MEYER 3954 (01) PDF Document

The signal words used in the MEYER 3954 manual are defined as follows:

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate injury. It is also used to alert against unsafe practices.

Before operating the MEYER 3954, you must read and understand the Owner’s Manual. Key safety precautions include:

DO NOT operate, service, or inspect the spreader until all operators have read the Owner’s Manual and are properly trained.

Do not allow minors or inexperienced persons to operate the spreader.

If the spreader clogs, shut off the tractor engine, allow all mechanisms to stop, disconnect the PTO shaft, and relieve hydraulic pressure before cleaning.

Always shut off power, disconnect the PTO drive shaft, and unhook hydraulic hoses before working on the machine.

Do not clean, adjust, or lubricate while the spreader is in motion.

Ensure all hydraulic fittings are tight and hoses are in good condition. Never use your body to check for hydraulic leaks.

Inspect the spreader to ensure all connections and bolts are tight before operating.

Do not operate until all shields, covers, and guards are in place.

Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from moving parts. Stay well clear of the rear discharge spinners.

Do not step on any part of the spreader. Do not step over the power take-off shaft.

Keep PTO shaft shields turning freely and replace if damaged. Never operate the PTO above the normal 540 RPM rating (unless equipped with a 1000 RPM kit).

Do not tow at speeds over 20 MPH.

Observe all traffic laws and use an SMV emblem when transporting on public roads.

When towing on public roads, a safety chain must be used.

Before operating the MEYER 3954, perform the following pre-operation steps:

1. Drawbar Adjustment: The spreader is designed for a standard tractor drawbar. Adjust the drawbar to be 13 to 17 inches above the ground. The horizontal distance from the end of the tractor PTO shaft to the center of the hitch pin hole should be 14 inches for 540 RPM models. Secure the drawbar so the hitch pin is directly below the PTO drive line.

2. Hitching: Fasten the spreader hitch to the tractor drawbar with a 1″ diameter hitch pin that cannot bounce out.

3. Jack: Remove the weight from the jack. Remove the jack from its square mount tube and move it to the transport storage tube on the left front side of the frame, stored in a horizontal position.

4. PTO Connection: Connect the PTO drive shaft to the tractor. Slide the spring-loaded locking collar on the PTO yoke rearward, slide the yoke onto the tractor PTO shaft, and release the collar. Ensure the pins fall into the groove of the tractor PTO shaft and the collar snaps forward into the locking position.

5. Hydraulic Hoses: Route hydraulic hoses through the hose support rod on the hitch frame. Connect the hoses for the flow control rear gate to the tractor’s double-acting valve hydraulic system. Check for proper gate operation; if it operates in reverse, switch the hose connections at the tractor.

6. Initial Run: Before loading, slowly engage the tractor PTO and operate the machine at idle speed for several minutes to ensure it is properly lubricated and operating correctly.

When transporting the MEYER 3954:

1. Manually latch and close the trip pan doors.

2. Ensure the flow control rear gate is completely closed to prevent slurry from splashing or leaking onto public roads.

3. Use the provided chart to ensure your tractor meets the minimum weight requirements for towing.

4. Operating speed is dictated by terrain. Always use caution and avoid unsafe slopes or hills.

5. When on public roads, observe all applicable traffic laws, including lighting and marking requirements. Install an SMV emblem on the rear of the spreader and keep it clean and bright.

6. Use a safety chain of sufficient strength when traveling on public roads. The chain should be installed to retain the connection between the tractor and spreader in case the hitch separates.

7. Do not tow at speeds greater than 20 MPH.

8. Check for traffic constantly and ensure it is clear before making any turns.

**Struck capacity, heaped loads have significantly higher capacities.

For freezing weather operation of the MEYER 3954:

1. After spreading the last load, allow the spreader to completely empty and then disengage the tractor PTO.

2. Shut off the tractor, remove the ignition key, and wait for all movement to stop before cleaning.

3. Manually open the trip pan doors at the rear and scrape clean any remaining manure from inside. Clean manure from the trip pan doors, ends of augers, flow control rear gate, and spinners.

4. Manually close the trip pan doors.

5. Slowly engage the PTO and operate the spreader for several minutes to clean any remaining scrapings and allow the spreader to freeze dry.

6. Hydraulically run the flow control rear gate up and down to clean the gate slide guides.

7. Park the spreader with the flow control rear gate approximately halfway open.

8. Before loading again in freezing weather, manually open and close the trip pan doors to ensure they are not frozen. Check that the augers and spinners are free to rotate and that the flow control rear gate moves freely.

