Mandam TOP 2.5 User manual

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MANDAM Sp. z o.o.
44-100 Gliwice ul.Toruńska 14
e-mail [email protected]
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
TIN: 648 000 16 74 REGON (statistical No.): P – 008173131
OPERATION MANUAL
TOP cultivator
Revision III
Gliwice 2023

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EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMOTY
FOR THE MACHINE
Pursuant to the Ordinance of the Minister of Economy of 21 October 2008 (Journal of Laws No. 199, item 1228)
and the Directive of the European Union 2006/42/EC of 17 May 2006
MANDAM Sp. z o.o.
ul. Toruńska 14
44 -100 Gliwice
declares with full responsibility that the machine:
under this declaration, complies with:
Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy of October 21, 2008 on the essential
requirements for machines (Journal of Laws No. 199, item 1228)
and Directive of the European Union 2006/42/EC of 17 May 2006
Persons responsible for the technical documentation of the machine: Jarosław Kudlek, Łukasz
Jakus
ul. Toruńska 14, 44-100 Gliwice
The following standards were also used to assess compliance:
PN-EN ISO 13857:2010,
PN-EN ISO 4254-1:2016-02,
PN-EN ISO 12100-1:2005/A1:2012
PN-EN ISO 12100-2:2005/A1:2012
PN-EN 982+A1:2008
This EC declaration of conformity loses its validity, if the machine is changed or converted
without the manufacturer's consent.
………………………………………
………………………………………
Place and date of issue
Surname, first name, position
and signature of the authorized person
TOP CULTIVATOR
type/model …………………………
serial No. …………………………
year of production …………………………

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1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Safety signs and inscriptions .................................................................................................5
2. General information......................................................................................................................7
2.1. Construction of the TOP cultivator .......................................................................................7
2.2. Intended use of the TOP cultivator........................................................................................9
3. General safety rules ......................................................................................................................9
3.1. Attaching the tractor............................................................................................................10
3.2. Hydraulic system.................................................................................................................10
3.3. Tyres ....................................................................................................................................10
3.4. Transport on public roads....................................................................................................11
3.5. Description of residual risk .................................................................................................11
3.6. Assessment of residual risk .................................................................................................11
4. General information on use ........................................................................................................12
4.1. Preparing the cultivator for work ........................................................................................14
4.2. Coupling the cultivator to the tractor ..................................................................................16
4.3. Operation and adjustment....................................................................................................16
4.4. Operation of the TOP cultivator ..........................................................................................21
4.5. Rules for transporting the cultivator on public roads and lighting the machine .................22
4.6. Maintenance and lubrication ...............................................................................................23
4.7. Screw tightening torque.......................................................................................................24
5. Technical maintenance................................................................................................................25
5.1. Operation of the hydraulic system.......................................................................................26
5.2. TOP running gear operation ................................................................................................28
6. Replacement procedures.............................................................................................................29
7. Disassembly and disposal ...........................................................................................................30
8. Spare parts for the TOP cultivator ..............................................................................................31

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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the TOP cultivator.
This manual provides information on hazards that may occur when using and working with
the cultivator, technical data and the most important indications and recommendations,
the knowledge and application of which is a prerequisite for proper operation. Keep this
manual for future use. If you do not understand any of the provisions of this manual,
please contact the manufacturer.
Notes that are important for safety reasons are marked with the sign:
The machine has a data plate located on the main frame. The plate contains basic data
to identify the machine:
The guarantee for the cultivator is valid for 12 months from the date of sale.
The warranty card is an integral part of the machine.
Please always quote the serial number when making enquiries about spare parts.
Information on spare parts can be found:
•on the web site: http://mandam.com.pl/parts/
•or at the phone number: [phone]
•E-mail: [email protected]

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1.1. Safety signs and inscriptions
NOTE! When using the machine, special care must be taken in areas marked
with special information and warning signs (yellow stickers).
The signs and inscriptions on the machine are detailed below. Safety signs and inscriptions
should be protected against loss and loss of legibility. Signs and inscriptions that are lost
or illegible should be replaced with new ones.
Table 1 Information and warning signs.
Safety signs
Meaning of the safety sign
Location on the machine
Read the operating
instructions before use.
Frame near mounting of the
upper fastener.
Crushing of the toes or foot.
Frame near mounting of the
upper fastener.
Keep clear of the lift bars
while controlling the lift.
Frame near mounting of the
upper fastener.
Keep a safe distance from
foldable and moving parts of
the machine
Front part of the mid frame
near the side frames

