KUHN MDS 55 User manual

OPERATOR’SMANUAL
FERTILISER SPREADER
MDS 55 - 65 - 85 - 735 - 935
N° 95743 A.GB - 07.2003

Introduction
Dear Customer,
By purchasing this precision fertiliser spreader you have shown confidence in our products that we are con-
vinced will be justified through its performance and reliability. Thank you. We have made every effort to
provide you with a high performance machine but should any problems occur our service personnel are on
call at all times.
It is very important that you read and thoroughly understand this Operator Manual, taking careful no-
te of the Safety Information, BEFORE operating the machine. This manual provides a comprehensive
guide to the machine controls and all the information necessary for efficient and safe operation, maintenance
and care of your machine.
PLEASE NOTE: Warranty claims which arise from damage due to operator errors and misuse, cannot be
accepted.
NOTE: We recommend that you make a note of the machine model, serial number and construction year in
the spaces below. You will find this information on the serial number plate fixed to the frame of the machine.
Always quote this information when ordering spare parts, optional equipment and accessories, or when ma-
king any claims under warranty.
Model: Serial No.: Construction year:
Technical improvements
We are committed to a policy of constant improvement on all our products. We therefore reserve the
right to carry out, without prior notice, any improvements or changes which we feel will benefit our
products, without any obligation on our part to carry out such improvements or changes to ma-
chines which have already been sold.
If you have any questions about these, or any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us.
With kind regards
KUHN FARM MACHNERY

Contents
I
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2
Technical improvements ...................................................................................................................... 2
Contents .................................................................................................................................................. I
1 Explanation of warning and safety decals ............................................................................... 5
2 Correct use .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Operational safety ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 No liability is accepted for crop, property or environmental damage ............................................ 7
2.3 Public road safety.......................................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Lighting (applicable for Germany) ................................................................................................. 8
2.5 Towing of trailers ........................................................................................................................... 9
3 Accident prevention and safety issues................................................................................... 10
3.1 General safety recommendations for the hydraulic system........................................................ 13
3.2 Warning and instruction decals ................................................................................................... 13
4 Machine specifications............................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Technical specifications MDS 55 / 65 / 85 / 735 / 935 ................................................................ 16
5 Preparation of the fertiliser spreader ...................................................................................... 17
5.1 Taking delivery of the fertiliser spreader ..................................................................................... 17
5.2 Assembly of the MDS 55-935 fertiliser spreader ........................................................................ 18
5.3 Assembly of the MDS 55 M / 65 M / 85 M / 735 M / 935 M fertiliser spreaders.......................... 18
5.4 Assembly of MDS 55 K / 55 R / 55 D / 65 K / 65 R / 65 D / 735 K / R / D / 935 K / R / D
fertiliser spreaders....................................................................................................................... 19
5.5 Assembling the hopper to the frame and fitting the agitator ....................................................... 20
5.6 Attaching to the tractor ................................................................................................................ 21
5.7 Fitting the pto shaft...................................................................................................................... 22
5.8 Fitting and connecting the hydraulic metering slide controls ...................................................... 24
5.8.1 Single acting hydraulic metering control for MDS 55 K / 65 K / 85 K / 735 K / 935 K......... 24
5.8.2 Double acting hydraulic metering control for MDS 55 D / 65 D / 85 D / 735 D / 935 D........ 25
5.8.3 Single acting hydraulic metering control with double acting mechanism for MDS 55 R / 65
R / 85 R / 735 R / 935 R.............................................................................................................. 25
5.8.4 Fitting the single acting hydraulic metering slide control FHK 4 and the double acting
hydraulic metering slide control FHD 4 .................................................................................. 26
5.8.5 Position indicator function: (only for MDS K / R / D)............................................................. 28
6 Adjusting the fertiliser spreader.............................................................................................. 29
6.1 General........................................................................................................................................ 29
6.2 Attachment height ....................................................................................................................... 30
6.2.1 Attachment height for normal spreading ............................................................................... 30
6.2.2 Attachment height for late top dressing ................................................................................. 30

