stellar labs STUD KING MD25 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Head Transports
Models MD25, MD32, MD38, MD42, MD48
Stellar Industries
2421 15th St. SW
Mason City, IA 50401
Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.md-products.com

INDEX
Warranty & Safety Information
1 - Limited Warranty
2 - Safety
3 - Equipment Safety Guidelines
4 - Before You Begin
Transport Operation
5 - Saddle Adjustment
6 -Ratchet Tie Downs
6 -Placing a Head on the Trailer
7 -Optional Attachments
8 -Unloading the Head
9 -Hooking Up the Transport
10 -Electronic Breakaway System
10 –11 -Pulling the Transport
Performing Maintenance
13-Hub Removal & Inspection
14-Brake Drum Inspection
15-Bearing Inspection
16-Safe-T-Lube Hubs
16- Rubber Torsion Suspension
17- Wheels and Tires
18 – 19 - Torque Requirements & Specifications
19- Tire Wear Diagram
20 – 21 - Lighting and Marking
22-Bolt Torque Chart
23- Maintenance Schedule
24–28-Parts Lists

1
1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This document is to certify that we warrant to the original purchaser equipment manufactured by
Stellar Industries, identified and recorded by serial number, to be free of defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service. Should defects in either circumstance arise, Stellar
Industries will replace, free of cost to the original purchaser, any part or parts that in our judgment show
evidence of such defects. Manufacturer agrees to replace or repair at no charge during this period any
part or parts which have been returned to the factory within 90 days of the original warranty claim, freight
prepaid, and deemed defective by factory authorized inspection. Should it not be possible to or said
parts are not returned in the allotted time-frame for factory inspection the manufacturer shall not be liable
for any labor costs or any other costs encountered in replacing or repairing any parts involved unless
approved by the manufacturer’s warranty officer, but shall only be obligated to supply the necessary
repair or replacement items.
Stellar Industries, as the manufacturer shall not be liable for any other damage, whether direct or
consequential.
Restrictions
This limited warranty will not apply to any equipment that has been operated or used in a manner not
recommended by the manufacturer or that has been incorrectly repaired, altered, neglected, misused,
subject to prior damage from an accident or has been used in any way, in the opinion of Stellar
Industries, to adversely affect its performance. This warranty also will not cover any equipment where the
serial number has been altered, defaced or removed.
Limitations
This limited warranty does not apply to nor cover exterior finishes, tires, bearings, springs, axles or any
other items not directly manufactured by Stellar Industries, except to the extent of their individual
manufacturers guarantee. Should an issue arise with any such item in the period of this warranty
please contact Stellar Industries and we will contact the correct manufacturer to obtain their
warranty policy.
Submitting a Claim
All warranty claims must be submitted from an authorized Stellar Industries dealer, by the original
owner, within 1 year of the purchase date of the equipment. The claim must be submitted with the
Stellar Industries warranty form, trailer serial number, customer/owner name along with all available
information on the defective item possibly including pictures, diagrams or measurements as
deemed necessary by the factory. Upon submitting the claim the information shall be reviewed by the
manufactures warranty officer, only after approval the proper actions shall be taken and replacement
parts sent out free of charge. All defective parts must be returned to the factory within 90 days of
receiving replacement parts or the company submitting the claim shall be billed for the parts cost,
unless special circumstance has been provided in writing by the warranty officer.
Cost Reimbursement
The manufacturer shall reimburse any authorized Stellar Industries dealer for costs, as deemed
necessary and justifiable by the warranty officer, incurred while replacing or repairing a part deemed
defective within the warranty period of 1 year. All labor reimbursement must be approved by the
warranty officer at the time of the claim, the manufacture shall not be obligated to pay any labor or
costs not first approved by factory authorized personnel, nor are they obligated to pay any specific
labor rate, cost or number of hours billed. Reimbursement shall be taken on a case by case
basis and given based on the manufactures recommended repair procedures and the amount of
time deemed required to repair the issue.
Dealer Use
This warranty shall not cover any equipment manufactured by Stellar Industries, including that in
possession of dealers, prior to the sale date of the original customer. Should the item purchased from
the manufacturer be intended for dealer use please fill out the included Dealer Use Warranty Form,
once the form has been completed and returned to Stellar Industries only then will the limited 1 year
warranty apply to the equipment. The manufacturer shall not be obligated to repair or replace any
defective part nor reimburse repair costs for any item while being used by a dealer without the proper
authorization.

