Before getting started with your new skid loader mulcher, it's important to properly setup and tune your equipment. This initial tuning is critical in safely and efficiently mulching, without causing damage to your skid loader or mulcher itself.

Impact-Resistant Windshields

The first major step before operating your mulcher is to install an impact-resistant windshield to the front of your skid steer. Many operators choose to install a 1/2" polycarbonate door, due to it's excellent visibility when compared to OEM glass doors, as well as it's ability to handle the direct impact of large pieces of debris. While aftermarket doors cannot guarantee operator safety from all debris, 1/2" polycarbonate is considered to be a reliable solution for basic mulching applications. When purchasing a polycarbonate door, first ensure that you have the specific year, model, and serial number of your machine available to ensure proper fitment of seals, wiring harnesses, latches, and hinges. Improperly sized doors may damage door hardware, or limit an operators ability to safely open and close the door in the event of an emergency. Next, try to select a door manufacturer that limits drilling directly into the polycarbonate for hardware. This type of construction lowers the risk of cracking due to high vibrations, helping to reduce overall costs over years of operation. In higher risk environments, operators are encouraged to use a bolt-on steel door guards as well, which help resist direct impacts from large falling brush. Due to the nature of forestry mulching, all operators should consult with their factory representative before beginning to ensure their equipment meets safety guidelines.

Initial Connection

When first mounting your Seppi mulcher, ensure that your mounting plate fits firmly and securely into the mounting bracket. Next, connect the three hydraulic hoses to your skid steer, including the two hydraulic hoses and single case drain hose. Ensure that you have sufficient hydraulic fluid in the skid loader, and that the hoses make a smooth "S" shape without any kinks throughout the full range of the loader.

Measuring Initial Performance

To begin, get a laser photo tachometer, available at many industrial tool stores, automotive parts stores, and online for under $100. The goal of this test is to measure the maximum working pressure of the machine by locking out the rotor. The simplest way to do so is to firmly place the rotor on a stump, large piece of immobilized wood, or other material that will not allow the rotor to move. Clear the area around your testing area, then, bring your loader to full throttle smoothly and attempt to engage the mulcher. The pressure gauge should show the maximum pressure on the machine, which should be around 240 bar, or as specified by your manufacturer for your specific machine.

Measuring Flow and Revolutions

Open the cover on the side of your mulcher, in order to place a reflective sticker (often included with your photo tachometer) on the shaft inside. Now, measure the speed of the rotor while the machine is at full throttle. The ideal rpm is between 2000 and 2400. This speed measurement allows you to measure the flow of your machine as well by simply multiplying the rpm by 18 and dividing the resulting number by 1000. For example, a machine that is showing an rpm of 2000 can be calculated as follows. 2000 x 18 = 36,000. 36,000 / 1000 = 36. So, our conclusion would be that the hydraulic flow for this machine is 36 gpm. This is only relevant for the initial setting that the mulcher comes in, before adjustments. It is at this point that you may not be receiving the expected flow rate of your machine to the mulcher. First, ensure that any high flow options on the skid steer loader are engaged and working properly. Identify if the machine is operating at full power, and that any hoses going to the mulcher are not damaged, leaking, or crushed. High-hour skid loaders often are unable to output comparable flow rates to new machines, but a full service and inspection of the machine may be able to improve this number. Low flow-machines (around 20 gpm) are recommended to start by swapping pulleys first and tune at a later time.

Fine Tuning

The set screw located on the hydraulic motor (often covered by a cap) conveniently allows for adjustment by simply loosening it to gain speed and tightening it to reduce speed. The goal of this adjustment is to ensure the mulcher operates at the ideal 2000 to 2400 rpm range. Next, the shift point for the motor must be adjusted, often located on the side of the hydraulic motor next to an identifying sticker. The shift pressure should be at 80% of the max loader pressure, as calculated in the the previous steps, or obtained from original manufacturer literature. For example, on a 3,500 psi machine, the shifting pressure should be around 2,800 psi. This will ensure that the motor correctly responds as additional hydraulic pressures are required. From the factory, the shift point is set at 3,200 psi, and can be adjusted by turning the second set screw on the motor. With each turn, your shift pressure will increase or decrease by 1,300 psi. It is important to ensure that the initial setting and additional adjustments are recorded, to ensure that future adjustments are motor easily able to identify current settings.

Ready for Operation!

When the previous step is complete, ensure that all safety shields are replaced and no leaks or damage to the machine has occurred during adjustment. You are now ready to operate your mulcher! Future adjustments may be necessary if your skid loader is replaced, undergoes a hydraulic pump replacement, or simply reduces in output over time. All operators are encouraged to reach out to confirm that their tuning and setup is properly complete, and that all safety precautions are followed during this process. At Keast Enterprises, our experts are available on-demand to help ensure that your new machine is operating at it's maximum performance from the very start. As proud dealers of the complete Seppi M mulching line, give us a call to learn more about how we can help you! Offering low-rate financing, convenient right-to-your-door shipping, trade-ins from any brand, and parts in stock to keep you running rain or shine, we're here to service all of your mulching needs!        

