GREAT PLAINS 2020P User manual

Manufacturing, Inc.
www.greatplainsmfg.com
© Copyright 2018 Printed 2020-08-05 118-231M
EN
Table of Contents Index
Table of Contents Index
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Operator Manual
2007+
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P
20- and 25-Foot 3-Point Precision Seeding System
Read the operator manual entirely. When you see this symbol, the
subsequent instructions and warnings are serious - follow without
exception. Your life and the lives of others depend on it!
Illustrations may show optional equipment not supplied with standard unit or
may depict similar models where a topic is identical.
22705

Machine Identification
Record your machine details in the log below. If you replace this manual, be sure to transfer this information
to the new manual.
If you or the dealer have added options not originally ordered with the machine, or removed options that were
originally ordered, the weights and measurements are no longer accurate for your machine. Update the
record by adding the machine weight and measurements with the option(s) weight and measurements.
Dealer Contact Information
Model Number
Serial Number
Machine Height
Machine Length
Machine Width
Machine Weight
Year of Construction
Delivery Date
First Operation
Accessories
Name:
Street:
City/State:
Telephone:
Email:
Dealer’s Customer
No.:
WARNING:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

2020P, 2025P, 2520P and 2525P Cover Index Table of Contents
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Cover Index i
© Copyright 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2018 All rights Reserved
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. While every precaution has been
taken in the preparation of this manual, Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed
for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. reserves the right to revise and improve its products
as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product at the time of its publication, and may not reflect the product in the future.
Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: AccuShot, Max-Chisel, Row-Pro,
Singulator Plus, Short Disk, Swath Command, Terra-Tine, Ultra-Chisel, and X-Press.
Registered Trademarks of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. include: Air-Pro, Clear-Shot, Discovator, Great Plains, Land Pride, MeterCone,
Nutri-Pro, Seed-Lok, Solid Stand, Terra-Guard, Turbo-Chisel, Turbo-Chopper, Turbo-Max, Turbo-Till, Ultra-Till, Whirlfilter, and Yield-Pro.
Brand and Product Names that appear and are owned by others are trademarks of their respective owners.
Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information.................................................1
Safety Decals ....................................................................6
Danger: Hitch Crushing Hazard .................................9
Introduction...........................................................................12
Document Family.............................................................12
Description of Unit ...........................................................12
Intended Usage ........................................................12
Using This Manual...........................................................12
Definitions.................................................................12
Owner Assistance............................................................13
Preparation and Setup .........................................................14
Pre-Setup Checklist.........................................................14
Hitching Tractor to Drill ....................................................14
Hydraulic Hose Connections ....................................15
Electrical Connections ..............................................16
Monitor Setup ...........................................................16
Leveling the Drill ..............................................................16
20 Series Opener Height ..........................................16
25 Series Opener Height ..........................................17
Frame Height............................................................18
Operating Instructions .........................................................19
Pre-Operation Checklist ..................................................19
Field Operation ................................................................20
Seed Lubricants...............................................................21
Transporting ....................................................................22
Marker Operation .....................................................23
Parking ............................................................................24
Model 20P Only:.......................................................24
All Models:................................................................24
Storage ............................................................................24
Adjustments ..........................................................................25
Ground Drive Adjustments ..............................................26
Seeding Rate............................................................26
Marker Adjustments.........................................................27
Marker Width ............................................................27
Marker Disk Adjustment ...........................................28
Marker Chain Adjustment.........................................28
Marker Speed...........................................................29
Row Unit Adjustments .....................................................29
Row Unit Down Pressure .........................................30
Row Unit Shutoff ......................................................34
25 Series Row Unit Lock-Up ....................................35
25 Series Coulter Adjustments.................................36
Row-Unit Opener Disc Adjustments.........................38
Side Gauge Wheel Adjustment ................................39
Seed Meter Setup and Adjustment ..........................41
Seed Firmer Adjustments.........................................47
Press Wheel Adjustment ..........................................49
Troubleshooting ...................................................................51
Maintenance and Lubrication..............................................57
Maintenance....................................................................57
Marker Maintenance ................................................58
Drive System Maintenance ......................................60
Opener Side Wheel Maintenance ............................61
Opener Disc Maintenance........................................62
Seed Tube Maintenance ..........................................63
Grommet Maintenance.............................................63
Seed Flap Replacement (s/n 1466SS+) ..................64
Seed Flap Replacement (s/n 1466SS-) ...................64
Meter Maintenance ..................................................65
Finger Set Installation Instructions ..................................68
Installation Steps......................................................68
Annual Maintenance ................................................68
Lubrication.......................................................................69
Options ..................................................................................71
Appendix ...............................................................................79
Specifications and Capacities .........................................79
Tire Inflation Chart...........................................................79
Torque Values Chart .......................................................80
Marker Extension ............................................................81
Reading a Marker Extension Diagram .....................81
Model 2020P Marker Extension ...............................81
Model 2025P Marker Extension ...............................85
Model 2520P Marker Extension ...............................88
Model 2525P Marker Extension ...............................92
Chain Routing..................................................................95
Ground Drive Chains................................................95
20 Series Meter Drive Chain ....................................96
25 Series Meter Drive Chain ....................................97
Hydraulic Diagrams..................................................98