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Safety signs
Meaning of the safety sign
Location on the machine
Do not reach into the
crushing area if parts may
move
Mid frame near side frames
Pressurised liquid jet -
bodily harm
Cylinders
Fixing point for transport
belts
Upper part of the drawbar
(upper fastener bolt)
Rear frame part:
•rigid frame (adjacent
to the roller depth
adjustment)
•foldable frame
(adjacent to the
upper fastener bolt
on the mid frame)

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2. General information
2.1. Construction of the TOP cultivator
Fig. 1 Construction of the TOP unit: 1- Frame, 2- right side frame, 3- left side frame, 4- disc beam, 5- shaft,
6- shaft arm,7- drawbar, 8- working component, 9- shaft bracket, 10- right disc, 11- left disc, 12- cylinder,
13- hydraulics mechanical lock, 14- bumper.
Disc beam
Shaft arm
Shaft
Working component
Frame
Left disc
Right disc
Shaft bracket
Shaft
Drawbar

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Fig. 2 Working components of the TOP cultivator: 1- coulter, 2- right/left shield, 3- tines, 4- plough beam,
5- beam arm*, 6- springs - external and internal*; (* TOP type "S").
Fig. 3 Construction of the TOP cultivator transport carriage: 1- axle with wheels, 2- carriage frame, 3-
cylinder with hydraulic system (fig. 13), 4- frame holder, 5- turnbuckle, 6- drawbar.
Table 2 Technical data of the TOP cultivator.
Type
Working width
[m]
Number of teeth
[pcs.]
Number of discs
[pcs.]
Tractor power
[HP]
Weight
[kg]
TOP 2.5
2.50
9
6
105
920
11
8
120
1062
TOP 2.5 S
9
6
120
1238
11
8
140
1298
TOP 3.0
3.00
10
8
120
1078
13
10
150
1174

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TOP 3.0S
3.00
10
8
140
1360
13
10
180
1575
TOP 4.0H
4.00
13
10
160
1777
17
12
200
1933
TOP 4.0SH
13
10
180
2390
17
12
240
2669
TOP 4.8H
4.80
16
12
190
2085
22
16
300
2136
TOP 4.8SH
16
12
220
2705
TOP 6.0SH
6.00
20
15
300
5010
2.2. Intended use of the TOP cultivator
The TOP cultivator is an all-purpose machine for shallow ploughing or used instead
of ploughing for:
•shallow stubble cultivation (up to 15 cm) to mix post-harvest residues, stop soil
water evaporation, increase the growth of weeds and self-seeding plants, and
reduce ploughing resistance, or deep cultivation,
•deep cultivation (up to 35 cm) to loosen cultivated soil, mix mineral and organic
fertilizers, and prevent mineralisation of humus in the ploughing soil.
The application of right and left side shields improves the degree of stubble mixing.
As a result, the concentration of phenol compounds affecting the growth of crops in the
following year in the crop rotation system is reduced. The application of the TOP cultivator
for deep cultivation eliminates the need of ploughing, and as such, this allows cost
reduction, eliminates the risk of excessively compacted soil, and helps to complete
farming work on time.
NOTE! The cultivator is designed exclusively for agricultural use. Use for
any other purpose will be construed as misuse and will void the warranty.
NOTE! Failure to comply with the recommendations in these operating
instructions will be construed as misuse. The manufacturer is not liable for
damage resulting from the operation of the machine not in accordance with
its intended use.
3. General safety rules
The cultivator may only be used and repaired by persons who are familiar with its
operation and the mating tractor and with the rules of conduct for the safe operation and
handling of the cultivator. The manufacturer is not responsible for arbitrary changes to
the design of the cultivator. During the warranty period, only factory-made "MANDAM"
parts must be used.
The cultivator should be operated with all precautions in mind, in particular:
•before each start-up, check that the cultivator and the tractor are in safe condition
when moving and working,
•use of the machine by minors, persons who are ill or under the influence of alcohol
or other intoxicants is prohibited,

