Optimal 1100 User manual

M A N U A L
O N
TREE SPADE OPTIMAL 1100
111223 -
Manufacturer: Distributor:
Optimal-Vertrieb Opitz GmbH Fieldworks Nursery Equipment
Eysoelden M 41 5191 Dawes Rd
91177 Thalmaessing Grand Bay AL 36541
Germany U.S.A.
Phone: ++ 49 - 9173 - 79 18 0 Phone: [phone]
Fax: ++ 49 - 9173 - 79 18 49 Email: [email protected]
eMail: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
web: www.opitz-optimal.com Web: www.OptimalTreeSpades.com

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C O N T E N T S
Page
Safety Warnings 2
1. Operating Specifications 3
2. Assembly 4
3. Putting into Service 5
4. Operating Instructions 6
5. Care and Maintenance 9
6. Trouble Shooting 15
7. Appendix
7.1 Attachment Points 17
7.2 Installation of electro-hydraulic controls 18
8. Spare Parts List with Drawings 20
9. Warranty

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WARNING Operator must have read and understood instructions
before running the tree spade.
Untrained operators can cause injury or death.
Safety Alert Symbol: This symbol is used for important safety messages.
When you see this symbol, follow the message to
avoid personal injury or death.
Never use tree spade without instructions. See machine signs (decals), and Operation & Maintenance
Manual of tree spade. The operation instructions for power unit must be followed.
Before starting operations, bolts and hydraulic fittings must be checked to make sure they are free of damage
and well tightened. Defective or loose hose pipes might cause serious injuries and therefore must be
replaced immediately.
The operator is responsible for ensuring that no person is near the tree spade when in operation.
No one should be underneath the raised tree spade or near shearing and pinching areas, or near any
hydraulic components. We are advising the user that due to their functional positions and movements the
danger areas cannot be furnished with protective guards.
Keep bystanders well away from work area.
Do not perform any manual work on the tree or shrub when it is inside the tree spade. In particular, do not
check the position of the tree or shrub by hand or feet when it is inside the tree spade. Do not tie the tree or
shrub when it is near or inside the machine.
When sight is limited, an assistant should direct the operator by hand signals.
When driving, the tree spade should be in the lowest possible position.
When moving and working on public roads, the traffic rules and regulations must be adhered to.
Never leave power unit with engine running or with lift arms up.
To park, engage parking brake and put tree spade flat on the ground.
When doing cleaning, maintenance or repair work, lower the tree spade to the ground
and stop the engine of the power unit.
Never modify equipment. Use only original spare parts approved by manufacturer for
this particular model tree spade.
When digging, it might happen that a stone gets caught between two blades and the blades get bent. This
causes tremendous tension in the steel blade. Do not try to release the stone by means of a crow bar or
other tools. Place the digging head again into the planting hole and retract the blades. Thereby the stone will
come loose and the blades which got a high degree of bending strength will regain their former shape. After
that the root ball can be dug again.
The operator must be sure that the ground he is going to dig is free from any underground installations such
as cables, pipes or any other utilities or dangerous matter. Damaging such underground installations or
matter is dangerous and might result in serious injury or death.
Safety stickers have been placed on the tree spade to warn the user of possible dangers. In case a safety
sticker has been worn or destroyed, it must be replaced immediately.
Safety stickers can be ordered with your distributor or the manufacturer. For ordering please use the part
numbers listed on page 2A. Fix the stickers on the locations marked on page 2A.

- 2A -
1. Tower: 4. Tower:
7. Frame:
Part N° 7118000001 Part N° 7118000004
Part N° 7118000001
Part N° 7118000005
Part N° 7118000006
Part N° 7118000008 8. Oil - Manifold:
Part N° 7118000009
Part N° 7118000010
Part N° 7118000015
Part N° 7118000016
5. Gate Cylinder: 5. Gate Cylinder:
Part N° 7118000007
Part N° 7118000007
2. Tower: 3. Tower:
Part N° 7118000001
Part N° 7118000001
Part N° 7118000012
Part N° 7118000014
6. Lock Cylinder:
Part N° 7118000020
Part N° 7118000017
Part N° 7118000019
Part N° 7118000018
Part N°
7118000013

