LOFTNESS 77-001 User manual

Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Fertilizer Tender
Owner’s Manual and Parts Book
(Originating w/Serial Number 77-001)
02.16.16N62801 Rev. A

LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, INC.
WARRANTY POLICY
The warranty policy begins upon delivery of the unit to the original customer.
Loftness one (1) year warranty policy covers the Fertilizer Tender.
If any Loftness product is used as rental equipment, the warranty period extends for only 30 days from the
delivery date to the original customer.
Loftness Specialized Equipment, hereinafter referred to as LOFTNESS, a manufacturer of quality machinery since 1956,
warrants new LOFTNESS machinery and/or attachments at the time of delivery to the original purchaser, to be free from
defects in material and workmanship when properly set up and operated in accordance with the recommendations set
forth in the LOFTNESS Operator’s Manual.
LOFTNESS’ liability for any defect with respect to accepted goods shall be limited to repairing the goods at an authorized
dealer or other LOFTNESS designated location, or replacing them as LOFTNESS shall elect. The above shall be in
accordance with LOFTNESS warranty adjustment policies. This warranty shall not apply to any machine or attachment
which shall have been repaired or altered outside the LOFTNESS factory or authorized LOFTNESS dealership or in any
way so as in LOFTNESS’ judgment, to affect its stability or reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or
accident, nor to any machine or attachment which shall not have been operated in accordance with LOFTNESS’ printed
instructions or beyond the company recommended machine rated capacity.
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS
Warranty registration form must be lled out and returned to Loftness Specialized Equipment to validate all
future warranty claims.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY
LOFTNESS products are designed to provide years of dependable service when proper use and maintenance is adhered
to. The potential for misuse in many applications exists, therefore a limited warranty is provided as follows:
The auger is considered a maintenance item, and its life is dependant on the material being conveyed. Tires are warranty
of the manufacturer of the tire.
To receive a warranty claim, a return authorization from LOFTNESS must be obtained. The failed part may then be
returned in an untampered status. This warranty does not include freight or delivery charges incurred when returning
machinery for servicing. Dealer mileage, service calls and pick-up/delivery charges are the customer’s responsibility.
EXCLUSIONS OF WARRANTY
Except as otherwise expressly stated herein, LOFTNESS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or
implied, and makes no warranty of merchantability in respect to its machinery and/or attachments and makes no warranty
that its machinery and/or attachments are t for any particular purpose. LOFTNESS shall not be liable for incidental
or consequential damages for any breach of warranty, including but not limited to inconvenience, rental or replacement
equipment, loss of prots or other commercial loss. Upon purchase, the buyer assumes all liability, all personal injury and
property damage resulting from the handling, possession or use of the goods by the buyer.
No agent, employee, or representative of LOFTNESS has any authority to bind LOFTNESS to any afrmation,
representation or warranty concerning its machinery and/or attachments except as specically set forth herein.
January 2016

Fertilizer Tender OM
Table of Contents
Warranty
Table of Contents
Introduction
Owner Information ............................................................1
Warranty Policy ..............................................................1
Serial Number Location ........................................................1
Manual Storage ..............................................................1
Features ....................................................................2
Options ....................................................................2
Safety Instructions
Safety First..................................................................3
Owner’s Responsibility ........................................................3
Safety Rules.................................................................4
Operating Safety ..........................................................4
Transporting Safety ........................................................4
Maintenance Safety ........................................................5
Hydraulic Safety...........................................................5
Chemical Fertilizer Safety ...................................................6
Safety Decal Locations ........................................................7
General Information
Fertilizer Tender Identification ...................................................8
Auger Controls...............................................................9
Gates ......................................................................9
Ladders ....................................................................9
Auger Cleanout .............................................................10
Tarp (Option) ...............................................................10
Roll-top Option...........................................................10
Initial Set-up
Initial Set-up................................................................11
Truck, PTO, and Hydraulic Pump Requirements....................................11
Hydraulic Pump .............................................................11
Mounting Hopper............................................................11
Locating Hopper .........................................................11
Securing Hopper .........................................................12
Hydraulic Reservoir Connections ...............................................13
Ladders ...................................................................13
Mounting Auger .............................................................13
Unstrap Lift Cylinder ......................................................13
Bleeding Air from Hydraulic Cylinder ..........................................13

