supply
Tube Hole
2" Drain
Tube Hole
Drill 1" Supply Hole
Mark location.
Remove lip.
Drill 1" hole.
Remove debris.
ATTENTION: Reservoir and lid style shown
throughout this guide may vary. When needed,
critical dimensions are noted for hole locations.
3"- 4"

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
Assembly Instructions
7ASSEMBLE PUMP AND SUPPLY TUBE
Complete these steps:
1. Take the filter assembly from Procedure 5 and
attach it to the 110721 water pump. Consult the
documentation supplied with the pump to properly
select and install the tube fitting and related seal.
Secure the 3/4" tube to the pump fitting using a
111698 ratchet clamp. Slide the clamp onto the tube
before sliding the tube onto the pump fitting. Gently
squeeze clamp using pliers.
2. Set the pump and filter assembly into the reservoir.
3. Move to the top of the assembly and measure the
tube length needed to reach approximately 1/2" to 1"
above the top of the Dutch bucket. Cut a section of
3/4" tube to that length.
4. Take two clamps and one 110729 elbow and
assemble as shown above.
Cut tube
and attach.
Add elbow
to top.
5. Measure and cut a section of 3/4" tube to reach from the
pump and filter assembly to the end of the Dutch bucket
frame. Tube will run across the tops of the buckets. Attach
tube to the elbow and secure with a ratchet clamp. Ensure
tube is fully installed to prevent leaks.
6. Move to the open end of the long 3/4" supply tube and install
a AC2804 in line valve. Secure with one ratchet clamp.
7. Continue with the next procedure.
STEP 4
STEP 3
STEP 6
Install AC2804
valve here—Step 6.
STEP 5
Connect this end to the
110721 pump.
110729 AC2804 111698
Ratchet
Clamp

12 112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
Assembly Instructions
8
Use the photos below to assemble the drain manifold. Read these notes
before you continue.
• A five (5') section of pvc is included to construct this manifold.
• Length of each pvc tube depends on the position of the reservoir and
frame.
• Dry fit all connections before applying pvc primer and pvc cement.
Apply cement only as directed to allow for cover removal. Do not
cement the short tube that extends from final elbow to reservoir. This
allows for cover removal and reservoir maintenance.
• Manifold will drain through the hole drilled in the cover–Procedure 6.
• Remove the plugs to periodically clean the drain tube.
ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL DRAIN MANIFOLD
Assemble on the drain tube to set the
correct angle of the manifold back to
the reservoir drain hole.
WF1574
WF6990 PVC Cement &
113372 PVC Purple Primer WF1384
112603
WF6627
112604
ATTENTION: Dimensions for tube sections are not provided
to allow for minor adjustments in reservoir position. A five
foot (5') section of pvc tube is included for this manifold.
DRY FIT ALL FITTINGS BEFORE YOU APPLY CEMENT!
Set reservoir in the desired position.
Estimate length of tubes and fit
together.
Dry fit all pieces to get the best fit. Do
not apply cement until all pieces are
cut and ready to slide together.
Cement
Cement
Tube to Reservoir—
Do not cement.
Install WF6627 and 112603
at end of drain tube.
Cement WF6627
to drain tube.
Cement WF1384 to drain
tube. Cement 112604 to
WF1384.
WF1384
112604
No Cement
DRAIN MANIFOLD
PARTS

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
Complete these steps:
1. Use the plastic pipe and tube cutter to cut twenty (20) 16" irrigation lines—two (2) for each
bucket.
2. Gently push one 16" line onto each 110407 dripper stake. Wet the line end for easier
assembly. Dripper ends are fragile. Be careful not to bend or break the dripper.
3. Twist two (2) irrigation lines onto each 111044 threaded tee barb.
4. Move to the horizontal supply tube that runs the length of the frame and punch one hole in
the tube at each bucket position. Align hole with the center of each bucket when possible.
5. Carefully grip one barb and irrigation line assembly with a pair of clean pliers and push
it into one of the holes. While still holding the assembly, gently pull back (as if to remove
the barb) to seat the barb in the supply tube. DO NOT PULL THE BARB OUT OF THE
TUBE!
6. Repeat to install all remaining irrigation line assemblies.
Assembly Instructions
9PREPARE AND INSTALL IRRIGATION LINES
111044
Threaded Tee
110407
Dripper
Stake
32
5
1 4
6 7 8

