Gearmore PTB560 Guide

SEEDER / SPREADER
TRAILER MOUNTED
Operation, Service
& Parts Manual
For Model PTB560
June 2011
Form: PTBSprdr-Rev1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION..................................................PAGE
1 Introduction ................................................................................... 1
2 Preparation.....................................................................................2
2.1 Retail Customer's Responsibility........................................................ 2
3 Important Safety Information...................................................3 - 5
3.1 Safety Symbols...................................................................................... 3
3.2 General Advice............................................................................... 4 - 5
4 General Information .................................................................6 - 7
4.1 Machine Information .......................................................................... 6
4.2 Name Plate............................................................................................ 6
4.3 Machine Features ........................................................................... 6 - 7
5 Fertilizer Spreader Use .............................................................8 - 9
5.1 Recommendations For Effective Distribution................................ 8
5.2 Connections.......................................................................................... 8
5.3 Machine Function................................................................................ 9
5.4 Machine Transportation...................................................................... 9
6 Adjusting The Spread ............................................................10 - 12
6.1 Distributor Vane Adjustments......................................................... 10
6.2 Fertilizer Distribution In The Field ................................................ 11
6.3 Regulating The Distribution............................................................. 12
6.4 Hopper Loading................................................................................. 12
6.5 Spreading Chart.................................................................................. 13
7 Field Spreading............................................................................ 14
8 Maintenance & Lubrication ..................................................15 - 16
8.1 Lubrication.......................................................................................... 15
8.2 Distribution Errors............................................................................ 16
9 Parts Breakdown....................................................................17 - 21
10 Limited Warranty ......................................................................... 22

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.
Know your controls. Read this manual and the manual provided with your
tractor before operating your equipment. Keep this manual handy for ready
reference. Learn how to stop the tractor engine and spreader quickly in case of
an emergency. DO NOT allow adults without proper instructions or children
to operate machinery. Require all operators to read this manual carefully and
become acquainted with all adjustments and operating procedures before
attempting to operate the equipment. Replacement manuals can be obtained from
your selling dealer.
The equipment you have purchased has been carefully engineered and
manufactured to provide dependable and satisfactory use. Like all mechanical
products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the unit as specified.
Please observe all safety information in this manual and safety decals on the
equipment.
For service, your authorized dealer has trained mechanics, genuine service parts, and the necessary tools
and equipment to handle all of your service needs.
Use only genuine service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet standards
required for safe and satisfactory operation. Record the model number and serial number of your
equipment in the warranty page of this manual.
Throughout this manual, the term IMPORTANT is used to indicate that failure to observe procedures can
cause damage to equipment. The terms CAUTION, WARNING and DANGER are used in conjunction
with the Safety-Alert Symbol, (a triangle with an exclamation mark), to indicate the degree of hazard for
items of personal safety.
This Safety-Alert Symbol indicates a hazard and means ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
DANGER Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
WARNING result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are
exposed when guards are removed.
CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT Indicates that failure to observe can cause damage to equipment.
NOTE Indicates helpful information.
It is IMPORTANT to
read this manual
carefully before
operating the
spreader!
1 INTRODUCTION
1

2 PREPARATION CHECKLIST
2
THIS CHECKLIST TO REMAIN IN OWNER’S MANUAL
ITIS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE THE PROCEDURES LISTED
BELOW BEFORE OPERATING THE SPREADER
Preparation Check List
 1. Implement is completely assembled.
2. Inspect for damage and loose or missing parts
 3. All decals in place and readable.
 4. All fittings and drive components are secure.
 5. Overall condition good.
 6. Check hopper for any foreign objects.
 7. Operator has been instructed on the safe and proper use of the implement.
8. Lubrication - See Lubrication & Maintenance Section
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in operating and maintaining your spreader for years of service.
Read it carefully. The information and instructions in this manual have been compiled from extensive
field experience and engineering data. Some information may be general in nature due to unknown and
varying operating conditions. However, through experience and these instructions, you should be able to
develop procedures suitable to your particular situation.
The illustrations and data used in this manual were current at the time of printing, but because we
maintain an ongoing program of product improvement, we reserve the right to make improvements in
design or changes in specifications without incurring any obligation to install them on units previously
sold. Because of the possibility that some photographs in this manual were taken of prototype models,
production models may vary in some detail.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on
the latest information available at the time of publication. The right is
reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
2.1 RETAIL CUSTOMER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITY
It is the Retail Customer and/or Operator's responsibility to read the Operator's Manual, to operate,
lubricate, maintain and store the product in accordance with all instructions and safety procedures. Failure
of the operator to read the Operator's Manual is a misuse of this equipment. It is the Retail Customer
and/or Operator's responsibility to inspect the product and to have any part(s) repaired or replaced when
continued operation would cause damage or excessive wear to other parts or cause a safety hazard. It is the
Retail Customer's responsibility to deliver the product to the authorized dealer from whom he purchased
it, for service or replacement of defective parts which are covered by warranty. Repairs to be submitted
for warranty consideration must be made within thirty (30) days of failure. It is the Retail Customer's
responsibility for any cost incurred by the dealer for traveling to or hauling of the product for the purpose
of performing a warranty obligation or inspection.