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•use work clothes, footwear and gloves when carrying out maintenance work,
•permissible axle loads and transport dimensions must not be exceeded,
•use only original safety and split pins,
•when working with the cultivator, when lifting, lowering and unfolding, there
should be no bystanders in the vicinity, especially children,
•it is forbidden to stay between the tractor and the cultivator while the engine is
running,
•move forward, lift and lower the cultivator slowly and smoothly without sudden
jerks, making sure that nobody stays in the vicinity,
•do not stand on the machine or put any additional weight on it during operation or
transport,
•during u-turns, special care should be taken if there are bystanders in the vicinity,
•carry out any repairs, lubrication or cleaning of working parts only with the engine
switched off and the machine lowered and unfolded,
•when not in use, the machine must be lowered to the ground and the tractor engine
stopped, machines must be stored in such a way as to prevent injury to people and
animals,
•It is forbidden to turn or reverse with the machine lowered.
3.1. Attaching the tractor
•The attachment of the machine to the tractor must be made as specified,
remembering to secure the pins and to secure the suspension pins with split pins.
•When coupling the tractor to the cultivator, it is forbidden for persons to stay
between the machine and the tractor during this time.
•The tractor working with the cultivator must be fully operational. Coupling with a
tractor with a defective hydraulic system is prohibited.
•Make sure that the tractor with the attached unit is stable, and the tractor
steerability and stopping power can be maintained. The load on the front axle
cannot drop below 20% of the total load on the tractor axle – use a set of front-
mounted weights (see section 4.1.).
•In the resting position, the machine, when uncoupled from the tractor, should
maintain a stable equilibrium.
3.2. Hydraulic system
The hydraulic system is under high pressure - all precautions must be taken, in
particular:
•do not connect or disconnect the hydraulic lines when the tractor's hydraulic system
is under pressure (hydraulics set to neutral),
•regularly check the condition of the connections and hydraulic lines,
•the unit must be taken out of service while the hydraulic fault is being rectified.
3.3. Tyres
•Tyre pressures must not exceed those recommended by the manufacturer and it is
forbidden to transport the machine at too low a pressure. This may damage the
machine and cause an accident on large uneven surfaces and when driving too fast.
•Significantly damaged tyres (particularly profile damage) must be replaced
immediately.

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•When replacing tyres, the machine must be secured against rolling.
•Repair work on wheels or tyres should be carried out by persons trained and
authorised for this purpose. This work should be carried out with appropriately
selected tools.
•Each time the wheels are fitted, the tightness of the nuts should be checked after
50km.
3.4. Transport on public roads
For transport, the side sections of the TOP cultivator must be folded into the
transport position using the hydraulic system. Before folding, the machine must be raised
to the extent that the side sections do not interfere with the ground during folding.
During transport, the clearance under the machine should be at least 30 cm
While transporting the unit on public roads, it is mandatory to apply lighting equipment,
identification
emblem and reflective side lights if the rear 3-point hitch is used.
The travelling speed during transport must not be exceeded:
–on roads with a smooth surface (asphalt) up to 20 km/h,
–on dirt or paved roads 6-10 km/h,
–on bumpy roads not more than 5 km/h.
The driving speed must be adapted to the condition of the road and the conditions on the
road, so that the cultivator does not bounce on the tractor's suspension system and there
are no excessive loads on the machine frame and the tractor's suspension system.
Particular care should be taken when passing and overtaking and on bends. The
permissible width of the machine running on public roads is 3.0 m.
WARNING! Failure to comply with the above rules may create hazards for the
operator and bystanders as well as damage to the machine. Damage resulting
from non-compliance with these rules is the responsibility of the user.
3.5. Description of residual risk
Mandam Sp. z o.o. makes every effort to eliminate the risk of accidents. There is,
however, a residual risk that could result in an unfortunate accident. The greatest danger
occurs when:
•using the machine for purposes other than those described in the instructions,
•using the machine by minors, persons who are not authorised, who are ill or who
are under influence of alcohol or other drugs,
•persons and animals within the operating range of the machine are present,
•no caution is paid when transporting and manoeuvring the tractor,
•staying on the machine or between the machine and the tractor while the engine
is running,
•operating and failure to comply with operating instructions,
•driving on public roads.
3.6. Assessment of residual risk
Residual risk can be minimised by applying the following recommendations:
•prudent and unhurried operation of the machine,
•careful reading of operating instructions,