Raven Rate Control Modules (RCMs) are a key part of the proper operation of your Artex manure spreader. Designed and built by Raven Applied Technologies, their user friendly software and tremendous accuracy has made it an industry favorite. With the ability to control up to 4 products through multiple-source machine monitoring and easy in-cab operation, we're happy to recommend Raven to many of our Artex operators. Below is quick guide made by Artex Manufacturing to help you better understand the settings and configuration process of your new Raven controller. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/y2mate.com-ArtexRaven-Quick-Start-Guide_1080p-1.mp4"][/video]

 

Editing Your Profile

Begin my navigating to the main home screen and pressing the gear icon on the upper right part of the screen. Next, select Edit under the Profile heading for your machine. This will allow you to enter your profile name for your individual machine, which tells the Raven Controller what your machine is, what it is being used for, and the application width. This also allows you to setup multiple profiles for different pieces of equipment. Continuing on the previous screen, if you are using a pull-type spreader, select "Pull-Behind Spreader", if you have a truck mounted spreader, select "Self-Propelled Unit".  

Base System Setup

For your Artex spreader, the ECU # field and Number of Products field should both be set to "1". The number of spinner controls should also be set to "1", with the Spinner RPM Control field left blank.  

Selecting Your Application Type

Next, select your Application Type, which should be marked as "Granular Fertilizer". The standard Product 1 Granular should be set to "Dry Manure/Litter". Auxiliary Drivers on the following page can be marked as "None".  

Section Summary

At this point, take a moment to review your selections on the summary screen to ensure that you are satisfied with the configuration, and that it matches your intended use. Non-standard applications may require additional setup, please contact your representative for more information on how this can be performed.  

Scale Setup

Select "Product Scale" and ensure that the Product Scale 1 field is checked. For a 5-point scale system such as an SB or SBX the calibration number will be "46130". A 4-point system will be "36904", 6-point "55356", and 8-point "73808".  

Fan/Spinner RPM Calibration

On this screen, your RPM 1 calibration should be set to "1", with your RPM 1 low limit at "400" and high limit at "2000". Alarm fields can be left unchecked. RPM Sensor 1 should have a check in Product 1, which ensures your PTO is spinning before the floor chain begins moving.  

Setup Control Valve

When setting up your Product 1 Granular, the Control Valve Type should be PWM Close, with a valve response rate of "50", control deadband of "2", and "0.0" valve delay. The PWM Smart Control can be left disabled.  

PWM Setup

On the PWM, your Coil Frequency should be "100" hz, high limit set to "100", low limit set to "20", and startup set to "25". The density factor defaults to a value of 100, which should be changed to "50". Pulses/Revolution should be set to "200", with the gate height sensor unchecked. SBX-Series Artex spreaders can have their Spreader Constant marked as "5.1", with a gate height of "48". SB-series manure spreaders should have a spreader constant of "6.0", while CB-boxes should be "4.4".  

Tank/Bin Setup

The tank capacity field should be set to "50000", with a low level of "0", and both the alarm and low bin level sensors left unchecked. On the next screen, you can see the preset values for your product. If you have multiple rates that you'll be applying at, you can change them here. The rate bump setting allows to to increase the rate at that increment. Rate Selection should stay as "Predefined or Rx", with display smoothing enabled and a "0" decimal shift.  

Target Alarms

The Off Rate Alarm should be set to "20", with the alarm box and shaft sensor alarm unchecked.  

Summary

At this point you will arrive at the second summary screen. Once again, review your settings to ensure they suit your application, and continue when ready. Unusual configurations may need custom values or selections, contact for rep for additional assistance.  

Home

Next, press the "Home" icon on the top right to view the profile overview screen. If any settings are changed, a red stop sign icon will appear in the top, central part of the screen. To continue operation, simply press it.  

Settings

By pressing the gear icon on the right side of the screen, you will access the main settings menu. The wrench icon at the top of the screen can be pressed to adjust the previous fields in the event that your product or spreading type changes. For example, under the Rate Sensor Setup section, you can change the density factor, as well as update the Cleanout Setup.  

Cleanout Setup

Under this screen, you can enable the cleanout function through the checkbox to run for a set duration at a target weight. In many situations, operators like to set the trigger point at "1000" with a duration of "15". This preference is entirely up to you and your specific application. When complete, simply select the check mark to take you back to the Setup Rate Sensor screen.  

Dynamic Cal Setup

Under the same screen, press Dynamic Cal Setup. Enable the Dynamic Cal feature and input "5000" in the density adjustment frequency field, with "50" in the adjustment sensitivity field.  

Zeroing Your Scales

On the home screen, once again select the gears tab to get to the system settings page. Press the wrench icon at the top of the page and select "Scale Setup". If your weigh bars are set up, the scale weight field should be prefilled. Simply press the "Scale Calibration" button, then press "Zero". Confirm your select to zero the weight.

Setup is now complete!

For custom applications or difficulties in setup, contact Raven Support at 800.243.5435. Interested in learning more about Artex spreaders? View the models we offer here at Keast Enterprises or learn more about what they can do at www.artexmfg.com.  

About Us

At Keast Enterprises, we specialize in providing top-quality new and used equipment throughout the United States. With low-rate financing, convenient, worldwide delivery, thousands of parts in-stock, and Monday through Sunday support, we're here to help. Looking for something unique? Give us a call to learn more about our custom equipment and attachments including self-powered grain vacs, long-life upgrade kits, and made-to-order grain vac hoses. Located just 30 minutes east of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area at our headquarters in Henderson, Iowa. From the first acre to the last, we're here to help make them the best. Offering sales, service, and support for AMCO, Art's Way, Bale King, Batco, Christianson, Cloverdale, Crary, Crustbuster, Farm King, Handlair, Harsh, Travis, Hurricane Ditcher, Kelly Ryan, Loftness, Magik Kleaner, Meridian, Meyer, Meyers, Norwood, REM, Remlinger, Renn, Rockaway, Rotogrind, Rowse, Schuler, Speed King, Thunder Creek, Universal, Walinga, and more!