CHAPMAN TF Series Trailed Feeder Instructions

TF Series Trailed Feeder (All Models)

Original Instructions

Chapman Machinery Ltd, Hele Barton, Week St. Mary, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6XR
Tel: 01288 308149
Email: [email protected]

THIS MANUAL MUST BE HANDED TO THE OPERATOR BEFORE USE. THE OPERATOR MUST UNDERSTAND FULLY THE CONTENT OF THIS  BOOK BEFORE USING THE MACHINE FOR THE FIRST TIME. OF THE IMPLEMENT IS RESOLD, THIS MANUAL MUST ACCOMPANY THE MACHINE.
NOTE:
The information contained in this manual is correct at the time of going to press. However, in the course of development, changes in specifications are inevitable. Should you find the information given differs from your machine, please contact Chapman Machinery Ltd direct for advice. Use only Chapman Genuine Service Parts on Chapman Machinery and Machines.

HSE Information

Safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in agriculture and forestry – AIS Sheet 33

Introduction
This information sheet gives advice on the safe use of ATVs. It covers the two main types used in off-road working in agriculture and forestry, which are:

• sit-astride ATV / sit-in machines
• side-by-side mini-utility vehicles,

The Full HSE information sheet can be found here or using the QR Code at the bottom of the article: ais33 [PDF] and must be read prior to any ATV/UTV use. Below are related extracts to trailed machinery.

REMEMBER – GET PROPERLY TRAINED AND ALWAYS WEAR HEAD PROTECTION

Training
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), there is a legal requirement for employers to provide adequate training, and to ensure that only employees who have received appropriate training in their safe use, including the use of any towed equipment or attachments, are permitted to ride ATVs.The same requirements apply to the self-employed. HSE regards training provided by recognized training providers as being adequate for the purposes of PUWER.

Protective clothing
More than half of all ATV riders have been thrown off at some time. As these machines are not fitted with either a cab or roll bar, your only protection is what you wear.

• Head protection is vital. The majority of ATV fatalities in the UK in the last ten years have been caused by head injuries. Nobody who died from head injuries was wearing a helmet. Helmets would certainly have prevented most, if not all, deaths. You should always wear a helmet when riding an ATV. All helmets should have a chinstrap and be capable of being used with suitable eye protection. The type of helmet chosen should be based on an assessment of the circumstances in which the ATV will be used, eg the types of surface travelled over and anticipated speeds. The harder the surface and higher the speed the greater the degree of protection needed. NB: Forestry helmets and industrial hard hats are not acceptable for any ATV operations.
• Wear clothing that is strong and covers your arms and legs. Gloves are useful for protection and to keep hands warm in cold weather for good control of the ATV. Wear sturdy, ankle covering footwear, eg boots or wellingtons that are strong, supportive and have good wet grip.
• Protect your eyes from insects and branches with either advisor or goggles.

Trailed equipment and loads

Ensure all riders know the manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity and drawbar loading limit. Always operate within these requirements. Remember that your ability to control the ATV by your body movements will be considerably reduced when carrying a load or towing a trailer.

• When selecting trailed equipment look for:
  – over-run brakes;
  -a swivel hitch drawbar;
  – bead lock rims on wheels;
  -a low centre of gravity and a wide wheel track;
  -a long drawbar; and
  – attachment points for securing a load.

• Check the weight ratio between your ATV and its trailed load. This needs to be assessed for each operation. As a general guide, on level ground, braked trailed equipment can be a maximum of four times the unladen weight of the ATV. For unbraked trailed equipment the maximum should be twice the unladen weight. These loads should be reduced when working on slopes, uneven ground or poor surface conditions. Follow the manufacturer’s advice for your particular machine.

• Weight transfer is also important. Stability and resistance to jack-knifing are improved if some load is transferred onto the ATVʼs drawbar. Approximately 10% of the gross weight of the loaded trailer is recommended, but this should not exceed the manufacturers’ drawbar loading limit. Remember that weight transfer can change dramatically when you start going up or downhill.

• When selecting mounted equipment, make sure it is within the manufacturer’s approved weight limit, with a low center of gravity, and controls that are easy to operate but do not create a hazard. Where equipment is added to one end of the machine, add ballast at the other end to maintain stability.

• Loads carried on racks must be well secured, e.g. with ratchet straps, and be evenly balanced between the front and rear, except where they are deliberately altered to aid stability when going up or down a slope.

