LOFTNESS OS 170 User manual

Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader
Owner’s Manual and Parts Book
(Originating w/Serial Number 82-101)
08.05.17N117080 Rev. A

LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, INC.
LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
The limited warranty policy begins upon delivery of the unit to the original customers.
All Loftness products have a one (1) year limited warranty. The XLB10 Grain Bag Loader has a two (2) year limited warranty.
If any Loftness product is used as rental equipment, or in a commercial application, the limited warranty period is for only 30 days
from the delivery date to the original customers.
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.
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS
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To receive a warranty claim, a return authorization from LOFTNESS must be obtained. The failed part may then be returned in an
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Dealer mileage, service calls and pick-up/delivery charges are the customer’s responsibility.
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.
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. LOFTNESS may elect to have
an area representative evaluate the condition of the machine before warranty is considered.
In addition, this limited warranty provides no coverage for general wear or maintenance items, misuse, environmental conditions and/
or contamination for which they were not designed or not intended, including but not limited to the following items:
•Use of machine beyond its rated capacity;
•Improper knife replacement;
•Missing knives;
•Striking foreign objects
•Lack of lubrication
•Failures caused by running in an “out-of-balance” condition;
•Tires;
•Conveyors;
•Auger wear;
•Saw blades; and
•Brakes and brake pads.
EXCLUSIONS OF WARRANTY
Except as otherwise expressly stated herein, LOFTNESS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The
implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are excluded from this limited warranty. The
remedies set forth in this warranty are the only remedies available to any person under this warranty. LOFTNESS shall have no
liability to any person for incidental, consequential or special damages of any description, whether arising out of express or implied
warranty or any other contract, negligence, or other tort or otherwise. This exclusion of consequential, incidental and special damages
is independent from and shall survive any finding that the exclusive remedy failed of its essential purpose. 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 affirmation, representation or
warranty concerning its machinery and/or attachments except as specifically set forth herein.
April 2017

OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Table of Contents
Warranty
Table of Contents
Introduction
Owner Information............................................................... 1
Warranty Policy ................................................................. 1
Serial Number Location........................................................... 1
Manual Storage ................................................................. 1
Features....................................................................... 2
Options2
Safety Instructions
Safety First .................................................................... 3
Owner’s Responsibility ........................................................... 3
Safety Rules ................................................................... 4
Operating Safety ............................................................. 4
Transporting Safety ........................................................... 4
Maintenance Safety........................................................... 4
Hydraulic Safety ............................................................. 5
Chemical Fertilizer Safety ...................................................... 5
OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader Identification.............................................. 6
Safety Decal Locations ........................................................... 8
Set-up and Operation
Preparation for Use .............................................................. 9
Monitors/Controllers ............................................................. 9
Connecting to Tractor ............................................................ 9
For PTO Drive Models ......................................................... 9
Attaching PTO ........................................................... 10
For Variable Rate Ready and Ground Drive Models ................................. 10
Controller/Monitor Connections (Variable Rate Ready Only) .......................... 10
Hydraulic Connections ....................................................... 11
Setting Tractor Hydraulics ..................................................... 11
For Clutch Disengage: ..................................................... 11
For Conveyor Drive and Spinners:............................................ 11
Connecting to Truck - Transporting................................................. 11
Determining Product Density ..................................................... 12
Variable Rate Ready (VRR) ....................................................... 12
Setting the Metering Gate Opening (VRR models) .................................. 12
Calibrate Spreader Constant (VRR).............................................. 13
Catch Test .............................................................. 13
Engaging the Conveyor (VRR) .................................................. 13

OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Table of Contents
Set-up and Operation (Cont’d)
Mechanical Ground Drive ........................................................ 13
Prepare For Field Use ........................................................ 13
Setting the Metering Gate Opening (Mechanical Ground Drive) ........................ 14
Adjusting for High or Low Range (Mechanical Ground Drive).......................... 15
Spreading Speed and Interval..................................................... 15
Speed .................................................................... 15
Driving Interval.............................................................. 15
Rate Chart Selector ............................................................. 16
Calibration (VRR Models) ........................................................ 16
Spreader Constants/Rate Charts .................................................. 17
Hydraulic (Variable Rate Ready) - N129459 ....................................... 17
25 Ft. Mechanical Drive - 204016 ............................................... 18
Distance Mechanical Drive - 204017 (Used with Bander) ............................. 19
Spread Pattern Test............................................................. 20
Machine Preparation ......................................................... 20
Course Set-up .............................................................. 20
You will need:............................................................ 20
Spread Pattern Course .................................................... 21
Spread Procedure ........................................................... 21
Spread Pattern Test Results Sheet ........................................... 22
Spread Pattern Recording..................................................... 23
Graphing the Test Results ..................................................... 23
Acceptable Patterns ...................................................... 24
Unacceptable Patterns .................................................... 24
Spread Pattern Adjustments ...................................................... 25
Spinner Blade Positions ...................................................... 25
Rear Deflector Adjustment .................................................... 25
Spinner RPM ............................................................... 25
For Hydraulic Drive Spreaders............................................... 26
Spinner RPM (PTO Powered Spinners) ........................................ 26
Maintenance
Bander Operation .............................................................. 26
General Maintenance ........................................................... 27
Maintenance Schedule .......................................................... 27
Fluids And Lubricants ........................................................... 27
Lubrication.................................................................... 28
Grease Points .............................................................. 28
Wheel Bearing Maintenance ...................................................... 30
Roller Chain(s) ................................................................. 30
Removing the Rear End.......................................................... 31
Tightening Conveyor ............................................................ 31
Screen Removal ............................................................... 31
Replacing Metering Shaft ........................................................ 31

OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Table of Contents
Maintenance (Cont’d)
Tire Inflation ................................................................... 31
Bander Installation and Removal................................................... 32
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Storage ...................................................................... 32
For Short-term Storage: ................................................... 32
For Long-term or End of Season Storage: ..................................... 32
Troubleshooting................................................................ 33
Parts Identification
Spreader Frame............................................................. 38
Spreader Frame (Cont’d) ...................................................... 40
Spinner Mount and Cover ..................................................... 41
Bander Assembly (Optional) ................................................... 42
Disconnect, Hydraulic ........................................................ 43
Drive, PTO Model ........................................................... 44
Spinner Drive, Hydraulic ...................................................... 46
Spinner Drive, Belt........................................................... 48
Conveyor Drive, Hydraulic..................................................... 50
Motor and Valve Assembly (N102345). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Conveyor Drive, Ground ...................................................... 54
Clutch Assembly (N109201) ................................................... 56
Tire (N22459) ............................................................... 57
Spinner Speed Sensor........................................................ 58
Raven 660 Controller (N89543) - (parts not shown) ................................. 59
Manual Holder .............................................................. 59
Machine Decals and Signs .................................................... 60
Application Rate Chart Decals............................................... 61
Appendix
Specifications ................................................................. 63
Dimensions ................................................................... 64
Torque Specifications ........................................................... 65
Inches Hardware and Lock Nuts ................................................ 65
Metric Hardware and Lock Nuts ................................................ 66

OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM

1OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Owner Information
Thank you for your decision to purchase a Fertilizer
Spreader 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
machine 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
2
1
The arrows indicate the location of the Loftness serial
number tag (1), and the location of the serial number
stamped into the frame (2).
Always use your model and serial number when
requesting information or when ordering parts.
Manual Storage
Keep the owner’s manual and the entire documentation
packet in the storage compartment provided with your
fertilizer spreader. The owner’s manual must be available
to all operators.
The manual holder is located on the inside of the spreader
tongue.
Introduction

2OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Features
Spread Pattern
• Dual (25 ft.) stainless steel spinners deliver a
spread pattern using a 100% overlapping triangular
pattern.
• Spread pattern up to 40 ft.
Fixed Axles
• 42 in. (106.7 cm) track setting.
Adjustable Height Hitch
• Moveable clevis accommodates wide range of
drawbar heights.
• Allows for leveling of spreader.
Integral Hitch
• Hitch is integral to frame.
Conveyor Drive
• Hydraulic drive, variable rate ready.
• Chain drive, fixed rate, adjustable with gate.
Obstruction Free Interior
• No internal gussets/plates to catch fertilizer.
Spinner Drive
• Hydraulic drive
Introduction
Options
Bander
• Optional banding attachment - Adjustable wings for
placing fertilizer in strips

3OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader 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
and in the owner’s manual. When you see this
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
circumstance that may involve a 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

4OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Safety Rules
These are general safety considerations. Additional
precautions may be necessary to operate your
machine in a safe manner. Be certain you are operating
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 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.
• 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 spreader 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
spreader accordingly.
• 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 including but not
limited to chain drives, conveyors, spinners 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.
• Always have an operator in the tractor while the
machine is in operation.
• Disengage PTO, clutch hydraulic valve and shift
tractor into neutral or park before starting engine.
Transporting Safety
• Be sure the machine is in the transport position
before transporting on a roadway.
• Do not exceed speed rating (30 mph) on the factory
provided tires.
• Disengage PTO, clutch hydraulic valve and shift
tractor into neutral or park before starting engine.
• Machine has high center of gravity. Exercise caution
when pulling on slopes. Reduce speed while turning.
Maintenance Safety
• 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.
Safety Instructions

5OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Safety Rules (Cont’d)
Maintenance Safety (Cont’d)
• Periodically check all hoses, hose connections 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
tractor engine is running or the key is in the “ON”
position in the tractor. Before leaving the operator’s
position, disengage power to the machine and
remove ignition key.
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.
WARNING: Contact with high pressure
fluids may cause fluid penetration and burn
hazards. Fluid that is under pressure can
penetrate body tissue. Fluid penetration can
cause serious injury and possible death. If
fluid is injected into the skin, seek medical
attention immediately!
Safety Instructions
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 and
spreading.
• 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 spreading
around livestock or pet areas.
• Keep bystanders away while spreading fertilizer.
• The spreader 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
and/or spreading 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.

6OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader Identification
Safety Instructions

7OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader Identification (Cont’d)
Safety Instructions

8OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Safety Instructions
Safety Decal Locations
Check and replace any worn, torn, hard to read or
missing safety decals on your machine.
1
2
3
Part No. N35391
Part No. N35383
Part No. N35380
WARNING
N35391
Disengage all
power before
servicing
or adjusting.
CAUTION
N35383
WITH BRAKES
NO BRAKES
20 MPH
MAX
25 MPH
MAX
IMPLEMENT TOWING REQUIREMENTS
WEIGHT RATIO
1# TO 1
1/2 # MAX
1 1/2 # MAX
1#
1#
4
1/2 # MAX
WEIGHT RATIO
1# TO 4
1/2 # MAX
WARNING
N35380
Stay clear.
Wear eye
protection.
2
3
1

9OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Set-up and Operation
Preparation for Use
Before putting the spreader into operation make sure
the machine has been properly adjusted and the spread
pattern has been determined.
IMPORTANT: Read and thoroughly understand the
contents of the operator’s manual before
operating.
• Visually inspect the spreader for damage or missing
parts. Contact your Loftness dealer if any parts need
replacing.
• Remove protective cover on Slow Moving Vehicle
(SMV) sign on upper rear of the spreader. Place SMV
vertical for display while in use. SMV folds down for
shipping.
• Check the machine for loose bolts. Check bearing,
sheave, and sprocket set screws.
• Check wheel lugs for tightness.
• Check tire pressure.
• Turn conveyor chain by hand to ensure it moves
freely without obstruction(s).
• Check conveyor chain for tension. There should be a
2-3 in. (5.08 - 7.62 cm) sag underneath.
• Perform a test pattern.
IMPORTANT: Before placing the fertilizer spreader into
operation, a spread pattern test MUST
be performed. Refer to “Spread Pattern
Test” on page 20 for instructions.
Monitors/Controllers
Install controller/monitor in cab. Consult tractor manual
to determine locations for mounting monitors and
controllers.
Connect controllers and monitors to keyed switch power.
Consult tractor manual for sources of keyed switch
power. If keyed switch power is not available, constant
12V power may be used.
IMPORTANT: Monitors and Controllers that have power
supplied via constant 12V power will not
turn off with tractor key. Turn off monitor
when tractor is not running.
Connecting to Tractor
For PTO Drive Models
Adjust the spreader hitch so the spreader is as level as
possible. Connect to the tractor and install an approved
hitch pin for the load, securing hitch pin with a safety
locking pin. Connect the safety chains to the tractor.
Connect surge breakaway chain to tractor.
The tractor draw bar and PTO must conform to ASAE
specifications shown in illustration below for proper PTO
operation.
PTO Shaft
Drawbar
A
B
C
CAUTION: Lock the draw bar securely in
both the horizontal and the vertical positions
to avoid damage to the PTO.
A- 6-12 in. (15.24-30.48 cm)
B- 13-17 in. (33.02-43.18 cm); 15 in. (38.1 cm preferred.
(Higher draw bars disrupt spread pattern.)
C- 540 RPM - 14 in. (35.56 cm
CAUTION: Always work with the PTO
driveline as straight as possible to guard
against damage to the PTO, spreader, or
tractor.
(Procedure continued on following page.)

