Gearmore PDC400 Guide

PENDULUM
SPREADERS
Operation,
Service & Parts Manual
For Models PDC400, PDV500,
PDV600 & PDHV800
February 2009
Form: PDVPendSprdr

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION..................................................PAGE
1 Introduction.............................................................................................1
2 General Information...........................................................................1 - 4
2.1 Using the Manual ............................................................................................1
2.2 Serial Number Plate........................................................................................2
2.3 Machine Characteristics ...........................................................................2 - 3
2.4 Technical Specifications .................................................................................4
3 Important Safety Information ............................................................5 - 9
3.1 General Advice..........................................................................................5 - 6
3.2 Connection to Tractor....................................................................................7
3.3 Operation of Machine ...................................................................................7
3.4 Transporting ....................................................................................................8
3.5 Safety Decals....................................................................................................9
4 Connections.....................................................................................10 - 12
4.1 Connection Checklist ...................................................................................10
4.2 Raising Ability................................................................................................10
4.3 3-Point Hitch Connection ...........................................................................11
4.4 Driveline Installation ....................................................................................12
4.5 Optional Hydraulic System Connection....................................................12
4.6 PDC400 Assembly................................................................................13 - 14
5 Fertilizer Spreader Use....................................................................15 - 21
5.1 Correct Distribution Recommendations...................................................15
5.2 Spreading Width Adjustment......................................................................15
5.3 Using Adjustment Wrench ..........................................................................16
5.4 Spreading Quantity Adjustment .........................................................17 - 18
5.5 Hopper Load .................................................................................................19
5.6 Spreading In Field.........................................................................................20
5.7 Spreading Mistakes .......................................................................................21
6 General Maintenance......................................................................22 - 24
6.1 Lubrication.....................................................................................................23
6.2 Pendulum Placement....................................................................................23
6.3 Storage ............................................................................................................24
6.4 Spare Parts......................................................................................................24
7 Parts Breakdown.............................................................................25 - 33
7.1 PDV500/600 Complete Frame ..................................................................25
7.2 PDHV800 Complete Frame .......................................................................26
7.3 Gearbox..................................................................................................27 - 30
7.4 Optional Spouts ............................................................................................31
7.5 PDV500/600 Hyd. System Optional.........................................................32
7.6 PDHV800 Hyd. System Optional..............................................................33
8 Limited Warranty...................................................................................34

We would like to thank you for purchasing a Gearmore product and we assure you that you have made a
good choice, as now you have a very high quality machine. Please follow all instructions contained in this
manual for a long and trustworthy machine life.
These pendulum spreaders are machines used for the distribution of solid,
granular fertilizers and seeds in the field.
It is recommended to carefully read this operator's manual of use and
maintenance and follow the recommendations to help ensure safe and efficient
operation with and on the machine.
This manual has been written in order to give the customer all the information
and safety rules on the machine, as well as use and maintenance instructions.
The manual must always be handy, so as to consult it in order to check the
operational cycle. If it gets lost or damaged, it will be necessary to ask for a
substitute copy.
In case of some difficulties of interpretation on texts or tables, or if the drawings/sketches are not clear
enough, please get immediate assistance from your dealer.
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 USING THE MANUAL:
This manual gives all the information for the use and maintenance of the machine. The good
working and its life depends on the good maintenance and attention during the use.
Some pictures in this manual show details or accessories that could be different from those of your
machine, some components could be removed, in order to assure the clearness of the pictures.
Decals are put on the machine and the operator shall see to keep them in a perfect visual condition,
replacing them when they are not readable anymore.
SAFETY SIGNALS
This symbol is used in this manual to draw your attention to the safety
and good work of the machine. therefore, it is necessary to observe all
the written rules in order to prevent any accident or damages.
We recommend the use of original spare parts and accessories.
Not using original parts, besides voiding the guarantee, could be dangerous, reducing the life and the
performances of the machine.
It is IMPORTANT to
read this manual
carefully before
operating the
spreader!
1. INTRODUCTION
1