2
TAKE NOTE - THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL FOUND
THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL IS USED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION
TO INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND
THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
SIGNAL WORDS:
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION
with the safety messages. The appropriate signal word for each has
been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the
most extreme situations typically for machine components which, for
functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards
that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
\
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.
SAFETY ... YOU CAN LIVE WITH

3
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and
developing a new piece of equipment. Designers and manufacturers build
in as many safety features as possible. However, every year many
accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds
of thought and a more careful approach to handling equipment. You, the
operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following
precautions in this section. To avoid personal injury, study the following
precautions and insist those working with you or for you, follow them.
Replace any CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER or instruction safety decal
that is not readable or is missing. Location of such decals is indicated
in this booklet.
Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the influence of drugs
or alcohol.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its
operation. The operator should be a responsible adult familiar with farm
machinery and trained in this equipment's operations. Do not allow
anyone to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this
manual and have developed understanding of the safety
precautions and of how it works. Do not for any reason allow any
person to ride on the head trailer or stand on the draw bar of tow
vehicle

4
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
 Carefully study and
understand this manual.
 Don't hurry the learning
process or take the unit
for granted. Ease into it
and become familiar with
your new equipment.
 Practice operation of your
equipment and its
attachments. Completely
familiarize yourself with it
 Do not wear loose-fitting
clothing which may catch
in moving parts.
 Always wear protective
clothing and substantial
shoes.
 Keep wheel lug nuts or
bolts tightened to
specified torque.
 Assure that tires are
inflated evenly.
 Give the unit a visual
inspection for any loose
bolts, worn parts or
cracked welds, and make
necessary repairs. Follow
the maintenance safety
instructions included in
this manual.
 Be sure that there are no
tools lying on or in the
equipment.
 Do not use the unit until
you are sure that the area
is clear, especially of
children and animals.
 Make sure that the brakes
are evenly adjusted (if
equipped with brake
 Securely attach to towing
unit. Use a high strength,
appropriately sized hitch
pin with a mechanical
retainer and attach safety
chains.
 Prior to moving load insure
the tongue is level to the
ground. You may have to
use a different receiver or
tow vehicle. Damage to
trailer is possible
 Do not allow anyone to
stand between the tongue
or hitch and the towing
vehicle when backing up to
the equipment.

5
.
TRANSPORT OPERATION
This requires your utmost attention! Never allow anyone within close proximity
during loading as injury may occur during process of moving the head onto the
transport.
Saddle Adjustment
Your Stud King head transport comes standard with two wrench free
adjustable saddles which can be moved along the frame by simply loosening
the lever nut on the inside of the saddle assembly below the frame. The
backstop on the saddle is also able to be moved in order to change the
placement of the head on the trailer, to do this remove the two backstop pins
from the assembly and adjust as necessary. It is imperative that both
backstop pins are used to secure the backstop to the assembly.
BACKSTOP STYLE SADDLE SET UP

6
NEW UNIVERSAL 3 –1 SADDLE SETUP
(USED ON TRAILERS MANUFACTURED AFTER 10-15-19)
UNIVERSAL 3-1 SADDLE SETUP
If your new Stud King head transport comes with new 3-1 universal saddles,
here are some simple instructions on how to set them up for different heads. If
you are hauling a corn head with stands, the saddles are set up to from the
factory already (as shown in picture above). If you are hauling a simple
platform, most drapers and flex drapers, remove the snap pins on both
saddles and flip over the sides panels of the saddles to give you the proper
resting platform. If you have a MacDon or certain Case-IH draper or flex
drapers, remove the snap pin on the inside side panels on both saddles and
flip them over to give you the resting platform for the feeder house adapter.
As with any settings, you may have to make minor adjustments to give you the
best carrying platform for you head.
RACHET TIE DOWNS
Your Stud King head transport comes standard with two ratchet tie downs
which can be moved along the length of the trailer by loosening the lever nut
on the back of the bracket attaching it to the trailer. At least two complete
wraps should be on the ratchet spool to ensure the strap will not slip.
Snap Rings
Side Panels

