Drainage Plow Manual

Soil-Max, Inc.

Precise, Progressive, Great Service

888-Soilmax (764-5629)

Warning !!!!

Before using the Gold Digger drainage plow, call (888) 258-0808 (the toll-free national call before you dig number). You need to have a determination made as to whether or not any underground gas lines, electrical lines, fiber optic or normal phone lines, or any other underground object or condition exist in the area you will be running the plow. Have these thoroughly marked and maintain the recommended distance from these areas. Soil-Max is not liable for any damages or injury which may result from contact

with any above ground or underground object.

CALL (888) 258-0808

BEFORE YOU DIG!!

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Soil-Max Gold Digger Stealth ZD “How-To” Guide Thank you for purchasing the Soil-Max Gold Digger Stealth ZD. We know it is one of the most important tools you will ever have on the farm. Our purpose is to develop equipment that will make farmers profitable. This “ How-to ” guide will explain the function and use of the Gold Digger. If you have any questions about any Soil-Max equipment, or the use of this equipment for installation of field tile, please call our office, toll free at (888) 764-5629 and we will be glad to discuss this with you. Gold Digger Applications:

1. Add tile to already existing tile systems.

2. Random tiling systems, low draws, hillside seeps, etc.

3. New tile systems.

4. Installation of water lines, cables, etc.

5. Installing sub irrigation lines or tile for orchards, vineyards, high-cash crops and greenhouses.

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Table of Contents

Plow “Parts Identification” 5

Serial Number Identification 8

“Which Tractor” to Use 9

3pt Plow Hookup and Geometry 10

Toplink Cylinder 11

Draft Control/Quick Hitch 12

Hydrualic Hoses/Connections 12

Waterlevel 13

Pull-Type Plow Operation 13

Drawbar Placement 13

Down Pressure Manifold Electrical Schematics 15

Boot Removal 16

Shear Wear 16

Tile Feeder 17

Automatic Grade Control Hydraulic Schematics 17

Manual Grade Control Hydraulic Schematics 18

Electronics Hookup 19

TopCon Laser System Initial Setup 21

Apache Laser System Initial Setup 24

First Time “Using the Gold Digger in the Field 29

Incorporating s Second Pull Tractor 29

Pre Ripping 29

Manual Grade Control 30

Automatic Grade Control 30

Designing Tile Systems 31

Tile Size in Acres Drained Reference Chart 32

Using a Laser-Determining Grade & Coverage 33

Formulas for “Tile Grade Situations” 35

Frequently Asked Questions 36

Index 37 Page 4

Pull Type Parts Identification

Page 5

Water Level

Tile Boot Rollers

Walking Tandems (Optional)

GPS Arm Mount

Heel

Pull Hook

Grease Daily

Depth Chain

Proportional Valve

Downpressure Valve

Shear

Power Feeder Mount

3 Point Parts Identification

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Depth Chain Water Level

7” Cylinders

6” Top Link Cylinder

erer

Proportional Valve

Owner’s Manual Storage

Top Link Tower

3pt Stands Shear Heel

Boot Funnel

Power Feeder Mont

GPS Arm Mount

Mount

Funnel Rollers

Hydraulic Valve Parts Identification

Down-Pressure Manifold Proportional Control Valve

(Controls Plow Wheels) (Controls Plow Shank Pitch)

See Index for Valve Schematic Diagrams

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Serial Number Identification

The serial number will contain the plow number, date of

manufacture and model information.

You want to use the serial number for insurance purposes.

My Serial Number: _______________________________________________________

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Serial Number

Plow Number

Tractor Selection The first decision to make before attaching the plow to a tractor is “which tractor do I use?” It is not necessarily true that the largest horsepower-rated tractor you have will work the best. You must take into consideration the weight of the tractor, how good the tires are, what type of tire (radial or bias) and the height of the tires. Keep in mind that a lower horsepower-rated tractor properly weighted may be able to do the job to your satisfaction. Generally, a tractor weighing at least 20,000 lbs. can pull the plow 3 to 3 ½ feet deep in good soil conditions. If you are using the plow in good, dry soil conditions, it may be best to pull the plow without duals on the

tractor. This will allow all of the weight of the tractor to be transferred to a smaller surface area.

However, in less than ideal conditions, where the surface of the ground is slick or sticky, duals may

enhance traction. We do not recommend pulling the plow in very muddy conditions as this will probably

make your tiling job very frustrating and may cause compaction problems.

The charts below will give you an idea of what tractor to choose based on the depth you want to pull.