Fertilizer Tender OM
Table of Contents
Initial Set-up (Cont’d)
Connecting Control Valve Hydraulics ............................................15
Hydraulic Check ............................................................15
Fenders ...................................................................16
Lights .....................................................................16
Operation
Preparation for Use ..........................................................17
Loading the Tender ..........................................................17
Emptying the Tender .........................................................17
Maintenance
General Maintenance.........................................................19
Maintenance Schedule .......................................................19
Lubricants .................................................................20
Grease Points............................................................20
Hydraulic System............................................................20
Hydraulic Fluid..............................................................21
Filling the Hydraulic Reservoir ...............................................21
Draining the Hydraulic Reservoir .............................................21
Hydraulic Fluid Filter ......................................................22
Hydraulic Reservoir Breather ................................................22
Relief Valve..............................................................22
Gate Adjustment ............................................................23
Cleaning...................................................................23
Storage ...................................................................23
Troubleshooting .............................................................24
Parts Identification
Hydraulic Reservoir ..........................................................26
Auger Assembly (N67720 - 24 ft. Auger) (N67822 - 21 ft. Auger) .......................28
Auger Slide Plates ...........................................................30
Hydraulic Pump .............................................................31
Control Valve ...............................................................32
Auger Lift Cylinder ...........................................................33
Gate Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Ladder ....................................................................35
Fenders ...................................................................36
U-Bolt Tie-Down Kit..........................................................36
Lights .....................................................................37
Manual Holder ..............................................................37
Machine Decals and Signs ....................................................38

Fertilizer Tender OM
Appendix
Specifications ..............................................................39
Dimensions ................................................................40
Torque Specifications ........................................................41
Inches Hardware and Lock Nuts .............................................41
Metric Hardware and Lock Nuts .............................................42
Table of Contents

1Fertilizer Tender OM
Owner Information
Thank you for your decision to purchase a FT 1600
Fertilizer Tender from Loftness. To ensure maximum
performance of this product, it is mandatory that you
thoroughly study the owner’s manual and follow its
recommendations. Proper operation and maintenance
are essential to prevent injury or damage and to maximize
machine life.
Operate and maintain this machine in a safe manner and
in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal
codes, regulations and / or laws, and in compliance with
on-product labeling and these instructions.
Make sure that all personnel have read this owner’s
manual and thoroughly understand safe and correct
operating, installation and maintenance procedures.
Continuous improvement and advancement of Loftness
products may result in changes to your equipment
that may not be reflected in this publication. Loftness
reserves the right to make product improvements to the
tender at any time. Although great care has been taken
to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Loftness does
not assume any liability for errors or omissions.
Loftness is not responsible for costs or damages
caused by misapplication of fertilizers. It is the
responsibility of the operator to assure that the
fertilizer is applied uniformly and correctly over the
application area.
Warranty Policy
Be sure to read and understand the Warranty Policy at
the beginning of this manual. It is also important that you
fill out the Warranty Registration form(s) completely and
return to Loftness so as not to void the warranty.
Serial Number Location
Always use your serial number when requesting
information or when ordering parts. The machine’s serial
number tag (1) is located toward the front of the tender
frame as shown. The number is also stamped (2) into the
frame just below the serial number tag.
Manual Storage
Keep the owner’s manual and the entire documentation
packet in the storage compartment provided with your
fertilizer tender. The owner’s manual must be available
for all operators.
The manual holder is located at the rear of the tender,
adjacent to the hydraulic controls.
Introduction
12

