ABI Attachments abi Classic Spreader 185 Cu. Ft. User Guide
- June 9, 2024
- abi ATTACHMENTS
Table of Contents
ABI Attachments abi Classic Spreader 185 Cu. Ft.
Model and Serial Number
Attached to the frame is an ID plate showing the serial number. Record your
implement information and serial number in the space provided below. ABI will
use this information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order
parts.
Size: ____
Serial number:
Invoice number: __
Purchaser’s name: _____
Thank you!
On behalf of the ABI family, we would like to thank you for your recent
purchase of your ABI Classic Spreader. Our company’s goal is to provide you
with innovative, quality tools as well as first rate customer service.
This setup guide will help you to get your new ABI Classic Spreader off the
delivery truck and into use. Once you have put your ABI Classic Spreader to
work, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our support
department at 855.211.0598.
To the Operator:
The information presented in this manual will prepare you to operate the ABI
Classic Spreader in a safe and knowledgeable manner. Operating the ABI Classic
Spreader in a proper manner will provide a safer working environment and
create a more efficient result. Read this manual fully and understand the
entire manual prior to setup, operation, adjusting, performing maintenance, or
storing the ABI Classic Spreader. This manual contains information that will
allow you to get years of dependable performance from your spreader.
This manual will provide you with information on safely operating and
maintaining the ABI Classic Spreader. Op-erating the ABI Classic Spreader
outside of the stated safety and operations guidelines may result in injury to
the operator and equipment, or void the warranty.
The information provided in this manual was current at the time of printing.
Variations may be present as ABI At-tachments, Inc. continues to improve and
upgrade the ABI Classic Spreader for future use. ABI Attachments, Inc.
reserves the right to implement engineering and design changes to the ABI
Classic Spreader as may be necessary without prior notification.
Safety Precautions
Please exercise caution at all times when setting up, operation, or performing maintenance on the ABI Classic Spreader. Remember, any piece of equipment like the ABI Classic Spreader can cause injury/damage if operated improperly, or if the user does not understand how to operate the equipment. Exercise caution at all times with using the ABI Classic Spreader.
- Never permit any person to ride or board the ABI Classic Spreader at any time. NEVER ALLOW RIDERS ON THE ABI CLASSIC SPREADER!
- Ensure the implement is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
- Be sure the tractor is in neutral before starting the engine.
- Use care and maintain minimum ground speed when operating the ABI Classic Spreader on a hillside or when operating close to ditches, fences, or water sources.
- Personal protection equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment, maintaining and/or repairing the implement.
- Be sure that no one is near the machine prior to engaging or while the machine is working.
- Operate the ABI Classic Spreader in the daylight or under good artificial light. Operator should always be able to clearly see where they are going.
- Be alert for hidden hazards. Always operate the ABI Classic Spreader with caution over work environments that may have buried obstacles.
- Stay clear of all moving parts. Keep all limbs clear of attachments when making adjustments with all hydraulically operated attachments.
- Use caution when operating the ABI Classic Spreader in icy, wet, or snowy conditions.
- Do not use the ABI Classic Spreader on highways or public thoroughfares. The ABI Classic Spreader is designed for off road use only.
- Operate the implement only with a tractor equipped with an approved Roll-Over-Protective-System (ROPS).
- Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or even death could result from falling off the tractor.
- Always follow your tractor manufacturer’s rules for safe operation of the tractor and for proper procedures for attaching and disconnecting attachments. Contact your local tractor dealership for an owner’s manual for any questions related to the safe operation of the tractor.
- The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be prevented by mechanical means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read and understand this manual, paying particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using.
- Do not operate the tractor/ATV and implement when you are tired, sick, or when using medication.
- Keep all helpers and bystanders at least 50 feet away from the machine. Only properly trained people should operate this machine.
- The majority of accidents involve operators being knocked off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by the implement. Accidents are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not read the operator’s manual and is not familiar with the implement.
- Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition key, lower implement to the ground, and allow rotating parts to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with the tractor running.
- Never place hands or feet under implement with tractor engine running or before you are sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
- Do not reach or place yourself under equipment until it is blocked securely.
- Never place hands or feet under implement with tractor engine running or before you are sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
- Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts.
- Never operate tractor and implement under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators can be knocked off the tractor and then run over by implement.
- Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimize tipping or loss of control. Be careful when changing directions on slopes.
- Inspect the entire machine periodically. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
- Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up” tractor and implement.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
- Always use down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes. Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping and/or loss of control.
Use caution when operating the ABI Classic Spreader. Using the ABI Classic
Spreader outside of stated safety and operations guidelines may result in
injury to operator or others, property damage, or a void of warranty.
CAUTION: Our machines are designed considering safety as the most
important aspect and are the safest available in today’s market.
Unfortunately, human carelessness can override the safety features built into
our machines. Injury prevention and work safety, aside from the features on
our tools, are very much due to the responsible use of the equipment. It must
always be operated prudently following with great care, the safety
instructions laid out in this manual.
Information on the ABI Classic Spreader
⅓ Heavier than most competitor’s
When it comes to equipment made of steel; weight is a good thing. The heavier
the manure spreader, the more high density steel is being used. Using higher
density steel means the manure spreader will last longer and perform better.
Weight is a quality metric you can feel.
Shredded output
Shredding the material has a number of advantages. It exposes more of the
manure to sunlight, which reduces eggs/fly larva and allows manure to
decompose far more quickly than non-shredded material. It also enables the
manure to decompose quickly to encourage a healthy pasture and greatly reduces
the amount of time between spreading and horses grazing again on the pasture.
Variable flow control
Variable flow control enable ts the operator to apply just the right amount of
material to the ground. This ensures proper application rates of material to
maximize its nutritional value, while also minimizing waste and reducing
nitro-gen burn to vegetation. All ABI Classic manure spreaders feature the
ability to control the flow rate of manure being applied to the ground. Both
the PTO and ground drive manure spreaders have 4 different speed settings that
are controlled by the lever (ground drive models) or a pull rope (PTO models).
Flow control is accomplished by speeding up or slowing down the apron chain
(conveyor) that feeds the manure to the back beaters. You now have the choice
of emptying the spreader as fast as possible or applying controlled amounts of
manure.
The combination of shredded output, controlled spread, and variable flow
control makes the ABI Classic Spreader one of the most eco-friendly spreaders
on the market.
All welded COR-TEN steel construction
All ABI Classic Spreaders are fully welded for a long life and made of COR-TEN
steel to resist rust and corrosion. Unlike standard mild steel used by
competitors, COR-TEN is “weathering” steel originally engineered as a
corrosion resistant steel for the construction industry. This steel may be
exposed to the elements, even unpainted, and not rust of many years (ABI
spreaders are painted for black for cosmetic reasons, however). Most
competitors bolt together many components of of their spreaders. ABI Classic
Spreaders are fully welded to take on the most punishing situa-tions for many
years.
Unique chain engagement mechanism
To virtually eliminate drive chain slip when engaging or disengaging the drive
chain, ABI Classic Spreaders utilize a mechanism that gradually lifts the
chain off the sprocket one tooth at at a time to disengage. To re-engage, this
mech-anism then gently lays the chain back on the sprocket seating the chain
on each tooth of the sprocket. This process keeps the chain and sprocket in
alignment and reduces the possibility the chain will slip or fall off the
sprocket caus-ing unneeded repair, wear and tear, and breakage. This mechanism
is controlled by the front right operating lever (as you are looking toward
the rear of the spreader). Most competitor engagement mechanisms do not keep
the chain and sprocket in alignment and do not assist in the reseating of the
chain on each sprocket tooth.