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•keeping a safe distance from danger zones,
•prohibition on being on the machine and in the operating area of the machine while
the tractor engine is running,
•carrying out maintenance work in accordance with safety rules,
•use of protective clothing and, if working under machinery, a helmet,
•prevention of unauthorised access to the machines, especially by children.
Hazards:
Noise: If the TOP cultivator is used on stony soils, this can cause considerable noise. In
this case, it is advisable to keep the windows and doors of the tractor closed. You can also
wear ear protectors.
Dust: In very dry conditions, very heavy dusting can occur. In such cases, it is
recommended that the doors and windows of the tractor remain closed. In extreme
conditions, a dust mask is recommended.
4. General information on use
The main frame of the cultivator is the basic load-bearing element of the entire
machine. In the version that exceeds a width of 3 m, the cultivator consists of a mid
frame and side frames that fold hydraulically into the transport position. The plough
beams with working components are attached to the frame. Standard cultivators are
equipped with a shaft and a disc beam mounted to the shaft arms. The task of the discs
is to level the soil surface distorted by the last row of working components. The shafts are
used to compact opened soil and maintain the working depth of the cultivator.
Before starting the machine for the first time:
•refer to the operating instructions,
•make sure the machine is in good working order,
•check the condition of the hydraulic system (replace components if damaged, e.g.
pressure hoses),
•make sure that the machine's pressure hose couplings fit into the sockets on the
tractor,
•check the tightness of the individual bolts and nuts,
•check the air pressure in the wheels in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations,
•ensure that all components requiring lubrication are lubricated,
•ensure that the pressure in the tractor wheels is the same on each axle to ensure
even operation.
NOTE! While preparing the machine for deep soil cultivation, dismount all
cutting wings as
they may contribute to extensive compaction of the soil, resulting in plough
pan effect, and increase the operating resistance.

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NOTE! The permissible axle loads and tyre load capacities must not be
exceeded. The front axle load must not be less than 20%. The tyre pressure
should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations
Axle load calculations
Designations:
GC – tractor weight,
TP– front axle load of the empty tractor,
TT – rear axle load of the empty tractor,
GP – total weight of rear-mounted device,
GT – total weight of front-mounted device,
a – distance between the centre of gravity of the front-mounted device and the centre of
the axle,
b – tractor wheel track,
c – distance between the centre of the rear axle and the centre of the hitch bolt of the
rear device,
d – distance of the machine's centre of gravity from the tractor's hitch bolt (for all widths
assume 1.9 m)
x – distance of the centre of gravity from the rear axle (if the manufacturer does not
specify this parameter, enter 0.45).
Minimum load at the front for rear-mounted machine:
Minimum load at the back for front-mounted machines:
Actual front axle load:
Actual total weight:

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Actual rear axle load:
When connecting the cultivator to the tractor, the cultivator should stand on firm
and level ground. When attaching the cultivator to the tractor's three-point hitch, perform
the following steps:
•switch the tractor's hydraulic system to position control,
•remove the lower hitch bolts (in case the tractor linkage is not equipped with
hitching hooks),
•drive up carefully, suspend the machine from the lower links, then secure,
•connect the top upper fastener on the tractor. During operation of the unit, the
hitch point of the upper fastener at the unit must be higher than the attachment
point of this fastener at the tractor,
•check the lifting and lowering of the cultivator and the operation of the hydraulic
system.
NOTE! Hitching the tractor to the cultivator must be done carefully, at
minimum tractor speed! When hitching the machine, make sure there are
no bystanders in the vicinity.
4.1. Preparing the cultivator for work
The cultivator is usually delivered ready for work. Due to the limitations of
transport facilities, it is also possible to deliver it in a partially dismantled state - this
usually involves disconnecting the rear shaft, disc beam and discs.
When the unit is first prepared for use, its components must be assembled:
cultivator, shaft and discs. To do this, place the cultivator on a flat hard surface in a
position that allows the shaft to manoeuvre. Position the shaft arms in the cultivator
brackets and connect the arms to the shaft bracket with screws (Fig. 4). Then mount the
beam with discs to the shaft arms. The discs should be set so that their work causes the
furrows created by the coulters of the last row of the cultivator to be filled in. There is
one pair of discs per plough beam in the last row (left and right discs - Fig. 5). The
arrangement of the hydraulic work control components is shown in Fig. 8. Diagram of the
hydraulic hoses installation - Fig. 17, 18.

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Fig. 4 Connection of the arms with shaft bracket: 1 – tubular shaft; 2 – arms, 3 – shaft bracket.
NOTE! The correct procedure for mounting the shafts in the arm holders
requires that the bolts be evenly tightened diagonally, so that the entire
plane of the arm holders is adjacent to the plane of the shaft clamp profile.
This provides the most secure way of connecting the shaft arms to the
machine!
Fig. 5 Arrangement of discs on the beam.
Right disc
Left disc
Extended beam
Disc beam