2. GENERAL INFORMATION
2
2.2 SERIAL NUMBER PLATE:
A name plate is fixed on the frame of every machine showing the model, the serial number and the year
of construction of the machine.
When some spare parts are required, it is always necessary to refer to the type of machine, to the serial
number and to the manufacturing year.
Location of the name plate on the machine
2.3 MACHINE CHARACTERISTICS:
The great spreading precision of these kind of fertilizer spreaders lets them be used in different
applications, both for specific cultivations and in golf courses.
Our spreaders can rely on a huge range of models adaptable with tractors of any power.
The upper parts of the gearbox are made of stainless steel in order to increase its long life and
prevent corrosion.
It is possible to settle the gearbox on two different orders of spreading widths from 30 to 40 feet or
from 40 to 50 feet by using a special key. (see spreader use section)

2. GENERAL INFORMATION
3
Besides the standard pendulum, several other spouts are available for different applications,
such as for the spreading in which the spreading width is limited from a minimum of 3 feet to a
maximum of 26 feet for its use on the vineyards, the orchards, or in the parks.
The hopper is fiberglass reinforced plastic that cannot rust (except Model PDC400, which is poly).
The paint on the frame is made by a water base varnish and is baked at 150°with the application of
the primer bath, assuring great protection and a long life for the machine.
The feeding of the disc is by gravity through the exits, located on the bottom of the hopper,
that can be opened or closed by a mechanical or hydraulic system (optional). The dosage of the
fertilizer is made by operating on the opening section by an adjusting rod that slides on a threaded
pin with a graduate scale.
For the more powdered fertilizers, it is possible to settle an agitator/mixer on the bottom of the
hopper to avoid the formation of lumps in the fertilizer.
All models are 3-point hitch, 540 r.p.m. PTO speed.
Pendulum Spreading width adjustment key
Standard Agitator Optional Agitator Crown Opening Lever

2. GENERAL INFORMATION
4
2.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Spreader PDV500 Spreader PDC400
A. Hopper E. Lower Link Pin
B. Pendulum F. Protection Cover PTO Shaft
C. Gearbox G. Adjustment Rod
D. Frame
TECHNICAL DATA PDC400 PDV500 PDV600 PDHV800
Hopper Capacity
(liters/gallons):
(kg/lbs): 386 / 102 420 / 925 480 / 127 523 / 1153 580 / 153 632 / 1393 850 / 224 926 / 5042
Weight of the
Machine (kg/lbs): 100 / 221 130 / 287 142 / 313 170 / 375
Loading Height
(cm/inches): 117 / 46 90 / 35.5 100 / 39 97 / 38
Working Height
(cm/inches): 75 / 29.5 75 / 29.5 75 / 29.5 75 / 29.5
Spreading Width
min-max (mt/ft): 8-15 / 27-50 8-15 / 27-50 8-15 / 27-50 8-15 / 27-50
Transmission: 1:1 1:1 1:1 1:1
Power required at
540 rpm/min
(HP/kw): 6 / 4.4 6 / 4.4 6 / 4.4 6 / 4.4
Hydraulic Opening
System: Optional Optional Optional Optional

3. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
5
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE TO SAFEGUARD YOU;
THEREFORE IT IS NECESSARY TO READ THEM CAREFULLY, MEMORIZING
AND ALWAYS APPLYING THEM.
The present warnings in this manual regard exclusively the allowed uses and reasonably foreseeable.
All below instructions must be integrated by common sense and by the experience of who works,
indispensable measures to prevent accidents.
The machine must be used by a single operator. It is forbidden for use by under age individuals.
All the listed instructions must be carefully respected.
Possible changes on the machine, not preventively authorized by the manufacturer (by written copy),
exclude his responsibility.
Check the correct functioning of the machine, before each use.
3.1 GENERAL ADVICE:
●Read carefully this manual before proceeding to start, operate, employ, or maintenance
on the machine.
●Watch, in addition to the warnings of this manual, all the safety, accident prevention rules
and of general nature.
●The manual must always be handy, so as to consult it in order to check working cycle and safety
information. In case of loss or damage, it will be necessary to ask for a replacement copy.
ATTENTION!
Any maintenance work, regulation and cleaning must be done with the
machine on the ground (in stable conditions), turning off the tractor
engine and removing the key.
●Read carefully the safety signal words applied on the machine and follow the instructions. In
case of wear and tear or insufficient readability of the safety signal words, clean them up or
replace them, placing the signal words in the right position, as shown on page 9.
ATTENTION! - WARNING!
The operator, during the period of use, maintenance, repair, handling or storing of
the machine, must wear accident prevention shoes and safety gloves. Moreover,
if it is necessary he must wear suitable hearing protections such as earmuffs or
earplugs, dust masks and protective glasses.
●During loading phase, there is the danger of powder inhalation produced by fertilizer mixing.
It is suggested to use tractors with filters on the ventilation system of the cabin, to use suitable
safety systems of breathing, like powder masks or masks with filter.

3. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
6
●The machine is designed for being used by a single operator who, during the use, must
always stay in the stationing control on the tractor.
●Never work with this machine if you are tired, sick or after having taken alcohol, drugs or
medicines.
DANGER!
It is forbidden to climb or to transport somebody when the machine
is in motion. Do not get in the hopper for any reason. Do not ride on
implement.
●Keep the machine cleaned up from foreign bodies (debris, tools, miscellaneous), as they could
damage the operations or the operator. Generally the fertilizers are rather corrosive. For this
reason, it is important that any particle of the fertilizer stay in the machine for a long period
of time. Clean the hopper and the distributor after each use of the machine.
●If during cleaning operations air or water with pressure is used, it is necessary to wear glasses
and safety masks keeping all persons and animals away from the machine.
●Before connecting the machine to the tractor or to other self-moving means check that this is in
good condition and that brakes work correctly, especially if you work on sloping grounds.
●Switch off the machine from tractor only on a compact and level ground (with empty hopper),
checking that the machine is stable.
WARNING!
During transport operations, stocking and employment of the
fertilizers, the operators must follow all the label indications and
particularly to the content of the written risks and the precaution
suggestions.
ATTENTION!
The manufacturer is not responsible for damages caused by improper
and unforeseen use of the machine.
The Manufacturer is not responsible in case of:
~ Improper use of the machine, use by non trained staff.
~ Serious deficiencies in the foreseen maintenance.
~ Changes or not allowed interventions.
~ Use of not original or specific spare parts.
~ Total or partial inobservance of the instructions.
~ Inobservance of the common safety rules during work.
~ Unusual cases.

3. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
7
3.2 CONNECTION OF THE MACHINE TO THE TRACTOR:
●The third hitch point of the tractor and the fertilizer spreader must coincide or must be adapted.
●Make sure that the PTO shaft is engaged in right way after every linkage operation of the
machine and that it does not come uncoupled when the machine is lowered in order to fill
the hopper up.
ATTENTION! WARNING!
Check that the protections of the PTO shaft are complete and in good
conditions.
●In case of breaking or deterioration of the PTO shaft protections, please replace them
immediately.
●When the machine is not linked to the power unit, the PTO shaft must be placed on the
appropriate support.
●The presence of the machine can influence the maneuverability of the tractor, in particular
during transport.
ATTENTION!
Do not come, for any reason, between the tractor and the fertilizer
spreader when the engine is running and the power take-off is on.
3.3 OPERATION OF THE MACHINE:
●Make a check of the machine before switching it on. Start to work only if the machine is in
perfect condition.
●Before using the machine, please be sure that all the safety devices are correctly installed and
in good working condition; in case of breakdowns or damages to the protections, please
replace them immediately.
ATTENTION!
During work, please make sure that no person or animal is allowed within
a radius of 30 yards. When you work in proximity of roads or public
places, it is ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY to keep away persons and
to increase the precautions.
ATTENTION!
Anybody who comes up to the machine is in a danger area, therefore he
becomes "AN EXPOSED PERSON". The operator must prevent anybody
from coming into the danger area and to work with the maximum caution.
If somebody comes up, please stop immediately the tractor engine.
●Before every use of the spreader, please check the condition of the pendulum. Check that all the
fixing components (screws, bolts, etc) are in and tightened.
●The machine must never be unattended when it is moving.
●Keep always the machine in good operating condition and perform regular maintenance.

3. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
8
3.4 TRANSPORTING:
ATTENTION!
Please follow scrupulously the highway code in force in the area of use.
During moves on public roads, it is obligatory to empty the hopper.
●Remember that during moving on public roads, special attention must be done, besides to
possible and special regulations noted on the registration book of the tractor, choosing an
appropriate speed especially when the street is crowded, winding or sloping.
●If the spreader hides with its shape the back signaling lights of the tractor, it is necessary to
put a lights bar and/or some back signaling signs.
ATTENTION!
During the moving on the road, the warning flasher, yellow or orange,
assembled on the tractor must always be in function also during the day.
ATTENTION!
During transport with raised machine, please always check that the
control lever of the rear hitch is locked, in order to avoid the accidental
lowering of the machine.

3. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
9
3.5 SAFETY DECALS:
ATTENTION!
Be sure that the safety labels are readable. Clean them using a cloth,
water and soap. Replace the damaged labels placing them in the right
position, as subsequently described.
The safety signs on the machine supply the most important indications; their observance helps your
safeness.
1. ATTENTION! Before making
any operation on the machine, 2. ATTENTION! - DANGER
stop the engine of the tractor or entangling and dragging. Do
of the self-moving means, remove not put hands near the running
the key, put on the parking brake gearbox.
and read carefully the operator's
manual.
3. ATTENTION! Check the 4. ATTENTION! - DANGER
sense of rotation and the number of crushing. Do not stop between
of revolutions (540 rpm) of the the machine and tractor when the
tractor power before placing the tractor engine is running.
PTO shaft.
5. ATTENTION! - DANGER
Possible throwing of material 6. ATTENTION! - DANGER
and/or objects, please do not of shearing. Do not approach
stop or come up to the machine. limbs to the pendulum when
Keep a safety distance of 30 ft. the machine is running.
at least, from the machine.
7. ATTENTION! Use the individual Protection Devices
as required.
Placement of safety decals on machine:

4. CONNECTIONS
10
4.1 CONNECTIONS CHECKLIST:
The machine can be delivered all assembled or not (in this case follow the assembling instructions
enclosed). In both cases, before using the spreader it is necessary to verify that all the fixing elements
(screws, nuts, washers, etc.) are well locked and make sure that all the safety devices are located in
their right position.
Verify that the gearbox is fixed to the machine frame by 4 screws: two longer (hexagonal head 12 x 50)
in the front part, at the PTO shaft connection side, and two shorter (hexagonal head 12 x 40) back, at
the pendulum side.
Before coupling the machine to the 3-point hitch, position the safety devices to the tractor, so that it is
not possible to involuntarily and/or accidentally raise or lower the arms.
The 3-point hitch of the tractor and of the machine must coincide or must be adapted.
In proximity of arms rods of the back hitch of the tractor, there is the danger of wounding, because of
crushing and cutting points.
Do not use the external controls for the lifting of the machine. During transport position, block the
lateral stop of the rods.
4.2 CHECK THE RAISING ABILITY OF THE TRACTOR:
DANGER!
It is obligatory to check the raising ability and the stability of the tractor
(before carrying out the connection with the machine) in order to avoid
the overturning and/or the loss of wheels grip.