• Only tow a load from the hitch point. Loads towed from other points such as the rear rack have caused sudden rear overturning even on slight slopes or with slight acceleration. Ropes or chains should not be used to drag a load where they can become caught on a wheel. This may lead to entanglement with the brake cable, causing unexpected braking.

Further information

For information about health and safety go to
https://www.hse.gov.uk/

© Crown copyright This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial purposes. First published 05/99. Please acknowledge the source as HSE.

ais33 [PDF]

Important Safety Information

Always read this manual before fitting or operating the machine – whenever any doubt exists contact your dealer or the Chapman Machinery Service Department for advice and assistance.
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply throughout this manual:
WARNING – An operating procedure, technique etc., which can result in personal injury or loss of life if not observed carefully.
CAUTION – An operating procedure, technique etc., which can result in damage to either machine or equipment if not observed carefully.
NOTE – An operating procedure, technique etc, which is considered essential to emphasis.
LEFT & RIGHT HAND – This term is applicable to the machine when attached to the towing vehicle and is viewed from the rear – this also applies to tractor references.

Safety Information

• Do not operate this equipment unless you have studied this manual in full
• Only use this machine for its designated task – improper use is both highly dangerous and damaging to machine components
• Both operators & maintenance fitters should be familiar with the machine and fully aware of dangers surrounding improper use or incorrect repairs
• Before starting, carry out a visual check on both machine & towing vehicles as regards functionality, road safety & accident prevention rules
• Even when using the machine correctly, accidents can occur. It is imperative that nobody stands within the danger area. If working near roads, buildings or animals, special attention must be taken to ensure safety.
• Never wear loose clothing which could get caught in rotating equipment
• Never carry passengers on the towing vehicle
• Do not stand near the machine when operating

Damaged or missing safety decals must be replaced immediately

Transportation Safety

• When transporting, especially over rough ground, reduce speed to prevent damage to the machine.
• This machine is not road legal in its standard form. DO NOT tow on public highways unless you have specified the road-legal model, and checked that this and the towing vehicle comply with local highway regulations in place.

Operating Safety

• Pay special attention when working not to harm livestock if crowding around the machine occurs.
• If anything should become entangled in the mechanism, or blocked in the chute, stop the machine and disconnect the power before attempting to clear the blockage.

Description

The TF Series Trailed Feeders are designed for feeding livestock, through the deposition of pre-defined drops of feed, onto the clear ground.

The TF Series operate with an electric motor mechanism, ensuring accurate disposition, and industry-leading groclearance. The rotor and wiring mechanism are all IP67 rated, to ensure trouble-free usage in even the toughest winter conditions.

The TF350 has approximately 350kg carrying capacity (feed material dependant), a galvanised metal hopper and a PVC cover. Standard wheels are 22x11x8” flotation, with optional heavy-duty 25x13x9” traction or road-going available.

These machines should however only be used to perform tasks for which they were designed – use of the match for any other function may be both dangerous to persons, and potentially damaging to components. Use of the machine beyond the stated usage may invalidate any applicable warranty, as well as being potential in breach of applicable safety regulations.

Identification

Each machine is fitted with a serial plate (shown below) which details the following:

1. Model
2. Date of Manufacture (DOM)
3. Serial Number
4. Mass

When inquiring regarding spares or additional equipment, ensure you have this information to hand.

Implement Decals

If your implement does not contain all of the decals shown below, please contact Chapman Machinery for replacement decals before use.

Note: All decals must be present and visible. It is imperative that these are replaced if damaged to prevent potential harm to users.

• Carefully read operators manual before handling this machine. Observe instructions and safety rules when operating.

*Caution – Entanglement Hazard. Keep hands away from moving parts

Component Identification

Attachment

Before Attaching the Machine

Before attachment, ALWAYS ensure the following:

• All safety guards & decals are in good working order and correctly fitted
• Lubrication points have been lubricated as per the scheduled maintenance period
• The tyres are free of damage and inflated to the correct pressure
• Electrical connections are free of dirt and moisture

Attaching the Machine

NOTE: This machine is designed to attach to the towing vehicle through a 50mm diameter ball hitch.

1.Reverse the towing vehicle up to the machine.
2.Attach the machine onto the towing vehicle’s coupling.
3.Attach the control cable to the control socket fitted on the towing machine, ensuring a secure connection.

WARNING: ENSURE CONTROL EQUIPMENT IS SECURELY ATTACHED TO THE TOWING VEHICLE BEFORE USE!

4.If required, check and adjust the drop size to suit the material being distributed.