3 SAFETY INFORMATION
3
ATTENTION!
Be sure that the safety labels are readable. Clean them up using a cloth, water
and soap. Replace the damaged labels placing them in the right position, as
subsequently described.
The safety symbols applied to the machine provide a series of very important information; which
needs to be followed to assure your safety.
1. ATTENTION! Before perform-
ing any operation on the machine,
stop the tractor motor, remove the
key from the ignition, engage the
parking brake, and read the user and
maintenance manual.
7. ATTENTION! Use the individual Protection Devices, as required.
2. IMPORTANT! - DANGER!
Risk of launch material and/or
objects, do not remain near or ap-
proach the machine. Keep a mini-
mum safety distance of 50 meters
from the machine.
3. IMPORTANT! - DANGER! Do
not enter in the hopper or ride on the
machine.
3.1 SAFETY SYMBOLS
Symbol location on the machine

3 SAFETY INFORMATION (Continued)
4
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE TO PROTECT YOU FROM
INJURY; IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT TO READ THEM CAREFULLY, MEMORIZE
THEM AND ALWAYS APPLY THEM.
The warnings indicated in this manual regard exclusively the allowed uses and reasonably foreseeable.
These instructions must always be followed, in accordance with the good sense and experience of the
operator as they are essential to prevent accidents.
The machine must be used by a single operator. It is forbidden for use by under age individuals.
All the instructions provided must be followed carefully.
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.
3.2 GENERAL ADVICE
●Read this manual carefully before proceeding to start, operate, employ, or perform
maintenance on the machine.
●Follow all the warnings in this manual, as well as all the general safety and accident
prevention information.
●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, adjustment, and cleaning operations
should be done with the machine on the ground (in stable conditions),
with the tractor motor off, hand brake engaged, ignition key off and
removed from the ignition panel.
●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 3.
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.
We recommend the use of tractors with cab fitted with ventilation systems or suitable means of
protection of the airways, such as dust protection masks or masks with filter.

3 SAFETY INFORMATION (Continued)
5
●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 free of any objects (debris, tools, dirt, various objects), 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 the brakes work correctly, especially if you work on sloping grounds.
●Detach the machine from the 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 untrained staff.
~ Serious lack of maintenance.
~ Non-authorized modifications or interventions.
~ Use of not original or specific spare parts.
~ Total or partial inobservance of the instructions.
~ Inobservance of the common safety rules during work.

4 GENERAL INFORMATION
6
4.1 MACHINE INFORMATION
The machine model shown in this manual has been designed and made exclusively to undertake the dis-
tribution of solid, granular fertilizer and seed. The machine is not designed for non agricultural uses.
This machine is usually used during the day. If it is required to use the machine in night time or with
poor visibility, it will be necessary to use the lighting system of the tractor.
4.2 NAME PLATE
On the frame of each machine is fixed a plate showing the CE mark, the model, the serial number, and
the year of construction of the machine.
When spare parts are required, it is always necessary to refer to the type of the machine, the frame
number and year of construction.
Plate position on the machine
4.3 MACHINE FEATURES
The great spreading precision of this spreader provides use in different applications, both for gardening
and in golf courses.
Thanks to the wide tires and to the low height of the hopper, they can be used by everybody with easy
access.
The painting of the frame, is made by a water base varnish with successive backing at 150°with the
application of the primer bath, assuring a great protection and long life of the machine.

4 GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
7
The PTB fertilizer spreader is characterized by a spreader device in stainless steel equipped with a spread-
er disc with six fins adjustable in three different positions, in order to obtain the maximum precision and
uniformity spreading according to the type of product to be spread.
Distributor Disc
The feeding of the disc is by gravity through two shutters located on the bottom of the hopper, inside of
which an agitator is applied in order to prevent the formation of fertilizer lumps. In some cases it is neces-
sary to assemble a chain agitator (optional) in order to improve the fertilizer spreading.
Standard Agitator Chain Agitator
A protection sheet is located in front of the disc in order to prevent spreading in the front part of the
machine.
The amount of the fertilizer to distribute is regulated by the
opening width of the exits on the hopper by a flexible cable
lever (to be placed by the vehicle operator).
Flexible Cable Lever

