Seederman GS2 Technical Document

GS2/GS3 Automatic
Needle Seeder
Owners
Manual and
Operating
Guide

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GS2/GS3
Owners Manual and Operating Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction – 3
Space, environment, and air requirements – 4
Connecting machine to air source – 5
Inserting needles – 6
Attaching sowing kit – 7
Leveling the machine – 8
Checking the index length – 9
Adjust height of sowing assembly – 10
Operation – 11, 12
Cleaning the needles – 13
Setup and Operation – Dibbler – 14
Vibrator Lubricator – 15
Replacing Sensors – 16
Maintenance – 17, 18
Safety precautions – 19
Contacts – 20

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Introduction
The GS2 and GS3 models are operated in the same fashion. The
differences between the two are that a GS3 model is standard
with a leg kit eliminating the need to place the machine on a
table, and the GS3 is standard with a dibbling unit. The GS2
machine can accommodate a dibbling unit, and both machines
can also be fitted with a Vermiculite dispenser.
The GS2 and GS3 Automatic Needle Seeders were designed for
the small greenhouse grower, but are also suitable in a larger
growing environment.
The speed at which these machines will sow varies greatly upon
several factors including:
-Size of tray,
-Seed type,
-Operator.
You should expect to sow UP TO 180 size 288 trays, or 120 size
512 trays per hour.
This machine will accommodate plug trays from 50 to 512 cells.
The operator can change the sowing kit from one plug tray to
another in less than 5 minutes.
Seederman has designed these popular machine in various sizes
to meet growers demands for additional options (such as dibble
bar and
Vermiculite dispenser), and to allow for more trays across the
table.
Seederman offers a 2 year warranty on all parts (except needles).

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Space, environment and air requirements
The GS2 Automatic Needle Seeder is designed as a tabletop model. The
space requirements are as follows:
Length = 6.5’ to 10’
Width = 32 inches
Height = 28 inches
Weight = approx. 100 lbs. for 6.5’
A sturdy working table allowing at least 4 inches in excess of length and
width is suggested to support this machine. The table should be able to
withstand the weight of the machine and 3 filled trays at a minimum.
As this machine is manufactured using high-grade aluminum it is perfectly
capable of withstanding the hot and humid conditions of most greenhouses,
however you should avoid running this machine in or under a water source.
The GS2 and GS3 Automatic Needle Seeders were engineered to operate
using only compressed air as its source of power. No electricity is
required. This machine requires 80 PSI at 5 CFM to operate all
components.