10 OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Connecting to Tractor (Cont’d)
For PTO Drive Models (Cont’d)
Attaching PTO
1
540 RPM Input Shaft
Connect the PTO to the shaft (1) on the spreader.
1
2
Pull pin (1) that secures the jack (2) to the frame and
rotate into the storage position as show. Reinsert pin to
secure.
For Variable Rate Ready and Ground Drive
Models
1
Adjust bolts (1) on the clevis (if necessary) to be level as
possible with the tractor drawbar height.
Connect to the tractor and install an approved hitch pin
for the load, securing hitch pin with a safety locking pin.
Connect the safety chains to the tractor. Connect surge
breakaway chain to tractor.
Remove the jack and secure in the storage position. (See
photo to the left).
Controller/Monitor Connections (Variable
Rate Ready Only)
For spreaders equipped with hydraulic drive, connect the
controller harness on the spreader to the mating harness
on the tractor.
Set-up and Operation

11OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Connecting to Tractor (Cont’d)
Hydraulic Connections
Connect the spreader’s hydraulic hoses to the tractor’s
hydraulic system. Hydraulic hoses are marked with
corresponding “TANK” or “PRESSURE” decals.
Setting Tractor Hydraulics
For Clutch Disengage:
1. Valve should be set fully so cylinder extend/retract
time is 3 seconds.
IMPORTANT: Clutch disengage cylinder is small – high
cylinder speed could damage cylinder
For Conveyor Drive and Spinners:
1. Make hydraulic hose connections.
2. Set hydraulics to continuous flow.
3. Determine if your tractor is equipped with an open-
center or closed-center hydraulic system.
NOTE: For tractors equipped with an open-center
system, contact your dealer for an open-center
kit.
1
Valve position for
open-center systems.
Valve position for
closed-center systems.
4. If the tractor has an open-center system, pull the
red button (1) on the conveyor manifold out, and turn
to lock into place.
If the tractor has a closed-center system, turn and
push the red button (1) on the controller in.
5. If the tractor is equipped with an open-center
system, set the tractor hydraulic flow to maximum.
6. Set the controller to Test mode.
7. Set the speed to 15 MPH.
8. Set the rate to 1,000 lbs.
9. Decrease the tractor hydraulic flow until the conveyor
slows. Then slightly increase tractor flow.
IMPORTANT: This is done to reduce the amount of
bypass oil.
10. Exit the Test mode on the controller.
Connecting to Truck - Transporting
CAUTION: Tow only with a truck or vehicle
capable of pulling the weight of the spreader
and its contents.
Adjust the spreader hitch so the spreader is as level
as possible. Connect to the truck hitch and install an
approved hitch pin for the load, securing hitch pin with
a safety locking pin. Connect the safety chains to the
truck.
IMPORTANT: Make sure hydraulic hoses are secure
before transport.
IMPORTANT: For PTO drive models, make sure PTO is
locked in the storage cradle and hydraulic
hoses are secure before transport.
Set-up and Operation

12 OS 170 Fertilizer Spreader OM
Determining Product Density
Determine the fertilizer density using the scale provided
with your spreader following these instructions
1. Fill canister gently to the top with material to be
spread.
2. Support by the ring.
3. Level beam.
4. Read pounds per cubic feet at the center of weight.
NOTE: Instructions are also written on the density scale.
NOTE: A density scale is provided with variable rate
ready model spreaders. If you would like to order
a density scale for your mechanical ground drive
model spreader, contact your Loftness dealer.
Variable Rate Ready (VRR)
Setting the Metering Gate Opening (VRR
models)
The metering gate opening, along with the speed of
the conveyor chain, determines the spreader constant.
Refer to the spreader setup chart, “Hydraulic (Variable
Rate Ready) - N129459” on page 17, for the spreader
constant as it relates to the metering gate opening.
The recommended metering gate opening for variable
rate ready spreaders is 2 in. However, some adjustments
may need to be made after the machine has been put
into operation.
RAISE metering gate opening if conveyor cannot keep
up with high rates/application speeds.
LOWER metering gate opening for low rates/speed to
prevent ratcheting.
IMPORTANT: If an adjustment to the metering gate is
made, the spreader constant needs to be
adjusted accordingly. Refer back to the chart
on page 17 to find the spreader constant
that correlates with the meter gate opening.
1
2
3
NOTE: Cover opened
for clarity.
Loosen handle (1). Move the gate control lever (2) until
the indicator (3) is at the proper setting. Lock gate by
retightening the handle (1).
Set-up and Operation