5 SPREADER USE
8
IMPORTANT!
When using the machine, assure that there are no animals or
people present within a radius of 50 feet. Should anyone
approach, immediately stop working and switch off the
tractor engine.
5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE DISTRIBUTION
●Always undertake a test on the lbs/acre to be distributed before beginning operations.
●Always make sure that the fertilizer used is in good conditions; damp fertilizer cannot be
correctly and evenly distributed.
●Only open the gates when the required speed has been reached.
Avoid distributing the fertilizer on land that is constantly exposed to the wind to assure
even distribution.
5.2 CONNECTIONS
Model PTB spreader can be hitched to all kinds of tractors or ATV/Quad vehicles fitted with 50 mm ball
attachment (1 ⅞").
For the purposes of connection, insert the ball attachment into the towing hook on the towing vehicle
and secure it by pressing the locking handle downwards.
IMPORTANT - ADJUST THE ATTACHMENT
HEIGHT OF THE TOW BAR (IN THE FOUR
RELATIVE POSITIONS), SO THAT THE
DISTRIBUTOR DISC ISAS PARALLELAS
POSSIBLE TO THE GROUND, TOASSURE
EVEN REGULAR FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION.
IMPORTANT!
Check that the transmission element is sufficiently
lubricated before use.
Tow-Bar Height Adjustment Slots

5 SPREADER USE (Continued)
9
5.3 MACHINE FUNCTION
●Always check the machine before starting up. Only begin working if the machine is in
perfect condition.
●Before using the machine assure that all the safety devices are correctly placed and in good
condition. In case of any damage to the protections, they must be immediately replaced.
IMPORTANT!
During operation insure that there are no animals or people within
50 ft. When you work near roads or public places it is COMPULSORY
to keep people away and increase precautions.
IMPORTANT!
Anyone that approaches the machine is in a danger area, and he becomes
an "EXPOSED PERSON". The operator must prevent anyone from
coming into a danger area and work with the maximum caution. If
somebody comes up, stop the tractor engine.
●Before using the spreader always check the state of wear of the vanes of the distributor disc.
Check that fixture elements (screws and nuts) are in and fixed.
●Always keep the machine in good operating conditions and make regular maintenance.
5.4 MACHINE TRANSPORTATION
IMPORTANT!
Always follow the highway code applicable in the country of use.
Always empty the hopper before transporting on public roads.
As well as respect for the regulations, it must be remembered that during moving on public roads partic-
ular attention should be paid to the instructions indicated in the circulation handbook of the tractor, and
in the selection of the suitable transfer speed especially in the case of crowded, winding or steep roads.
Should the dimensions of the spreader conceal the rear indicator
lights of the towing vehicle, a hazard light bar should be applied or
rear signs. On entering a road after operating, attention should be
taken to clean the tires or the operating elements to prevent soiling
the road surface with dirt or other material.
The wheels must be disengaged during transport. Disconnect the
mechanical stop from the wheel axle by rotating the transmission
attachment/disconnection lever. Distributor Engagement Lever

6 ADJUSTING THE SPREAD
10
It is not possible to establish an exact spreading chart for equipment that make use of the centrifugal
principle, as the distributed quantity depends on the speed, on the radius of distribution, on the quality
and humidity of the fertilizer and the ground conditions.
The fertilizer must always be stored and conserved adequately, so as to keep its physical features. It is
important to set the speed of the towing vehicle before starting the distribution operation, and trying to
keep it constant for all its duration.
The spreading charts just contain the indicative information, in order to determine the quantity to spread
in the fields; these must be completed by the experience and the competence of the operator.
6.1 DISTRIBUTOR VANE ADJUSTMENTS
The distributor disc is equipped with six adjustable vanes that can be adjusted to three different posi-
tions. The spreader is delivered with the fins in central position "2" which has been found to be the ideal
position to assure the uniformity in distribution for most of the fertilizers on the market.
If you notice a not uniform fertilizer spreading (more from one side than the other), it will be necessary
to move the distributor vanes until the right adjustment is achieved. Generally it is sufficient just move
the two opposite vanes to obtain good results.
If the mentioned adjustment was not sufficient set the same adjustment on the other opposite vanes. For
example, if you notice a greater spreading on the left side (in relation to the advance direction of the ma-
chine), shift the two opposing vanes in the slot to position "3". If the spreading is not yet uniform even
after this adjustment, move in position "3" other two opposite vanes.
If the fertilizer distribution is greater on the right side, shift the vanes to position "1".
Distributor Disc Vanes Adjustment