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4.2. Coupling the cultivator to the tractor
The tractor wheel tyre pressure should be in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. The lower links of the three-point hitch should be at an equal height,
at a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the lower suspension points. When connecting
the cultivator to the tractor, the cultivator should stand on firm and level ground.
Fig. 6 Three-point suspension system of the tractor's three-point hitch: 1,2 - lower links, 3 - upper fastener,
4 - left suspension, 5 - right suspension with adjustable length, 6 - lift arm, 7 - lift shaft.
When attaching the cultivator to the tractor's three-point hitch, perform the following
steps:
•switch the tractor's hydraulic system to position control,
•remove the lower hitch bolts (in case the tractor linkage is not equipped with
hitching hooks),
•drive up carefully, suspend the machine from the lower links, then secure,
•connect the top upper fastener on the tractor. During operation of the unit, the
hitch point of the upper fastener at the unit must be higher than the attachment
point of this fastener at the tractor,
•check the lifting and lowering of the cultivator and the operation of the hydraulic
system.
Any tractor that is used with the machine must be equipped with a set of weights
and must remain steerable during transport, i.e. a minimum of 20% of the tractor's
weight must be on the front axle.
NOTE! Hitching the tractor to the cultivator must be done carefully, at
minimum tractor speed! When hitching the machine, make sure there are
no bystanders in the vicinity.
4.3. Operation and adjustment
The working depth is adjusted by changing the height of the shaft relative to the
cultivator frame. This is done by inserting pins into a drilled plate fixed to the frame,
together with stabilising plates (Figure 7) and adjusting the tractor's hydraulic lift.

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Fig. 7 Adjusting the depth and distance of the tubular shaft: 1 - working depth adjustment pins with
stabilising plate; 2 - shaft arm fixing screw.
Fig. 8 Hydraulic adjustment of the roller: 1- cylinder, 2- beam with arm bracket, 3- cylinder bracket.
On machines with hydraulic adjustment of working depth, the working depth is set using
pawls located at the piston rod of the cylinder. As more pawls are folded, the operation
of the machine becomes shallower. In a configuration where none of the pawls are
installed, the machine is in its greatest working depth configuration. In (Fig. 10 and Fig.
11), the correct way of installing the subsequent pawl plates on the actuator and the
incorrect way of installing them are shown.

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Fig. 9 Hydraulic adjustment of the cultivator working depth.
Fig. 10 Correct way to put the first (1) pawl on the piston rod of the cylinder to adjust the working depth
of the machine.
Fig. 11 Incorrect installation of pawls on cylinder piston rod. Partial omission of the attachment of the pawls
to the cylinder results in uneven distribution of the forces acting on the piston rod and can lead to piston
rod buckling resulting in damage to the entire cylinder assembly. This kind of adjustment is unacceptable!
Working depth
cylinder adjustment

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The number of pawls on all shaft arm cylinders must always be equal!
It is also possible to change the distance of the shaft from the cultivator frame
(screw in Fig. 7). Note that too little distance between the tines and the plates can cause
clogging with plant residues.
The working depth of the discs is set according to the depth of the cultivator.
Note that the discs must work on the surface to evenly level the soil behind the plough
beams. When changing the height of the working shaft arms, adjust the height of the
disc beam so that the discs are always at the correct height relative to the field plane.
The TOP cultivator elements can be adjusted in terms of angle of attack. The more
horizontal position of the coulters reduces working resistance and undercuts the stubble
with low loosening - recommended for compact soils with optimum moisture content and
soils of medium and low compactness (Fig. 12 opening A, Fig. 13 nut C, unscrewed). The
steeper position of the coulter facilitates penetration and loosens the soil to a greater
extent - recommended for hard and dry soils (fig. 12 opening B, fig. 13 screw C, screwed).
In the case of working elements with spring guards, it must be remembered that with a
change in the torque of the screw, the releasing force of the guard also changes.
Fig. 12 Tooth deflection adjustment with screw lock.
Fig. 13 Tooth deflection adjustment with spring guard.
On cultivators with folding side frames, it is necessary to carry out the level
adjustment of these frames by means of the screws built into the front and rear of the
mid frame (at each hinge - Fig. 14A). Properly adjusted side arms should be at the same
level as the mid frame. Once adjusted, secure the screw with a lock nut.
Table 3 Side frame level adjustment.

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Incorrect adjustment
Incorrect adjustment
Correct adjustment
NOTE! It is forbidden to carry out field work with units with folding side arms
without the hinge lock in place.
Remember to remove the hinge lock before lifting the side arms into the transport
position.
A properly hitched cultivator should follow the tractor evenly during operation and loosen
the soil uniformly over the entire working width. For longitudinal levelling, use the
tractor's top link (turnbuckle), while for transverse levelling, use the crank on the tractor's
right-hand suspension.