14 112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
10
For optimal system performance and to extend the life of the nutrient solution through increased
oxygenation, an aerator pump and aerator stones are included. Position stones at the bottom
of the reservoir opposite the water pump. Air pump must remain above nutrient level to prevent
siphoning.
1. Choose a position for the air pump and use it to determine the length of each air tube. Cut
two air tubes from the 110091 tubing.
ATTENTION: Position the air pump at a level that is above the reservoir at all times to
prevent siphoning of the nutrient solution from the reservoir.
2. Attach one stone to each line and set the stones in the reservoir. See photo for stone
position opposite the water pump.
3. Place the reservoir cover on the reservoir and feed the tubing up through the access holes
and connect the free end of each tube to the air pump.
Assembly Instructions
ATTENTION: Always position the air pump above the reservoir/water
level to prevent siphoning of the reservoir.
ATTACH THE AIR PUMP AND AERATOR STONES
Attach 110091
tube to air stone.
109260 Air
Stone
4. Place the air pump in the position chosen in Step 1.
5. Connect the air pump to power and test the operation. Verify that air is filtering through
each air stone. Monitor the air pump regularly to ensure proper operation of the aerator
system.
NOTE: When the system is fully operational, the air pump will run continuously. Do not
connect the air pump to any circuit controlled by a timer or shutoff switch.
6. After testing air flow, turn off the aerator pump until the system is fully functional.

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
General Operating Instructions
After assembling the 112529 Dutch bucket system, take a few minutes to
check the system. Complete these steps.
1. Verify that all electrical cord ends are outside the reservoir.
2. Place all dripper stakes inside a Dutch bucket and verify that all bucket
drain nipples are inside a drain tube hole.
3. Fill the reservoir with a few inches of water to cover the pump.
4. Plug the water and air pump power cords into an GFCI (Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter) outlet. Both pumps should turn on.
General Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions
For optimal performance and to increase yields, check and clean the Dutch
bucket system periodically. Time between maintenance and cleaning
depends on the growing environment and specific use of the system. Apply
the following steps as needed to ensure that your system is working properly.
1. Inspect the frame and mounting bolts to ensure bolts are tight and frame
is not damaged. Verify that levelers are locked in place and that the table
is level at the ends with a slight slope toward the drain end of the drain
tube.
2. Disconnect the main power supply to turn off all pumps. Remove
the reservoir cover and inspect the inside of the reservoir. Reservoir
should be cleaned each time the nutrient solution is changed. Keep the
porthole cover in place during operation to prevent light from entering the
reservoir.
3. Check all plumbing and irrigation connections to ensure that all are
operating as designed.
4. Replace worn or cracked irrigation lines and barbs as needed.
5. Clean the drain tube if needed. Remove the end plugs and inspect
the inside of the tube. Reroute the drain tube so it does not empty into
the reservoir and then clean the drain tube by pulling a brush or cloth
through the tube. Rinse with clean water and reposition the drain tube for
operation.
NOTE: Do not allow debris from the drain tube to contaminate the
contents of the reservoir.
6. With the pump off, disassemble the filter and clean the screen and
housing. Reassemble for use.
5. Check each Dutch bucket to ensure that water is dripping from each
dripper stake.
6. Check all plumbing connections—supply and drain tubes—for leaks.
7. Allow the pump to operate until water is running through the drain tube
and back to the reservoir. Check all pvc fittings for leaks.
NOTE: Use the 3/8" x 2 1/2" levelers of the table frame to set a slight
slope toward the reservoir if needed.
8. Look for bubbles in the reservoir to verify that the air is pumping to each
air stone. Remember to always mount the air pump on a surface that
is above the water level. Vibrations of the pump can cause it to move.
Make sure the pump does not fall into the reservoir or other liquids.
9. Once the system has been checked and all adjustments are made, it is
ready for use.
WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL CORDS AND CONNECTIONS
OUT OF THE RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES OF A
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY
CONNECT THE PUMPS TO A POWER SUPPLY.
ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE DESIGNED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES
AND STANDARDS.
112531 Heavy
Duty Timer
USING THE 112531 TIMER
The 112531 timer allows for a variety of settings to
control the water pump of your Dutch bucket system.
Consult the guide supplied with the 112531 timer for
installation, use, programing, and troubleshooting
details.
NOTE: Do not connect the air pump to the timer. Air
pump must run continuously for best results.

