Optimal P 650 User manual

M A N U A L
O N
TREE SPADE OPTIMAL P 650
657046-
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: [e-mail]
eMail: [e-mail] Email: [e-mail]
web: www.opitz-optimal.com Web: www.OptimalTreeSpades.com

C O N T E N T S
Page
Safety Warnings 2
1. Operating Specifications 4
2. Assembly 5
3. Putting into Service 6
4. Operating Instructions 7
5. Care and Maintenance 10
6. Trouble Shooting 15
7. Appendix
7.1 Attachment Points 18
7.2 Installation of electro-hydraulic controls 19
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 3. Fix the stickers on the locations marked on page 3.

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Part N° 7118000005
Part N° 7118000010 Part N° 7118000004
Part N° 7118000006
Part N° 7118000019 Part N° 7118000019
2 off Part N° 7118000001
Part N° 7118000012 Part N° 7118000009
Part N° 7118000020 Part N° 7118000016
Part N° 7118000007
Part N° 7118000015 Part N° 7118000008
Part N° 7118000014 Part N° 7118000013
Part N° 7118000018

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1. Operating Specifications
Description of machine Tree Spade OPTIMAL P 650
serial number 657
P 650 P550 P450
capacity upper root ball diameter 65 cm / 26“ 55 cm / 21“ 45 cm / 17“
root ball depth 32 cm / 13“ 28 cm / 11“ 23 cm / 9“
dimensions of
basic machine working height 66 cm / 26“ 65 cm / 26“ 64 cm / 25“
working width, gate closed 73 cm / 29“ 73 cm / 29“ 73 cm / 29“
working width, gate open 142 cm / 56“ 132 cm / 52“ 122 cm / 48“
clearance between open gate 71 cm / 28“ 61 cm / 24“ 52 cm / 20“
weight basic machine only 298 kg / 656 lbs
289 kg / 636 lbs
281 kg / 618 lbs
spades two serrated and overlapping
scoop blades
interchangeable, for root ball diameters
65 cm / 26”, or 55 cm/ 21” or 45 cm/ 17”,
as detailed above
rated type
of attachment attachment by means of back plate
to loader or excavator
minimum tipping load of power unit 800 kg / 1760 lbs
the power unit must be equipped with
an auxiliary double-acting hydraulic
circuit for implements:
working pressure 140 –180 bar / 2000 –2600 psi
oil flow 40 l/min / 11 GPM
controls electro-hydraulic valves, double-acting,
for five functions actuated by rotary switch
field of application tree nurseries, tree farms, gardens

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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 rotary switch at suitable and dry location in the power unit, e.g.
on the instrument panel.
2.2.2 Install 7-pole electric socket next to hydraulic disconnect of auxiliary hydraulic circuit at
the power unit.
2.2.3 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.
2.3 Changing of Spades
Please refer to section 5.5, pages 11, 12 and 13.

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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 4.
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 The Controls
The electro-hydraulic controls are to be operated as follows:
Rotary Switch Control Valve Work Movement (actuated
by Manual Lever or Pedal)
function 1: gate lock unlock / lock
function 2: gate open / close
function 3: blades up / down
function 4: scrapers up / down
spare function 5: (e.g. stabilizers up / down)
The function required is preset with the rotary switch and then activated
by the manual control valve of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit of the power unit.
With some loaders this valve might be activated by a pedal.

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4.2 Operation
First lower the tree spade with the lift arms of the power unit until the blade points are
about 20 cm (8") above the ground.
Preset function 1 "gate lock" with rotary switch and activate "unlock" with control valve.
Then preset function 2 "gate" and activate "open" with control valve.
With the gate open drive towards the tree. When the tree is positioned in the center of
the main frame, preset function 2 "gate" and activate "close".
Then preset function 1 "gate lock" and activate "lock".
Locking the frame before starting the digging operation is of utmost
importance and must never be omitted !
If the gate is not locked properly, the frame may be bent !
In order to prevent the spades from digging with the gate not being properly locked, the
gate lock is furnished with a safety switch. If the spades do not move although the
operator followed above instructions, this malfunction is probably caused by a branch or
some other object obstructing the movement of the gate lock latch. Remove the
obstruction and try again.
After having locked the gate, lower the tree spade to the ground and get it into level
position. Again check if the tree is positioned in the center of the frame and correct, if
necessary.
If the power unit is furnished with rear stabilizers, extend stabilizers prior to digging.
Preset function 3 "blades" and activate "down" with control valve. Now the spade
cylinders force the blades into the ground.
Because both spades are activated by one valve at the same time, the blades which
encounter the least resistance at any given time will penetrate into the soil first.
When the frame begins to lift when digging, retract blades and then continue digging.
Do not rock the tree spade forward and backward with the tilting cylinder of the power
unit when the blades are in the ground!
Once all blades have been completely pressed into the soil, preset function 4 and
activate “down” to press scrapers to the ground.
Now the tree spade with the planting material is lifted out of the ground by means of the
lift arms of the power unit.
Before travelling, rear stabilizers must be retracted !

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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”) and
retract scrapers (function 4 “scrapers”, 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 rotary switch in “off”-position (function 0).

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5. Care and Maintenance
5.1. General
After the initial 10 working hours, check all bolts and nuts and tighten, if necessary.
After that examine and tighten bolts before each operation, whenever necessary.
5.2. Spade Adjustment
When the scoops do not close properly, readjust as follows: (see illustration page 14)
1. Slacken counter nut.
2. Extend cylinder rod with help of a wrench until blades close.
3. Tighten counter nut.
5.3 No Lubrication
All sliding surfaces are made of plastic and do not require any lubrication.
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 !

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5.6 Changing of Blades
Positioning the Scoop
The tree spade is attached to the loader.
Lift tree spade about 50 cm (20”)
above the ground and bring it in
a level position.
Move blades downwards to bring
fastening bolts of blades and
scrapers into a coveniently accessible
position.
Removal of Scrapers
Unscrew the two fastening bolts of each scraper.
Remove scrapers.

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Removal of Blades
First remove tapered pins from piston rods.
Then remove tapered pins from sliding arm
suspension.
Now blades have been dismantled.
Adjusting Sliding Arms
Slacken socket head screw (see Spare Parts List,
table 1, item 47).
Release locking pin (item 49).
Remove retention pin (item 48).

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When changing bigger for smaller blades:
Slide guide pipe in until pin holes do agree.
When changing smaller for bigger blades:
Slide guide pipe out until pin holes do agree.
Then secure position with retention pin and
locking pin.
Re-Assembling Scoop
Put blades into position; fasten them to piston rods
and sliding arms respectively.
Make sure that blades close properly. If necessary,
adjust as shown on page 15.
Make sure that all bolts and screws are tightened
properly !

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5.7 Adjustment of Spades
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6. Trouble Shooting
1. Nothing moves. (none of the hydraulic functions works)
- Electricity supply to rotary switch 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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Trouble Shooting - individual spade control
8. The spades cannot be operated individually, i.e. all spades move at the same time.
-Controls were not switched to individual control. (When working in the individual
control mode, the red light must show red.)
- Circuit board is defect and must be replaced.
9. One of the blades moves even when not actuated.
-The electricity between valve and blade has been interrupted.
-Valve of the respective blade is defect. Replace valve.
10. None of the hydraulic functions works.
- Electricity supply to joy stick is interrupted. Check fuses at power unit.
- Hydraulic disconnect is not properly attached. Check attachment.
- Circuit board is defect and must be replaced.

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