GEA EL54 User manual

Liquid manure spreader
EL54
Operation Manual
(Original instructions)
2018-9015-004
09-2016
gea.com

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Contents
1 Preface 4.................................................................
1.1 About the Instructions 4.....................................................................
1.2 Manufacturer's address 5....................................................................
1.3 Customer service 5.........................................................................
1.4 Declaration of conformity 6...................................................................
1.5 GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle - General Equipment Warranty 7..........
1.6 SPECIFIC LIMITED WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO LIQUID MANURE SPREADERS (ALL MODELS) 10.
2 Safety 12...................................................................
2.1 Owner's obligation of care 12..................................................................
2.2 Explanation of the safety symbols 13...........................................................
2.3 Basic safety instructions 14...................................................................
2.4 Personnel qualifications 15....................................................................
2.5 Protective devices 16........................................................................
3 Description (overview) 17...................................................
3.1 Product applications 17.......................................................................
3.2 Functional description 17.....................................................................
3.3 Modifications to the product 17................................................................
4 Technical data 18...........................................................
4.1 Geometric data (SAE & Imperial) 18............................................................
4.2 Geometric data (Metric) 19....................................................................
4.3 Tire specifications 20.........................................................................
4.4 Tractor specifications 21......................................................................
4.5 Performance data 21.........................................................................
4.6 Hydraulic hose specifications 22...............................................................
4.7 Bolt torque chart 23..........................................................................
4.8 Lubricant specifications 23....................................................................
5 Handling and assembly 24..................................................
5.1 Special personnel qualification required for handling 24...........................................
5.2 Safety instructions for handling and assembly 24.................................................
5.3 Packing material disposal 25..................................................................
5.4 Handling the product 26......................................................................
5.5 Hydraulic braking system assembly 27..........................................................
5.6 Wheel assembly 29..........................................................................
5.7 Anti-siphon assembly 29......................................................................
5.8 Top fill indicator assembly 30..................................................................
5.9 Self-loading assembly (optional) 31............................................................
5.10 Nursing kit assembly (optional) 34..............................................................
5.11 Ladder assembly (optional) 35.................................................................
5.12 Hydraulic door on fill opening assembly (optional) 35..............................................
5.13 Hopper assembly (optional) 36................................................................
5.14 Rear lights assembly (optional) 36.............................................................
5.15 Spreading nozzles assembly (optional) 37.......................................................
5.16 Tool bar assembly (optional) 41................................................................
6 Initial commissioning 52....................................................
6.1 Special personnel qualification required for initial commissioning 52.................................
6.2 Safety instructions for initial commissioning 52...................................................
6.3 Initial commissioning checklist 53..............................................................
6.4 Checks after initial commissioning 55...........................................................
6.5 Handing over to the customer 55...............................................................

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7 Operating 56...............................................................
7.1 Special personnel qualification required for operation 56...........................................
7.2 Safety instructions for operation 56.............................................................
7.3 Checks before operation 56...................................................................
7.4 Connecting the spreader 57...................................................................
7.5 Testing safety components 61.................................................................
7.6 Moving the spreader 62......................................................................
7.7 Loading the spreader 63......................................................................
7.8 Spreading 64...............................................................................
7.9 Operating spreader options 69.................................................................
7.10 Disconnecting 75............................................................................
8 Troubleshooting 78.........................................................
8.1 Special personnel qualification required for troubleshooting 78.....................................
8.2 Safety instructions for troubleshooting 78........................................................
8.3 Troubleshooting possible faults 79.............................................................
9 Maintenance 82............................................................
9.1 Special personnel qualification required for maintenance work 82...................................
9.2 Safety instructions for maintenance 82..........................................................
9.3 Schedule maintenance responsibilities 83.......................................................
9.4 Visual inspection 84..........................................................................
9.5 Lubricate hitch 84............................................................................
9.6 Lubricate the equipment 85...................................................................
9.7 Check oil level of bearing housing (if applicable) 85...............................................
9.8 Fill the grease chamber of the bearing housing (if applicable) 85....................................
9.9 Check oil level over primer pump piston (if applicable) 86..........................................
9.10 Torque wheel nuts 86........................................................................
9.11 Grease wheel hub bearings 87................................................................
9.12 Torque bolts 88.............................................................................
9.13 Change the oil of bearing housing (if applicable) 88...............................................
9.14 Lubricate the tool bar (option) 88...............................................................
9.15 Open drains 89..............................................................................
9.16 Open cleaning openings 90...................................................................
9.17 Clean the product 91.........................................................................
9.18 Change hydraulic brake parts 92...............................................................
9.19 Calibrate the hydraulic braking system 94.......................................................
9.20 Calibrate the primer pump reversing valve 96....................................................
9.21 Shear bolts replacement kit 97.................................................................
10 Decommissioning 98.......................................................
10.1 Special personnel qualification required for decommissioning 98....................................
10.2 Safety instructions for decommissioning 98......................................................
10.3 Temporary decommissioning 99...............................................................
10.4 Final decommissioning/disposal 100.............................................................
11 Appendix 101...............................................................
11.1 Label position 101............................................................................
11.2 Hydraulic diagrams 104........................................................................
11.3 Hydraulic Diagrams - Flex drop hoses or Low pressure deflectors 108................................
11.4 Hydraulic Diagrams - 22” Concave disc incorporators 112..........................................
11.5 Hydraulic Diagrams - 24” Hydraulic Disc Injectors 114..............................................
11.6 Hydraulic Diagram - DMI or Yetter Injectors 118...................................................
11.7 Hydraulic diagram - 7 DMI Injectors 119..........................................................
11.8 Hydraulic Diagram - Bourgeault Disc Injectors 120.................................................
11.9 Hydraulic diagram - 38 FT Wide Tool Bar with 3 Deflectors 121......................................
11.10 Electric diagram 122..........................................................................
11.11 Consistency test 123..........................................................................
11.12 Spreading rate calculation 124..................................................................
11.13 Flow rate adjustment 126......................................................................
11.14 Abbreviations 131............................................................................