16 112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
1. First, turn off water and air pumps,
remove filter cap, and install the 112066
shut-off valve. Wrap filter threads with
thread tape before installation. Skip this
step if valve is installed.
2. Close the in-line valve above the pump.
3. To empty the reservoir, attach a garden
hose to the 112066 shut-off valve on the
filter.
4. Place end of hose in a container to
dispose of nutrient solution and open the
112066 shut-off valve.
Clean the reservoir periodically to maximize plant growth and to minimize system contamination. The steps that follow can be used to change nutrient
solution and to pump the reservoir for cleaning and typical maintenance.
RESERVOIR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
112066 (1) Shut-
off to attach to
WF1023 filter.
5. Turn water pump on and pump out
reservoir solution.
6. Once the reservoir is empty, turn off the
pump and clean the reservoir and the filter.
See next page for filter cleaning steps.
7. Close the shut-off filter, disconnect the
garden hose, and refill the reservoir with
nutrient solution.
8. Open the in-line valve. See Step 2.
9. Turn on the pumps and check all supply
tubes to Dutch buckets to ensure they are
not clogged.

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Regular cleaning of the filter is recommended to ensure proper flow. Filter should also be
cleaned after cleaning the reservoir to remove sediment. When a reduced flow rate is noticed,
follow these steps to clean the filter and filter housing.
ATTENTION: SYSTEM SHOWN MAY
DIFFER FROM ACTUAL SYSTEM. FILTER
ASSEMBLY IS THE SAME. STEPS FOR
CLEANING THE FILTER ARE THE SAME.
1. Turn off the nutrient pump.
2. Grip the filter housing and the main
supply line and unscrew the housing.
Do not apply force to the filter or the
supply line fittings. Hold these steady
when disassembling the filter.
Clean the Filter Screen and Housing
3. Remove the screen from the housing.
Using clean water, rinse the housing
and the screen.
4. Insert the screen back into the housing,
reassemble the filter, and close the
valve.
5. Turn on the pump and check the flow
from the supply tubes to each bucket.
6. Check filter for leaks.
Flow

18 112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
8
58
8
3
8
5"
"53
5
118"
8
26
"
58
3
"
53
5
8"
18
3
4"
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND DIAGRAMS
TOP VIEW
SIDE VIEW END VIEW
ATTENTION: Actual dimensions will vary
slightly. Frame has been manufactured using
tolerances that allow for easier assembly.
19"

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Revision date: 05.13.20 112529
2
2
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
1
1
Item # Part # Description Quantity
1 112259VFRM END FRAME AND MID FRAME SUPPORT 3
2 112529HANG FRAME SIDE RAIL 2
3 112529NBRC DIAGONAL BRACES 6
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND DIAGRAMS

20 112529 Revision date: 05.13.20
These frame photos are included to provide
additional assembly information.
Photo above shows side rail and end
support.
Photo shows fully assembled
Dutch bucket frame.
Photo above shows end support with
installed diagonal braces and side rails.
Use levelers to adjust frame slope and
account for slight variations in the floor.
If system is sitting on crushed rock or
soil, take additional steps to ensure that
frame is stable and level.
During assembly, position side rail on
top of all end and mid frame supports.
Photo below shows diagonal brace.
Side Rail
Side Rail
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND DIAGRAMS