Coal tar epoxy box liner and tongue & groove poly floor
To further prevent corrosion and rust, the inside of the box is sprayed with a
coal tar epoxy liner. This box liner is not a traditional truck bed plastic
insert liner that can cause corrosion underneath and it is not a soft rubbery
material that can tear. This box liner is ideally suited for the unique
demands of a manure spreader. Coal tar epoxy offers great “flex”, so it is
perfectly suited to expand and contract with climate and can handle the
abrasion and acidity of manure flowing through the spreader. Coal tar epoxies
are famous for protection from moisture and are commonly used on garage
floors, underground pipelines/tanks, and even the hulls of barges. The floor
of the ABI Classic Spreader is con-structed of a tongue and groove poly
lumber, so it will never rot or rust. The tongue and groove construction
prohibits the individual poly boards that make up the floor from warping,
which would cause the apron chain to get caught and bind on the flooring. This
is a premium maintenance free flooring that will last and comes with a limited
lifetime warranty.
“5 Point” Corrosion and Rust Resistance
Corrosion and rust resistance is one of the top concerns customers have in
buying manure spreaders. ABI does not take this concern lightly. To ensure our
spreaders will last for many years to come, we have implemented a suite of
measures to prevent against corrosion and rust.
- We start with corrosion resistant COR-TEN Steel.
- All steel components are sandblasted before painting. This cleans the impurities off the steel and opens the pores to absorb the paint for the best bond.
- Rust-Oleum “Stops-Rust” paint is applied. This paint is easy to repair and touch up. Unlike powder coating, moisture cannot get behind the paint to rust from the underside.
- Coal tar epoxy box liner is applied inside the box.
- tongue and groove (plastic lumber) floor will not rust, corrode, or rot. This floor has a limited lifetime warranty.
Setup
Prior to shipment of your ABI spreader all grease points have been packed with grease and the hydraulic gear boxes were filled with the correct amount of fluid. All chains have been adjusted and set to the right tensions.
Atttaching the Spreader to Tow Vehicle
Step 1
Back the tractor up to the spreader and align tractor draw bar hitch with the
hitch of the spreader. Turn off the tractor, put it in park, and remove the
keys from the ignition. With the hitch lined up,insert the ¾” hitch pin and
secure with the R-clip.
Step 2
Next you will attach the hydraulic lines to the back of the tractor. If your
tractor has the optional hydraulic end gate installed, then tractor will need
to be equipped with two sets of hydraulic ports to run the ABI Spreader.
The two larger diameter hoses are for the web drive/conveyor system. The check
valve (indicated in Figure 1) goes to the outward flow hydraulic port of your
tractor. The other hose goes to the inward flow.
Step 3
The smaller diameter hydraulic lines are for the optional hydraulic end gate.
Niether line has a check valve and can be inserted in the two remaining
hydraulic ports.
Step 4
With the tractor shut off placed in park and the keys removed from the
ignition of the tractor, line up the splines on the tractor to the splines of
the PTO shaft. Push down on the spring loaded locking pin and slide the PTO
shaft on as far as possible. Release the spring-loaded pin and pull outward
slowly on the PTO shaft until the spring-loaded pin pops out and locks into
place. Next repeat this process and connect the other end of the PTO shaft to
the manure spreader.
Adjusting PTO Shaft Length
CAUTION: Be sure to use protective eyewear, gloves, and ear plugs when
following these adjustment steps.
Depending on the tractor you have, it may be necessary to shorten the PTO
shaft to fit your tractor and tool. To do so, first measure the distance
between the locking groove of the PTO shaft on your tractor and the locking
groove of the PTO shaft on the spreader. Next, measure the length of the PTO
shaft with it completely slid together. Subtract the distance between the
tractor and spreader from the length of the PTO shaft. Add two inches for ease
of attaching the shaft. Divide this number by two. This will be the length to
cut off each half of the PTO shaft.
EXAMPLE: If the distance between your tractor and spreader is 30” and the
length of your PTO shaft slid together is 34”, you will remove 3” from each
end of the shaft.