Contents
II
6.3 Hopper capacity / Hopper extension sets ................................................................................... 31
6.3.1 Calculation of maximum loading............................................................................................. 31
6.3.2 Hopper level scale..................................................................................................................... 31
6.4 Setting application rates on the MDS 55 M / MDS 65 M / MDS 85 M / 735 M / MDS 935 M .... 32
6.5 Setting application rates on the MDS 55 K / R / D MDS 65 K / R / D MDS 85 K / R / D MDS
735 K / R / D and MDS 935 K / R / D .......................................................................................... 33
6.6 Adjustment of the multi-disc spreading discs.............................................................................. 34
6.6.1 Principle of operation ............................................................................................................... 34
6.6.2 Adjusting the disc vanes.......................................................................................................... 35
6.6.3 Adjustment according to the spreading charts ..................................................................... 37
6.6.4 Setting disc vanes for fertilisers not listed in the spreading charts.................................... 39
6.6.5 DiS 39
6.6.6 PtK 39
6.7 One-sided spreading................................................................................................................... 44
6.7.1 One-sided spreading MDS 55 M / MDS 65 M / MDS 85 M / MDS 735 M / MDS 935 M.......... 44
6.7.2 One-sided spreading MDS 55 K / MDS 65 K / MDS 85 K / MDS 735 K / MDS 935 K............ 44
6.7.3 One-sided spreading MDS 55 D / MDS 65 D / MDS 85 D / MDS 735 D / MDS 935 D............ 44
6.7.4 One-sided spreading MDS 55 R / MDS 65 R / MDS 85 R / MDS 735 R / MDS 935 R............ 44
6.8 Yield and environmental optimised border spreading................................................................. 44
6.8.1 Yield optimised border spreading in the first tramline ......................................................... 44
6.8.2 Environmental and yield border spreading using the border spreading limiter GSE 7
(optional equipment). Only one metering slide is opened.................................................... 45
6.8.3 Environmental and yield border spreading using the border spreading limiter TELIMAT
T1 (optional equipment) ........................................................................................................... 45
The Tellimat T1 is deployed from the first tramline (1/2 working width from the field edge)................. 45
6.9 Spreading on small field strips .................................................................................................... 45
7 Calibration check / Purging unused fertiliser ........................................................................ 45
7.1 Calculating the mean application rate......................................................................................... 45
7.2 The calibration check process..................................................................................................... 47
7.3 Purging unused fertiliser ............................................................................................................. 48
8 Service and maintenance ......................................................................................................... 50
8.1 Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................... 50
8.2 Lubrication................................................................................................................................... 50
8.2.1 Pto shaft ..................................................................................................................................... 50
8.2.2 Agitator shaft and agitator ....................................................................................................... 51
8.2.3 Metering slides, positioning levers, links and adjustment scale segment ......................... 51
8.2.4 Disc hubs ................................................................................................................................... 51
8.3 Gearbox oil level.......................................................................................................................... 51
8.4 Wearing parts .............................................................................................................................. 52
8.5 Checking and setting the metering slide balance and specially checking the metering slides for
seed and slug pellet spreading ................................................................................................... 52
8.5.1 Checking the metering slide .................................................................................................... 52
8.5.2 Rebalancing the metering slides MDS 55 M / MDS 65 M / MDS 85 M / 735 M / 935 M ....... 53
8.5.3 Rebalancing the metering slides MDS 55 K / R / D MDS 65 K / R / D MDS 85 K / R / D
MDS 735 K / R / D and MDS 935 K / R / D ............................................................................... 54
9 Changing the spreading discs................................................................................................. 55