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Connecting the air source
Connect your air source to the regulator connector being careful to make a
secure connection. The gauge is preset to 70 psi. If the fitting that comes
with the machine is not correct to your air source, you can purchase a ¼
inch NPT fitting at most supply stores.
The regulator is located at the top of the masthead on the left side as the
operator is facing the machine.
The regulator is auto drain but please note, this is not a water drain, it is
designed to reduce moisture.
Figure 1. Filter regulator in off
position. Airline connects to
fitting below blue handle.
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Inserting Needles
Your machine came equipped with a set of needles. Each needle has
qualities that are more suited to different types of seed. Below are some
examples of seeds and the needles you should use for each. Use this as a
general guide to help determine the proper needle for the seed you are
sowing. If you have questions, or need another needle size, please contact
us.
Color Size Seed type
Clear .008 Petunias, Dusty Miller, Coleus
Red .010 Impatiens, Tomatoes (small), Carnations
Orange .013 Marigold, Salvia, Vinca, Peppers
Blue .016 Alyssum, Kale, Zinnia, Dahlias, Pansies
Purple .020 Geraniums, Pelletized seed, Brassicas
Pink .023 Large palletized seed
Green .033 Cyclamen, cucumber
Amber .054 Squash, zucchini
Insert needles into the tip on the
needle bar insuring tips of
needles are facing vertically in
the down position. Do not use
undue pressure to insert needle
into tip as it may cause the tip to
break. If needle does not insert
easily, inspect needle and tip for
debris or damage.
Your kit comes equipped with extra needles
and needle tips. Replace if necessary. Tips
are screw mounted, needles are push
mounted. If you need additional needles or
tips, please contact us.
When using multiple needles per cell,
position outside needles slightly inward to
ensure accurate sowing.
Figure 2.
Needle
bar, drop
tube and
seed pan.
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Figure 3. Inward position for
multiple needles per cell.
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Attach the sowing kit
Before changing a sowing kit, the air source should be disconnected from
the machine and all excess air should be released by using the attaching air
gun.
The sowing kit is comprised of a drop tube bar located at the base of your
machine, and a needle bar. If a dibbler unit was ordered with your machine,
your sowing kit will also include a dibble bar. Each kit is specific to a certain
tray.
The bottom drop tube bar has one handle mounting it to the rear of the
machine. To change the drop tube, grasp the drop tube to steady it, and
with your other hand turn the handle counter-clockwise until the tube is
released. To attach a new tube, line the tube up with the handle, grasp the
tube and turn the handle clockwise until tight. Make sure when attaching a
new tube that it is square to the seed pan, and flush to the back of the
machine.
The needle bar is located just above the drop tube bar. To remove the
needle bar, first disconnect the two air hoses from the front and rear. The
air hoses are equipped with a quick-release fitting. To release, push the ring
at the connection toward the fitting (away from the hose), and the hose
should release. DO NOT PULL ON THE HOSE. After disconnecting the air
hoses, you can remove the needle bar from the assembly by unscrewing the
two handles at the top of the bar, one on the front and one on the rear. To
attach a new needle bar, line it up with the two handles and tighten each,
then connect the air hoses by inserting the hose into the fitting.
The needle bar height may need to be adjusted so that the tips of the
needles fit just inside the seed pan. Adjust the height by first unlocking the
outside thumbscrew, then turning the inside thumb screw to raise or lower.
Figure 3. Two thumb screws
to adjust height of the needle
bar.

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Leveling the machine
To insure maximum precision seeding of your trays, it is necessary to insure
that your machine is level on each surface that you place it. The machine is
equipped with locking leveling pads to aid in leveling.
The best way to level this machine is to place a small amount of round seed
into the seed pan, turn the vibrator on, and watch where the seed locates
itself. It may be necessary to adjust the amount of vibration by turning the
vibrator knob to the left or the right. The seed should lightly “dance” over
the surface of the pan without undue bouncing. A properly leveled machine
will distribute the seed forward of the pan (near the needles) and evenly
from front to back with the majority of the seed centrally located. If the
seed needs to be centered across the width of the seed pan, use the
leveling pads on the front or rear of the machine. If the seed is falling to the
rear of the seed pan (away from the needles) the problem is either the
degree of vibration or the leveling pads on the left hand side of the
machine. If the seed falls too far to the back of the machine, raise the rear
leveling pads. If the seed falls too far forward of the machine, raise the front
leveling pads.
The leveling pads are equipped with a locking handle. To adjust the pads,
first turn the bottom handle counter-clockwise to unlock the pads. Then
raise or lower the foot with the top handle. When the foot is the correct
height, turn the bottom handle clockwise to re-lock the pad.
Figure 4. One of four leveling pads
located at each outside corner of
base of machine.
Figure 5. Seed in pan showing
properly leveled machine.