4. CONNECTIONS
11
4.3 CONNECTION TO THE 3-POINT HITCH OF THE TRACTOR:
ATTENTION!
Every time that somebody comes down from the tractor, it is necessary
to disconnect the PTO shaft, stop the engine and engage the parking brake.
For the connection of the machine to the tractor, please operate in the following way:
●Step backwards with the tractor until arriving in proximity of
the lower connections of the fertilizer spreader.
●Fix the lower connections of the tractor to the pins of the
machine and lock them with the safety plugs.
●Connect the upper linkage of the machine to the 3-point hitch
of the tractor putting the appropriate pin and block the anti-
unscrewing device of the 3-point hitch.
●Raise the machine a few inches off the ground and
operate on the lateral ties of the lifter bars and on the two turnbuckles, in order to block the
lateral movement, so as to prevent excessive oscillations during the working phase.
The machine must be positioned, through the raising of the lower connections of the tractor, so that the
land distance from the lower extremity of the pendulum is approximately 30".
To obtain a regular distribution, it is important that the pendulum is in horizontal position compared to
the land.
●After having made these operations, the PTO shaft must be linked to the smooth shaft of the
gearbox of the machine (covered by a safety cowling) and also to the tractor power take-off.
ATTENTION!
The PTO shaft must always be engaged last to the tractor power
take-off and disengaged first, when you stop working.
The PDHV800 spreader is equipped with a quick attachment
(A). In order to simplify the connection operation we suggest
to assemble the bar (A) on the lower arms of the tractor's lifter.
Afterwards, in order to connect the machine, open the connec-
tion hooks (B) by unloosing the fixing nuts (C), bring the tractor
nearer to put the bar connected to the lifter in the connection
hooks' slots, lock them tight and fix them by the bolts. The bar
(A) on larger model is raised (as shown in the picture) in order to
avoid the PTO shaft could hit with it during the working.

4. CONNECTIONS
12
4.4 DRIVELINE INSTALLATION:
Before using the PTO shaft, please consult the use and maintenance manual attached to the PTO shaft.
For a correct and safe operation of the machine, please use exclusively PTO shafts with CE mark.
Please use PTO shafts with integral shields.
●Grease periodically the PTO shaft following the instruction supplied by the PTO shaft
manufacturer (see the use and maintenance manual of the PTO shaft).
●Observe the sense of assembly of the PTO shaft, as indicated by the manufacturer and shown
on the outer cover of the shield (tractor drawing on the external tube of the PTO shaft towards
the power take-off of the same tractor).
●Fasten the safety anti-rotation chains after making sure that the connection between the PTO
shaft and the gearbox is well locked. Use for this connection a hexagonal head screw 8.8
10 x 70 UNI 5737 with the relative nut.
ATTENTION!
Check the rotation sense and the speed regulation of the power
take-off of the tractor to be at 540 r.p.m., as the machine is projected
for this kind of speed.
The length of the PTO shaft must be adapted to the type of tractor used.
When the PTO shaft is released from the power take-off of the tractor, it must ALWAYS be laid on the
appropriate support.
We are not responsible for damages caused by an incorrect assembly and use of the PTO shaft.
4.5 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL):
In order to recognize the element used, please refer to the tables 08 and 09 of the parts breakdown sections.
1. Assemble the connection plate for hydraulic opening system (ref. 8) on the gearbox by using the
screw and the nut (C) already on the gearbox.
2. Fixing the hydraulic cylinder (ref. 1) to the connection plate (ref. 8) by using the screw (ref. 4)
hexagonal head 8 x 30 (mod. PDV500/600) or hexagonal head 8 x 25 (mod. PDV800), the self-
locking nut M8 (ref. 6), the two washers 8 x 17 (ref. 7) and the bushing 13 x 8 x 7 (ref. 9).
3. The hydraulic cylinder stem must be connected to the lever plate in the hole B. Insert the screw
hexagonal head 12 x 60 (ref. 3) in the hole B, screw up the nut M12 (ref. 10) insert the screw in
one of the two cylinder holes and fix it by the self-locking nut M12 (ref. 5).