Preface
About the Instructions
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1 Preface
This is a GEA product. GEA is the manufacturer of the
Houle product line. This product was formerly known
under HOULE trademark.
1.1 About the Instructions
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes due to technical
developments in the data and images given in this manual.
This manual is not subject to an amendment service. The most recent version
can be obtained through the dealer or directly from the manufacturer.
Reproductions, translations and copies of any kind, even of extracts, require
written authorization from the manufacturer.
Pictograms used
This pictogram indicates information that will be helpful toward a better
understanding of the working processes.
!A correction bar in the margin indicates changes to the previous
edition. The character string ”!!” in the search field of the PDF
document locates the correction bar.
This pictogram indicates another document or section to refer to.
All manuals have a part number. The 4 middle digits specify the language of the
instruction manual:
language language language
-9000- German -9013- Dutch -9032- Serbian
-9001- English (United
Kingdom)
-9015- English (North
American)
-9034- Slovak
-9002- French (France) -9016- Polish -9035- Chinese
-9003- Italian -9018- Japanese -9036- Lithuanian
-9004- Romanian -9021- Dänisch -9038- Portuguese (Brazil)
-9005- Spanish (Spain) -9022- Hungarian -9039- French (Canada)
-9007- Swedish -9023- Czech -9040- Latvian
-9008- Norwegian -9024- Finnish -9041- Estonian
-9009- Russian -9025- Croatian -9043- Spanish (Central
America)
-9010- Greek -9027- Bulgarian
-9012- Turkish -9029- Slovenian
The instruction manuals may not be available in all the listed languages.

Preface
Customer service
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1.2 Manufacturer's address
GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle
4591 boul. St-Joseph
Drummondville, Qc, J2A 0C6
+1 819 477 - 7444
+1 819 477 - 5565
[email protected]
www.gea.com
1.3 Customer service
Authorized Technical Dealer
If necessary, please contact your nearest dealer.
There is a comprehensive dealer Internet search function on our website at the
following address:
www.gea.com
European contact information:
GEA Farm Technologies GmbH
Siemensstraße 25-27
D-59199 Bönen
+49 (0) 2383 / 93-70
+49 (0) 2383 / 93-80
[email protected]
www.gea.com
US contact information:
GEA Farm Technologies, Inc.
1880 Country Farm Dr.
Naperville, IL 60563
+1 630 369 - 8100
+1 630 369 - 9875
[email protected]
www.gea.com

