Standen SP Series User manual

SP Series
3-Bed / 6-Row
Folding Potato Planter
Standen Engineering Limited.
Hereward Works,
Station Road, Ely,
Cambridgeshire.
CB7 4BP
England.
Tel: [phone] www.standen.co.uk Fax: [phone]

On delivery check that the machine is as ordered and has not been damaged in
transit. Please report any shortfall to your Standen dealer.
The contents of this handbook, although correct at the time of publication, may be
subject to alteration by the manufacturers without prior notice.
Standen Engineering Limited operates a policy of continual product development.
Therefore, some illustrations and/or text within this publication may differ from your
machine.
The copyright of this handbook is the property of Standen Engineering Limited,
Hereward Works, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire. CB7 4BP. This handbook is
issued on the condition that it must not be used, copied or exhibited without their
written permission.
IMPORTANT
This operator’s handbook should be regarded as part of the
machine. Suppliers of both new and second-hand machines are
advised to retain documentary evidence that this handbook was
supplied along with the machine.
On installation of the machine (i.e. starting off in the field), the New
Machine Installation Record Card should be completed by the
dealer/distributor and be countersigned by the customer. The
document is proof that the correct procedures have been followed.
The New Machine Installation Record Card should be returned to
Standen Engineering Limited within 7 days of installation. Failure to
do so may invalidate the machine warranty.

INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the Handbook 1.1
Warranty 1.1
Replacement Parts 1.2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety 1.3
HSE Information Sheet 1.5
INSTALLATION
Overview 1.7
Tractor Suitability 1.7
Attaching the Planter to the Tractor 1.7
Preparing the Planter for Work 1.8
Preparing the Planter for Transport 1.8
OPERATION
Control Box Functions 1.10
Planting 1.11
Planting Depth 1.11
Floating Openers 1.12
Soil Retention Panels 1.12
Parallel Linkage Tool Bars 1.13
Adjustable Mould Boards (optional) 1.13
Ridger Bodies (optional) 1.14
Cage Wheels (optional) 1.14
Row Wipers (optional) 1.14
Feed of Potatoes to Cups 1.15
Feed Belts 1.15
Cup Belts 1.17
Insert Cups (optional) 1.17
Seed Monitors (optional) 1.17
Cup Belt Agitators 1.18
Hydraulic Space Selector 1.19
Hydraulic Space Selector in Operation 1.19
MAINTENANCE
Lubrication 1.20
Mechanical Drives Maintenance 1.20
Electrical System Maintenance 1.20
Proximity Sensor Adjustment 1.20
Hydraulic System Maintenance 1.21
Daily Maintenance 1.22
Weekly Maintenance 1.22
Annual Maintenance 1.22
Out of Season Storage 1.23
SPECIFICATION
Dimensions 1.24
Weight 1.24
Technical Data 1.24
Nut / Bolt Tightening Torque 1.24
CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS
Hydraulic Valve Bank and Slave Valves 1.26
CONTENTS

Introduction to the Handbook
This handbook provides the information for the operation, adjustment and
maintenance of your SP Series 3-Bed / 6-Row Folding Potato Planter. To enable
you to achieve the best results from the machine, the manufacturer recommends that
you read the handbook thoroughly prior to using the machine for the first time.
Record below the details of your machine.
Dealers name...............................................................................…………….
Address......................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
Telephone number.................................................................................…….
Machine serial number...............................................................................…
Date purchased............................................................................................
Date started work........................................................................................
This symbol indicates important safety messages within this handbook.
When you see this symbol, be alert to the possibility of injury to yourself
or others and/or damage to the machine and carefully read the
message that follows.
Throughout this handbook the terms 'front', 'rear', 'left-hand' (LH) and 'right-hand'
(RH) are derived from the tractor driver’s position facing forward in the normal
direction of travel.
Adjustments to the machine may have to be made singly or in combination according
soil conditions. Always allow the machine to settle to a new setting before making
further adjustments.
Recommended lubrication and maintenance instructions are included in this
handbook and if followed will help to keep the machine in a safe working condition.
Warranty
Should the machine suffer any faults or defects within the warranty period, please
contact your dealer. The warranty shall be effective only if the dealer is informed of
any such defect as soon as practicable upon discovery.
1.1
INTRODUCTION