Cover Index
Cover Index

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 1
Important Safety Information
Look for Safety Symbol
The SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL indicates there is a
potential hazard to personal safety involved and extra
safety precaution must be taken. When you see this
symbol, be alert and carefully read the message that
follows it. In addition to design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are
dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence
and proper training of personnel involved in the
operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment.
Be Aware of Signal Words
Signal words designate a degree or level of hazard
seriousness.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury. This signal word is limited to the most extreme
situations, typically for machine components that, for
functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when
guards are removed. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe prac-
tices.
Be Familiar with Safety Decals
Read and understand “Safety Decals” on page 6,
thoroughly.
Read all instructions noted on the decals.
Keep decals clean. Replace damaged, faded and
illegible decals.
Keep Riders Off Machinery
Riders obstruct the operator’s view. Riders could be
struck by foreign objects or thrown from the machine.
Never allow children to operate equipment.
Keep all bystanders away from machine during
operation.

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 2
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Shutdown and Storage
Drain and safely store or dispose of residual liquids.
Secure drill using blocks and any stands provided.
Store in an area where children normally do not play.
Use Safety Lights and Devices
Slow-moving tractors and towed implements can create
a hazard when driven on public roads. They are difficult
to see, especially at night.
Use flashing warning lights and turn signals whenever
driving on public roads.
Use lights and devices provided with implement.
Transport Machinery Safely
Maximum transport speed for implement is 20 mph (32
kph). Some rough terrains require a slower speed.
Sudden braking can cause a towed load to swerve and
upset.
Do not exceed 20 mph (32 kph). Never travel at a speed
which does not allow adequate control of steering and
stopping. Reduce speed if towed load is not equipped
with brakes.
Comply with state and local laws.
Follow your tractor manual recommendations for
maximum 3-point implement loads and suitcase weight
ballasting. Insufficient weight on steering wheels will
result in loss of control.
Carry reflectors or flags to mark drill in case of
breakdown on the road.
Keep clear of overhead power lines and other
obstructions when transporting. Refer to transport
dimensions under “Specifications and Capacities” on
page 79.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin,
causing serious injury.
Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before
disconnecting hydraulic lines.
Use a piece of paper or cardboard, NOT BODY PARTS,
to check for suspected leaks.
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles
when working with hydraulic systems.
If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any
fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed
within a few hours or gangrene may result.

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 3
Practice Safe Maintenance
Understand procedure before doing work. Use proper
tools and equipment. Refer to this manual for additional
information.
Work in a clean, dry area.
Put tractor in park, turn off engine, and remove key
before performing maintenance.
Make sure all moving parts have stopped and all system
pressure is relieved.
Disconnect battery ground cable (-) before servicing or
adjusting electrical systems or before welding on drill.
Inspect all parts. Make sure parts are in good condition
and installed properly.
Remove buildup of grease, oil or debris.
Remove all tools and unused parts from drill before
operation.
Tire Safety
Tire changing can be dangerous and should be
performed by trained personnel using correct tools and
equipment.
When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension
hose long enough for you to stand to one side–not in
front of or over tire assembly. Use a safety cage if
available.
When removing and installing wheels, use
wheel-handling equipment adequate for weight involved.
Prepare for Emergencies
Be prepared if a fire starts
Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency numbers for doctor, ambulance,
hospital and fire department near phone.
911

