BCS 921ML002 Plastic Mulch Layer Instruction Manual

BCS 921ML002 Plastic Mulch Layer

Please read and understand this manual and all instructions prior to operating or servicing this attachment.

Thank you for purchasing the BCS Plastic Mulch Layer (PML)!

This implement is designed to apply 36” or 48” plastic mulch rolls over soil while burying the edges.

• With 36” rolls, the PML will flat-lay the mulch leaving approximately 28” of exposed plastic.
• With 48” rolls, the PML will flay-lay the mulch leaving approximately 38” of exposed plastic. 48” rolls can also be used to cover 30” raised beds, provided that the beds do not exceed approximately 3” in height and are uniform in size and shape.

REQUIREMENTS

• In order to allow the tractor to straddle the bed, a minimum of 5”x12” wheels (22” tires) and 16” wheel extensions are required.
• Wheel weights may be necessary for extra traction.

Identifying all parts of the implement.

1. Openers

2. Mounting Flange (with
   Empty Quick Hitch Tang)

3. Press Roller

4. Mulch Roll Support Tubes

5. Press Wheels

6. Closers

7. Disc Openers

8. Drip Tape Layer Kit*

9. Drip Tape Roll (1000’)*

10. Plastic Roll (2400’)*

11. Tool Box
    Sold separately.
    

Rear/Right view of the implement with all accessories.

Getting Started: Be prepared to make lots of adjustments!

Depending on your preference for the amount of exposed plastic, soil type, and soil condition, several adjustments will need to be made. This is why nearly every aspect of the PML is adjustable. There is no “standard” setting for the openers, closers, or press wheels.

Mounting Flange: Since the PML’s mounting flange comes with an empty Quick Hitch tang, a BCS Quick Hitch bushing mounted to the tractor is a requirement. The Mounting Flange has six height settings for various wheel and tractor combinations. When the PML is connected to your tractor and the Press Roller is contacting the ground, the tractors engine should be level with the ground.

Openers: The PML comes with standard openers and disc-style openers. Disc-style openers work best with raised beds. Openers create a furrow just ahead of the Press Roller. Openers are adjustable in height, width, and angle.

Press Wheels: As the Press Roller lays plastic over the furrow created by the Opener, the Press Wheels follow and push plastic into the furrow. Press Wheels are adjustable in height and width.

Closers: The Closers come behind the Press Wheels, catching the ridge of soil created by the Openers, closing the furrow, and burying the edges of the plastic. Closers are adjustable in height, width, and angle.

Mulch Roll Support Tubes: To accommodate both 36” and 48” rolls of plastic, the Mulch Roll Support Tubes have adjustable collars and spacers. The PML comes with the collars in the 48” setting. To switch to the 36” roll setting, pull the lynchpin from one end of each Tube and slide the Tube’s support bar out. Then rearrange the collars so that the 6” PVC spacers are on the outside and replace each lynchpin (see illustration below).

6” Spacer removed from Tube’s support bar.

Collars in standard 48” setting.

Collars in 36” setting.

Laying Plastic Mulch

Whether using 36” or 48” plastic rolls, the method of installing the plastic is the same. Once you’re ready to start laying mulch:

• First, feed the plastic between the two Mulch Roll Support Tubes. It does not make a difference which direction the mulch roll unravels.

• Next, route the plastic around the front of the Press Roller, and then underneath towards the Press Wheels.

• Pull the plastic under the Press Wheels making sure to keep it straight and unwrinkled. It is helpful to have a second person nearby to assist in lifting the implement off the ground during this step.
  
  Feeding plastic through Mulch Roll Support Tubes.
  
  Pulling plastic under Press Wheels.

• Continue to pull the plastic out past the closers and anchor it to the ground before starting down a row. The plastic can be anchored with garden staples, heavy stones, logs, etc.
  

Drip Tape Layer Kit Installation

The Drip Tape Layer (DTL) Kit is sold separately from the PML and consists of two pieces that are installed on the front and rear of the implement. The Shovel is installed on the front of the implement and the Spool Holder is installed on the rear.

• The Shovel can be installed anywhere on the front (tractor) end of the PML. Usually, it is desirable to have it centered, or as close to the center as possible, and the Mounting Flange was designed with enough clearance for this purpose.

Shovel mounted in center, directly behind Mounting Flange.

Install the Drip Tape spool between the collars of the Spool Holder. To prevent the Drip Tape from unspooling, make sure the Spring is installed outside of the collars. If the Drip Tape spool still spins freely, compress the Spring further

Spool Holder mounted with Drip Tape fed over the Mulch Roll and into the Shovel.

Maintenance

Maintenance for the PML is very simple: Keep it lubed and dry.

• At least once per season, apply some spray lubricant to any rotating part (Mulch Roll Support
  Tubes, Press Roller axle, C-clamp bolts, etc.

• Prolong the life of your PML and avoid rust by storing it out of the weather when not in use.

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts can be ordered through any BCS America dealer. Find your nearest dealer at www.bcsamerica.com or call 1-800-543-1040.

Mulch Layer Parts

Drip Tape Layer Parts

Part #| Description|

Qty

---|---|---
2230| PRESS WHEEL STEM| 2
2231| ROLLER ROD| 3
2244| MULCH ROLL PIPE LONG 36.25″| 2
2245| MULCH ROLL PIPE SHORT 6″| 4
2265| BCS ADAPTER| 1
2266| 12″ DISC| 2
2267| PRESS WHEEL| 2
2269| LYNCH PIN 3/16 X1| 4
2280| ROLLER ROD DISC COLLAR| 4
2282| T-BOLT| 6
2284| SQ TUBE CLAMP| 2
2285| ROUND SHAFT CLAMP| 4
2287| DISC SHAFT ASSEMBLY W/BEARING| 2
2292| ADPTER HITCH PLATE| 1
2294| MAIN FRAME| 1
2295| BED ROLLER ASSEMBLY| 1
2288-L| LEFT CLOSING PADDLE| 1
2288-R| RIGHT CLOSING PADDLE| 1
2289-L| LEFT PLOW| 1
2289-R| RIGHT PLOW| 1
| COTTER PIN 1/8 ” X 2″| 2
| WASHER 1″ ID X 1.75″ OD X 1/8″ THICK| 10
2299| TOOL BOX| 1
Part #| Description| Qty
---|---|---
2264| SHAFT SPRING| 1
2281| SHAFT WASHER/ COLLAR| 2
2282| T-BOLT| 2
2283| DRIP PLOW CLAMP ROUND| 1
2284| SQ TUBE CLAMP| 1
2286| SHAFT| 1
2290| DRIP TAPE PLOW| 1
2291| SQ TUBE SHAFT MOUNT| 1

Warranty

If this product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within 3 YEARS from the date of purchase, we will at our option repair or replace it free of charge. This warranty excludes wearables, such as wheels and tires, which become worn during normal use. Contact your BCS America dealer for warranty repairs.

Customers Support

1-800-543-1040 bcsamerica.com

Distributed by:
BCS America, LLC
14151 Fir Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
[email protected]

References

• BCS America
• BCS America

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