To load the MEYER 3954:

1. Before loading, especially in freezing weather, ensure the augers and spinners are free to rotate and the flow control rear gate moves freely.

2. Manually latch the trip pan doors at the rear of the spreader.

3. Make sure the flow control rear gate is completely closed.

4. When parked for loading, shift the tractor to neutral or park and set the brakes.

5. Do not load foreign objects like stones, concrete, timber, metal, or large frozen chunks of manure.

6. The moisture content of the manure will determine how full the spreader can be loaded. Solid manure can be loaded at least level with the top, while semi-liquid and liquid manure will need to be less than full to avoid spills. It is unlawful to allow manure to splash or leak onto public roads.

To unload the MEYER 3954:

1. When you are ready to spread, open the hydraulic flow control rear gate and slowly engage the tractor PTO clutch. This can be done while moving forward to avoid a heavy application at the field’s edge.

2. For liquid and semi-liquid manure, control the application rate by adjusting how much the flow control rear gate is opened. The gate indicator bar provides a reference for the opening amount.

3. For solid manure (dry, pen-packed, or manure with long straw), the flow control rear gate MUST be completely open.

4. The rear spinners are designed for a uniform spread pattern of about 15 ft. wide. Plan your spreading pattern to avoid traveling over previously spread manure, which can be slippery.

5. For optimal performance, operate at or near the engine’s PTO speed. You can further control the application rate by adjusting the tractor’s ground speed (gear selection).

6. When the spreader is empty, idle the tractor, stop the PTO, and close the flow control rear gate.

If the shear bolts on the main auger drive sprockets shear, follow this procedure:

1. Shut the tractor off, remove the key, and disconnect the drive line before performing any service.

2. The plate sprocket has holes for 1/2″ diameter bolts and an extra set for 9/16″ bolts for additional strength if needed. If the 1/2″ bolts shear, replace them with the same size bolts after removing the obstruction. DO NOT immediately jump to the next size bolt.

3. Install new bolts so they drive off the head of the bolt, not the nut. Ensure you use the correct size hole for the bolt.

4. If one auger shears: Unload the opposite side of the spreader, remove the obstruction from the sheared side, install new shear bolts, and then unload the remainder of the load.

5. If both augers shear: Install shear bolts in only one auger. Unload that side. Then, install bolts in the opposite side and unload the remainder.

6. If a second shear occurs without an obstruction, you may then install the next larger size shear bolt (9/16″). Be aware that increasing the bolt size reduces the protection for the machine and increases the potential for equipment damage.

Before storing your MEYER 3954 for an extended period, perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the PTO drive shaft and hydraulic hoses.

2. Allow the spreader to completely clean out the last load.

3. Thoroughly hose off all manure from the outside of the spreader and the inside of the box. Pay special attention to cleaning the flow control rear gate mechanism.

4. After cleaning, completely lubricate the entire spreader to exclude moisture from bearings and prevent condensation. Refer to the “Lubrication” section for details.

5. Apply oil to all roller chain drives.

6. Inspect all adjustments and check for parts that need repair or replacement. Performing these tasks now will ensure the spreader is ready for the next season.

Attachment:

The cutout clutch end of the PTO drive line must always be attached to the spreader. Remove the M17-hexagon bolt from the splined hub and slide the PTO onto the implement’s splined input shaft. Reinstall the hexagon bolt through the hub, ensuring it falls into the groove on the shaft. Torque the bolt to 75 ft. lbs. using a metric size M17 6-point socket. Attach the shield safety chain to the spreader.

Lubrication:

A high-quality Lithium Base Grease should be used.

Prior to Use:

1. With the drive line as straight as possible, place 20 pumps of grease into the CV center housing zerk.

2. Slowly articulate the double joint through its maximum angle several times.

3. Return the CV joint to a straight position and add more grease until it is evident around the housing and center sliding disk.

Normal Operation (Every 8 hours, or 4 hours in demanding conditions):

1. Cross and bearings: Add grease until it is purged around the seals.

2. CV center housing: Add grease until it is evident around the center sliding disk.

3. Telescoping members: Add grease until sliding members are adequately covered. Take apart occasionally for thorough cleaning and re-lubrication.

4. Shield bearings: Add 2-3 pumps of grease.

Regularly inspect and adjust the two spinner material guides at the left rear and right rear of the spreader. The goal is to create a 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch clearance between the material guides and the spinner teeth.