2 Fertilizer Tender OM
Features
• 30° Tender slop angle
• Two compartment hopper (14 gauge stainless steel)
• Two stainless steel control gates adjust product
flow
• 21 ft or 24 ft x 10 in. stainless steel auger tube and
screw
• Hydraulic auger drive
• Hydraulic auger on/off control
• Hydraulic auger raise/lower control at left rear
corner
• Integral DOT clearance light package
• Self contained hydraulic system
• 10 gallon hydraulic oil reservoir
• Oil level sight glass
• Oil temperature gauge
• In tank suction strainer
• 10 micron replaceable filter
• Front and rear ladders
• 2 part epoxy primer
• White acrylic enamel
• Fenders
• No internal gussets/plates to catch fertilizer.
Introduction
Options
• Roll top tarp

3Fertilizer Tender OM
Safety First
Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the causes or
hazards before an accident occurs and doing something
about them. Regardless of the care used in the design
and construction of this machine, there are some areas
that cannot be safeguarded without interfering with
accessibility and efficient operation.
In the owner’s manual and on decals used on the
machine the words DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION,
IMPORTANT, and NOTE are used to indicate the
following:
DANGER: This word warns of immediate hazards which,
if not avoided, will result in severe personal injury or
death. The color associated with Danger is RED.
WARNING: This word refers to a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in severe
personal injury or death. The color associated with
Warning is ORANGE.
CAUTION: This word refers to a potentially hazardous or
unsafe situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against
unsafe practices. The color associated with Caution is
YELLOW.
IMPORTANT: Highlights information that must be
heeded.
NOTE: A reminder of other related information that needs
to be considered.
Safety Alert Symbol
This message alert symbol identifies
important safety messages on the machine
andin theowner’s manual.Whenyouseethis
symbol, be alert to the possibility of personal
injury and carefully read the message that
follows.
If Safety Decals on this machine are ISO two panel
pictorial, decals are defined as follows:
• The first panel indicates the nature of the hazard.
• The second panel indicates the appropriate
avoidance of the hazard.
• Background color is YELLOW.
• Prohibition symbols such as and STOP if used,
are RED.
Be certain all machine operators are aware of the
dangers indicated by safety decals applied to the
machine, and be certain they follow all safety decal
instructions. Contact Loftness for safety decal
replacement.
Loftness cannot anticipate every possible
circumstancethatmay involvea potential hazard.The
warnings in this owner’s manual are not all inclusive.
Owner’s Responsibility
Operate and maintain this machine in a safe manner and
in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal
codes, regulations and/or laws and in compliance with
on-product labeling and this owner’s manual instructions.
Make sure that all personnel have read this owner’s
manual, and thoroughly understand safe and correct
installation, operation and maintenance procedures.
Make sure the machine is assembled and installed
correctly before being placed in service. At regular
intervals thereafter, the machine should be serviced in
accordance with procedures outlined in this owner’s
manual.
Fulfill all warranty obligations so as not to void the
warranties. The warranty policy included in this manual
outlines the warranty policy of Loftness.
Safety Instructions