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 4
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Wear Protective Equipment
Wear protective clothing and equipment.
Wear clothing and equipment appropriate for the job.
Avoid loose-fitting clothing.
Because prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
hearing impairment or hearing loss, wear suitable
hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs.
Because operating equipment safely requires your full
attention, avoid wearing entertainment headphones
while operating machinery.
Handle Chemicals Properly
Agricultural chemicals can be dangerous. Improper use
can seriously injure persons, animals, plants, soil and
property.
Read and follow chemical manufacturer’s instructions.
Wear protective clothing.
Handle all chemicals with care.
Avoid inhaling smoke from any type of chemical fire.
Never drain, rinse or wash dispensers within 100 feet of
a freshwater source, nor at a car wash.
Store or dispose of unused chemicals as specified by
chemical manufacturer.
Dispose of empty chemical containers properly. Laws
generally require power rinsing or rinsing three times,
followed by perforation of the container to prevent
re-use.

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 5
Safety At All Times
Thoroughly read and understand the instructions in this
manual before operation. Read all instructions noted on
the safety decals.
Be familiar with all drill functions.
Operate machinery from the driver’s seat only.
Do not leave drill unattended with tractor engine
running.
Do not dismount a moving tractor. Dismounting a
moving tractor could cause serious injury or death.
Do not stand between the tractor and drill during
hitching.
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven
parts.
Wear snug-fitting clothing to avoid entanglement with
moving parts.
Watch out for wires, trees, etc., when raising drill. Make
sure all persons are clear of working area.

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 6
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Safety Decals
Safety Reflectors and Decals
Your implement comes equipped with all lights, safety
reflectors and decals in place. They were designed to
help you safely operate your implement.
Read and follow decal directions.
Keep lights in operating condition.
Keep all safety decals clean and legible.
Replace all damaged or missing decals. Order new
decals from your Great Plains dealer. Refer to this
section for proper decal placement.
When ordering new parts or components, also request
corresponding safety decals.
To install new decals:
1. Clean the area on which the decal is to be placed.
2. Peel backing from decal. Press firmly on surface,
being careful not to cause air bubbles under decal.
Slow Moving Vehicle Reflector
818-003C
On the back of left-hand seed box near machine center;
1 total
818-055C
On mount fastened to right-hand end of left-hand seed
box;
1 total.
17768
S/N 1638SS-
68575A
S/N 1639SS+

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 7
Red Reflectors
838-266C
On rear face of walkboard, each outside corner outboard
of daytime reflectors;
2 total
On rear face of walkboard, each outside corner below
daytime reflector;
2 total
Daytime Reflectors
838-267C
On rear face of walkboard, inboard of red reflectors;
2 total
On rear face of walkboard, each outside corner above
red reflectors;
2 total
24379
S/N 1638SS-
24379
68675A
S/N 1639SS+
24379
S/N 1638SS-
24379
68675A
S/N 1639SS+

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 8
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Amber Reflectors (large)
838-265C
On outside end faces of walkboards at ladder top,
front top face of mainframe, each outside corner;
4 total
Amber Reflectors (small) Optional Marker
818-229C
On outside end faces of marker mounts;
1 total per marker
Amber Reflectors (large) Optional Marker
838-265C
On face of reflector mounting plate;
1 total per marker
Danger: Cannot Read English
818-557C
On front face of mainframe near hitch;
1 total
24379
68588
68555A
24379
848-512C
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 9
Danger: Hitch Crushing Hazard
818-590C
Warning: Walkboard Falling
838-102C
At ladder end of walkboard;
1 total
Warning: Excessive Speed Hazard
818-337C
On the main tool bar at hitch;
1 total
18262
19195
WARNING
To avoid serious injury or death:
Watch your step when climbing ladder or
walking on walkboard.
838-102C
18262
WARNING
EXCESSIVE SPEED
HAZARD
To Prevent Serious Injury or Death:
Do NOT exceed 20 mph maximum
transport speed. Loss of vehicle
control and/or machine damage
can result.
818-337C Rev. B