Contents
III
9.1 Spreading disc removal............................................................................................................... 55
9.2 Replacing the extension vanes ................................................................................................... 56
9.3 Replacing the main vane or the complete vane assembly ......................................................... 58
9.4 Replacing the MDS vane with an X-vane ................................................................................... 64
9.5 Refitting the spreading discs ....................................................................................................... 65
10 Valuable tips for precision spreading..................................................................................... 66
10.1 Spreading procedure on headlands ............................................................................................ 67
11 Fault diagnosis .......................................................................................................................... 68
11.1 Uneven spread pattern................................................................................................................ 68
11.2 Fault diagnoses for hydraulic metering controls ......................................................................... 68
11.3 Disc vane wear............................................................................................................................ 68
12 Optional equipment................................................................................................................... 69
12.1 Hopper extension sets ................................................................................................................ 69
12.2 Hopper cover............................................................................................................................... 69
12.3 Hopper sieve ............................................................................................................................... 69
12.4 RFZ 7M (all MDS fertiliser spreaders except MDS 55)............................................................... 69
12.5 Double acting mechanism........................................................................................................... 69
12.6 Tele-Space .................................................................................................................................. 69
12.7 Practical Test Kit PtK................................................................................................................... 69
12.8 Fertiliser identification system FiS............................................................................................... 69
12.9 Row spreading unit RV 2M for hopyards and orchards .............................................................. 70
12.10 Boundary spreading limiter GSE 7.............................................................................................. 70
12.11 Electronic remote control EF 24.................................................................................................. 70
12.12 Hydraulic remote control FHZ 10 ................................................................................................ 70
12.13 Lighting without warning shield BLO1 (for rear profile lighting security) for MDS 65 / MDS 85)
71
12.14 Lighting without warning shield BLO2 (for rear profile lighting security) ..................................... 71
12.15 Lighting with warning shield BLW 1 (for rear profile lighting security) for MDS 65 / MDS 85 ..... 71
12.16 Lighting with warning shield BLW 8 (for rear profile lighting security) ........................................ 71
12.17 TELIMAT T1 ................................................................................................................................ 71
12.18 Hydraulic metering slide control FHK 4....................................................................................... 71
12.19 Hydraulic metering slide control FHD 4....................................................................................... 71
12.20 Agitator for grass seeds RWK 7.................................................................................................. 71
12.21 Agitator RWK 15.......................................................................................................................... 71
13 Axle load calculation ................................................................................................................ 72
14 Warranty conditions.................................................................................................................. 75

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1 Explanation of warning and safety decals
The following table shows symbols and their levels of hazard classification.
A safety symbol appears in the manual when the safety of the operator, or any
other person, or the normal operation of the machine, could be in danger. It is
essential that all safety symbols, safety and accident prevention instructions,
are observed.
It is vital that all users have the opportunity to read and thoroughly understand
these instructions.
Symbol Classification
DANGER
DANGER !
Non observance can result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING !
Non observance can result in injury or damage to the ma-
chine.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT !
Non observance can result in damage to the machine or the
immediate environment.
ATTENTION
ATTENTION !
User tips for optimal implement operation and other useful in-
formation.

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6
2 Correct use
The MDS fertiliser spreader is designed to spread dry, prilled and granular ferti-
liser, as well as seeds.
Any other use is inappropriate and any defects arising therefrom will invalidate
the manufacturer's warranty and relieve both manufacturer and supplier of any
liability.
Correct use also entails the full compliance with all operating, maintenance and
repair instructions issued by the manufacturer as well as the exclusive usage of
original spare parts.
KUHN original spare parts and accessories are especially designed and manu-
factured for fertiliser spreaders. Parts and accessories not supplied by KUHN
have not been subjected to our tests and quality control, essential to ensure
correct operation. KUHN is relieved of any liability for damage caused by the
use of non-original parts and/or accessories. The employment of non-original
parts and/or accessories can have a negative influence on the construction cha-
racteristics of the fertiliser spreader which could endanger the safety of both
people and the machine.
Any warranty or liability claims against the manufacturer for damage resulting
from unauthorised alterations to the fertiliser spreader will not be accepted.
The fertiliser spreader is built to current technical and accepted safety stan-
dards. However, potential risks of injury to the operator or to third parties, or
damage to the machine, or other property during operation, do exist. The fertili-
ser spreader is only in a correct technical condition, meeting accepted safety
and warning criteria, when all information and instructions in the operator ma-
nual are observed. Any faults which develop must be rectified immediately.
The MDS fertiliser spreader should only be used, maintained and repaired by
persons who are familiar with the machine and who have received instructions
with regard to potential dangers.
All current appropriate accident prevention requirements and all other general
recognised safey, technical work-related and road traffic legislation, must be
observed.