6 ADJUSTING THE SPREAD (Continued)
11
6.2 FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION IN THE FIELD
CAUTION! - WARNING!
The operator, during the period of use, maintenance, repair, transport or storing of the
machine, must wear accident-prevention shoes and gloves of security. If it is necessary,
he will have, moreover, to wear headset, mask, and glasses.
After connecting the machine to the tractor and adjusting as required, it will be possible to begin to
work.
WARNING!
Before getting off from the spreader and before every operation of
maintenance and regulation, set in action the parking brake, turn off the
engine, remove the ignition key from the dashboard and wait for all
moving parts to come to a stop.
The spreader is drive wheel operated. "IMPORTANT" - only engage the drive wheels when stopped.
When transporting disengage the drive wheel.
Distributor Engagement Lever

12
6.3 REGULATING THE DISTRIBUTION
The fertilizer distribution is regulated through the regulation lever that moves the opening section on the
bottom of the hopper.
In order to carry out the regulation, after having consulted the spreading chart that is visible on the hop-
per of the spreader, according to the type of product and the drive speed, it is sufficient move the lever
"A" along the graduated scale "B" in the required position.
6.4 HOPPER LOADING
We do not recommend that the hopper be loaded manually, but by using a lift device or suitable mechani-
cal devices.
IMPORTANT!
The hopper must be loaded only after the spreader has been
connected to the tractor.
Before loading the hopper, the shutters must be closed; position the distribution adjustment lever in
position "0".
Do not drive for very long distances with a full load and do not put full bags of the fertilizer loaded in the
hopper during the transport to the field or during the working, in order not to overload the capacity of the
machine and to compress the fertilizer.
WARNING! During the operation of transport, stock and use of
fertilizers, the operator must behave in compliance with the
indications on the label of the product and in particular with the
content of the sentences of risk and the precaution advices.
Spreading Chart
(See Page 13)
6 ADJUSTING THE SPREAD (Continued)
Distribution Adjustment Lever

13
6 ADJUSTING THE SPREAD (Continued)
6.5 SPREADING CHART

14
7 FIELD SPREADING
Various ways exist to spread the fertilizer in the field. One of the simplest methods is as follows:
1. Position the ATV/tractor at the beginning of the field you intend to fertilize, to a
distance (D/2) that is half of the working width that is used (point 1).
2. Drive into the field distributing the fertilizer on all the perimeter.
3. Stop the tractor at one distance (D) from the point 1, equivalent to the set working
width (point 2).
4. Begin the spreading proceeding in line, straight to point 3.
5. Turn the tractor and drive a D distance, equal to the working width (point 4).
6. Repeat such procedure until all the plot will be covered.

15
WARNING!
All maintenance, regulation and cleaning operations are to be carried
out with tractor engine off, hand brake engaged, and ignition key
removed from the starter panel.
In the event of any faults the operator must immediately stop the machine, assess the extent of the prob-
lem and proceed with any action that may be required.
Should pressurized water or compressed air be used to clean the machine, it is important to protect
oneself using special goggles or masks, and to make sure that no persons or animals are in the vicinity
of the machine. Do not use inflammable liquids.
WARNING! Always use suitable individual protection means
for all maintenance operations (safety footwear and work gloves)
and censure that all accident prevention precautions are taken
for the operation underway.
Every 8 working hours check the tightness of all the nuts and bolts.
In case of vibrations, verify the status of the vanes of the spreading disc, the correct tightness of all the
nuts and bolts and the lubrication of the gearbox.
The excessive vibration of the machine, besides the specific annoyance, is dangerous and damaging
for the entire structure subjecting the mechanical parts to more and more stress cycles compared to the
advice pictures.
8.1 LUBRICATION
This spreader was developed so that there is only one lubrication point, the gearbox.
Every 40 hours of use you should check the oil level in the gearbox. If oil level is
low, add using 90 wt. oil. Gearbox capacity is .84 QRB.
Note: If desired, lithium multi-purpose grease can be used instead of 90 wt. oil.
8 MAINTENANCE & LUBRICATION

16
8.2 DISTRIBUTION ERRORS
Operating Errors:
●Unsuitable forward speed
●Incorrect distribution width
●The distributor disc is not horizontal in relation to the ground
●Advance speed differing to that prescribed in the distribution tables, or unsuitable
for the particular material concerned
●Driving errors (no overlap of the spreading surfaces)
●Failure to clean the distributor disc and hopper openings.
Fertilizer Errors:
●Fertilizer of inferior quality
●Fertilizer is either wet or too damp
●The material composition is incorrect or fails to correspond to that declared by the seller
●Presence of excessive granules or of excessively large size that impede distribution
●Foreign bodies inside the fertilizer
Machine Errors:
●Hopper openings blocked
●Parts of the distribution disc that are either worn or damaged
8 MAINTENANCE & LUBRICATION (Continued)

17
9 PARTS BREAKDOWN

18
9 PARTS BREAKDOWN (Continued)