To cut the shaft, first measure and cut the plastic safety cover to the
desired length. Once the safety cover is cut, you can cut the shaft to the
desired length on both sides. Before sliding the shaft sections back together,
be sure to use a file to remove any burrs from both steel sections of the
shaft.
Operation
Use caution when filling the spreader from a manure pile to not dig too deep
with your tractor bucket and scoop up rocks or debris that could damage your
spreader.
Once, you reach the area where you intend to apply your manure, be sure to
raise the end gate (if applicable) before attempting to engage the spreader.
If not, you can damage your web drive/conveyor system.
Always be sure to engage your PTO first before engaging the hydraulics of your
tractor. Failure to do so will cause the web drive/conveyor system to push the
manure up against the beaters and wide spread paddles. This will result in
having to manually shovel out the spreader. Idle your tractor down prior to
engaging the PTO. Once the PTO is engaged, idle your tractor up to a maximum
of 540 RPMs. If you don’t want to spread as wide you can idle the tractor down
until you reach your desired spread.
Adjusting Web Drive/Conveyor Speed
To adjust the speed of your web drive (how fast the manure runs out the back) there is a lever located on the right side of the spreader by the PTO shaft. The small lever on the control valve has a thumb screw that when tightened in all the way locks the lever into the desired location. To adjust the lever, loosen the thumb screw and then set to your desired speed. Retighten the thumb screw to lock in speed. All the way to the left of the dial is no movement and the further you advance to the right, the faster the manure moves. ABI recommends starting out half way on the dial until you discover your ideal speed.
Maintenance
DANGER: Disconnect PTO And hydraulics from tractor before performing any maintenance or repair work. If removing a tire, use a jack and jack stand with correct weight ratings. If working under the spreader, park on level surface, block wheels, and secure front tongue.
Greasing the Spreader
Your spreader has a total of 17 grease zerks on it, 7 of which are to be
greased every 30 days or 30 uses and before long periods of storage. The
remaining 10 are to be greased annually. We suggest using a high-temperature
synthetic grease.
Near the location of all 7 of the 30 day or 30 use grease points you will find
a sticker with an image of a grease gun (Shown in Figure 1) to assist you in
locat-ing the grease points. Keeping your unit greased properly will extend
the life of your tool, will reduce down time, and reduce the need for
replacement parts.
On the front of the spreader you will see two access panels. One at the front
left bottom corner and the other at the right bottom corner (see Figure 2).
These grease points are not sealed bearings, so you can’t over grease these.
In fact, it’s better to grease them until the grease comes out of the bearings
to help flush out dirt and debris. These should be greased every 30 uses or 30
days.
The next two grease points are at the right rear side of the spreader, with
the safety shield removed. (The right or left side of the spreader is
determined by standing behind the spreader looking forward). The first grease
point is on the upper sprocket (Figure 1) and the second grease point is on
the lower bearing (Figure 2). These are not sealed bearings, so they need to
be greased until the grease comes out every 30 uses or 30 days.
At the rear of the spreader are two more grease points at the bearings on each end of the wide spread beater bar (Figure 3). These grease points need to be greased every 30 days or 30 uses. Reminder, these are not sealed bearings, so grease them until grease comes out.
On the left rear of the spreader is the last of the 30 day or 30 use grease points (Figure 4). Reminder, this is not a sealed bearing, so grease it until the grease flows out to flush out debris.
The remaining 10 grease points are not marked by a sticker and are sealed bearings, meaning they receive a limited amout of grease.
There are 4 grease points on the left side of the spreader behind the shield, which will need to be removed prior to greasing (see Figure 5). Two of the grease points are on each side of the sprocket in at the front. The next grease point is toward the center of the shaft and the last one is at the rear of the shaft near the gear box. These are sealed bearings and require just one pump of grease annually or before long periods of storage.
Behind the wheels on each side of the spreader is a grease point on the axle. These are sealed bearings and should get 4 to 5 pumps of grease annually.