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2.1 Operational safety
The MDS fertiliser spreader should only be put into operation after instructions
have been received from KUHN's business partners, employees and/or repre-
sentatives, or KUHN's own personnel
Before starting up the machine, read the operator manual and carefully observe
all information and safety instructions.
Only start up the MDS fertiliser spreader when all protection and safety guards,
including any detachable protection devices, have been installed and are functi-
oning correctly.
Check all nuts, bolts and locking elements regularly for correct tightness, and
tighten where necessary.
Regularly check all hydraulic hoses at the beginning of the season for mechani-
cal defects (e.g. cuts, abrasions, crushed sections, kinks, tears, leaks, porosity,
etc.).
The useful life of an undamaged hose should be limited to six years, including a
possible maximum two-year stocking period. The manufacturing date of a
hydraulic hose is indicated on its outer surface in month and year.
If operational faults develop on the fertiliser spreader, stop immediately. Ensure
that the unit is safely parked and secured, rectify the problem. If the problem
cannot be safely rectified by the operator, have the matter rectified by trained
personnel.
2.2 No liability is accepted for crop, property or environmen-
tal damage
The MDS fertiliser spreader is carefully manufactured by KUHN. In spite of this,
even when correctly using the unit, variations in output or total output failure can
occur, for example:
•Variations in the physical characteristics of fertiliser and seed products (e.g.
variations in granule sizes, density, granule forms, surface, causticity, pa-
ckaging and humidity).
•Blockage or bridging around hopper outlets caused by foreign particles,
contaminated seeds, sticky causticity, moist fertiliser, etc.).
•Component wear.
•Damage from outside influences.
•Incorrect operational speed or forward speed.
•Incorrect settings of the fertiliser spreader (i.e. incorrect metering slide
control setting, non-observance of spreading charts).
Before each field operation, as well as during operation, check that the fertiliser
spreader is functioning correctly and that the correct application rate and spread
pattern is being achieved at all times. No claims are accepted for any damages
other than on the fertiliser spreader itself. No liability can be accepted for
consequential loss or damage due to spreading errors.

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8
2.3 Public road safety
When driving on public roads, or along tracks, or in public parks, observe all
traffic rules and regulations.
Make sure that the fertiliser spreader complies with all public traffic rules and
specifications.
Observe all maximum transport width laws and equip the unit with all correct
lighting and traffic warning shields.
Make sure tractor steering and braking efficiency is not impaired in any
way!
Due to the combined weight of the fertiliser spreader and material in the hopper,
it is possible that the tractor/fertiliser spreader combination could become
unstable.
Attaching units to either front or rear 3-point tractor linkages must not exceed
the maximum permissible total weight, individual permissible axle weight or ma-
ximum tyre loads. The front axle must be ballasted to achieve a minimum load
of 20% of total unloaded weight (see chapter 13: Axle Load Calculation).
•Ensure that all these conditions can be entirely met before the fertiliser
spreader is attached. Observe all instructions and recommendations rela-
ting to weight and axle loading, as given in the tractor operator manual.
•Steering characteristics can deteriorate when implements are attached.
•Be aware that implements need more room when driving through curves
due to their long overhang, and can negatively affect stability due to their
large mass.
DANGER
Make sure tractor steering and braking efficiency is not impaired in
any way!
Steering and braking efficiency is influenced when attaching a fertiliser spreader
and its load. Ensure that steering and braking efficiency is correct and reduce
forward speed to suit load conditions!
2.4 Lighting (applicable for Germany)
General
If part of the tractor lighting system or official number plate is obscured, it is ne-
cessary to equip the spreader with an auxilliary system, even if only operated in
daylight hours.
Attachment height
When driving on public roads running lights must not exceed a height of
1500mm and reflectors a height of 900mm, above ground level.
Rear warning shield requirements
If the fertiliser spreader extends more than 1000mm beyond the tractor running
lights, a rear warning shield is required.
DANGER