1. Wire Plug
   a. Wire Plug supplied with kit – cut approx. 30mm of outer sheath off and shorten BROWN cable by 8mm. Wiring Code:
   i. Brown = 7 = Motor –
   ii. Red = 3 = Motor +
   iii. Green = 5 = Sensor Brown Cable
   iv. White = 1 = Sensor White Cable.
   b. 2x 40mm lengths of black heat shrink tubing will be required as the plug is designed for a larger cable diameter than is being used on these machines, so 2 pieces of heat shrink must be heat shrunk onto the cable at the right point to allow the cable grip to function!

Drop Size Adjustment & Calibration

Initially set the Feed adjustment plate to setting 4, as indicated by the arrow on the drop adjustment plate. To adjust, loosen BOTH handwheels, and slide the unit forwards or backwards to the desired value. Tighten securely

Fill the hopper 50% full of the feed to be distributed. With the machine attached to the towing vehicle and on level ground, switch the control box on and deposit 10 drops of feed into a bucket. Measure the weight of the deposited feed and divide by the number of drops (in this case 10) to give the weight per drop.
Adjust the feed adjustment plate as required to increase or decrease the drop size, checking after each adjustment for the average drop size. Individual drop sizes can vary, especially with large granular materials (eg. cobs) or with feedstuff containing molasses, so it is important to average the drop size over a number of drops.
It is recommended that the feed be deposited in round numbers, ie. 1kg, 1.5kg, 2kg etc. This allows easy calculation of the required number of drops for different livestock numbers.
The drop set will differ between feedstuff, due to the different particulate size and any binding agents such as molasses. It is strongly recommended to re-calibrate if you change feed make-up or consistency.
Once you have set the machine to the desired drop size, securely tighten the two retaining handwheels to ensure this does not change during use.

Sensor Change / Adjustment

If your control box is showing an F1 error and not counting correctly, you may have a problem with the connectors and/or the sensor may need adjustment.
First, check the plug and socket connection between the control box and the feeder – THIS IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF PROBLEMS! If required check continuity with a multi-meter.
Plug/socket wiring;
Brown = 7 = Motor –
Red = 3 = Motor +
Green = 5 = Sensor Brown Cable
White = 1 = Sensor White Cable.

If the connectors are functioning correctly then the unit may need adjustment of the sensor and magnet located within the machine.

Procedure

1.Tilt the drawbar upwards so the machine is resting on the wheels and end of the mudguards, this will allow easier access. Remove the belly plate using a 17mm socket on the 8 bolts.

2. The sensor can be accessed through the recess in the slide plate shown in the RH corner of the image below. You should not need to remove the slide plate to access the sensor. If you do need to remove the slide plate for access, this can be achieved by unclipping the spring from the slide plate and removing the 5 x bearings and associated bolts which locate the plate. TAKE NOTE OF THE NUMBER OF WASHERS AS THESE NEED TO BE RE-FITTED IN THE SAME ORDER TO ENSURE THE SLIDE MOVES SMOOTHLY.

3. In the Picture below you can see the sensor (with the wire) and the magnet (fitted to the disc) are facing each other with approximately 2mm gap between them. The sensors also need to be aligned vertically (so that they are approximately level with each other).
If required you can bend the sensor support bracket up or down to get vertical alignment, and you can move the sensor in or out on the slotted holes to get horizontal alignment.
FOR MACHINES USED WITH DUSTY FEED OR FEED WITH ADDITIVES SUCH AS MOLASSES, BUILD-UP OF DIRT CAN AFFECT THE SENSOR  OPERATION – IN THIS CASE, CLEAN WITH A LOW-PRESSURE WATER JET.

4. Parts are re-fitted as a reverse of removal, taking care to ensure all bolts are secure and tight. If adjustments have been made to the sensor, ensure the cable is secured with cable ties or similar to prevent accidental damage.

Once this has been checked and all dirt removed, your problem should be resolved. If the problem persists, please contact us at 01288 308 149 or email us at [email protected] and we will be more than happy to help.