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Checking the Index length
Make sure the air is not connected to the machine before changing the
indexing length. The first step is to calculate the length of the index- which
is roughly 1 ½cell lengths. For example, if you are using a standard 512 cell
tray – the length of stroke is approx. 1”, and a standard 288 cell tray is
approx. 1 ¼”. It is not necessary to determine the exact length, but you
need to insure that the push bar clears the wall of the next cell. To adjust
the stroke length, pull the handle toward you and release to lock. Slide the
stroke to required length and push handle away to lock the handle in place.
Measure the gap between the end of the cycle bar and stop bracket to the
length that you determine to be 1 ½cell lengths.
To check the indexing length, manually slide the stroke to adjust assembly
forward and backward and note that the push bars index at least one full
cell, and no more than one cell. Do not be concerned if the push bar ends in
the center of the cell.
The next step is to adjust the indexing push bars. To do this, first line the
tray up so that the first cell is directly under the drop tube bar. Next, unlock
the indexing push bar on the right hand side of the machine and slide it
right or left, until the prongs of the push bar are up against the forward wall
of any cell. Once the right hand push bar is set, then offer the tray forward
(left) to the left hand push and repeat to adjust.
Figure 6. Stroke assembly showing
gap between handle bar and
bumpers.
Figure 7. Tray is properly set up with
first cell directly under drop tube,
indexing push bar is set to forward wall
of cell. In the foreground is the stainless
steel vacuum actuator

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Adjust height of sowing assembly
You will need to adjust the height of the machines working parts to fit the
height of the trays you are using. To adjust the height of the entire working
assembly (seed pan, drop tube bar, and push bars), first raise the assembly
to make sure that it will accommodate the height of the
tray, slide the tray under the drop tube arm, then lower
the assembly so that the drop tube sits just above the
tray with no more than 1/8” clearance of the tray.
The height adjust arm is raised and lowered with a single
mechanism at the center of the machine. There are two
handles on the assembly, the lower handle locks the
assembly and the upper handle raises and lowers it. First
unlock the assembly by turning the lower handle to the
left, then using the top handle raise or lower the
mechanism to the desired height. Relock the assembly
with the lower handle before operation.
The machine will be set to the proper index length, and
height, and all working components are proper seated
to fit the tray you are using.
Figure 8. Height adjust arm
with lower locking handle and
upper adjusting handle.

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Operating the Machine
Before beginning operation, complete the following checklist:
• The machine is in the OFF position.
• Seed is in the pan and the machine has been leveled.
• The correct sowing kit has been attached.
• The correct needles have been inserted to match the cells.
• The rails have been adjusted to the correct width for the tray.
• The indexing has been adjusted to the correct length.
• Air is connected to the machine.
The machine control panel is shown below, from left to right across the top
of the machine.
Figure 10. Vacuum
gauge.
Figure 11. Eject pressure
gauge.
Figure 9. Seed collector switch, needle cleaner switch and speed control.

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Begin by turning the vibrator on and adjust as needed noting where the
seed is collecting in the tray. Next turn the machine main off/on switch to
the on position. Adjust the vacuum and eject pressure to the correct gauge
readings. Offer tray to the first indexing arm and allow the machine to carry
the tray through the machine. Repeat sowing of additional trays.
After you have finished sowing all your trays, you can use the seed collector
to neatly and completely collect any remaining seed left in the pan.
The seed collector is located on the
operator’s panel at the left hand side. Turn
the vibrator pan on, as it is easier to collect
the seed while vibrating. Remove the hose
from the holder, and turn the knob
counterclockwise until you hear vacuum
pressure in the hose. Place hose into seed
pan and vacuum seed until all is removed.
To remove seed from seed collector, grasp
the lower (clear) container and turn in
clockwise until it separates from the unit.
Figure 11. Seed collector &
switch.
Figure 12. Eject pressure knob, vacuum knob, on/off switch, and vibrator
switch/control knob.

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Cleaning the Needles
If a seed, soil, or other debris should collect in the needle and block it, this
machine is equipped with a needle cleaner.
Remove the blocked needle turning counterclockwise. Place needle onto
needle cleaner located at the base of the operator control panel in the
lower right corner.
Hold needle into place but DO NOT PUT FINGERS OR HANDS ON TOP OF
THE NEEDLE as it is positive air and can cause injury. Proceed to turn the
needle cleaner switch located on the control panel to the active position.
Within a few seconds, debris should be clear from the needle.
If the needle fails to clear on the needle cleaner, it may be necessary to
soak the needle in warm water for about one hour, then try cleaning it on
the needle cleaner again. The needle cleaner is located at the back and to
the right of the machine to prevent any blowing debris from blowing into
operator’s eyes. For this reason, operator should not move from his normal
operating position when cleaning needles.
Figure 12. Needle cleaner switch.
Figure 13. Needle cleaner located at base
of operator panel