The depths are based on a 4 in boot. Every boot size increase such as 4 in to 6 in will reduce these

numbers by 20% roughly.

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Typical Tile Plow Depths 4in Boot (Normal Conditions)

Tractor Weight (Lbs.)

Plow Depth 1 Pass

Plow Depth 2 Pass

20,000 – 30,000 3.5 to 4 ft 4 to 4.5 feet

30,000 – 40,000 4.0 to 5 feet 5 to 6 feet

40,000 + 5.0 to 6 feet 6.0 to 7 feet

Depth Factors Rating Comments

Radial Tires Increase 5% Tall 42" or 46" Tires Increase 10% Tall Helps

Tire Pressure Increase 5% Keep Under 15

lbs

Tire Lug Type Increase 5% We like big Lugs!

3-Point ZD Plow Hookup and Geometry The 3-point comes equipped for Category III attachment. Attachment to a Category IV 3-Point hitch is possible with the use of CAT III to CAT IV bushings. All pins and hardware should come with the plow.

Adjusting the top link is very important. Attach your top link to the bottom or lowest hole on your

tractor and the highest hole you can reach on the plow. The ideal appearance of the 3 point arms should look like the illustrations below. The 3pt arms should be evenly aligned with the plow frame. The arms should not down into a “V” with the plow frame because this will place too much pressure on the top link and it may break.

CORRECT INCORRECT

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Please use the top hole on the plow for attaching the top link if possible. However, be careful when lifting the plow the first time. On some tractors top link housing is directly beloow the stakc of hydraulic couplings and may hit part of the tractor when the plow is raised. Spacer blocks are available for John Deere 30 through 60 series tractors that may have this issue. The spacers extend the top link out 3” farther from the tractor. The top link must be adjusted so that the shoe of the plow does not drag the ground when the plow is lifted. However, it is important that the bottom of the shoe is not any higher than 12 inches from the ground when the plow is completely lifted. You may also need to adjust the top link when you drop the plow into the first tiling run if the 3 point arms do not allow it to go deep enough. You will want to make sure the two lower arms are locked so that they do not float within the lift arm.

Toplink Cylinder The Gold Digger ZD 3 point plow is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder on the top link of the three point hitch. The purpose of this cylinder is to simply extend the geometry of the plow to allow the maximum depth of the plow. The correct position of this cylinder is to keep the 3 point tower at a 90 degree angle to the frame of the plow.

Draft Control Settings The 3-point hitch will need its draft control turned completely off. The 3-point hitch needs to float for the plow to work properly. For most tractors this adjustment is made with only a knob or lever. Refer to your tractor’s owner’s manual or dealer for instructions. For some, however, there may be pins that will need to be removed or changed for the draft to be turned off. Some tractors with electronic controls require the 3 point hitch to be cycled to complete the process after every start up of the tractor. Check your owner’s manual for instructions.

Quick Hitch

WARNING!

DO NOT Use a Quick Hitch with the Gold Digger ZD 3-Point Hitch Model Tile Plow. The geometry needed for the plow to be lifted out of the ground and go down far enough to reach the plow’s potential is not achievable with a quick hitch Page 11

Hydraulic Hoses The plow will come standard with pioneer hydraulic fittings. You will only need one set of hydraulic outlets if a plow control system such as laser or GPS is used. A separate outlet will be needed for the optional tile feeder. Make sure you connect to the tractor’s primary hydraulic remote. This remote will need to have its hydraulic flow (speed) turned up all the way if possible. Hydraulic fluid direction is important. In the front of each of the valve bodies is the letters “P” and “T”.

“P” is for Pressure and “T” is for Tank. Note: If the fluid is in the wrong direction, the valves will not work correctly.

Hydraulic Connections

Tie up all hydraulic hoses and take care to remove any dirt from tractor remote connections and

pioneer fittings prior to connection with tractor remotes. Valve tolerances are very tight and

debris can cause malfunction of valves.

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Water Level Once you have the plow attached, lower it on a flat surface. Lay a level alongside the shoe and read the bubble. Now fill the water level with anti-freeze to the thick graduation where the red and green graduated marks meet. This mark represents the shoe being level (0% slope). You will need to check this again in one hour or so as the baffle in the water level may soak up some amount of anti-freeze. NOTE: Water level is shipped upside down to guard against damage during transport. The level must be turned upright for filling and use.

Shipping Position Operation Position with Fluid

Pull-Type Plow Operation

Drawbar Placement When attaching a Gold Digger Stealth ZD Pull-Type plow to your tractor’s drawbar, please be sure that the drawbar is pulled in as close to the tractor as possible to avoid breaking or damaging the drawbar. This is especially important on smaller front wheel assist tractors.