7
PLACING THE HEAD ON THE TRAILER
 Insure the head is equally spaced from front to rear. The head should
rest against the back stops on the saddles.
 Insure the weight rests against a strong structure on the head. Your ratchet
strap should be used on center nearest the throat.
 Each saddle is adjustable and can be easily moved from front to back by
loosening the yellow handle. When in stable position, retighten yellow
handles. The saddles are also adjustable by removing the saddle pins and
placing the pins and backstops in any of the many hole positions provided.
This will allow you to control the center point of load, thus allowing the head
to rest centered to your preference.
 In this final process, insure the head is well balanced side to side. Make
every attempt to not place all the weight on one side. Modern heads may
exceed 10,000 pounds, making weight and balance a definite priority.
 Always assure that the saddles are adjusted correctly and evenly.
 The following image shows incorrect saddle adjustments.

8
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
Your Stud King transport comes equipped to work for a variety of corn &
grain
heads, however there may occasionally be a need for a special attachment in
order to achieve a better fit for your head. Stellar Industries offers the following
attachments as an added option:
 Draper Plates – Required to carry MacDon & CaseIH draper heads.
 High Rise Saddle –Typically used when carrying chopping corn heads
to raise the back of the head in order to protect the gear on the
underside of the head.
 Top Bar Extension –Used to widen the top bar to give a larger contact
area for the skids on the bottom of the head, usually used along with
high rise saddles on chopping corn heads.

9
UNLOADING HEAD FROM TRAILER
Move the head trailer to a level location. Carefully remove the strap, as the
load may have shifted during transportation. As you move the combine up to
the head, insure that no one is in between your combine and the trailer. As
suggested in the loading process, never allow anyone within close proximity
while unloading, as injury is always a possibility when lifting these heavy
components from the trailer.

10
HOOKING UP AND PULLING THE
TRANSPORT
HOOKING UP YOUR TRANSPORT
Your Stud King head transport is equipped with an extendable tongue
feature to ease the process of hooking the trailer to its tow vehicle. To
operate this system first remove the safety pin from the tongue latch then
lift up on the latch handle while pulling forward. This will enable you to
slide the hitch up to 24” while hooking the trailer up. Once the transport is
hooked up properly simply back the tow vehicle up to relatch the system
and replace the safety pin. It is essential the system is relatched and
the pin replaced for safe operation. The tongue does contain a
secondary safety internally but this should never be used to pull the
transport.
Ensure the two safety chains are properly hooked to a secure point on the
tow vehicle. The chains should be hooked up running under the tongue in
a criss cross manner and not dragging on the ground.
Plug electrical connector into the proper 7 pole outlet on the tow vehicle.
Attach breakaway safety switch lanyard (if equipped) to secure point on
tow vehicle.

11
ELECTRONIC BREAKAWAY SAFETY SYSTEM
Stud King transports equipped with electronic brakes will come with an electronic
breakaway safety system consisting of a breakaway switch mounted to the
tongue and battery box mounted to the right side of the gooseneck. This system
will engage the brakes should your transport become unhooked from the tow
vehicle during transport. It is very important this system be used properly
and maintained for safe operation.
PULLING THE TRANSPORT
 Beware of bystanders, particularly children! Always look around
to make sure that it is safe to start the engine of the towing vehicle
or move the unit. This is particularly important with higher noise
levels and quiet cabs, as you may not hear people shouting .
 NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED! - Do not carry passengers
anywhere on, or in the tractor or equipment, except as required for
operation.
 Keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
 Do not clean, lubricate or adjust your equipment while it is moving.
Be especially observant of the operating area and terrain - watch
for holes, rocks or other hidden hazards. Always inspect area prior to
operation.
 DO NOT operate near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
 DO NOT operate on steep slopes as overturn may result.
Operate up and down (not across) intermediate slopes. Avoid
sudden starts and stops.
 Select the level most possible route when transporting across fields.
 Avoid the edges of ditches or gullies and steep hillsides.
 Maneuver the tractor or towing vehicle at safe speeds.
 Allow for unit length when making turns.
 Keep all bystanders, pets and livestock clear of the work area.