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Setup and Operation – Dibbler
Your machine may be equipped with a dibbling unit. It is necessary to setup
the dibbling unit specific to each tray.
Position the tray as shown in Figure 7 on Page 8. Release the lock handle on
the rear slide mount of the dibbler and manually slide the dibbler assembly
to the left or right to position the dibbling tips to the center of the cells in
the tray. Lock the handle into position.
To change the depth of the dibble
impression in the soil, loosen the lock
handle on the dibble cylinder and slide
the cylinder up or down, then relock
the handle
To change the dibbling section of the sowing kit, unlock the two locking
handles on either side of the top of dibbling bar mount to release the bar
underneath. Replace the bar with that of a different sowing kit, and relock
the handles. The locking handles on the dibbling bar mount were machined
so that the dibbling bar can be positioned exactly over the center of the
tray width.
On the top of the dibbler support arm is an
on/off switch. This will allow you to easily
operate the machine without the dibbler
without having to remove the dibbling bar.
Figure 14. Rear slide mount of dibbler
assembly and locking handle.
Figure 15. Dibble cylinder and lock handle (flat
cylinder attached to upright assembly arm).
Dibbling bar and pins with both locking
handles are directly under cylinder unit.
Figure 16. Dibbler on/off switch.

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Vibrator Lubcricator
When first receiving your needle seeder, you will notice a vibrator lubricator
on the operator’s right side of the control panel. This must be filled to the
appropriate level with the oil provided.
Pull down the tab at the front of the lubricator, pushing up on the bowl and
twisting 1/8th of an inch clockwise until the bowl releases. Fill with the
provided oil until the level line marked on the side of the bowl is met.
Replace the bowl on the mount ensuring the tab is firmly in the original
position. Once this is complete, check that the rubber “O” ring is in place
on top of the bowl.
DO NOT calibrate the lubricator without first contacting Seederman first, as
this may be detrimental to the function of the machine.
Figure 17. Vibrator Lubricator locked
in position.
Figure 18. Vibrator Lubricator showing
tab unlocked.

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Replacing Sensors
The most common issue customer’s encounter with parts on their needle
seeder is an air fitting called a “sensor”. These sometimes need to be
replaced, but life expectancy can vary greatly.
Before replacing a sensor, clean the area with the air gun on the operator’s
right side of the control panel to make sure there is no debris or
contaminant on or in the tubing. Attach the provided label marked “P” to
the air tube leading to the “P” section on the sensor before removing, as
this will ensure the airlines can be replaced into the correct section after
installation.
Remove the air tubes by pressing the black ring at the end of the sensor
fitting and gently pull away. These can sometimes be stiff.
With the use of a wrench, remove the sensor from the cylinder and replace
with a new sensor. It is not necessary to use thread lock on the fitting from
the sensor to the air cylinder.
Replace tubing ENSURING the line you have previously marked with “P”
goes back into the “P” section of the sensor.
Figure 19. New sensor showing S & P
airline sections and “P” label.
Figure 20. “P” label placed on correct
“P” airline before sensor removal.