Replacement Parts
Recommended replacement parts are designed for your machine and have the full
backing of the warranty. Only when recommended parts are used can responsibility
be considered under the terms of the warranty.
The rear section of this handbook contains lists of spare parts available through your
Standen Agents. Each illustration shows a complete unit or assembly in exploded
form. Standen's policy of continual product development means that components or
even complete assemblies are redesigned from time to time. Where possible the
modifications are shown in the remarks column.
The first printing of each page in the spare parts section is identified as issue 1 at the
foot of the page. When a complete unit or assembly has been redesigned the
appropriate pages are revised and printed as issue 2. The revised pages are filed
behind the existing issue so that a complete modification history is gradually built up.
When using an illustration and parts list it is essential that both are of the same issue.
Always quote the full serial number of your machine when ordering spare
parts.
INTRODUCTION
1.2

Safety
Standen SP Series Potato Planters have been designed to comply with current
Safety Regulations. However, as with all machinery there will be inherent dangers
whilst operating and carrying out maintenance on the machine. The following list of
precautions should therefore be brought to the attention of all persons operating and
working on the machine. The list is not exhaustive. All machinery is potentially
dangerous and great care must be exercised by the operators at all times. Standen
Engineering Limited will not accept liability for damage or injury caused by their
products except when such liability is specifically imposed by English statute.
The machine must never be operated by untrained personnel or
children.
The tractor must be of a suitable size to lift the implement safely. This
may entail the fitting of front weights to counterbalance the machine.
Always check that the machine has been correctly mounted to the
tractor before setting off on operations and the stabilizers are correctly
set.
Never lower the side wings or set machinery in motion before ensuring
that everyone in the vicinity is aware of your intentions.
Never allow children or animals in the vicinity where machines are
working and never allow anyone to ride on the machine.
Never attempt to fit drive chains or drive belts to the machine while the
drive sprockets or pulleys are in motion.
Normal safe working procedures should be adopted at all times.
Reduce speed when transporting the machine on sloping ground.
Do not work on ground where there is a possibility of overturning or
across steep slopes.
The working area should be kept clear and free of obstructions at all
times. Be alert for hidden obstructions. Should the machine hit an
obstruction, stop and check for damage before proceeding.
Wear substantial or proper safety footwear. Avoid loose clothing near
moving parts. Wear gloves when handling the implement or parts with
sharp edges.
Before carrying out any work on the machine, lower the machine to the
ground, switch off the tractor engine, apply the handbrake, remove the
ignition key. Never work on or pass under the machine when it is raised
on the tractor hydraulic linkage.
1.3
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS

When left free standing i.e. not attached to the tractor, the machine
must be on level ground.
The operator must not leave the tractor seat until the machine has been
lowered to the ground, the tractor engine switched off, the handbrake
applied and the ignition key removed.
Never stand on the planter whilst the machine is operating.
All guards, covers, warning transfers and safety devices must be
correctly fitted and operable at all times.
Inspect the machine on a regular basis and replace damaged or worn
parts as necessary. Inspect the machine for damage after use. Never
operate the machine in a state of disrepair.
When in transport, the dual wheels must be fitted to the centre wheels
to ensure stability.
When in transport keep the hopper empty. Always fill the hopper in the
field. Transporting with a full hopper will cause strain on the planter and
will pack the potatoes in the hopper causing ‘bridging’ when planting
commences.
When in transport the hopper, mould boards and cage wheels must be
fully raised. When locking the mould boards into the transport position,
never walk under the raised board, always approach from the side.
Only transport the machine at a speed suitable to the prevailing
conditions. Be aware of the weight and overall length of the machine at
all times.
Care must be taken when carrying out any work on the hydraulic
system. Even when stopped and disconnected from the tractor, residual
pressure will exist within the hydraulic system. Therefore, before
commencing any work on the hydraulics ensure that the system is free
of residual pressure. Regularly check hydraulic hoses for chafing or
damage and replace as necessary.
Safety is the responsibility of the persons working with this
machine. Think "safety" at all times. Read and remember the
contents of this handbook.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.4