4 Fertilizer Tender OM
Safety Rules
These are general safety considerations. Additional
precautions may be necessary to operate your
machineinasafemanner.Becertainyouareoperating
your machine in accordance with all safety codes,
OSHA rules and regulations, insurance requirements
and local, state, and federal laws.
Operating Safety
• Do not allow anyone to operate the machine until he
or she has read the owner’s manual and is completely
familiar with all safety precautions.
• Do not operate the tender while the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not allow inexperienced persons unfamiliar with
the machine, or unfamiliar with safe operating and
maintenance procedures, to operate or maintain the
machine.
• Do not allow persons under the influence of alcohol,
medications, or other drugs that can impair judgment
or cause drowsiness to operate or maintain the
machine.
• Keep children, bystanders and other workers away
from the machine while it is operating. No riders
allowed.
• Keep out of the hopper.
• Do not open clean out door or attempt to clean out
the auger while the auger is turning.
• Do not exceed 2,000 RPM when PTO is engaged.
• The machine requires an operator at all times. Never
leave the machine running and unattended.
• Do not wear loose hanging clothes, neckties or
jewelry. Long hair is to be placed under a cap
or hat. These precautions will help prevent you
from becoming caught in any moving parts on the
machine.
• Do wear safety glasses, ear protection, respirators,
gloves, hard hats, safety shoes and other protective
clothing when required.
• The fertilizer tender should not be used to handle
materials other than those which were specified as
part of its design. It is the operator’s responsibility
to be aware of the specifications and operate the
tender accordingly.
• Do not tamper with the overall machine design.
• It is the operator’s responsibility to be aware of
machine operation and work area hazards at all
times.
• Operators are responsible to know the location
and function of all guards and shields, and are
responsible to make certain that all guards are in
place when operating the machine.
• Operators are responsible to be aware of safety
hazard areas and follow instructions on warning,
caution, or danger decals applied to the machine.
• Know the area before operating the machine. Be
aware of power lines or other equipment. Watch for
adequate overhead clearance.
Transporting Safety
• Lower auger before transporting. Failure to do so
could result in damage, injury, or death.
• Make sure both ladders are raised and in “lock”
position before transporting.
• Always drive at a safe speed relative to local
conditions. Ensure speed is low enough for an
emergency stop to be safe and secure.
WARNING:
Tipping hazard. The hopper
mounted on the truck frame has a high center
of gravity. Reduce speed prior to turns to
reduce the risk of overturning. Keep speed to
a minimum
• Check local, state, and federal laws for all highway
lighting and marking requirements.
• Make allowances for length and width of the tender
when making turns and when stopping the unit.
Safety Instructions

5Fertilizer Tender OM
Maintenance Safety
• Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in this
manual.
• Do no operate a unit that is defective or has missing
or worn parts.
• Do not allow inexperienced persons unfamiliar with
the machine, or unfamiliar with safe operating and
maintenance procedures, to operate or maintain the
machine.
• Do not allow persons under the influence of alcohol,
medications, or other drugs that can impair judgment
or cause drowsiness to operate or maintain the
machine.
• Make sure the operator’s area is clear of any
distracting objects. Keep work areas clean and free
of grease and oil to avoid slipping or falling.
• Periodically check all guards, shields and structural
members. Replace or repair anything that could
cause a potential hazard.
• Periodically check all hoses, hose connections,
hydraulic system, and electrical wiring. Replace or
repair anything that could cause a potential hazard.
• Do not replace components or parts with other than
factory-recommended service parts. To do so may
decrease the effectiveness of the machine.
• Do not lubricate parts while the machine is running.
• Do not smoke while servicing the machine.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
truck’s engine is running or the key is in the “ON”
position in the truck. Before leaving the operator’s
position, turn engine off and remove ignition key.
• Remove hydraulic pressure by operating control
levers to all positions - with engine turned off, before
performing any service on the tender.
• Set parking brake in truck cab and chock wheels
before perming any maintenance or repairs on the
machine.
• Place stands or blocks under the frame before
working beneath.
Safety Instructions
Hydraulic Safety
• The hydraulic system is under high pressure. Make
sure all lines and fittings are tight and in good
condition. These fluids escaping under high pressure
can have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause
serious injury.
• Never check for leaks by using any part of your body
to feel for escaping fluid.
• Always use a piece of wood to check for leaks.
• Immediately replace any worn or damaged hydraulic
hoses.
• Lower auger and shut engine off to relieve system
pressure before loosening any hydraulic line or
connection.
• Loosen connections slowly, keeping hands and
fingers clear of loosened fittings.
• Make sure hydraulic connections are tightened
before applying pressure.
• Do not make any make-shift repairs to hydraulic
hoses, fittings, or any components using clamps,
sealers, tape, etc. as these attempts will fail, creating
a hazardous situation.
• If injured by escaping hydraulic fluid, seek immediate
medical attention as serious side affects and death
can occur.