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9
Front and rear warning shield requirements
If the fertiliser spreader protrudes more than 400mm from the tractor's outer-
most light position, the outermost body area or its running light, additional run-
ning lights and warning shields must be positioned on the outermost point of the
fertiliser spreader, facing both forwards and rearwards.
Night or poor light conditions
If transporting at night or in poor light conditions, additional lighting is required in
both the forward and rear facing positions.
For lighting requirements in other countries
The fertiliser spreader's lighting and warning system must conform to local pub-
lic highway traffic regulations. Check with your local authorities and your dealer
that the unit conforms to all regulations.
2.5 Towing of trailers
Note the following :
•When towing trailers, 25 kph must not be exceeded.
•The trailer must be equipped with a hand brake or a braking system that
can be operated by the driver from the tractor cab.
•The total loaded weight of rigid drawbar trailers must not exceed the weight
of the pulling vehicle, and jockey wheels, if used to support the drawbar
weight, should transmit the load to the ground in such a way that the pulling
vehicle can safely steer and brake.
•Articulated drawbar trailers can only be used when the actual total loaded
weight of the trailer does not exceed 1.25 times the weight of the pulling
vehicle. However, the total weight should not exceed 5 tonnes.

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3 Accident prevention and safety issues
Most accidents happen because someone ignores the most elementary safety
rules during operation, maintenance or transport. It is vital that all persons co-
ming in contact with the machine - the purchaser himself/herself, a member of
his/her family, an employee, a bystander - strictly obey the following safety ru-
les. Other safety instructions are to be found on the decals placed in various
prominent positions on the machine. The machine should only be set up for
operation, operated and maintained by persons who have received instructions
with regard to potential dangers.
•Observe all safety notes contained in this operator manual and all current
statutory safety and accident prevention regulations!
•Warning and instruction decals give important information to operate the
fertiliser spreader without danger and to serve to increase the safety of the
operator.
•Before every operation, check nuts and bolts and other fixings for tightness,
especially those of the spreading discs and spreading vanes. If necessary,
tighten to recommended torque settings.
•Before using the machine, operators must familiarise themselves with all
parts of the equipment and the function of all controls and adjustments.
Finding out during operation may be too late.
•Before every operation, ensure that the tractor/spreader combination
complies with all relevant road traffic, as well as health and safety, regulati-
ons.
•When filling the hopper, lower the spreader and switch off the tractor engi-
ne. Remove ignition key before leaving the tractor cab. Make sure mete-
ring and shutter slide controls are closed.
•Before adjusting or undertaking other work such as cleaning, lubricating or
carrying out operations on the spreader, disengage the pto drive, switch off
the tractor engine, wait until all moving parts have come to a stop and re-
move the ignition key. During control or repair work, make sure no one can
start the unit by mistake.
Crushing hazard from power driven parts!
Rotating machine elements (discs, agitator, pto shaft) can cause serious injury
or death.
•Only start the machine when the hopper sieve, disc guards, pto shrouds
and all other guards, are in place!
•Always avoid wearing loose clothing or clothing with loose parts that are li-
able to come into contact with moving parts.
•Avoid wearing clothes with belts, fringes or other items that could get
caught up in moving parts.
•Never get close to revolving parts. Keep hands, feet and clothing well away.
•Never reach into the hopper or touch the rotating discs.
•Never climb onto the spreader when it is operating.
•Keep the hopper free of any foreign objects (e.g. nuts or bolts).
DANGER