12
 As a precaution, always recheck the hardware on equipment
following every 100 hours of operation. Correct all problems. Follow
the maintenance safety procedures.
 Check your load often to insure your load is secure, make any
adjustments necessary en route.
 Following operation, or when unhitching, stop the tractor or
towing vehicle, set the brakes, disengage the PTO and all power
drives, shut off the engine and remove the ignition keys.
 Store the unit in an area away from human activity.
 Do not park equipment where it will be exposed to livestock for
long periods of time. Damage and livestock injury could result.
 Do not permit children to play on or around the stored unit.
 Make sure all parked machines are on a hard, level surface and
engage all safety devices.
 Wheel chocks may be needed to prevent unit from rolling.

13
PERFORMING MAINTENANCE
Proper scheduled maintenance on your Stud King transport plays a vital role for
years of trouble free operation and use. This section will go over the standard
service procedures as well as replacement of various parts on your trailer.
Before you begin, please always keep the following in mind:
Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an
invitation for trouble.
Before working on your machine, stop the tow vehicle, set the brakes,
shut off the engine and remove the keys.
Always use a safety support and block the wheels when lifting the
transport. Never use only a jack to support the trailer.
Always use the proper tools or equipment for the job at hand.
Use extreme caution when making adjustments.
Follow the torque chart in this manual when tightening bolts and nuts.
Never replace bolts with less than grade five bolts unless otherwise
specified. Refer to bolt torque chart for head identification marking.
Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and
servicing, genuine factory replacement parts must be used to restore your
equipment to original specifications. The manufacturer will not claim
responsibility for use of unapproved parts and/or accessories and other
damages as a result of their use.
If equipment has been altered in any way from the original design, the
manufacturer does not accept any liability for injury or warranty.
HUB REMOVAL & INSPECTION
Whenever the hub equipment on your axle must be removed for
inspection or maintenance the following procedure should be followed:
1. Jack up the trailer and place jack stands under the trailer
frame so that the weight will be off the tires. Never jack up or
place jack stands on the axle tube or on the equalizers.
2. Remove the wheel assembly.
3. Remove the grease cap by carefully prying progressively
around the flange of the cap.
4. Remove the cotter pin from the spindle nut or in the case of
Safe-T-Lube, bend the tang washer to the free position.
5. Unscrew the spindle nut counter clockwise and remove the
washer.
6. Remove the hub from the spindle, being careful to not let the
outer bearing fallout.

14
BRAKE DRUM INSPECTION
There are two areas of the brake drum that are subject to wear and
require periodic inspection. These two areas are the drum surface
where the brake shoes make contact during stopping and the armature
surface where the magnets contacts (only on electric brakes).
The drum surface should be inspected for excessive wear or heavy
scoring. If worn more than .020" oversized, or the drum has worn out
of round more than .015", then the drum surface should be turned. If
scoring or other wear is greater than .090" on the diameter, the drum
must be replaced. When turning the drum surface, the maximum
rebore diameter is as follows:
7" Brake Drum - 7.090"
10" Brake Drum - 10.090"
12" Brake Drum - 12.090"
The machined inner surface of the brake drum that contacts the Brake
magnet is called the armature surface. If the armature surface is
scored or worn unevenly, it should be refaced to a 120 micro inch
finish by removing not more than .030" of material. To insure proper
contact between the armature face and the magnet face, the magnets
should be replaced whenever the armature surface is refaced and the
armature surface should be refaced whenever the magnets are
replaced.
NOTE: It's important to have wheel-bearing bores free of
metallic chips and contamination. Make sure all cavities are free of
contamination before reinstalling the bearing and seals.

15
BEARING INSPECTION
Wash all grease and oil from the bearing cone using a suitable solvent.
Dry the bearings with clean, lint free cloth and inspect the rollers
completely. If any pitting, marring, or corrosion is present, then
replace the bearing. The bearing cup inside the hub must be inspected
also. ALWAYS REPLACE THE BEARINGS AND CUPS IN SETS.
When replacing the bearing cup proceed as follows:
1. Place the hub on a flat work surface with the cup to be
replaced on the bottom side.
2. Using a brass drift punch, carefully tap around the small
diameter end of the cup to drive it out.
3. After cleaning the hub bore area, replace the cup by tapping
in with the brass drift punch. Be sure the cup is seated all the
way up against the retaining shoulder in the hub.
Replace only with bearings as specified in the accompanying Bearing
Replacement Chart.
Bearing failure due Bearing failure due to
to bad seal inadequate lubrication
Axle Capacity
Spindle
Diameter
Inner
Bearing/Cup
Outer
Bearing/Cup
Seal
6,000 lbs.
1.25” – 1.75”
25580/25520
15123/15245
21333TB
7,000 lbs.
1.25” – 1.75”
25580/25520
14125/14276
21333TB

