Vaderstad Rapid RDA 400S User manual

Ver.3 29.06.2007 900234-en
Instructions
Seed drill
RAPID
series
RDA 400-450 S
No. 12 800-14 799

2 Ver.3 29.06.2007

Ver.3 29.06.2007 3
1 Safety regulations
1.1 Before using the drill ............................................................................ 6
1.2 W rning dec ls ................................................................................... 6
1.3 Other s fety prec utions ...................................................................... 8
1.4 Loc tion of w rning dec ls on the m chine ............................................. 9
1.5 D t pl tes ......................................................................................... 9
2 Instructions and settings
2.1 Tr ctor ............................................................................................. 10
2.2 Inspecting the drill's towing eyelet ....................................................... 11
2.3 Inst ll tion of the Control St tion on the tr ctor .................................... 12
2.4 Hitching nd unhitching the seed drill ................................................... 13
2.5 Adjusting hose length nd connecting intermedi te c ble ........................ 15
2.6 Ch nging between tr nsport position nd working
position ............................................................................................ 16
2.7 Horizont l lignment .......................................................................... 18
2.8 Adjusting sowing depth ...................................................................... 20
2.9 Adjusting the wing sections ................................................................ 20
2.10 Adjusting the ch ngeover v lve ........................................................... 21
2.11 Adjustment of the pre-implements ....................................................... 22
2.12 Setting the r d r ............................................................................... 26
2.13 Setting the seed r te, mech nic l feed output ....................................... 27
2.14 Seed box setting with hydr ulic feed output .......................................... 27
2.15 C libr tion, mech nic l feed output ..................................................... 28
2.16 C libr tion, hydr ulic feed output ........................................................ 30
2.17 Prior to filling the hopper .................................................................... 35
2.18 Emptying the seed hopper .................................................................. 36
2.19 Oper tion test ................................................................................... 37
2.20 Adjusting the ir-flow ......................................................................... 38
2.21 Control st tion .................................................................................. 40
2.22 Tr mlining ........................................................................................ 55
2.23 Adjusting the pre-emergence bout m rker ............................................ 56
2.24 Adjusting the following h rrow ............................................................ 57
2.25 Adjusting Low lift height ..................................................................... 58
2.26 Locking the lifting r ms during service .................................................. 58
2.27 Adjusting the seed coulters ................................................................. 59
2.28 Scr per ............................................................................................ 61
2.29 Bout m rker djustment ..................................................................... 62
2.30 Tr ck er dic tors, tines (option) .......................................................... 62
2.31 Tr ck er dic tors, System Disc ............................................................ 63
2.32 Wing p ckers (option) ........................................................................ 63
3 Advice on sowing
3.1 Sowing depth .................................................................................... 64
3.2 Checking the seed feed ...................................................................... 65
3.3 Sowing he dl nds ............................................................................. 66
3.4 Eng ging the drill .............................................................................. 66
3.5 Tr mlining ........................................................................................ 67
3.6 Bout m rkers .................................................................................... 67
3.7 Obstructions ..................................................................................... 67
3.8 Turning with Low lift .......................................................................... 67

4 Ver.3 29.06.2007
4 aintenance and service
4.1 Gener l m inten nce ......................................................................... 70
4.2 Seed feed housing nd r pe brush ....................................................... 70
4.3 Drive wheel tr nsmission (mech nic l feed output) ................................ 71
4.4 Locking device .................................................................................. 71
4.5 Cle ning ........................................................................................... 72
4.6 Storing the drill ................................................................................. 73
4.7 Lubric tion points .............................................................................. 74
4.8 Service cover .................................................................................... 75
4.9 Ch nging discs .................................................................................. 75
4.10 Ch nging disc be rings ...................................................................... 75
4.11 Ch nging seed coulter mounting bolts .................................................. 76
4.12 Ch nging wheels ............................................................................... 76
4.13 Ch nging the se ls on the hydr ulic r ms ............................................. 77
4.14 Ch nging the v lve se ls on the lifting r m ........................................... 78
4.15 Rep iring nd repl cing seed hoses ...................................................... 79
4.16 Repl cing the f n revolution sensor ...................................................... 79
4.17 Hydr ulic drive tr nsmission ............................................................... 80
4.18 Repl cing the oil filter in the hydr ulic unit ............................................ 80
4.19 Intermedi te p cker (option) .............................................................. 81
5 Troubleshooting
5.1 Gener l inform tion on troubleshooting ................................................ 82
5.2 Troubleshooting ch rt ........................................................................ 85
5.3 Al rm list ......................................................................................... 91
6 Appendices
6.1 Sowing t ble ..................................................................................... 94
6.2 C libr tion Results ............................................................................. 97
6.3 Hydr ulic di gr m ............................................................................. 98
6.4 Electric l system ............................................................................. 101
6.5 Technic l d t ................................................................................. 108