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11
•Before starting the spreader, make sure that there is no-one within the dan-
ger area around the machine. Make sure you have a good view all round
and keep a special watch out for children!
•Only start up the spreader when all safety devices and guards have been
properly fitted (e.g. pto guards and disc shrouds).
Danger from fast moving spreading material!
Fast moving spreading material can lead to serious injury (e.g. eye injuries).
•Before engaging the pto drive/spreading discs, make sure no-one is within
the spreading zone around the spreader!
•Never leave the spreader running unattended.
•It is illegal and dangerous to carry passengers when using or transporting
the spreader.
•Do not use any parts of the fertiliser spreader as a step (e.g. disc, rear rail
guard).
•Before leaving the tractor seat, lower the spreader to the ground, switch the
tractor off and remove the ignition key. With single acting hydraulic shutter
operations, close the hydraulic shut-off valve.
•Parking the fertiliser spreader when it is not attached to the tractor: only with
an empty hopper and on firm, level ground.
•Never allow anyone to enter the space between the tractor and spreader
without first making sure that the tractor is prevented from moving by means
of a parking brake and/or wheel chocks!
•Before attaching or removing the spreader from the tractor 3-point linkage,
make sure that the operating system is positioned so that inadvertent lowe-
ring or raising of the linkage is impossible.
•It is recommended that the condition of the spreader is checked by a re-
commended dealer at the end of every season. Especially disc vanes, fi-
xings and hydraulic parts.
•In the event of a failure during operation, switch off the spreader immediate-
ly. Stop engine and remove the ignition key before checking and repairing
the damage.
•Ill advised choice or use of fertiliser or other spreading material can cause
serious damage to people, animals, plants and the environment. Choose
the correct material for your application. Handle with care and carefully fol-
low the manufacturer's instructions. Wear protective clothes and a protecti-
ve breathing mask.
•Respect all recommended service periods as well as any inspection or test
recommendations to be carried out from time to time, which are given in
the operator manual.
•Before any cleaning, servicing or repair work, relieve all hydraulic pressure,
disengage the pto drive, switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.
Detach unit from the tractor.
•Only commence cleaning, servicing or repair work when the unit is on firm
level ground and is prevented from moving or jack-knifing (parking
legs/rollers).
WARNING

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•Any pto damage should be repaired immediately before continuing sprea-
ding operations.
•Do not operate the machine with unguarded pto components. Only start up
the unit when all guards are correctly in place and functioning.
•Before cleaning the fertiliser spreader with a high pressure water or steam
jet, or any other cleaning material, make sure all openings or areas, that for
safety or operational reasons should not come into contact with water or o-
ther cleaning materials, are sealed off and adequately protected. For e-
xample: electrical elements or exposed bearings. After cleaning, make su-
re any temporary protection covers are removed.
•After cleaning, check all hydraulic hoses for leaks, loose connections, cuts
and other damage. Any damage should be repaired immediately!
•Disconnect the current supply before working on any electrical installations.
•Disconnect tractor battery cables before undertaking any welding operati-
ons on the fertiliser spreader.
Maximum attachment height of the fertiliser spreader
Danger of injury by unintentional contact with the spreading discs.
•The maximum allowable distance from ground level to the underside of
the frame when the unit is operating in normal spreading mode : must not
exceed 85 cm at point Aand 85 cm at point B.
•The maximum allowable distance from ground level to the underside of
the frame when the unit is operating in late top dressing mode must not
exceed 77 cm at point Aand 83 cm at point B.
IMPORTANT
B
(85 cm)
A
(85 cm)
B
(83 cm)
A
(
77 cm
)
Ground level Ground level
Max. allowable attachment
height in normal spreading
mode
Max. allowable attachment
height in late top dressing
mode