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1. Operating Specifications
Description Tree Spade OPTIMAL 1100
serial number 111 xxx
capacity upper root ball diameter 114 cm (44")
root ball depth 75 cm (30")
dimensions of height 179 cm (70")
basic machine width, gate closed 131 cm (52")
width, gate open 198 cm (78")
clearance between open gate 100 cm (39")
weight basic machine, empty 925 kg (2035 lbs.)
rated type of attachment attachment by means of back plate
to loader or excavator
minimum lift capacity 3.500 kg (7.700 lbs.)
the power unit must be equipped with
an auxiliary double-acting hydraulic
circuit for implements:
working pressure 160 - 200 bar (2,300-2,900 lbs/in²)
oil flow 40 – 60 l/min. (11 – 16 GPM)
controls electro-hydraulic valves, double-acting,
for four functions;
individual spade control
actuated by control box or joy stick
field of application tree nurseries; gardens; civic greens

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2. Assembly
IMPORTANT: When doing assembly work, heed relevant
instructions of manufacturers of power unit!
2.1 Back Plate
The tree spade is attached to the power unit by means of a back plate.
The back plate is procured from the manufacturer of the power unit,
or it might be fabricated according to the drawings and instructions of
the manufacturer of the power unit.
The back plate is to be furnished with borings as per drawing page 18.
At these attachment points the tree spade is bolted tightly to the back plate.
2.2 Installation of Electro-Hydraulic Control
2.2.1 Install control box or joystick at suitable and dry location in the power unit, e.g.
the control box on the instrument panel, or the joy stick at the hydraulic lever.
2.2.2 Install 13-pole electric socket next to hydraulic disconnect of auxiliary hydraulic circuit at
the power unit.
3. The blue wire should be connected to 12 VDC, the brown wire to the ground.
It is best if the blue wire is connected to a power source that is only available when the
ignition switch is on, to avoid inadvertently leaving power on the tree spade.

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3. Putting into Service
The tree spade with the back plate is attached and secured to the power unit.
Both the hydraulic connecting hoses of the tree spade are to be connected
to the hydraulic disconnect of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit of the power unit.
The plug of the electric control cable is to be plugged into the socket on
the power unit (see section 2.2.2).
Make sure that hydraulic working pressure and oil flow of power unit meets
the requirements as laid down in the operating specifications on page 3.
IMPORTANT: The hydraulic disconnect of the tree spade and
the power unit must match and must be connected
properly. Faulty connections are extremely dangerous.
When operating the power unit, follow the
instructions of the operating manual of the
power unit !

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4. Operating Instructions
IMPORTANT: The Operator must be a reliable person. Before commencing
production work, he or she must study these operating instructions
thoroughly.
The following safety instructions must be observed:
It is the operator's prime duty to ensure that any persons must stay
clear off the danger area. Special care must be taken that no one is
ever under the raised tree spade, or near the potential shearing
and pinching areas, or near the opened gate, near the spades or
near any hydraulic components.
Do not perform any manual work at the tree or shrub when it is
inside the tree spade. In particular, do not check the position of the
tree or shrub by hand or feet when it is inside the tree spade. Do
not bind the tree or shrub when it is near or inside the machine.
When sight is limited, an assistant should direct the operator by
hand signals.
Before starting to work with the tree spade, make sure the
hydraulic fittings and the bolts are properly tightened and are free
from any defects.
4.1 Control Box
The work movements are controlled as follows:
Pre-Selector Manual Controls
(hydraulic)
0 : control box switched off
(LED light indicates when gate is not locked)
function 1 : gate lock unlock / lock
function 2 : gate open / close
function 3 : blades up / down
function 4 : stabilizers (optional) up / down
The control box is installed in the driver's cabin. The function required
is preset with the pre-selector of the control box, and it is then activated
by means of the manual control lever or pedal respectively.
The tree spade is equipped with individual blade control as standard,
i.e. each blade can be controlled individually with toggle switches S1,
S2; S3 and S4.
Individual blade control is of particular advantage when soil conditions Pre-Selector
are difficult.