16
Safe-T-Lube Hubs
Your axle is equipped the Safe- T -Lube Feature, the bearings can be
periodically lubricated without removing the hubs from the axle. This
feature consists of axle spindles that have been specially drilled and
fitted with a grease zerk in their ends. When grease is pumped into
the zerk, it is channeled to the inner bearing and then flows back to
the outer bearing and eventually backs out the grease cap hole. The
procedure is as follows:
1. Remove the rubber plug from the end of the grease cap.
1. Place a standard grease gun onto the grease zerk located in
the end of the spindle. Make sure the grease gun nozzle is
fully engaged on the fitting.
1. Pump grease into the zerk. The old, displaced grease will
begin to flow back out of the cap around the grease gun
nozzle.
4. When the new, clean grease is observed, remove the grease
gun, wipe off any excess, and replace the rubber plug in the
cap.
Note: Even with the Safe-T-Lube Feature, periodic inspection and
repacking must be done every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Do not
pack hub full of grease. Excessive grease may leak into brake drums
causing brake failure.
RUBBER TORSION SUSPENSION
The RUBBER TORSION suspension system is a torsion arm type
suspension, which is completely self-contained within the axle tube. It
attaches directly to the trailer frame using brackets, which are an
integral part of the axle assembly. The RUBBER TORSION axle provides
improved suspension characteristics relative to leaf spring
axles through the unique arrangement of a steel torsion bar

17
surrounded by four natural rubber cords incased in the main structural
member of the axle beam. The wheel/hub spindle is attached to a
lever, called the torsion arm, which is fastened to the rubber-encased
bar. As the load is applied, the bar rotates causing a
rolling/compressive resistance in the rubber cords. This action provides
the same functions as conventional sprung axles with operating
advantages including independent suspension.
INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
All the components of your suspension system should be visually
inspected at least every 6,000 miles for signs of excess wear,
elongation of bolt holes, and loosening of fasteners.
Except for periodic inspection of the fasteners used to attach the RUBBER
TORSION axle to the vehicle frame, no other suspension maintenance is
required on RUBBER TORSION axles. They are, of course subject to the
maintenance and inspection procedures regarding brakes, hubs, bearings,
wheels, and tires as outlined in manual.
WHEELS & TIRES
Do not attempt to mount a tire unless you have the proper
equipment and experience to do the job.
Inflating or servicing tires can be dangerous. Whenever
possible, trained personnel should be called to service and/or
mount tires.
Always order and install tires and wheels with appropriate
capacity to meet or exceed the anticipated weight to be placed
on the equipment.

18
Torque Requirements
It is extremely important to apply and maintain proper wheel mounting
torque on your trailer axle. Torque is a measure of the amount of tightening
applied to a fastener (nut or bolt) and is expressed as length time's force.
For example, a force of 90 pounds applied at the end of a wrench one foot
long will yield 90 ft-lbs of torque. Torque wrenches are the best method to
assure proper torque specifications are met.
NOTE: Wheel nut or bolts must be applied and maintained at the proper
torque levels to prevent loose wheels, broken studs, and possible dangerous
separation of wheels from your axle.
Be sure to use only the fasteners matched to the cone angle of your wheel
(usually 60 or 90 degrees). The proper procedure for attaching your wheels
is as follows:
1. Start all bolts or nuts by hand to prevent cross threading.
2. Tighten bolts or nuts in the following sequence.
3. The tightening of the fasteners should be done in stages.
Following the recommended sequence, tighten fasteners per
the wheel torque chart.
4. Wheel nuts/bolts should be torque before the first road use
and after each wheel removal. Check and re-torque after the
first 10 miles, 25 miles, and again at 50 miles. Check
periodically thereafter.