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3.1 General safety recommendations for the hydraulic sys-
tem
•Hydraulic circuits contain oil under high pressure.
•The maximum operating pressure (tractor hydraulic system) should not ex-
ceed 200 bar.
•Pay attention to specified hydraulic hose connections when connecting
hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors.
•When connecting up the hydraulic hoses to the tractor hydraulics, make su-
re that all hydraulic pressure has been relieved from both the tractor and the
fertiliser spreader.
•All male and female connections should be correctly labelled to eliminate
any possibility of incorrect operation when connecting various hydraulic o-
perating elements between the tractor and fertiliser spreader.
•Regularly check all hydraulic hoses for signs of damage and age, and
replace if in any doubt. Replacement hoses must meet the manufacturers'
technical specifications.
•Even when carefully stored and correctly used, hoses and hose connecti-
ons undergo a natural aging process. Therefore, their stocking and opera-
tional periods should not be exceeded.
•The useful life of an undamaged hydraulic hose should be limited to 6
years, including a possible maximum two-year stocking period.
•The hydraulic hose manufacturing date is indicated on the hose with the
month and year of manufacture (e.g. SLP 8 / 00).
•Use suitable protection (gloves and protective eye-glasses, etc.) when loca-
ting oil leaks, in order to avoid injury.
•Hydraulic fluid escaping under high pressure can penetrate the skin and
cause serious injuries. In case of injury, immediately consult a doctor, as
there is a high risk of infection!
•Before carrying out any service or maintenance work on the hydraulic sys-
tem, lower the fertiliser spreader to the ground, relieve the system of pres-
sure, switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.
3.2 Warning and instruction decals
Warning and instruction decals give important information to operate the MDS
fertiliser spreader without danger.
Warning decals are situated at various points on the fertiliser spreader and give
important information for your safety and the safety of others. They also contain
information on correct operation. The text on each decal explains the message
that the symbol is giving.
•Replace any decal as soon as it is damaged or unreadable.
•Replacement decals can be obtained from the spare parts service dept.
•Before placing the new decal on the machine, make sure the surface is free
from dust, dirt and oil, and is totally dry.
•Make sure that any new part or component is correctly equipped with any
corresponding warning decal.

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14
Maximum payload for
MDS 735 - 935.
Before starting up the
machine, read the ope-
rator manual and safety
instructions carefully.
Maximum payload for
MDS 55.
Maximum payload for
MDS 65 and MDS 85 :
Cat I : 800 kg
Cat II : 1400 kg
Disc vane adjustment
of the left- and right-
hand spreading discs.
One-sided spreading.
It is not permitted, and
also very dangerous, to
carry persons on the
fertiliser spreader, or
be accompanied by any
persons while the ma-
chine is in operation.

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15
Serial number on frame
and hopper must be i-
dentical.
Serial number plate.
Pto speed.
Crushing and amputa-
tion hazard in region of
adjustment segments.
Torque setting
hopper to frame at-
tachment.
Danger from fast mo-
ving spreading materi-
al. Make sure no-one is
within the spreading
zone before engaging
spreading discs!
Never reach into the
spreading disc or agita-
tor zone.
Towing trailers behind
the implement (only for
Germany).