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Maintenance
Your seeder will require very little regular preventive maintenance. We have
outlined maintenance items you should perform and should not perform, as
well as a checklist you should go through before each operation and at the
beginning of each season.
Prior to first use and at the beginning of each season…
• Remove the panel from the back of the machine.
• Check all fittings to insure they are secure and replace panel.
• Check regulator for moisture and release if necessary.
• Check regulator connection for debris and remove if necessary.
• It may be necessary to clean drop tubes if they are dirty. Some pelletized
seed can leave a chalky residue behind. To clean the tubes soak them in a
small amount of mild detergent and let dry completely before use. Note
that some operators have found that a small amount of residue from seed
(even pelletized) actually assists the seed dropping through the tube even
faster, so you may want to try the tubes first.
• Check bolts, and handles to insure they are secure.
Prior to each use…
• Connect air and check vibrator, vacuum pressure, eject pressure and seed
cleaner pressure to insure that all air hoses, gauges, and regulator are
working properly.
• Spot check drop tubes, seed pan, needles, and needle tips for debris and
clean if necessary.
After each use…
• Collect all empty seed and empty seed container.
• Using air gun, clean the machine of all dirt and debris.
• Disconnect air hose from regulator.
• Release all pressure in regulator using air gun.
• Remove needles for safety.
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Remove the air gun from the holder at the
upper right corner of the operator’s panel.
Grasping gun, use index finger on trigger
to activate air through gun.
After each season…
• Prepare machine as indicated in “after
each use”.
• Store machine in clean dry area and
cover with drop cloth if necessary.
• If you have a GS3-HD, it is advisable to
rotate yellow UHMW rails to allow an even
amount of wear. Rails unscrew using
Allen wrenches (see Fig 22).
Do not do…
• Do not lubricate machine in any way. If you feel there is a part that is
sticking, please contact us and we will direct you how to fix it, or make
arrangement for repair. This machine should not require any lubrication.
• Clean seed pan except with seed collector. If necessary you can use a
clean cloth or paper towel to wipe out seed pan. Do use any cleansers in or
on seed pan. If you do spill for example coffee into seed pan, wipe seed
pan out with clean cloth using water only.
If a sticky liquid is accidentally spilled into pan, it may be necessary to clean
with a small amount of mild detergent – dip a rag into solution then clean
pan, then rinse pan with clean water. Always make sure pan is dry before
use.
Please do not feel it necessary to repair your machine yourself if something
should break. Please call us as most of the time we can talk you through a
minor problem or repair over the telephone. If the repair is more serious,
we can make arrangements to have your machine repaired.
Check your machine a few weeks before your sowing season begins to
make sure that everything is in proper working order.
Figure 21. Air gun
Figure 22. Unscrewing UHMW bed to
rotate rails for even wear.

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Safety precautions
There are few areas on the GS1 that you should be cautious about when
operating the machine.
Compressed air can be dangerous. Caution should be exercised when
connecting and especially when disconnecting air hose fittings. Stand well
away and do not directly face the connector when connecting or
disconnecting fittings. Do not place hands over compressed air
supply. Insure all fittings are tight and leak free, if there is a leak in any
fitting; discontinue use of the machine until repaired.
Needles are sharp and will puncture skin. The needles supplied with
our kits are surgical grade needles and can puncture skin. Operator should
use caution and not place hands or other body parts near needles during
operation of machine. When the machine is not in operation is it suggested
that needles be removed not only for safety reasons but to keep needles
clean and free of debris. Care should be exercised in handling needles when
off of machine. Needles should be kept in a safe place away from children.
There are pinch points on this machine. Caution should be exercised
to avoid placing hands or other body parts on or near the indexing arm or
the indexing cylinder. Also, keep fingers and clothing out of the way when
adjusting the side guide rails (see figure 3) to avoid pinching when moving
these into position.
Use air gun safely. Do not point air gun at yourself or others. Pressure
from air can cause serious injury.
Use seed collector safely. Do not press seed collector up against any
part of your body as vacuum pressure could cause injury. Do not use seed
collector to vacuum anything other than seed as is it may damage unit.
As with all machinery, operation should not be conducted while under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs that can impair vision, memory,
coordination, or judgment, nor should one operate the machine under
duress of fatigue, or working conditions that would impair mental or
physical faculties. Machinery should never be operated by children.
Owner should insure that all operators have read or are aware of all
operating instructions and safety considerations before use.

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Contact
Should you need any assistance, or have any questions about
your Seederman Seeder, please contact us.
Write us…
Seederman Seeders,
8015 Thompson Road,
Spencer, IN,
47460
E-mail us…
[e-mail]
[email protected]
Telephone us…
815 – 370 – 5075