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Hydraulic Detente The wheels will not operate correctly if the tractor remote is detented (engaged) in the wrong direction. The down-pressure valve has TANK and PUMP marked on the ports in the front of the valve. The hose connected to the PUMP port should be stiff with pressure when detented (engaged) correctly. Hydraulic Flow Only Goes One Way

Switchbox Instructions The instructions in this section pertain to how you operate the wheels on a pull-type Gold Digger plow. The wheels are operated by the black switchbox with either 2 or 3 switches. One switch is to move a laser mast which would not pertain to you if you have an Intellislope or manual plow. The switch marked “PLOW” operates the wheels. In the operation of tiling this switch is only used to

lower the plow into the start and pick the plow up after it has been steered to the top of the ground with

the 6” grade control cylinders. In other words, the plow must be brought to the surface of the ground by

pitching it UP with the 6” cylinders BEFORE it can be raised up off the ground with the wheels.

The “float” switch lowers the hydraulic pressure to the tires to around 200 psi. If you have more than 200 pounds of pressure, turn the round knob on the left side of the down-pressure block as shown in the illustration counterclockwise to lower pressure. The float switch must be on to adjust the pressure. If you need more pressure on the wheels turn the round knob clockwise. The plow must have enough pressure to provide vertical stability for the plow, without so much pressure that the tires pull the plow off grade when going over humps.

Normal Sequence of Operating the Wheels

1. With float mode off, lower plow into start with plow switch, Hold plow on tires until movement begins.

2. As plow starts forward into soil, pull the shear into the soil about 2 feet, then turn on the float switch, pressure gauge should drop to 200 psi.

3. Install tile with float switch on 4. When done installing, pitch the plow up with the large 7”

cylinders on top 5. Pull forward 8 to 10 feet. 6. Turn Float Switch off and raise the plow with the PLOW switch. 7. Warning!!! DO NOT use the plow switch to try to lift plow

when in the ground! Plow warranty is void when damage occurs from plow being lifted out of ground by the wheels and not by pitching the plow up and pulling the plow forward to the top of the ground

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Down Pressure Manifold

Electrical Schematics

Note: The position of the wires to the solenoids on the Down Pressure Manifold is very

important. With incorrect wire placement, malfunction of the manifold will occur and potential

injury. Please take care when removing, cleaning, or replacing wire connections.

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Boot Removal

Often during the course of an installation, different

boot sizes will be needed. Changing the boot is

easily done. First remove the fastener marked 1

and remove the funnel. Remove fastener marked

2 and the bottom portion of the boot will come off

in two pieces. Note the alignment pins on the

heel of the plow . Each size of boot has a

corresponding shear. Remove and replace with

the proper size shear.

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Shear Wear

Over time, the shear will wear on the cutting edge. How to gauge wear is shown in the illustration

below. Place a straight edge on the bottom of the cutting edge of the plow. The gap between the

shear and the heel will be about 3/8” when new. When the cutting edge of the shear is even with the

heel, the shear must be replaced.

Lack of replacement will cause the heel to wear excessively.

When the shear tip is even with the heel, the plow may try to come up and grade control will be

deteriorated.

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Tile Feeder (Optional)

The optional tile feeder is a great addition to any plow. It is not required but is a great reassurance of

tile quality. The tile feeder simply pushes on the tile to ensure no stretch is occurring.

Hydraulic fluid direction is important to correct operation. Take note of the direction the wheel turns;

the wheel should turn toward the plow. If reverse direction, change the direction of the fluid

detent. The hydraulic flow to the feeder should be slowed to reduce torque. When the plow

stops, the feeder should stop. The feeder is for assistance only not to rub and harm tile.

Start hydraulic flow very slowly ( 8 gpm or less ) and gradually increase. Flow too high will not allow tile

speed to be regulated with the rheostat switch.

If it’s not possible to adjust or slow the hydraulic flow, user should be ready to change the switch from

“on to “off” to stop the feeder. See the picture below of the control box. Turn the dial to adjust the

speed and move the switch for on/off of the feeder.

The tile feeder mounting brackets have three adjustments shown in the illustration below. Adjust the

feeder spring tension to give just enough tension on the spring to keep the tile in the wheel without the

tire. The hinge points of the tile feeder should be adjusted to align tile with funnel for an easy entry into

the funnel. Once adjusted, tighten to restrict moement.