Behind the front guard there are two bearings where the PTO shaft enters the unit. These will get 2 pumps of grease annually. The front guard can be re- moved by removing the single top center bolt and sliding the shield upward.
The last two grease points are on the PTO shaft itself. You can turn the safety cover to line up the hole in the cover to the grease point to reach it with a grease gun. There is one at each end of the PTO shaft and they both receive two pumps of grease annually.
Cleaning the Spreader
Pressure washing your spreader will help keep the nitrogen produced in the
manure from eating away at the spread-er. The more often you wash it the
longer it will last. After washing you should oil all the drive chains that
turn the sprockets on the spreader. Your unit has two at the right rear of the
spreader, behind the guard. There is a double roller chain behind the guard on
the left side of the spreader. To oil these you can use standard motor oil or
use a spray can of chain lube found at most local hardware or auto parts
stores. This will last longer than oil. The chains should never become dry as
this can lead to rust and reduce their flexibility, causing them to break or
malfunction. If you are going to store your spreader for a long period of time
you can use an old paint brush and some motor oil and lubricate the web
drive/conveyor chains.
Annually or before long periods of storage slide apart the PTO shaft and spray
the inside of the larger half of the PTO shaft with a spray can of lithium
grease. This will help prevent rust from forming, which can lead to the two
shafts seizing together.
Adjusting the Tension of the Web Drive/Conveyor System
Step 1
To determine if the web drive/converyor system is in need of adjustment, go to
the center of either side of the spreader, reach over the side, and pull up on
the chain. There should be about 3 inches of slack between the chain and the
floor of the spreader. If there is more, then an adjustment will be neces-
sary.
Step 2
On each side of the spreader at the front are two bolts (#1 and #2). Loosen,
but do not remove these bolts. These bolts lock in the tensioner so it cannot
move after the adjustment is set.
On the front of each side of the spreader is a nut on a threaded rod (#3).
Turn the nut clockwise to tighten up the slack in the chain counting how many
turns you make on each side. Adjust both sides the same amount of turns so the
chains continue to run straight. Check the slack in the bed as shown in step
- Once the web drive/conveyor is set at the desired tension on both sides, retighten the locking bolts (#1 and #2) on both sides.
Adjusting the PTO Drive Chain Tensioner
After removing the front guard panel, loosen but do not remove the front two
PTO housing locking bolts (Figure 1).
On the side of the spreader there is a threaded rod (Figure 2). By turning it
counter clockwise you will increase the tension on the chain. If you grab the
top chain, you should be able to push it down in the center approximately 1
inch when you reach the proper tension. Be sure to retighten down the two
locking bolts and replace the front guard pan-el. Use caution not to over
tighten which can cause excess wear on the sprocket and chain.
Adjusting the Wide Spread Chain Tensioner
Remove the right rear safety guard by removing all four bolts and then lifting
upward on the guard until it clears the locking slots. Place the guard safely
off to the side.
Next loosen but do not remove all four locking plate bolts.
On the tensioner bolt, the locking nut is the nut closer to the front of the
spreader. You will want to loosen this nut several turns. Tighten the ten-
sioning nut and count the turns. It is important to adjust the wide spread the
same amount on each side of the spreader. Afterwards tighten all four locking
nuts down. Then, be sure to tighten the locking nut on the tensioning bolt and
replace the safety guard. Just a reminder, be sure to adjust the opposite side
the same amount of turns, to prevent the shaft from riding sideways,
shortening the life of your bearings.
Adjusting the Wide Spread and Beater Bar Chain Tensioner
Remove the right rear safety guard as instructed in the previous section
To set the tension on the chain, loosen the two locking bolts and slide the
tensioner towards the rear of the spreader. Retighten the bolts once in place
and replace the guard. Do not over tighten the chain or it will cause
excessive wear to the chain.
Replacing the Master Link on a Chain
A master link for a chain is comprised of three parts; the plate and pins, the
pate, and the retaining spring clip that holds everything in place.