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 5
INTRODUCTION
Väderstad Rapid A 400-450 S is a high-capacity cultivation drill. The Rapid drills can be
used under a large variety of conditions, from "direct drilling" to sowing straight after the
plough. This versatility is made possible by the drill's coulter system design and its unique
depth control system, amongst other features.
The machine can be fitted with different types of pre-implements to suit varying farmland
conditions.
IMPORTANT!
This instruction manual is based on experience and results obtained during development of
the Rapid series of drills. Hints and guidelines are to be regarded as general advice, entail-
ing no responsibility whatsoever on the part of Väderstad-Verken AB and/or its represent-
ative. All responsibility for usage, road transport, maintenance and repair etc. of the drill
rests with the owner/driver.
Local conditions affecting crop sequence, soil type, climate etc. may require procedures
different to those mentioned in this manual.
The owner/operator shall bear full responsibility for correct use of the drill at any given
time.
Väderstad drills have passed quality assurance tests and operational tests prior to delivery.
The user/purchaser shall retain sole liability for ensuring that the equipment functions cor-
rectly when in use. In case of complaints, please refer to the “General delivery conditions
of the Väderstad group”.
DECLARATION OF EU CONFORMITY
in accordance with the EU machine directive 98/37/EEC, attachment 2 A
Väderstad-Verken AB, P. O. box 85, 590 21 Väderstad, SWEDEN
hereby declare that drills as below have been manufactured in conformity with Council
directive 98/37/EC and standard EN-1553.
RDA 400 S and RDA 450 S with manufacturing number 12 800 - 16 000.
Ola Byström

Safety regulations
6 Ver.3 29.06.2007
1 Safety regulations
1.1 Before using the drill
Figure 1.1
!Always pay extra attention to paragraphs or figures bearing the following symbol:
!Learn to handle the drill correctly and with care. The drill can be dangerous in inexperienced
or careless hands.
1.2 Warning decals
Figure 1.2
A Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand them.
B Always make sure that the entire working area and folding area of the seed drill are unobstruct-
ed. Never walk under a suspended section. Always check that the automatic catches have en-
gaged in connection with transport and parking.
C Warning tape, pay attention to the danger of crushing and impact injuries. Also used on safety
components.
D Never work under the seed drill without ensuring that the machine is properly supported on
stands or is standing on some other firm surface. Secure the lifting ram and the push rod ram
(1, accessory) by means of the yellow locking device. See also ”2.26 Locking the lifting rams
during service” on page 58.
A
C D
B
H
E F
GJI K

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 7
E Always ensure that the working area of the bout markers is unobstructed. Bear in mind the dan-
ger of injury when folding or unforlding the bout markers or getting caught between the seed
drill and the bout markers when they are folded in. NOTE! The bout markers are always folded
in when the machine is raised, regardless of the indication on the control box. The marker arm
will always fold as the machine is lowered. Therefor always shut off the control box main
switch when the machine is not on the field. All settings will remain unchanged though the box
is shut off.
If the machine is parked and left resting only on the wheels and support leg, the bout markers
could start to slowly unfold due to internal overleakage in the hydraulic system. Make it a habit
to always park the machine on its wheels, discs and support leg and always block the bout
markers with the safety cotter pins.
F Do not climb onto the wheels when the seed drill is parked as they can rotate.
G Do not stand on the seed drill while it is in use.
H Do not stand on the seed drill during front loading of seed.
I The ladder and platform of the drill are not designed for manual loading from small seed bags.
J Do not stand on the upper grating of the seed hopper.
K Do not stand between the tractor and the machine when reversing the tractor to hitch the drill.