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 10
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Warning: High Pressure Fluid
818-339C
On the main tool bar at hitch;
1 total
Warning: Marker Pinch/Crush
818-682C
Two on first section of each marker;
4 total
Caution: Tires Not A Step
818-398C
Above each transport wheel set;
2 total
18262
26241
19197

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Important Safety Information
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 11
Caution: Read Manual
818-587C
On the main tool bar at hitch;
1 total
Caution: Tire Pressure
818-855C
One decal each rim of double gauge wheels;
4 total on 4-wheel drills
Caution: Tire Pressure
818-752C
One decal each rim of single gauge wheels;
2 total on 2-wheel drills
18262
WARNING:
Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Read Owner’s Manual before using machine.
Stand clear when folding and unfolding markers.
Stand clear when raising and lowering machine.
Keep all safety shields and devices in place.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from
Never ride on machine.
Always lower or properly support machine
Escaping hydraulic fluid can cause serious
Review safety instructions with all operators
moving chains and sprockets.
BEFORE servicing.
818-587C Rev.B
injury.
annually.
CAUTION
26215
26215

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 12
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Introduction
Introduction
Great Plains welcomes you to its growing family of new
product owners. Your 3-Point Precision Seeding System
has been designed with care and built by skilled workers
using quality materials. Proper setup, maintenance, and
safe operating practices will help you get years of
satisfactory use from the machine.
Document Family
118-231M Owner’s Manual (this document)
118-231B Seed Rate Charts
118-231P Parts Manual
Description of Unit
The 2020P, 2025P, 2520P and 2525P are 3-point
mounted implements for precision seeding using Great
Plains 20-Series or 25-Series row units.
Intended Usage
Use the drill to seed production-agriculture crops only.
Do not modify the drill for use with attachments other
than Great Plains options and accessories specified for
use with the drill.
Using This Manual
This manual will familiarize you with safety, assembly,
operation, adjustments, troubleshooting, and
maintenance. Read this manual and follow the
recommendations to help ensure safe and efficient
operation.
The information in this manual is current at printing.
Some parts may change to assure top performance.
Definitions
The following terms are used throughout this manual.
Right-hand and left-hand as used in this manual are
determined by facing the direction the machine will travel
while in use unless otherwise stated.
A crucial point of information related to the preceding topic.
Read and follow the directions to remain safe, avoid serious
damage to equipment and ensure desired field results.
NOTE: Useful information related to the preceding
topic.
22705
Figure 1
Left/Right Notation
18327
L
R

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Introduction
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 13
Owner Assistance
If you need customer service or repair parts, contact a
Great Plains dealer. They have trained personnel, repair
parts and equipment specially designed for Great Plains
products.
Refer to Figure 1
Your machine’s parts were specially designed and
should only be replaced with Great Plains parts. Always
use the serial and model number when ordering parts
from your Great Plains dealer. The serial-number plate
is located on the left end of the seed box tool bar, as
shown.
Record your drill model and serial number here for quick
reference:
Model Number:__________________________
Serial Number: __________________________
Further Assistance
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. and your Great Plains
dealer want you to be satisfied with your new 2020P,
2025P, 2520P, or 2525P. If for any reason you do not
understand any part of this manual or are otherwise
dissatisfied, please take the following actions first:
1. Discuss the matter with your dealership service
manager. Make sure they are aware of any problems
so they can assist you.
2. If you are still unsatisfied, seek out the owner or
general manager of the dealership.
If your dealer is unable to resolve the problem or the
issue is parts related, please contact:
Great Plains Service Department
1525 E. North St.
P.O. Box 5060
Salina, KS 67402-5060
Or go to www.greatplainsag.com and follow the contact
information at the bottom of your screen for our service
department.
Figure 1
Serial Number Plate
18307