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Hinge Points

Funnel Alignment

Spring Tension

Automatic Grade Control Plow Hydraulic Schematics

“T” Stands for “TANK”. This is the port through which oil returns to the reservoir. “P” Stands for “PRESSURE” or “PUMP”. This is the port thorough which pressurized oil is sent to the

plow.

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Manual Grade Control Plow Hydraulic Schematics

“T” Stands for “TANK”. This is the port through which oil returns to the reservoir. “P” Stands for “PRESSURE” or “PUMP”. This is the port thorough which pressurized oil is sent to the

plow.

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Electronics Hookup Intellislope GPS Control System: If you purchased the Intellislope GPS plow control system please refer to that systems manual for this section. To learn more about the Intellislope you can visit: www.intellislope.com or call us toll free at: 888-SOILMAX and select Sales (option one). Laser Guided Control System: (Also see Schematics following this page) If you have purchased an automatic laser system, the electro-hydraulic valve mounts on the plow’s frame below the top link attachment. This valve is hooked to the electronic control box to be put in the tractor cab. It controls the hydraulic cylinders on the plow for automatic (using a laser) or manual control of the shoe depth incrementally. The control box can be mounted in the tractor and needs 12 volt power supplied to it. There are two main cables to connect. 1. Connect the laser receiver cable to the receiver first. 2. Then connect the other end of the receiver cable to the control box in the cab. 3. Now connect the other cable to the control box and to the electro-hydraulic valve on the plow. 4. You will also have to connect the 12 volt power to the appropriate cable. If you make the connections in this order, you will avoid any errors. You can, however, get the “up and down” functions for the plow’s cylinders reversed. “Up” should extend the cylinders and “Down” should bring them back in. If this is reversed, you may need to switch the hydraulic hoses going to the tractor remote (they may be backwards), or just detent the hydraulic remote the other way. The valve block is labeled where the hoses go in. One side is labeled “P” for pressure and the other side is labeled “T” for tank. Make sure the hose that is under pressure is going into the block where it is labeled “P”. The black and white wires (for lowering the plow) on the top of the valve should go closest to the middle of the plow. The laser mast should be mounted on the 3 inch tubing on the right side of the plow. It should be mounted directly above the front of the plow shear. There will be a switch box which will need 12 volt power to run the mast up and down. When traveling across field, lower the laser receiver to the bottom of the mast to avoid damage. Traveling at high speeds may damage laser masts and electronic sensors, please use discretion.

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Wiring Schematic For TopCon Laser Systems

On 3pt Gold Digger

Wiring Schematic For TopCon Laser Systems

On Pull Type Gold Digger

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TopCon Laser System Initial Setup:

This is a very important setup procedure to run when setting the control system up on any other tractor.

This setup is done using the Topcon RD2 control box (in cab unit), TopCon LSB2 receiver (on plow

unit), and the RL-100 1S laser transmitter on the tripod.

1) Turn the RD2 control box on.

2) Detent the hydraulic remote that the plow is hooked to.

3) With the plow raised off the ground (or raised up from the bottom of a start hole)

press the (Down) button on the control box to manually make the shoe point down so that about one-

half of the cylinders are in.

4) Turn off the control box (RD2).

5) Now hold the precision button and turn the RD2 on.

6) You should see a flashing (up arrow) and the #1 precision light flashing. (The

flashing up arrow represents the “Up Offsets”, which should be set to the minimum amount of voltage

sent to the valve that is needed to just barely move the cylinders. In other words the voltage is

proportional to the amount of oil needed to keep accurate grade.)

7) Now push the “Automatic” button. If the cylinders do not begin to move, press and hold the “Up”

button.

8) Continue to hold down the “Up” button to increase the amount of voltage sent to the valve. This may

take 2 minutes so be patient!

9) Once the cylinders begin to barely move, stop pushing the “Up” button. (This can be gauged best by

watching the water levels movement.)

10) This can be reversed (or slowed down) by pushing the (Down) button therefore lowering the

voltage.

11) Push the “Precision” button.

12) Now you should see a flashing (Down) arrow and the #2 light will begin flashing.

13) Now push the “Automatic” button. Press and hold the button.

14) Continue to hold down the “Up” button to increase the amount of voltage sent to the valve. This

may take 2 minutes so be patient!

Tip: A common mistake is to hold the down button since your mind is thinking of moving it down.

Remember though you are increasing the voltage so you want to still push up. The system knows you

are controlling the down side of the plow even though you are pushing up!

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15) This can be reversed (or slowed down) by pushing the (Down) button therefore lowering the

voltage.

16) Push the Precision button. Now you will be setting the “gains”. This is the speed at which the plow

will get back to grade if something drastic would happen. This is set by trial and error. It is actually best

to watch how the plow acts on grade first before setting the “gains”.