Control Box

4 Button Model (FROM October 2015)

The 4-button model has two modes of operation;
– Count Mode: Unit counts up from 0 e.g. 1,2,3,4,5 indefinitely, until the count is paused or the unit switched off. If the counter reaches 999 then it will reset to 000.
– Countdown Mode: The desired drop count is set using the up / down arrows in increments of 5. The unit will then count down and stop at zero.
The unit can be fixed to a suitable surface on the towing vehicle using screws through the fixing lugs hidden under the two flaps on the left and right of the unit.
Specification
Supply Voltage: 12V DC nominal, 16V MAXIMUM Power
Consumption: OFF: 0.01A
ON: 0.05A
MOTOR RUNNING: 5A *If at all possible wire direct to the battery due to current draOperating Temperature: -10°C to +40°C
Fuse: Thermal Reset Polyfuse (Non-serviceable)
Operating life: 100,000 cycles
Protection rating: IP67
Incorrect polarity protection: Yes, diode.
WARNING: This control box features several thermal-rest polyfuse. If this fuse is tripped through a fault condition, the fuse will reset after approximately 10 seconds when the fuse has cooled down sufficiently. In hot ambient conditions, this can take significantly longer; likewise, in cold ambient conditions, this will take less time.

OPERATION – COUNT MODE

1. Switch the unit on by pressing the ON / OFF button. All segments of the display will light up.
2. After approx. In 3 seconds the display will show 000.
3. Press Run / Pause to start the motor. The unit will count up from 0. Pressing RUN / PAUSE when the unit is running will stop the motor and pause the counter. Holding RUN / PAUSE for 3 seconds will reset the counter to 0.
4. Pressing the ON / OFF button at any time switches the unit off.

OPERATION – COUNTDOWN MODE

1. Switch the unit on by pressing the ON / OFF button. All segments of the display will light up.
2. After approx. In 3 seconds the display will show 000.
3. Using the UP / DOWN arrows set the desired drop count.
4. Press the RUN / PAUSE button to start the motor and countdown. The countdown can be paused or resumed at any time using the RUN / PAUSE button.
5. Once the countdown reaches 000 the unit will stop.

FAULT CODES
OL = Overload. Motor or slide plate jammed, or plug/socket connection is poor. Check plug/socket connection and check slide plate is not jammed.
F1 = Sensor Fault. No output is being received from the sensor. Check plug/socket for dirt or corrosion preventing contact. Check sensor for damage or corrosion. The unit will continue to operate with this fault but will not count. To exit this fault condition once the problem has been identified turn the unit off.
The TF350 electronic system is designed such that a fault can be diagnosed and remedied on-site relatively easily; the motor and rotation sensor are separate components that can be replaced individually should a fault occur, please contact your distributor or original equipment provider for assistance and parts should they be required.

Operating Limits & Recommendations

Ensure that the operator is suitably qualified to use a machine of this nature and that they have fully read and
understood this manual – they should be aware of all safety aspects relating to the safe use of the machine.
It is advisable that all ‘first-time’ operators practice using the machine in a clear safe area prior to work in order to familiarise themselves with its operation.
AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR OF WORK WITH A NEW MACHINE, ALL NUTS, BOLTS, AND DRIVE BELTS SHOULD BE CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS AND ADJUSTED AS NECESSARY!
Operating Limits
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE BEYOND OPERATING LIMITS, DAMAGE TO MACHINERY OR INJURY TO OPERATOR MAY OCCUR.
Minimum / Maximum Temperature: -10°C / +40°C

Forward Speed

The forward working speed will affect the distance between drops of feed – to increase the distance between drops use a faster forward speed, to reduce the distance use a slower forward speed.

Storage

For extended periods of storage, it is advisable that the machine be kept in a clean dry environment protected from the elements to avoid the risk of corrosion.
The machine should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated prior to storage. At this point it is good practice to check the machine for worn or damaged components – any parts that require replacing should be ordered and fitted at the earliest opportunity so the machine is fully prepared for the next season’s work.

Troubleshooting

Battery
Incorrect Polarity/ poor connection| Check connection
Fuse is blown (2 button controls only)| Replace Fuse
Shortage in wiring| Checkwiringloomfordamage and repair/replace as required
The motor does not operate even
though control box is on| Poor connection between the control box and TF350| Check plug is clean and moisture-free
Shortage in wiring (maybe indicated by unit losing power when run button pressed)| Check to wire for damage
Motor Fault| Replace motor, contact distributor
The counter does not operate| Poor connection| Check plug is clean and moisture
free
Fuse blown (2 button controls)| Replace fuse
No signal (Fault Fl on 4-button
model)| Adjust or replace the sensor (see page 9 in the handbook). The sensor needs the magnet to pass within 2mm of it, foreign object ingress could
have caused fault
Microswitch/sensor faulty| Contact distributor
No material is fed| Jammed slide plate| Check for blockages and remove
Hopper bridging| Agitate hopper contents
Drop size varies| Drop adjustment plate lose| Adjust and tighten hand screws
Feed leaking out from the chute| Jammed slide plate| Check for blockages and remove
Unit switched ‘off’ incorrectly (2 button control units only)| Restart unit, stop slide plate operation prior to switching control box off.
Slide plate ‘sticking’ (Maybe ap-
parent on feeds with high molasses /
binding content| Clean slide plate area. A stronger return spring can be provided if required for very sticky feed.
Excessive movement of drawbar| Worn swivel bearings| Replace swivel bearings
Loose bolts| Tighten bolts