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16
Do not stand near rota-
ting elements.
This is a hazard which
can cause serious inju-
ry or death!
Observe all instructi-
ons in the pto manufac-
turers' operator manu-
al!
4 Machine specifications
Manufacturer
RAUCH Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH
Landstraße 14 Postfach 1165
D-76547 Sinzheim D-76545 Sinzheim
Tel.: +49-7221 / 985-0 Fax: +49-7221 / 985-200
Service Centre: Tel.: +49-7221 / 985-250 Fax: +49-7221 / 985-203
4.1 Technical specifications MDS 55 / 65 / 85 / 735 / 935
Model Hopper
size
approx.
cm
Filling
height
approx.
cm
Filling width
approx. cm
Hopper capacity
approx. litres
Payload Kg Empty weight
approx. Kg
MDS 55 108x108 92 98 500 800 200
MDS 65 140x115 92 130 600 800 (Cat I)
1400 (Cat II) 210
MDS 85 140x115 104 130 800 800 (Cat I)
1400 (Cat II) 220
MDS 735 190x120 93 180 700 1800 250
MDS 935 190x120 101 180 900 1800 250
Centre of gravity distance from the lower linkage point is 55 cm with the hopper empty
Working width, depending on fertiliser type and spreading discs employed, is between 10m and 18m
(24m)
Maximum hydraulic pressure 200 bar
Pto speed 540 rpm
Noise level: 78 dB (A) measured with the tractor cab closed

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Empty weight data is given on the fertiliser spreader serial number plate.
The weight of the fertiliser spreader when empty, varies according to equipment
fitted. The weight indicated on the serial number plate applies to the most
commonly used specification. It can, however, be higher or lower.
Hopper exten-
sion kit for MDS
65 / 85
Hopper size
approx. cm
Filling
height
approx. cm
Filing
width
approx.
cm
Additional
hopper ca-
pacity ap-
prox. litres
Extension
kit weight
approx.
Kg
M 20 140x115 +12,5 130 +200 +19
M 40 140x115 +24,5 130 +400 +28
Hopper exten-
sion kit for MDS
735 / 935
Hopper size
approx. cm
Filling
height
approx. cm
Filling
width
approx.
cm
Additional
hopper ca-
pacity ap-
prox. litres
Extension
kit weight
approx.
Kg
M 223 190x120 + 0 180 + 200 + 20
M 420 190x120 + 18 180 + 400 + 30
M 423 190x120 + 8,5 180 + 400 + 30
M 650 190x120 + 30 180 + 600 + 40
M 653 240x120 + 16 230 + 600 + 40
M 863 240x120 + 26 230 + 850 + 50
5 Preparation of the fertiliser spreader
5.1 Taking delivery of the fertiliser spreader
When the fertiliser spreader is delivered, please check that it is complete.
The following items are included as standard equipment:
•Operator manual / spreading charts
•Calibration kit
•Agitator
•Top and bottom 3-point linkage pins
•Set of spreading discs with adjusting lever
•Pto shaft, including pto instruction book
Also carefully check all ordered optional equipment
IMPORTANT
Check all nuts and bolts
•Check all nuts and bolts and other fixings for tightness, especially those of the
spreading discs and spreading vanes!
Positioning of the spreading discs on their hubs
•When positioning the spreading discs on their hubs, do not invert the spreading
disc (L) and spreading disc (R)!
•Place the spreading discs carefully onto their hubs with the right-hand disc (R)
on the right-hand side and the left-hand disc (L) on the left-hand side, when
viewed in direction of travel.
ATTENTION

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Check for any transport damage or any missing parts. Claims can only be ac-
cepted if notification is made at time of delivery. Ask the haulier to acknowledge
any transport damage. In case of doubt, contact your dealer or the manufactu-
rer direct.
5.2 Assembly of the MDS 55-935 fertiliser spreader
To reduce the transport volume, hopper and carrying frames are packed sepa-
rately.
Use a fork-lift truck or front-end loader with suitable slings to unload the hopper
(see photo below).
Likewise, use a fork-lift truck or front-end loader with suitable slings to unload
the frame.
Both hopper and frame have a serial number printed on the right-hand side,
when viewed in the direction of travel. Numbers on both the frame and hopper
must be matched when assembling (see photo, section 3.2).
5.3 Assembly of the MDS 55 M / 65 M /
85 M / 735 M / 935 M fertiliser spreaders
Close the metering slide and place the hopper carefully on the frame. Bolt the
frame and hopper together (see photos 1 and 2, section 5.5).