Preface
Declaration of conformity
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1.4 Declaration of conformity
Manufacturer: GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle
4591 boul. St-Joseph
Drummondville, Qc, J2A 0C6
Product category: Liquid Manure Spreader
Type of product: EL54
The product referred to complies with the provisions of the following European directives:
2006/42/EC Machinery Directive
Conformity with the requirements of these directives is testified by complete adherence to the following
standards:
● Harmonized European standards
EN 707+A1
(2009-09)
Agricultural machinery - Slurry tankers
Safety
EN 953+A1
(2009-05)
Safety of machinery
Guards
EN 4254-1
(2013-07)
Agricultural Machinery - safety
General requirements
EN 4413
(2011-03)
Hydraulic fluid power
General rules relating to systems
EN 12100
(2010-12)
Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction
EN ISO 14121-2
(2008-02)
Safety of machinery - Risk assessment - Part 2: Practical guidance and examples of methods
NF X 08-003-1
(2006-07)
Graphic and pictographic symbols - colors and safety signs
Person responsible for compiling the
relevant technical documents:
Josef Schröer
GEA Farm Technologies GmbH
Siemensstraße 25-27
D-59199 Bönen
'+49 (0) 2383 / 93-70
Drummondville, 01 August 2011
Yann Desrochers
(Head of Research and
Development)
The undersigned is acting by virtue of power of attorney from the management of:
GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle, 4591 boul. St-Joseph, Drummondville, Qc, J2A 0C6
This declaration certifies compliance with the guidelines indicated, but does not establish any guarantee in the sense of paragraphs
443, 444 BGB.
This declaration of conformity becomes invalid if design changes are made which affect the technical data given in the instructions
and the correct use of the product, thereby significantly altering the machine!

Preface
GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle - General Equipment Warranty
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1.5 GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle - General Equipment
Warranty
Important notice!
THIS GENERAL WARRANTY APPLIES TO ALL EQUIPMENT SOLD
UNDER THE GEA HOULE TRADEMARK.
1.5.1 Limited Warranty
GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle (hereinafter
referred to as ”the Company”) warrants to the original buyer and end user
(hereinafter referred to as the ”Purchaser”) that the parts of all equipment sold
under the Company trademark are free from defects in material or workmanship
for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of delivery of the equipment to
the Purchaser. This written warranty takes precedence over any other written
warranty included in previous versions of the Company's manuals. Any
equipment used for commercial usage, commercial lease on one or more farms
is warranted for a reduced period of thirty (30) days only.
Components from third-party manufacturers that are not built by the Company,
and which are accessory to the equipment sold under the Company trademark
(including, without limitation, the motors and tires), are subject to such
third-party manufacturers' specific warranty coverage.
THIS WARRANTY EXTENDS ONLY TO THE PURCHASER AND DOES NOT
APPLY IN THE EVENT THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS SOLD OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED.
1.5.2 Condition of the Limited Warranty
The Company, through its GEA authorized dealers only (hereinafter referred to
as ”Dealer”, reserves the right to either repair or replace all parts deemed
defective under the following conditions:
1. That the equipment is installed, operated and maintained in accordance with
the Company directives;
2. That the Purchaser uses the equipment in accordance with specific
instructions, under normal conditions, for the sole purpose for which the
equipment was designed;
3. That the Purchaser notifies in writing his Authorized Dealer or the Company
(whichever the case may be) of any defect of the equipment. In either case
the notification must be made within the twelve (12) months following the
date of the delivery to the Purchaser;
4. The Purchaser or the Authorized Dealer must keep the defective parts or
equipment for inspection by the Company and return such defective parts
or equipment prepaid to the Company, if requested;
5. That the Purchaser does not modify the equipment, nor attempts to repair
any equipment or parts without proper authorization from the Company;
6. Depending on the nature of the equipment involved and whether it is fixed
or transportable, the Company will repair or replace the defective parts of the
equipment free of charge where installed, or at the business place of the
Authorized Dealer or the Company, at its sole discretion.

Preface
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1.5.3 Extent of Limited Warranty
This limited warranty DOES NOT cover:
● Defects caused by negligence of the Purchaser in the maintenance of the
equipment, improper use resulting from failure to adhere strictly to the
Company's manuals or non-compliance with prescribed maintenance
instructions provided by the Company (including, without limitation, lack of
lubrication of the equipment), as well as damages arising from
non-conforming installation of the equipment, or ambient temperature or
conditions of storage of the equipment that do not comply with the
Company's recommendations (including, without limitation, any damages
resulting from storage or operation of the equipment at a temperature equal
or below (5°C/41°F));
● Damages to equipment due to normal wear and tear or to external causes,
including issues of power or inadequate electrical conditions (including,
without limitation, inadequate tension (neutral/ground), abnormal
mechanical or environmental conditions (including, without limitation,
damages caused by fire, lightning, flood or other natural disaster), damages
caused by the use of sand litter or other abrasive or inadequate material
(including, without limitation, damages caused by solids in the manure, such
as stone, wood, iron, concrete, and strings), as well as damages caused by
ice or frozen manure blocking the evacuation line of the equipment or the
introduction of such solids in the equipment;
● Freight and shipping associated with repair or replacement of equipment
under this limited warranty, as well as all costs relating to removal or
replacement of any equipment that is welded or affixed permanently to the
ground or a building (including, without limitation, labor costs, and costs
related to concrete or excavation);
● Claims arising from repairs or replacements made by the Purchaser without
the prior written consent of the Company. The Purchaser shall not remove
or alter any safety device, guard, or warning sign.
If the Purchaser fails to comply with any of its obligations referred to in this
paragraph, the Purchaser agrees to save the Company and the Authorized
Dealer harmless in respect of any liability or obligation incurred by the Company
or the Authorized Dealer resulting from such failure of the Purchaser.