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2. Operation
4.2.1 Lower the tree spade with the lift arms of the power unit until the blade points are about
20 cm (8") above the ground.
4.2.2 To open the gate, the gate lock must be unlocked first:
pre-selector: function 1, gate lock
manual control: unlock
4.2.3 Now the gate can be opened:
pre-selector: function 2, gate
manual control: open
4. With the gate wide open, the tree spade is driven towards the tree to be dug. Position the
tree into the centre of the circular frame of the tree spade, then close the gate:
pre-selector: function 2, gate
manual control: close
4.2.5 Lock the gate:
pre-selector: function 1, gate lock
manual control: lock
It is of utmost importance to lock the gate before digging. It must never be
forgotten because digging with an unlocked gate will bend the frame!
A safety switch ensures that the tree spade digs only when the gate is properly locked.
Furthermore, a red control lamp will light up to indicate that the gate is not locked.
4.2.6 When having locked the gate, the tree spade is lowered to the ground and brought into a
level position by means of the lift arms of the power unit.
Again check if the tree is positioned in the centre of the frame, and correct, if necessary.
7. In case the power unit had been furnished with rear stabilizers of its own, extend rear
stabilizers with the respective control valve of the power unit.
But in case stabilizers have been installed with the tree spade and they are controlled by
Optimal control box, extend rear stabilizers by setting
pre-selector: function 4 (optional), rear stabilizers
manual control: down
4.2.8 Now proceed with digging:
pre-selector: function 3, blades (S1-S4)
manual control: down
The blades are pressed into the soil by means of spade cylinders suspended at the
spade towers. When all four blades are activated simultaneously, only the blades which
encounter the least soil resistance are moving at a given time.
In the event the tree spade lifts from the ground, retract the blades slightly (manual
control: "up") and then dig again, or press the blades down one by one, or by opposite
pairs. In either case, the digging movements must be carried out step by step, until all
blades are completely pressed into the soil. When digging, do not rock the tree spade
forward and backward by means of the tilting cylinder of the power unit!

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4.2.9 Once all blades have been completely pressed into the soil, the tree spade with the
planting material is lifted out of the ground by means of the lift arms of the power unit.
4.2.10 The root ball is lowered by means of the lift arms of the power unit.
Then the gate is unlocked:
pre-selector: function 1, gate lock
manual control: unlock
and the gate is opened:
pre-selector: function 2, gate
manual control: open
4.2.11 The rear stabilizers are retracted with the control valve of the loader, or with the optional
function 4 (up) of the pre-selector.
4.2.12 When work has been accomplished, the pre-selector is set to 0.
IMPORTANT: When moving and working on public roads, the traffic rules
and regulations must be adhered to.
When driving, the tree spade should be in the lowest possible
position.
When digging, it might happen that a stone gets caught between
two blades and the blades get bent. This causes tremendous
tension in the steel blade. Do not try to release the stone by means
of a crow bar or other tools.
Place the digging head again into the planting hole and retract the
blades. Thereby the stone will come loose and the blades which
got a high degree of bending strength will regain their former
shape. After that the root ball can be dug again.
4.3 Releasing the Tree
When transplanting, or when placing the tree in a basket, lower the tree spade by means
of the lift arms, retract spades (function 3 “blades” , control valve “up”) then unlock gate
(function 1 "gate lock", control valve "unlock") and open gate (function 2 "gate", control
valve "open").
When the work has been finished, set the pre-selector in off-position (function 0).
If the tree spade is controlled by means of a joy stick, the hydraulics are off when no
button is being pressed.