1.5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.6

Overview
The SP Series 3-Bed / 6-Row Folding Potato Planter is designed to plant potatoes
with extreme gentleness and accuracy. Seed spacing, planting depth and soil
covering are all controlled for optimum results. Gentle seed handling is ensured by a
controlled seed flow to the cups. Each moving floor belt is only activated when the
seed is required.
Tractor Suitability
The tractor must be of a suitable size to lift the implement safely. This may entail the
fitting of front weights to counterbalance the machine.
When fitting to the tractor ensure the planter is standing on firm level
ground. The operator should have read and understood the tractor
operators manual prior to attaching the machine and putting into work.
Attaching the Planter to the Tractor
1. Reverse the tractor up to the planter and engage the drawbar eye (item 1, fig
1) on the tractor pick-up hitch.
2. Raise the planter on the pick-up hitch.
3. Raise the parking stands (item 2, fig 1) and remove the stand (item 3, fig 1).
4. Connect the hydraulic pressure hose (marked red) to the tractor constant
supply port. Connect the return hose (marked blue) to the tractor return port.
5. Mount the control boxes securely inside the tractor cab in a position where
they are comfortable to operate when seated.
6. Connect the cables between the planter and control boxes ensuring they are
safely and securely routed in the tractor cab. The control boxes require a 12v
D.C. supply. Connect the power leads to the tractor electrical plug (if fitted) or
directly to the tractor battery, blue lead to negative (-) terminal and brown lead
to positive (+) terminal.
1.7
INSTALLATION
Fig 1 Fig 2

Preparing the Planter for Work
1. Remove the dual wheels (item 1, fig 2) from the centre wheels (see dual
wheels instructions).
2. Open the rear ram shut-off valves x2 (item 1, fig 3) and lower the machine.
3. Remove the side wing locking pins x4 (item 2, fig 2) front and rear.
4. Lower the side wings until the outer wheels (item 3, fig 2) are just off the
ground. Ensure the outer moulding boards / ridgers do not touch the ground
first.
5. With the outer wheel on the ground, the arms (item 4, fig 2) should be parallel
to the ground. Use the adjuster links (item 5, fig 2) to achieve this. The arms
should never be allowed to go past the parallel position.
6. Remove the tool bar transport pins (item 1, fig 4). Swing the links (item 2, fig
4) up into the work position. Refit the pin into the top hole (item 3, fig 4) to
secure it during work. Disconnect the cage wheel transport links (item 3, fig
11a).
Preparing the Planter for Transport
1. Empty the hopper.
2. Lower the rear of the planter.
3. With the outer mouldboards / ridgers on the ground, refit the tool bar links
(item 2, fig 4). Adjust the centre link to raise the centre mouldboard / ridgers
off the ground. Refit the cage wheel transport links (item 3, fig 11a).
4. Using the adjuster link (item 5, fig 2), lift the outer wheels off the ground. This
ensures the overall width of the planter does not exceed 3.5 m when folded.
INSTALLATION
1.8
Fig 3 Fig 4

5. Raise the side wings. When fully raised, refit the front and rear locking pins
(item 2, fig 2).
6. Refit the dual wheels (item 1, fig 2) to the centre wheels (see dual wheels
instructions).
7. Raise the rear of the planter enough to ensure the centre mouldboard / ridgers
are clear of the ground during transport.
8. Close the ram shut-off valves x2 (item 1, fig 3).
When in transport, the dual wheels must be fitted to the centre wheels
to ensure stability. Always keep the planter as low and narrow as
possible. Be aware of the height and width of the machine.
Always turn the control box OFF before transporting the machine on the
road.
1.9
INSTALLATION
Fig 5

Control Box Functions
POWER ON/OFF: Power ON when LED is illuminated.
PLANTING MODULES RUN : Starts / stops all selected drives simultaneously.
ON when LED is illuminated.
AGITATORS ON / OFF : Starts / stops cup belt agitators. ON when LED is
illuminated.
BUZZER ON / OFF : Buzzer sounds when no potatoes are detected in
one of the rows possibly indicating a blockage.
BUZZER TIMER : Time delay for seed monitors.
PLANTING MODULES
1,2,3,4,5,6 ON / OFF / PRIME : Individual planting module ON / OFF control.
Module ON when LED is illuminated. Select PRIME
to fill the cup belts prior to planting or to empty the
hopper.
AGITATORS 1,2,3,4,5,6 : Agitator speed control.
ROW WIPERS 1,2,3,4,5,6 : Lowers row wiper to remove the unwanted ridge.
AXLE RIGHT / LEFT : Steers centre wheels in the direction indicated.
AXLE CENTRE : Centres the wheels after turning.
FRONT RAISE / LOWER : Raises / lowers the openers in and out of work
REAR RAISE / LOWER : Raises / lowers the mouldboards / ridgers in and
out of work.
SIDE WINGS
LH RAISE / LOWER : Raises / lowers the LH outer modules.
SIDE WINGS
RH RAISE / LOWER : Raises / lowers the RH outer modules.
SIDE FLOAT : Allows outer modules to rise and fall during work .
Float function active when LED is illuminated.
TOUCH-SCREEN : Selects the seed spacing and displays the number
of sets per hectare / acre (see TOUCH-SCREEN
OPERATION).
OPERATION
1.10