Preface
GEA Farm Technologies Canada Inc. / Division GEA Houle - General Equipment Warranty
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1.5.4 Warranty Limitations and Exclusion
NO WARRANTY, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OTHER
THAN THE ABOVE WARRANTY IS PROVIDED IN RESPECT OF THE
EQUIPMENT SOLD.
Some states (or jurisdictions) do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties
so it is possible that this limitation may not apply.
THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, ADAPTABILITY OR OF
PERFORMANCE, PROVIDED THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
COMPLIES WITH THE LAWS HAVING APPLICABLE REGULATORY
JURISDICTION.
THE LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY AND ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS
UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF
DEFECTIVE PARTS UP TO THE CONTRACT VALUE FOR THE
PURCHASED EQUIPMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE
LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL,
PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES IN ANY KIND OR CHARACTER,
INCLUDING INDIRECT COSTS, LOSS OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF
REVENUES OR PROFITS, AND OTHER DISBURSEMENTS WHICH MAY
OCCUR.
Some states (or jurisdictions) do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages and so it is possible that these limitations
or exclusions may not apply.
1.5.5 General Statements
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY BY JURISDICTION.
THE DEALER IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY ADDITIONAL
REPRESENTATIONS OR PROMISES THAT DIFFER IN ANY WAY FROM
THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, OR MODIFY THE PROVISIONS,
DURATION AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. NO WAIVER
OR MODIFICATION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS VALID UNLESS
AGREED TO IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY.
IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
VERSION AND ANY OTHER TRANSLATED VERSION OF THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE
VERSION) THE ENGLISH VERSION SHALL PREVAIL.

Preface
SPECIFIC LIMITED WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO LIQUID MANURE SPREADERS (ALL MODELS)
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1.6 SPECIFIC LIMITED WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO LIQUID MANURE SPREADERS
(ALL MODELS)
This specific limited warranty benefits to the Purchaser and applies to all models
of liquid manure spreaders sold by the Company. This limited warranty applies
only to following specific parts: the power take off (”PTO”), axles and wheel
hubs, as well as the reservoir. The warranty on these parts is subject to the
conditions mentioned below. All conditions stated in this specific limited
warranty are in addition to the General equipment warranty that applies to all
equipment sold by the Company (see Section 1.5). In the event of any conflict
between the conditions stated in this specific limited warranty and those
specified in the General equipment warranty, the conditions of this specific
limited warranty shall prevail.
1.6.1 Extent of specific limited warranty
This specific limited warranty DOES NOT cover damages caused to the
spreader when it is attached behind a tractor excessively powerful or when the
power take off is used at excessive revolutions per minute (RPM), or if it is
misaligned, defective or modified (including, without limitation, damages
resulting from the modification of shear bolts).
Power take off
In the case of a spreader used under normal conditions, the warranty period of
the PTO is twelve (12) months from the date of delivery of the equipment to the
Purchaser.
In the case of a spreader used for commercial usage, commercial lease on one
or more farms, the PTO warranty period is reduced to three (3) months only.
Wheel axles and hubs
In the case of a spreader used under normal conditions, the warranty period of
wheel axles and hubs is five (5) years from the date of delivery of the equipment
to the Purchaser.
In the case of a spreader used for commercial usage, commercial lease on one
or more farms, the warranty period of the wheel axles and hubs is reduced to
one (1) year only.
Reservoir
With the exception of the model EL66, the warranty period for the reservoir of
the spreader is as set forth below and applies from the date of delivery of the
equipment to the Purchaser, against perforation due to corrosion. The
extended warranty applies to the reservoir only and does not cover parts,
whether removable or attached to the reservoir. This warranty is valid, subject
to the following conditions:
1. The reservoir is completely emptied by the Purchaser after each use;
2. The inside of the reservoir is cleaned and sprayed with oil as directed by the
Company;
3. The spreader is stored inside a building and protected from the weather, in
accordance with the recommendations prescribed by the Company.