6 Fertilizer Tender OM
Safety Rules (Cont’d)
Chemical Fertilizer Safety
• Always read the label before using chemical
fertilizers. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for
use and handling. Also follow label directions and
recommendations on keeping fertilizer residue on
edible parts of plants within limits permitted by law.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when
handling chemical fertilizers, such as safety glasses
or face shield, respirators, proper clothing, and
rubber gloves.
• Wash hands, face, and clothing after handling
fertilizer.
• Do not spill chemical fertilizers on skin or clothing. In
case of a spill, remove contaminated clothing and wash
skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and water.
• Avoid inhaling chemical fertilizers.
• Do not smoke when handling chemical fertilizers.
• Cover food and water containers when discharging
around livestock or pet areas.
• Keep bystanders away while discharging fertilizer.
• The tender should be completely emptied of
chemical fertilizer, all residue removed, and washed
with clean water before servicing.
• If symptoms of illness occur during or after handling
chemical fertilizers, contact a physician immediately.
• Store chemical fertilizer in a locked, secure space
away from food and animal feed. Do not store inside
of the home.
• Keep chemical fertilizers away from children, pets,
and unauthorized personnel.
• Store chemical fertilizers in their original containers
and securely closed. Be sure to read fertilizer
manufacturers storage recommendations.
• Dispose of empty fertilizer containers according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
Safety Instructions

7Fertilizer Tender OM
Safety Decal Locations
Check and replace any worn, torn, hard to read or
missing safety decals on your machine.
2
3
Part No. N50969
Part No. N41247
Part No. N41246
2
1
1
1
3
WARNING
•Stay out of hopper.
•Stay off ladder when
machine is running.
•Do not ride on ladder
or any other part of
machine.
N41247
N50969
DANGER
Stop engine and
remove key
before opening
cleanout door.
CAUTION
Agricultural chemicals can be
dangerous. Any chemical could injure
people, animals, plants, soil and/or
other people’s property.
Always read all instructions supplied
by manufacturer before opening any
chemical container.
Use same precautions when adjusting,
servicing, cleaning, or storing tender
as were used when putting chemicals
into tender.
Inform anyone who may come into
contact with chemicals of any potential
hazard or safety precaution required.
Stand upwind and away from any
smoke or fumes from chemical or
chemical fire.
Store or dispose of all used containers
or used chemicals only in manner
specified by chemical manufacturer.
N41246
Safety Instructions

8 Fertilizer Tender OM
Fertilizer Tender Identification
Roll-top Cover
(Option) Hopper
Auger
Motor
Auger
Ladder
(shown folded)
Auger Controls
(Control Valve)
Gate Levers
Auger
Cleanout
Lever
Front U-bolt
Mounts
Hydraulic
Reservoir
Hydraulic Pump
(mounted to truck’s PTO)
General Information

9Fertilizer Tender OM
General Information
Gates
Gate in
Closed
Position
Gate in
Open
Position
Note: Opening and
closing of only one gate
shown in this photo.
Repeat the procedure
for the opposite gate.
The gates separate the two hopper compartments from
the auger.
To open gate, pull gate arm out.
To close gate, push gate arm in.
Ladders
The FT 1600 is equipped with two ladders - located on
the street side, at the front and rear, of the tender.
1
To lower ladder extension, lift up on extension of ladder
(1) and then swing down.
To raise ladder, swing extension up, then lift and drop
into “lock” position.
CAUTION:
Make sure ladders are raised and
locked during transport. Failure to do so
could result in machine damage, or serious
injury while truck is moving.
Auger Controls
1 2
Disengage/Engage Auger Control
To disengage discharge auger, push handle (1) in.
To engage discharge auger, pull handle (1) out.
Raise/Lower Auger Control
To lower auger, push handle (2) in.
To raise auger, pull handle (2) out.