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5. Care and Maintenance
5.1 Blade Guides
The blades are furnished with plastic linings which slide on steel guides.
Once the plastic lining is worn to the point that the heads of the countersunk screws are
flush with the surface of the plastic linings, they must be replaced to prevent the screws
from damaging the guides.
IMPORTANT: Keep the guides clean.
5.2 No Lubrication
All sliding surfaces and bearings are made of plastic and do not require any lubrication.
3. Hydraulic Oil Supply
Check level of hydraulic oil regularly. For checking, retract all blades “up”
and lower the tree spade to the ground. If in that position the oil level is
below the mark of the sight glass, oil must be refilled.
5.4 Hydraulic Hoses
All hydraulic hoses must be inspected at least once per year. Damaged hoses
must be replaced. At least after 6 years all hoses must be replaced.
5.5 Cylinders
In case the tree spade is not getting used for two weeks, all piston rods of the hydraulic
cylinders must be cleaned and covered with a preserving oil film.
IMPORTANT: Tree spade must be lowered to the ground and switched
off when doing cleaning, maintenance or repair work !
Use original spare parts only !
The tree Spade must be inspected by an expert on
operational safety once per year !
Do not alter the design of the tree spade without having
consulted the manufacturer !
Check screws regularly on tight fit. Tighten firmly, if necessary !

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5.6 Ajusting Blades
Illustration 1
Illustration 2
1. General view of spade tower
2. A adjustment screw
B locking screw
C locking screw
3. Loosen locking screws B and C.
Move spade tower forward or
backward by means of adjustment
screw A. When blades are in
desired position,tighten locking
nuts B and C.
(Locking nut C must be tightened with
a torque of 420 Nm.)
Illustration 3
C
B
A

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5.7 Replacing Plastic Bush of Spade Cylinder
Illustration 4 Illustration 5
Unscrew bolts (D) and (E), remove worn bushes, insert new bushes (F) and (G).
D
E
F
G

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5.8 Replacing Plastic Bush of Gate Cylinder
Illustration 6 Illustration 7
Illustration 8 Illustration 9

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Illustration 10 Illustration 11
Illustration 12 Illustration 13

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6. General view of gate cylinder with piston rod and eye joint.
7. Screw off plastic thread plug.
8. Remove dowel pin by means of drift punch.
9. Dowel pin has been removed. Note female thread on top of the pin,
10. Place extractor on top of pin and fasten screw into female thread.
11. When screw has a firm grip, hold it with wrench in position and tighten nut until
it is stopped by the extractor. Now hold nut and tighten screw further into
pin thread, thereby extracting the pin.
12. Pin and plastic bush is removed from eye joint.
13. The plastic bush is replaced.
Extractor with screw and nut.

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6. Trouble Shooting
1. Nothing moves. (none of the hydraulic functions works)
- Electricity supply to control box is interrupted. Check fuses at power unit.
- Hydraulic disconnect is not properly attached. Check attachment.
2. Two hydraulic functions (e.g. gate lock and spades) work at the same time.
- On one of the valves the plunger does not move.
This defect might be caused by a dirt particle. Disassemble and clean the
respective valve.
- If this does not solve the problem, the valve is damaged and must be replaced.
3. After the blades have been retracted and the valve has been relieved, they
immediately move down again.
-If the spades move down a short way only, the oil supply of the pump might be
too high.
Oil flow of power unit must be regulated by service of manufacturer.
- If the spades move down all the way, the seals in the spade cylinder might be
defect und must be replaced.
- If the spades move down all the way, the spade valve might be defect and must
be replaced.
4. The gate does not close and / or lock completely.
- The adjustment screw at the hinge wants readjustment.
Adjust adjustment screw.
- The eye joint is worn, bushes must be replaced.

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5. Although the gate has been closed and locked properly, the blades do not move
down.
- The safety switch at the lock needs readjustment.
- The electricity supply is interrupted. Check fuses at power unit.
6. The blades do not close properly although the spade cylinders are fully extended.
-Guides are worn and must be replaced.
-Blades are bent and have to be adjusted.
7. One function (any) does not work.
- The electricity supply is interrupted. Check power circuit.
- The magnet of the respective control valve is defect. Valve must be replaced.
-The plunger of the control valve is seized, probably due to a dirt particle in the
hydraulic oil. Disassemble valve and clean.

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control box
OPTIMAL-Vertrieb Opitz GmbH
Eysölden M 41
D-91177 Thalmässing
OPTIMAL 1100
Installation of electro-hydraulic controls