To adjust, tighten or loosen the 1″ nut on the material guide spring linkage shaft assembly. Tightening the nut increases the clearance, and loosening it decreases the clearance. After adjusting, turn the spinners by hand in their normal direction of rotation to check the clearance. Do not turn them in the opposite direction, as this could damage the front chain tightener.

There are five roller chain drives at the front of the MEYER 3954. Proper tension is when there is 1/4″ to 1/2″ of deflection on the slack side of the chain. Keep all chains tight.

Primary Chain Drive (PTO input to large RH top sprocket): This is automatically tensioned by a spring-loaded idler. The extension spring should extend 2″ from its neutral 5″ length. Manual adjustment is located at the left rear of the front bearing mounting plate.

Transfer Chain Drive (Large RH top sprocket to large LH top sprocket): This is automatically tensioned by a spring-loaded idler. The extension spring should extend 2″ from its neutral 5″ length. Manual adjustment is located at the front center of the front bearing mounting plate.

RH Auger Chain Drive: This is automatically tensioned by a spring-loaded idler. The extension spring should extend 3/4″ from its neutral 4″ length. Manual adjustment is located at the right front lower corner of the spreader tank.

LH Auger Chain Drive: This is automatically tensioned by a heavy compression spring and tracking yoke/idler. The compression spring should be compressed to 3-1/2″ to 4″ in length. Manual adjustment is located at the left front corner of the spreader tank.

Side Shaft Chain Drive (PTO input to side line shaft sprocket): This is automatically tensioned by a spring-loaded idler. The extension spring should extend 2″ from its neutral 5″ length. Manual adjustment is located at the right front of the front bearing mounting plate.

Daily Lubrication (every 8-12 loads)

L1: Grease (2) rear spinner lower bearings.

L2: Oil (5) roller chain drives at the front with light weight machine oil.

L3: Grease PTO Drive line (9 places) every 8 hours.

L4: Grease (4) bearings on the two large jack shaft reduction sprocket weldments.

L5: Grease (2) auger shaft bushings (Minimum of 10 pumps).

Weekly Lubrication (every 25-30 loads)

L6: Grease (2) PTO input shaft bearings.

L7: Grease bearings on the RH side line shaft.

L8: Grease (4) tandem wing pivots.

L9: Grease (2) flow control rear gate and lifting arm pivot points. Apply grease to slot in gate lift arm.

L10: Grease (2) flow control rear gate slide guides.

L11: Grease (1) integral overrunning clutch at the rear of the PTO drive line.

Monthly Lubrication

L12: Keep the (3) gearboxes 1/2 full of liquid gear grease (approx. 30 oz). Check for leaks. Lubricate with a “Semi-Fluid, EP Lithium Base, Gear Grease”.

L13: Clean and repack wheel hubs annually. Grease hub through zerk monthly.

Lubrication:

Weekly (every 25-30 loads): Grease the single bearing supporting the front shaft of the 3rd auger assembly. The zerk is accessible by opening the front steel shielding cover.

Seasonal: Maintain the oil level in the oil bath enclosure using the check plug. Use #80-90 wt. gear lube oil. Change the oil after the first season and regularly thereafter. Drain water (condensation) from the bottom plug as needed. The capacity is 2.5 gallons. To fill, remove the reservoir cover or level plug. Seal the cover tightly with silicone when reinstalling.

Adjustment:

The 3rd auger drive roller chain is automatically tensioned by a spring-loaded idler. The tensioning extension spring should extend 3/4″ from its neutral 4″ total length. Manual adjustment for this idler is located at the right front, top of the oil bath enclosure, just under the cover.

The automatic chain oiler lubricates the roller chains each time the rear gate’s hydraulic cylinder is activated.

Filling: Use new 30 weight oil. In cold weather, use SAE 10 or a mixture of two parts 30 weight oil to one part diesel fuel. If the reservoir tank runs dry, pour about 1/2 cup of clean oil into the tank and allow 30-60 minutes for it to run down into the pump and for air to escape. Then, finish filling the tank.

Priming: With the tractor hydraulics running, open and close the spreader’s rear gate several times to cycle the oiler pump. Continue cycling until oil is seen in all lines leading to the brushes. If you have trouble priming, you may need to bleed air by cracking the fitting on the hydraulic hose connected to the pump until oil comes out, then re-tighten.