Safety regulations
8 Ver.3 29.06.2007
1.3 Other safety precautions
!Observe the greatest caution when transporting the seed drill on a public road. If the machine
has a full hopper, note that the towed weight is considerable and that the view to the rear is
greatly restricted. Check the adjustment of the tractor's rear-view mirrors. If the machine is to
be transported over a longer distance, be sure to block the lifting ram of the centre section with
the yellow mechanical locking device.The owner/operator is solely responsible for transport of
the seed drill on public roads. Use the lights on the drill according to the local traffic regula-
tions.
! NOTE! This machine/equipment together with its tyres is designed for a maximum speed of
30 km/h, during transportation on the road.
!Make sure that at least 20% of the tractor's weight is resting on its front wheels when the drill
has been hitched and loaded. This will ensure full steering ability of the tractor train.
!When any repair work is carried out on the hydraulic system, the seed drill should be in the
lowered position and resting on a firm and level surface with the wing sections lowered!
!Never stand under the intermediate packer or drill if it is suspended and only secured with the
tractor's hydraulic lifting arms. Prior to any service on the intermediate packer, be sure to se-
cure it properly with trestles, etc. on firm, level ground.
!Be sure to set the master cylinder stopper in such a way that the drill rests on both the wheels
and the discs when parked. Since the weight on the supporting leg is so high, the machine shall
not be parked on loose surface!
!Always make sure that the seed drill's male couplings and the tractor's female couplings are
clean and free from impurities before connecting them together.
!Always use genuine Väderstad spare parts to maintain the quality and reliability of the seed
drill. If other brands of spare parts are used, all guarantee and claim commitments cease to be
valid.
!Regularly inspect the wear on the drill's towing eyelet. Replace the towing eyelet when it has
been worn down to the wear limit. See ”2.2 Inspecting the drill's towing eyelet” on page 11.
!Any welding work on the machine/implement should hold professional standard.
Incorrect welding may result in serious injuries or possibly fatal injuries. If in doubt, contact a
professional welding service for proper instructions.
!Never look straight into the optics of the radar when it is operating! There is a risk of permanent
damage to the eyesight! (Hydraulic feed output).
!When cleaning the drilling system or when servicing the transmission system on machines
with hydraulic feed output, the hydraulic flow to the fan and feed output driving mechanism
must always be shut off beforehand.

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 9
1.4 Location of warning decals on the machine
Figure 1.3
1.5 Data plates
1.5.1 Serial number plate
Figure 1.4
A Model number
B Manufacturing Number. Always state this number in connection with orders of spare parts,
service or warranty claims.
1.5.2 CE plate
Figure 1.5
C Working width
D Transport width
E Serial (CE) number
F Weight, total weight fully equipped and with maximum load. For more information, see ”6.5
Technical data” on page 108.
G Year of manufacture
A,D,G,H,I,J,K
E
D
E
D
C
F
B
AB
CE F G
D

Instructions and settings
10 Ver.3 29.06.2007
2 Instructions and settings
NOTE! All basic adjustments must be carried out with the Rapid drill on a level surface, with the
wing sections lowered and with the drill hitched to a tractor.
2.1 Tractor
To reduce damaging soil compaction, the tractor in use during sowing should be fitted with extra
wide tyres, e.g. twin tyres or similar. Aim for as low an inflation pressure as possible. Any front
end weights on the tractor should be removed.
Two two-way hydraulic connectors are required. If the seed drill is equipped with a hydraulic fan,
a third hydraulic connector and a separate no-pressure return entry are required.
The return inlet will be installed according to the tractor manufacture's instruction. Female socket
is delivered with the machine.
If the machine is equipped with a hydraulic top rod, one more two-way hydraulic connector is re-
quired.
Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 11
2.2 Inspecting the drill's towing eyelet
Figure 2.3
Drills not fitted with an intermediate packer have a reversible and replaceable towing eyelet. The
A side of the towing eyelet is intended for connecting to a hitching hook, while the B side is in-
tended for connecting an agricultural tow bar. Be sure to replace the towing eyelet when it has
been worn down. The figure shows the minimum recommended dimensions. Also inspect the
bolted joint of the towing eyelet.
NOTE! Incorrect towing eyelet welding may drastically reduce its durability. We always recom-
mend regular replacement of the towing eyelet!
in. 24 mm
in. 24 mm
AB