Whenever replacing a master link always have the plate and pin side of the
link facing towards the sprocket housing and the retaining spring clip facing
away from any sprocket. If not, the retaining spring clip can rub up against
the housing and come off causing the chain to come apart. Insert the plate and
pin section first then on the other side install the plate fol-lowed by the
retaining spring clip to lock it in place.
Wheel Maintenance
The wheels on the spreader should be torqued down to 100- foot pounds after
first use and be retightened annually. The recommended tire pressure is 52 PSI
to maintain maximum performance. The tires should be visually inspected before
each use and checked semi-annually with an air pressure gage. Maximum
transport speed is 30 miles per hour.
Winter Use
Use caution in winter months or during periods of freezing weather as the web drive/conveyor system can become frozen to the floor of the spreader. If it is frozen, take a pry bar and pry up on the web drive in several places on both sides of the spreader making sure it is free of ice. Next, before loading slowly run the web drive or conveyor making sure all mechanical parts are functioning properly. If equipped with the optional end gate, be sure to raise it before advancing the web drive. Do not let manure sit for long periods in the spreader during freezing conditions. The ABI warranty does not cover damages due freezing.
Troubleshooting
The PTO shaft is turning but the shredder bars and wide spread paddles are not turning
Step 1
On the left front corner of your spreader there is a hinged hood area, unlatch
and lower the hood. Check to see if the shear bolt (#1) has broken. If so, in
the hood you will find extra 5/16” x 1 ¼” grade 2 bolts with nuts and washers.
You will need to align the hole in the locking collar (#2) with the hole in
the sprocket (#3) and then replace the bolt, washer, and nut and tighten down.
Replacement shear bolts can be purchased at a local hardware store and are a
grade 2 bolt.
Step 2
If the shear bolt is intact and the shredder bars and wide spread paddles
still aren’t turning, then you need to remove the guard on the left side of
your spread-er and verify that your double roller chain is still attached. On
either side of the roller chain, there is a keyway that secures the sprockets
to the shafts. To check this, remove the master link for the double roller
chain and slide back the sprock-ets and see if the key way is intact. If the
Key way is damaged, a replacement can purchased it at a local hardware store.
It is a ¼” x ¼” x 1” key. ****
Step 3
If the shredder bars and the wide spread paddles are not moving after complet-
ing steps 1 and 2, check the rear of the spreader on the left side lower
beater bar shaft. There is a connection coupler with two set screws on this
shaft (Figure 3). While the spreader is running, see if the shaft coming out
of the gear box is turn-ing and the beater shaft isn’t turning. If this is the
case, the key inside the coupler that connects the gear box to the beater bar
shaft is broken and will need to be replaced. It is a ¼” x ¼” x 1 “ key.
If steps 1 through 3 are completed and the beater bars and wide spread paddles are still not turning, contact our support team at 855.211.0598.
The Web Chain/Conveyor System is not working
If the hydraulic hose are attached to the tractor and the spreader and the
speed dial is turned on but the web chain or conveyor system is not working,
the check valve may have been attached to the inward flow side of the tractor.
If this happened, then the check valve has closed and stays closed until the
pressure is released inside of the valve. To relieve the pressure first cover
the check valve in an old rag (when pressure is relieved the hydraulic oil
will spray out of the hose) and push or hit the nipple at the end of the
coupler against a hard surface to relieve the oil and pressure. Next, plug the
check valve into the outward flow side of the tractor and you should be up and
running.
ABI Attachments, Inc
520 S Byrkit Ave
Mishawaka, IN 46544
abiattachments.com
For additional information on the use or setup of the ABI Classic Spreader,
please contact the ABI customer support team at 855.211.0598.
Additional support videos are available at the ABI support page
(abisupport.com) under each tool.
Warranty Information and Return Policy – Warranty and return policy
information can also be found on the ABI support page under each tool. For
additional questions regarding warranty or return policy, contact the ABI
customer support team at 855.211.0598.
© Copyright 2018 ABI Attachments, Inc.