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 14
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Preparation and Setup
Preparation and Setup
This section helps you prepare your tractor and drill for
use. Before using the drill in the field, you must hitch the
drill to a suitable tractor and level the drill.
Pre-Setup Checklist
1. Read and understand “Important Safety
Information” on page 1.
2. Check that all working parts are moving freely, bolts
are tight, and cotter pins are spread.
3. Check that all grease fittings are in place and
lubricated. Refer to “Lubrication” on page 69.
4. Check that all safety decals and reflectors are
correctly located and legible. Replace if damaged.
See “Safety Decals” on page 6.
5. Inflate tires to pressure recommended and tighten
wheel bolts as specified. “Appendix” on page 79.
Hitching Tractor to Drill
Crushing Hazard:
You may be severely injured or killed by being crushed
between the tractor and drill. Do not stand or place any part
of your body between drill and moving tractor. Stop tractor
engine and set park brake before installing the hitch pin.
1. Raise or lower tractor three-point arms as needed
and pin lower arms to drill.
2. Pin upper arm to drill. For category III and III-N
tractors, install hitch pin in the lower hole. For
category IV-N tractors, install hitch pin in the upper
hole.
3. Slowly raise drill. Watch for cab interference.
4. Adjust top three-point link so that top edge of drill
box is parallel with ground when drilling.
NOTE: Do not use link to adjust opener depth. For
opener adjustments, refer to page 39.
5. Set your tractor three-point-draft control to float
position.
6. Plug leads from drill light harness and seed monitor
harness into tractor receptacles.
7. On Model 20P, remove parking stands and store
inverted in stand mounts. See page 24 for
illustration.

2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Preparation and Setup
Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 15
Hydraulic Hose Connections
High Pressure Fluid Hazard:
Only trained personnel should work on system hydraulics!
Escaping fluid under pressure can have sufficient pressure to
penetrate the skin, causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by
relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines. Use a
piece of paper or cardboard, NOT BODY PARTS, to check for
leaks. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles
when working with hydraulic systems. If an accident occurs,
seek immediate medical treatment from a physician familiar
with this type of injury.
Only trained personnel should work on system hydraulics!
1. Connect marker hoses to tractor remote valve.
2. If this is the first time the drill has been hitched, bleed
the marker hydraulics. See “Marker Cylinder
Bleeding” on page 58.
Current Style Color Coded Handle Grips
Refer to Figure 2
Great Plains hydraulic hoses are color coded handle
grips to help you hookup hoses to your tractor outlets.
Hoses that go to the same remote valve are marked with
the same color.
To distinguish hoses on the same hydraulic circuit, refer
to the symbol molded into the handle grip. Hoses with an
extended-cylinder symbol feed cylinder base ends.
Hoses with a retracted-cylinder symbol feed cylinder rod
ends.
Older Style Hoses with Color Ties
Refer to Figure 3
Great Plains hydraulic hoses are color coded to help
you hookup hoses to your tractor outlets. Hoses that go
to the same remote valve are marked with the same
color.
To distinguish hoses on the same hydraulic circuit, refer
to plastic hose label. The hose under an
extended-cylinder symbol feeds a cylinder base end.
The hose under a retracted-cylinder symbol feeds a
cylinder rod end.
Color Hydraulic Function
Green Marker Cylinders
Color Hydraulic Function
Orange Marker Cylinders
Figure 2
Color Coded Hose Handles
31733
Figure 3
Plastic Hose Label
817-348c
17641

Great Plains | 118-231M | 2020-08-05 Table of Contents Index 16
2020P, 2025P, 2520P, and 2525P Table of Contents Index Preparation and Setup
Electrical Connections
Refer to Figure 4
Make sure tractor is shut down with accessory power off
before making connections.
1. Mate the lighting plug to the outlet connector on
the drill.
2. If equipped with optional seed monitor, connect the
DICKEY-john cable to the tractor harness.
3. Secure cables so they are clear of moving parts of
the 3-point hitch.
Monitor Setup
Refer to Figure 5
Before using the drill for the first time, if equipped, it is
necessary to configure the seed monitor. Consult the
DICKEY-john documentation for quick-start information.
Leveling the Drill
20 Series Opener Height
Refer to Figure 6
Using 3-point hitch, initially adjust drill so bottom of
opener tool bar tube runs 24in above ground when drill
is lowered in the field.
Figure 4
Connector Identification
25236
25237
1
2
1
2
Figure 5
Seed Monitor Terminal
15848
Figure 6
20 Series Initial Height
18280