Instructions and settings
12 Ver.3 29.06.2007
2.3 Installation of the Control Station on the tractor
Be sure to install the control box securely in the tractor cab. Place the control box within the field
of vision while looking in the travelling direction. Install the bracket as shown in the figure.
NOTE! Check for hidden cables before drilling holes in the tractor cab.
Connect the cables: Brown to positive (+) and blue to earth (-).
NOTE! The polarity must not be reversed. If the tractor has an electric socket in the cab, use this.
If there is no socket, connection must be made using an extra cable, preferably 6 mm
2
. Do not use
a cigarette lighter socket as the current requirement may be as high as 20 A. It is important to
make a secure connection since poor contact will cause malfunction.
Make sure that the connecting cable to the drill is not trapped under the rear window of the tractor
as this may cause damage. Use a hatch or a hole. Clamp the cable securely onto the tractor to pro-
tect the Control Box from damage if the driver forgets to unscrew the connecting cable when un-
hitching the drill.
Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 13
2.4 Hitching and unhitching the seed drill
Figure 2.6
Hitch the drill to the tractor.
Don’t forget to raise the supporting leg.
Connect the hydraulic hoses. The two large-dimension 3/8" hoses with plastic rings are used to
raising and lowering the seed drill and to operate the markers. The two thin 1/4" hoses marked
with plastic rings are used to fold down the side wings and adjust the front implements. Make very
sure that the hoses are connected in pairs to the correct hydraulic connectors on the tractor.
The two hoses running to the hydraulic top rod (optional equipment) should be connected to a two-
way hydraulic connector.
2.4.1 Hitching and driving the drill with an intermediate packer
Hitch the intermediate packer to the lifting arms of the tractor. We recommend use of category 3
pins. Adjust the lifting arms until the lateral travel of the intermediate packer has been reduced to
a minimum. The intermediate packer is able to negotiate turns, however, it should usually be
raised on the headland. For road transport, the intermediate packer should be raised to allow the
wheels to clear the road surface.
2.4.2 Unhitching the drill
Park the machine on firm, level ground. Be sure to set the master cylinder stopper in such a way
that the drill rests on both the wheels, discs and its support leg when parked. Since the load on the
support leg is very high, avoid parking the drill on soft ground.
If the machine is parked and left resting only on the wheels and support leg, the bout markers could
start to slowly unfold due to internal overleakage in the hydraulic system. Make it a habit to al-
ways park the machine on its wheels, discs and support leg and always block the bout markers
with the safety cotter pins.

Instructions and settings
14 Ver.3 29.06.2007
2.4.3 Connecting hoses to the hydraulic fan
Connect the two thin hoses to a two-way hydraulic connector designed for continuous operation
of a hydraulic motor. If available, use a priority connector. The thicker hose of these two hoses is
the pressure hose to the hydraulic motor, while the thinner is the oil leakage hose. The thickest of
the hoses, the 3/4” return hose, should be connected to a separate no-pressure return entry. Lock
the female quick connector on the return entry. See “Figure 2.8”.
NOTE! Use a rag and make sure all couplings and connectors are dry! This is a good way to avoid
disruptions in the hydraulic system.
Also read section ”2.20 Adjusting the air-flow” on page 38 prior to starting the fan.
Figure 2.7 Figure 2.8
2
2
1

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 15
2.5 Adjusting hose length and connecting intermediate cable
Figure 2.9
Connect the hydraulic hoses carefully and adjust their lengths. This will assure that the hoses are
always connected correctly and that the drill is operated using practised lever manipulations. Once
work is completed, insert and fasten the quick connectors in the hose holder’s key-shaped open-
ings.
Figure 2.10
Remove the protective cover (A) on the intermediate cable on the drill and connect the cable to
the Control Station. Be very careful when making this connection. Make sure that the pins of both
connectors are aligned. Then lightly press the connectors together while securing the connectors
with the nut. When unhitching the implement, screw on the protective cover on the intermediate
cable.
A