4. CONNECTIONS
13
4.6 PDC400 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Set frame in working position (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
STEP 2: Put calibration rod (Ref. B) on gearbox assembly (Ref. A - Fig. 2).
STEP 3: Mount gearbox assembly (Ref. A - Fig. 2) to main frame (Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
STEP 4: Mount extension bracket (Ref. C - Fig. 4)
to main frame.
Fig. 4
STEP 5: Bolt adjustment handle (Ref. D - Fig. 5) to
extension bracket (Ref. C - Fig. 4) using
poly bushing, spring, bolt, washer
and nut.
Fig. 5
Ref. A
Ref. B
Ref. C
Ref. D

4. CONNECTIONS
14
STEP 6: Slide adjustment handle (Ref. D)
into calibration rod (Ref.B - Fig. 6)
and install bolt and nut.
Fig. 6
STEP 7: Mount lower lift pins (Ref. E - Fig. 7)
onto main frame.
STEP 8: Mount and center hopper (Ref. F - Fig. 8)
in gearbox assembly. After centered, drill
3 holes in hopper and install bolts. Fig. 7
STEP 9: Install pendulum tube to
gearbox assembly (Ref. A).
STEP 10: Measure and install PTO driveline
to gearbox assembly (Ref. A).
Fig. 8
STEP 11: Install all safety and rate decals.
Ref. E
Ref. F

ATTENTION!
Before use, please check that gears are adequately greased
(see lubrication section)
ATTENTION!
During the use of the machine, please be sure that for a radius of 30
yards there are not any persons or animals. If somebody comes up,
please immediately stop the tractor engine.
5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A CORRECT DISTRIBUTION:
●Please always test the lbs. per acre that you wish to spread before starting to work.
●Do not engage the PTO shaft when the tractor is in acceleration, because it will start the
pendulum spreading. Lower the engine revolutions at the minimum and after that speed up
gradually till obtaining a speed of 540 r.p.m.
●Open exits only when the right speed is achieved.
●Avoid spreading fertilizer on windy days, in order to improve the uniformity of the distribution.
5.2 SPREADING WIDTH ADJUSTMENT:
The spreading angle can be reduced for narrow spreading. The spreader is set at the factory for the maxi-
mum spreading angle of 56 degrees, position 1 for maximum spreading of 46 feet. You can reduce the
degrees to 48°for spreading as narrow as 9 feet. When the arrow on the adjuster points away from the
driveshaft, you achieve the widest angle. When the arrow points to the driveshaft, the spout will move to
the narrowest angle.
For better accuracy in narrow rows, it is recommended that you purchase one of the narrow row spouts.
5. FERTILIZER SPREADER USE
15

5. FERTILIZER SPREADER USE
16
5.3 USING THE ADJUSTMENT WRENCH:
1. Remove the plug (3) from spreading cover (see drawing above).
2. Use the input shaft to rotate the flywheel (4) until the adjuster faces the hole.
3. Place the wrench (5) on the adjuster.
4. Use the wrench to push in the adjusting spring.
5. Rotate the wrench 180 degrees to the right to obtain the narrowest spread degrees. To the
left is maximum, which is set at the factory.
6. Return the wrench making sure the adjuster is locked in place.
7. Replace the plug in the cover.

5. FERTILIZER SPREADER USE
17
5.4 SPREADING QUANTITY ADJUSTMENT:
The material spreading is regulated by a metering rod that operates the opening width of the exits on the
bottom of the hopper.
Use the chart below, or the chart decal on the spreader. The chart is to be used only if:
1. The standard pendulum is used.
2. The distance between the ground and the pendulum is approximately 30 inches.
3. The power take-off is 540 r.p.m.
When any of the optional shorter spouts are used, the supplied slide rule must be used. One side of the
chart is U.S., the other side is metric.

5. FERTILIZER SPREADER USE
18
In order to achieve a right adjustment follow the instructions below:
1. Establish the spreading width you want to adopt (see spreading width adjustment).
EXAMPLE 1: Spreading with chosen = 35 feet
2. Establish the quantity of the product you want to spread for a surface unit by moving
the inner part of the slide ruler.
EXAMPLE 2: Quantity spread of 200 lbs./acre
3. Establish the feed motion speed to be kept during the working.
EXAMPLE 3: Tractor speed = 5 MPH
4. Read on the slide ruler the product quantity in lbs./min. that will be spread.
EXAMPLE 4: Product quantity to be spread = 70 lbs./min.