Brush Replacement: When replacing brushes, use regular 1/2″-20 nuts. Adjust the brush holders so the brushes are pushed down into the roller chain approximately 1/2″. Do not over-tighten the nuts, as this can damage the plastic threads of the brush.

Adjustment: The pump is factory-set for maximum oil delivery. To reduce the amount of oil, loosen the jam nut on the bottom of the pump and screw in the adjusting shaft 1/4″ (approx. 5 turns). It is not recommended to screw the shaft in more than 15 turns.

If augers shake or chatter:

Problem: Stiff or dry roller chains, loose roller chains, worn sprockets/chains, or a dry auger trough.

Solution: Lubricate the roller chains, tighten the roller chains, replace worn sprockets/chains, and ensure the auger trough is loaded with manure.

If augers wobble/lift up & down:

Problem: Worn auger shaft bushings or worn auger hold down nylon bearings.

Solution: Replace the worn auger shaft bushings and/or the auger hold down nylon bearings.

If the gate will not lift:

Problem: No hydraulic supply or the gate is frozen tight.

Solution: Check and supply hydraulic power. Thaw any frozen build-up.

If the gate will not close/seal:

Problem: A foreign object is lodged, or the area is dirty.

Solution: Remove the foreign object and clean the area.

If the gate sticks/binds:

Problem: Dirty/dry slide guides, worn slide guides, or a worn out slide guide poly-slick.

Solution: Clean and lubricate the slide guides. Replace worn slide guides and/or the poly-slick liner.

Symptom: Clunking sounds

Problem: Gears/bearings are wearing due to a low level of liquid grease.

Solution: Replace worn gears/bearings. Fill with semi-fluid, EP lithium base, gear grease.

Symptom: Excessive oil use

Problem: Worn out oil seals. Dry manure and twine are wrapping around the seal areas.

Solution: Replace the oil seals. Clean and remove any build-up at the seal areas.

Symptom: Gear damage

Problem: High speed/full load start-up or worn-out gears.

Solution: Use a slow start-up procedure. Fill with oil. Replace damaged gears.

Symptom: Poor spreading pattern

Problem: Material guides are out of adjustment.

Solution: Adjust the material guides according to the manual specifications.

Symptom: Dirty/build-up

Problem: Spinner RPM is too slow.

Solution: Operate the spreader at the recommended 540 RPM.

Symptom: Bending/breakage

Problem: Lodging foreign objects or multiple damaged paddles.

Solution: Avoid loading foreign objects. Replace damaged paddles.

If the PTO whips/shakes:

Problem: The PTO is overextended or bent.

Solution: Adjust the tractor drawbar length as specified in the manual. Straighten or replace the bent PTO shaft.

If the PTO vibrates up & down:

Problem: The spreader center shaft is bent.

Solution: Replace the center shaft.

If the universal joints are worn:

Problem: Lack of lubrication or the joint is used and worn out.

Solution: Lubricate the joints daily. Replace the worn joint.

Symptom: Excessive chain wear

Problem: Lack of lubrication or misalignment/looseness.

Solution: Lubricate, align, and tighten the chain.

Symptom: Roller chain breakage

Problem: Loose roller chain or worn sprockets.

Solution: Tighten the roller chains and replace worn sprockets.

Symptom: Sprocket teeth tipped over

Problem: Worn roller chain or bad roller bearings.

Solution: Replace the roller chain and any bad bearings.

Symptom: Spinners turn hard/squeak

Problem: Bad lower spinner bearings.

Solution: Replace the lower spinner bearings.

Symptom: Shake at high RPM’s (excessive vibration)

Problem: The spinner is bent or out of balance, or the lower spinner sleeve/shaft is worn out.

Solution: Straighten, balance, or replace the spinner. Replace the lower spinner sleeve/shaft and reweld.

Symptom: Excessive paddle damage

Problem: Spinner RPM is too slow, manure is lodging, or foreign objects are being spread.

Solution: Operate the spreader at the recommended 540 RPM. Adjust the material guides. Straighten or replace damaged paddles and keep them sharpened. Avoid loading foreign objects.

If the doors will not latch (close):

Problem: Dirty doors, loose Poly Slick liner, or bent doors.

Solution: Clean the doors, refasten or replace the Poly Slick, and straighten or replace the doors.

If the doors will not unlatch (open):

Problem: The mechanism is locked, frozen tight, or rusted.

Solution: Unlatch the lever manually. Thaw any frozen build-up and oil the shaft.