Planting
Careful planting is one of the pre-requisites for a good crop of high quality potatoes.
The potatoes should be planted in straight ridges without gaps and at a correct and
even depth. This is achieved when, at the beginning of planting, the functions of the
planter and the different adjustments are carefully studied. The seed potatoes used
can vary a great deal (i.e. different varieties, shape, size, number of sprouts, skin
quality etc.) and the planter must be adjusted accordingly.
Prior to planting, fill up the cup belts by setting the switches marked ‘PLANTING
MODULES 1,2,3,4,5,6 to PRIME. Once full, reset to ON. This way the machine
commences to plant immediately on starting.
Planting Depth
Planting depth is set by the ram (item 1, fig 6). The ram is used to set the machine
into work and to lift the machine out of work at the end of the rows. The ram is
operated by the switch marked ‘ FRONT RAISE / LOWER’. Planting depth is
controlled by the sensor (item 2, fig 6). When lowering the openers into work, the
sensor stops the depth ram at the preset depth. To increase the depth, loosen the
two screws (item 3, fig 6) and move the sensor block further down the slot and
resecure. Conversely, moving the block further up the slot will decrease the planting
depth.
Always lift the openers and mould boards out of work before reversing or
turning the planter on the headland.
1.11
OPERATION
Fig 6

Floating Openers
The bottom spring (item 1, fig 7) allows the opener (item 2, fig 7) to ride over
obstructions reducing damage to the planter. The top spacer (item 3, fig 7) carries
the weight of the opener and prevent it from 'nose diving' in soft soil. The bottom
spring should be set to allow the ground pressure during work to lift the opener into
the working position. To adjust, reposition the locknuts (item 4, fig 7). On machines
fitted with opener depth wheels, the bottom springs should be released to allow the
depth wheel to float freely and the top springs should be set to allow 25mm (1”) of
free downward movement during work.
Soil Retention Panels
The soil retention panels (item 1, fig 8) prevent soil from flowing into the wheelings
from the openers.
Vertical adjustment is provided to allow the panels to be raised / lowered to match
wheel height. To adjust the height loosen the front and rear leg retaining screws (item
2, fig 8) and raise / lower the legs to the required position. Ensure the panel runs
parallel with the ground. The angle at which the pivot arms (item 3, fig 8) operate
should be approximately 30° from horizontal allowing the panels to ride the contours
of the ground. The depth chains (item 4, fig 8) should be adjusted to allow the panels
to float when in work but prevent them from dropping too low when the planter is
lifted out of work. The skids (item 5, figure 7) are fitted to assist the soil retention
panels in riding over the ground. The skid should be set slightly below the bottom
edge of the panel.
OPERATION
1.12
Fig 7 Fig 8

Parallel Linkage Tool Bars
The ridgers / mould boards are mounted at the rear of the planter via parallel linkage
arms (item 2, fig 9). During work these arms should be approximately 10° from
horizontal. This can be achieved by repositioning the bolts (item 1, fig 10) into a
different set of holes. The height and downward pressure exerted by the ridgers /
mould board is controlled by the reaction arm (item 2, fig 10) and upper and lower
stops. The lower stop (item 3, fig 10) controls the height, whilst simultaneously
reduces the pressure. The upper stop (item 4, fig 10) induces a downward pressure
by loading the rubber torsion springs (item 5, fig 10) within the lower arm pivots. Both
stops are adjusted by loosening their retaining bolt and sliding the stop around the
slot to the required position. If no pressure is required, the stops can be adjusted to
allow the reaction (item 2, fig 10) to move freely.
Adjustable Mould Boards (optional)
The position of the wings (item 4, fig 9) is important to ensure a nicely formed bed.
The outer wings are adjustable for both position and angle. The position of the wing
determines the width of the finished bed. To adjust, loosen the mounting bolts (item
5, fig 9) and slide the outer wing assembly to the required position. The angle at
which the wings operate will determine the shape of the bed. To adjust, loosen the
retaining bolt (item 6, fig 9) and rotate the wings to the required position. The top link
(item 7, fig 9) sets the mould board angle. Initially the angle should be set at
approximately 5° from horizontal. Increasing the angle will allow more soil under the
board.
The depth at which the centre plough operates is set using the top link (item 8, fig 9).
The deeper the plough is set, the more soil it will push sideways. Care should be
taken however as going too deep may move the seed in the bed.
1.13
OPERATION
Fig 9 Fig 10