Instructions and settings
16 Ver.3 29.06.2007
2.6 Changing between transport position and working
position
2.6.1 Changing to working position
Figure 2.11
A Lift the seed drill to its top position. Folding the wing sections in and out must always be car-
ried out with the seed drill fully raised. Also check that the tool bar is fully raised before folding
out.
B Draw the wings together with the folding ram. At the same time unlock the wing sections with
the line.
Figure 2.14
C Unfold the wing sections. Keep the lock release line taut until the second section has started to
unfold.
Figure 2.12 Figure 2.13

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 17
D Keep the hydraulic lever on the tractor in the lowering position ( Note! "Floating" position
must not be used) until the ram ("folding ram") is fully refilled, locking the wing sections in
the unfolded position. See “Figure 2.15”.
Figure 2.17
E Always drive forwards when the seed drill is lowered to its working position, to prevent the
seed coulters becoming clogged.
F Lower the tool bar to its working position.
G Undo the safety cotter pins of the bout markers.
2.6.2 Changing to transport position
A Switch off the low-lift function at the control box. Raise the seed drill to its top position. Note!
When the wing sections are being folded and unfolded, the mid section must always be in its
fully raised position.
B Fold the drill.
C Check whether the automatic locking devices engage.
D Check that front implements and trailing implements do not exceed the 3 metre transportation
width limit.
E Block the bout markers with the safety cotter pins.
Figure 2.15 Figure 2.16

Instructions and settings
18 Ver.3 29.06.2007
2.7 Horizontal alignment
Figure 2.18
A
E
C
D
B

RDA 400-450 S
Ver.3 29.06.2007 19
The longitudinal inclination of the drill can be adjusted using the push rod (A) with the machine
resting on solid, level ground. When correctly adjusted, the front and rear row of drill discs should
reach the ground at the same time when the machine is lowered.
Loosen the lock nut (B), adjust to the desired position, and then tighten the lock nut. Use the in-
cluded spanner with a 60 mm holding width.
The RDA 400 S with the System Disc Packer has a lock nut featuring a reinforcement sleeve (C).
The measure (D) must never exceed 165 mm!
The measure (E) must never exceed 480 mm!
NOTE! Be sure to sufficiently tighten the lock nut!
Ground parallelism can be verified in the field by ensuring that the front seed boxes drill to the
same depth as those at the rear.
This can be easily verified using the Väderstad drill depth meter. First pack the soil a bit, then
scrape off thin layers of soil until the grains become visible. Grains in all rows should be visible
at the same time. If this is not the case, the drill is not operating in a parallel state.
NOTE! This incurs the risk of the seed coulters blocking!
Figure 2.19

Instructions and settings
20 Ver.3 29.06.2007
2.8 Adjusting sowing depth
Figure 2.20
The drilling depth of the centre section is set using the stop bolt (A). The drilling depth of the side
sections is adjusted with the cranks (B). The scale indications do not constitute absolute values of
the drilling depth in centimetres but serve as an index only. For considerable adjustments of the
drilling depth, It may be necessary to adjust the horizontal alignment. See ”2.7 Horizontal align-
ment” on page 18. Also see ”3.1 Sowing depth” on page 64.
2.9 Adjusting the wing sections
Figure 2.21
A hydraulic lock is used to lock the extending/retracting ram automatically in the extended posi-
tion, to keep the machine "rigid". This is to ensure even performance across the entire operating
width. For the wing sections to work in line with the mid section, the stop screws (A) may need
to be adjusted. To check these:
Lift up and unfold the drill, see ”2.6 Changing between transport position and working position”
on page 16, but keep the machine lifted up on the wheels of the mid section. In this position the
forward frame tubes of the wing sections should be properly aligned (parallel) with the mid sec-
tion.
If the stop bolt (A) needs to be adjusted, first fold up the machine again, see ”2.6 Changing be-
tween transport position and working position” on page 16.