10 Fertilizer Tender OM
Auger Cleanout
1
WARNING: Turn off engine before attempting
to clean out auger. Failure to do so could result
in serious injury.
Pull lever to clean out fertilizer in bottom of auger.
Push lever back in when complete
Tarp (Option)
Roll-top Option
For a manual operation, a crank lever at front of hopper
extends and retracts roll top tarp.
Electric tarp operators are also available.
NOTE: The FT 1600 does not come equipped with a roll-
top tarp. Contact your dealer to purchase either
an manual or electric roll-top tarp.
General Information

11Fertilizer Tender OM
Initial Set-up
Initial Set-up
An overhead hoist must be used for lifting and mounting
the tender to a truck chassis, and for some of its
components. These include the main tender frame with
hopper, auger assembly, and fenders.
NOTE: The hoist or lifting device must be in good
condition and of adequate size to lift the tender.
NOTE: Use lifting slings, straps, chains and hoist rings
that are in good condition and of adequate size
to lift the tender.
Truck, PTO, and Hydraulic Pump
Requirements
IMPORTANT: Refer to chart on page 39 for truck,
PTO, and hydraulic pump requirements
before mounting the tender to your truck.
Hydraulic Pump
The hydraulic pump is designed to mount directly to the
truck PTO.
Loftness does not provide the truck PTO. It is the owner’s
responsibility to ensure a proper PTO is installed on the
truck.
Before mounting the pump, run the PTO to determine the
direction of rotation.
The pump provided is a counter-clockwise rotation
pump. If a clockwise rotation pump is needed, contact
your dealer to exchange your pump for a clockwise
rotation pump.
Mounting Hopper
Locating Hopper
Center of hopper (CH) must be located a minimum of 3 in.
(7.62 cm) forward of the center line of the rear axle/group
of the truck. The following method is to determine the
optimum placement of the tender on the truck chassis.
FAWR RAWR
LWB
DHC
Determine the following:
Table 1
Description Calculation Method Variable Value
(enter here)
Maximum
Front Axle
Weight
Lesser of Front Axle
Weight Rating (FAWR)
or legal weight for
axle configuration.
MFAW
__________
Example:
12000
Maximum
Rear Axle
Weight
Lesser of Rear Axle
Weight Rating (FAWR)
or legal weight for
axle configuration.
MRAW
__________
Example:
34000
Front Axle
Weight
Weigh front axle FAW __________
Example:
6490
Rear Axle
Weight
Weigh rear axle RAW __________
Example:
7960
Wheel Base Measurement from
centerline of front
axle to centerline
of rear axle/group.
Measured in inches.
LWB
__________
Example:
205
W
F= FAWR -FA WEquation 1:
FA W R -FA W
WF=
W
R= RAWR -RAWEquation 2:
RAWR -RAW
WR=
(Continued on following page.)

12 Fertilizer Tender OM
Mounting Hopper (Cont’d)
Table 2
Auger Option LCF
21 ft. Auger 2.5
24 ft. Auger 3.0
Table 3
Description Calculation
Method Variable Value
(enter here)
Permissible
Front Axle
Weight
Maximum weight
that can be added
to front axle.
Equation 1
WF
__________
Example:
5510
Permissible
Rear Axle
Weight
Maximum weight
that can be added
to rear axle.
Equation 2.
WR
__________
Example:
26040
Correction
Factor
Length correction
factor for auger.
From Table 2.
LCF
__________
Example:
2.5
Hopper Center Equation 3. DHC
__________
Example:
38.3
Minimum Cab
to Axle
Equation 4. CAmin
__________
Example:
136.3
W
F
W
F +W R
( )
DHC = LWB +LCF Equation 3:
W
F
W
F +W R
( )
=DHC LWB LCF
CAmin = DHC +98
D
HC
+98
Equation 4:
CA
min
=
+
IMPORTANT: DHC is ideal location of hopper. Placing
fore or aft of this point will reduce capacity.
NOTE: If any modifications to the truck need to be made
to accommodate the tender hopper, consult
the truck manufacturer and/or its dealer for
instructions to safely modify the truck/chassis.
Modifications should be made before attempting
to mount the tender hopper.
Securing Hopper
1
Secure tender to the truck frame using the body mount
u-bolts.
Refer to truck manufacturer for ideal u-bolt locations.
Approximate locations (1) are shown in illustration above.
There are eight total u-bolts. Use four on each side to
secure the tender to the chassis. The four u-bolts toward
the front will use the provided springs. The springs are to
allow twist between the tender and the truck frame.
Compress springs to 4.25 in. length.
Initial Set-up