Warranty

The Chapman Warranty

Chapman Machinery Ltd (herein ‘Chapman’ or ‘Chapman Machinery’) warrants that the machine referred to in the Warranty Registration Form will be free from manufacturing defects for a period of 24 months from the date of sale. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights but merely adds to them. Should you have a problem within 24  months from the date of sale please contact your original dealer or Chapman Machinery’s Service Department.
Any part found to be defective during this period will be replaced or repaired, at our discretion, by the dealer or an Authorized Service Engineer.

Warranty Conditions

1. The Warranty Registration Form must be completed and returned to Chapman Machinery Ltd within 30 days of the date of sale
2. This warranty does not cover defects arising from fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, misuse, abnormal working conditions, use in competition, failure to follow Chapman Machinery’s instructions (oral or written, including all instructions and recommendations made in the Operator’s Manual) or alteration or repair of the machinery without prior approval.
3. The machinery must have been serviced in accordance with the Operator’s Manual and the Service Log must have been kept up to date and made available to the dealer should service, repair, or warranty work be undertaken.
4. This warranty does not cover claims in respect of wearing parts such as blades, flails, paintwork, tires, belts, hydraulic hoses, bearings, bushes, linkage pins, top links, ball ends unless there is a manufacturing or material defect or the cost of normal servicing items such as oils and lubricants.
5. This warranty does not cover any expenses or losses incurred whilst the machinery is out of use for warranty repairs or parts replacement.
6. This warranty does not extend to parts, materials, or equipment not manufactured by Chapman Machinery, for which the Buyer shall only be entitled to the benefit of any such warranty or guarantee given by the manufacturer to Chapman Machinery. Only genuine replacement parts will be allowable for warranty claims.
7. All parts replaced by Chapman Machinery under warranty become the property of Chapman Machinery and must be returned to Chapman Machinery if so requested. Such parts may only be disposed of after a warranty claim has been accepted and processed by Chapman Machinery.
8. Chapman Machinery is not liable under this warranty for any repairs carried out without Chapman Machinery’s written consent or without Chapman Machinery being afforded a reasonable opportunity to inspect the machinery the subject of the warranty claim. Chapman Machinery’s written consent must, therefore, be obtained before any repairs are carried out or parts replaced. The use of non- Chapman Machinery parts automatically invalidates the Chapman Warranty. Failed components must not be dismantled except as specifically authorized by Chapman Machinery and dismantling of any components without authorization from Chapman Machinery will invalidate this warranty.
9. All warranty claims must be submitted to Chapman Machinery on Chapman Machinery Warranty Claim Forms within 30 days of completion of warranty work. Using the machine implies the knowledge and acceptance of these instructions and the limitations contained in this Manual.

Transfer of Warranty

The Chapman warranty is transferred to a subsequent owner of the machinery (for use within the UK only) for the balance of the warranty period subject to all of the stated warranty conditions and provided that the Change of Owner form is completed and sent to Chapman Machinery within 14 days of a change of ownership.

Chapman Machinery Ltd retains the right to refuse the transfer of warranty.

Chapman Machinery reserves the right to make alterations and improvements to any machinery
without notification and without obligation to do so.

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC

Chapman Machinery Ltd
Hele Barton
Week St. Mary
Holsworthy
Devon
EX22 6XR
The Products Covered by this Declaration
Product: TF350 Trailed Livestock Feeder & Options (Off-Highway)
Standards and Regulations used: Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
Place of Issue: United Kingdom
Name of Representative: James Chapman
Position of representative: Director

The Basis on which Conformity is being Declared
I declare that as the authorized representative, the above information in relation to the supply/manufacture of this product is in conformity with the stated standards and  other related documents following the provisions of Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC directives
The products described above comply with the essential requirements of the directives specified.

Signed:……
Date: …..

References

• HSE: Information about health and safety at work

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