17) Push the Precision button once more to get back to the regular control mode.

18) Run the receiver up or down to find the lasers beam.

19) Now set the control box on automatic. Jog the plow up or down about 3 to 4 inches with the manual

up and down buttons on the control box.

20) The plow should come back to grade fairly quickly, then slow down just before it stops moving. If it

overshoots where the grade should be you will need to decrease the “gains”. It is best to increase the

gains until it does overshoot, then decrease them just a small amount so that they do not overshoot.

If you do need to increase or decrease the gains, start back at the top of these instructions but, once

you get in the setup mode, just hit the precision button until the #3 precision light is flashing. This is the

setup for the gains.

Again hit the “automatic” button and use the up or down buttons to increase or decrease the gains. If

the plow seems to be hunting for the grade, you may need to slow down the gain setting.

This setup procedure is outlined in the LSB2 laser receiver’s manual. This setup is the key to controlling

grade smoothly. Please contact Soil-Max if you have any questions about this procedure.

On a single grade TopCon transmitter, the words “TOPCON” should face the direction of travel up the

grade. If the tile line has a curve or change in direction, the single grade transmitter must be reset for

each direction change. If using a dual grade laser transmitter, the transmitter should be placed at the

turn or change in direction of the run.

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Wiring Schematic For Apache Laser Systems

On 3pt Gold Digger

Wiring Schematic For Apache Laser Systems

On Pull Type Gold Digger

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Apache Laser System Initial Setup

1. LED grade display

2. Power ON / OFF push switch

3. Power ON indicator

4. Automatic / Manual toggle switch

5. Automatic ON indicator

6. Manual ON indicator

7. Raise / Lower toggle switch

8. Access panel thumbscrews

9. Access panel

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Operation Switches under Access Panel (#9 pg22)

10. Rotary switch - On-Grade Deadband selections

(Default setting is "8".)

11. Dip Switch 4-way - Performance selections

(Default setting is all in the OFF position.)

12. Rotary switch - Valve gain (speed)

(Default setting is "8".)

Installation Switches:

13. Rotary switch - Valve balance (raise/lower)

(Default setting is "8".)

14. Dip Switch 4-way - Valve set-up

(Default setting is all in the OFF position.)

15. Dip Switch 4-way - Valve drive selector

(Default setting is all in the OFF position.)

16. Fuse, 25 amp

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Apache System Initial Setup:

This is a very important setup procedure to run when transferring the control system onto any other

tractor. This setup is done using the Apache C26 control box (in cab unit), Apache receiver (on plow

unit), and the Topcon RL-100 1S laser transmitter on the tripod on the fastest rotation setting.

Find the Valve Set Up (14) dip switches shown in the diagram on the page prior under the access

panel. Set the machines throttle to normal operating RPM. The following instructions will make the

lights on the arrows shown below light up.

An active LED row represents that specific number. Multiple rows of LED’s can be active. If multiple rows are active, the number that each row represents are added together. Examples:

The combinations can represent numbers from 0 to 31.

The auto/manual switch is used to change the value of the LED Counter. The auto switch (up) increases the value. The manual switch (down) decreases the value.

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The higher the number, the faster the plow will move. It is good to keep in mind that the plow naturally will have suction to go down. The Raise minimum correction should be somewhat higher than the lower minimum correction. RAISE Minimum Correction: (switch 1 in ON position) 1. Toggle raise/lower switch to raise and hold. 2. If no plow movement, release switch. If there is movement, skip to step 5. 3. Toggle automatic/manual switch once to auto to increase (VMC) Valve Minimum Correction one unit. 4. Return to step 1. 5. Observe plow speed. Goal is 0.5 inches (13 mm) per second. 6. If plow speed is too slow, continue increasing VMC and checking blade speed. If plow speed is too fast, toggle A/M switch towards manual to decrease VMC. 7. After proper VMC setting is obtained, note value. NOTE: For the Gold Digger tile plow, a value of 25 works well as a default for the RAISE Minimum Correction. 8. Adjust DIP switch to OFF position.

LOWER Minimum Correction: (switch 2 in ON position) 1. Toggle raise/lower switch to lower and hold. 2. If no plow movement, release switch. If there is movement, skip to step 5. 3. Toggle automatic/manual switch once to auto to increase VMC one unit. 4. Return to step 1. 5. Observe plow speed. Goal is 0.5 inches (13 mm) per second. 6. If plow speed is too slow, continue increasing VMC and checking blade speed. If plow speed is too fast, toggle A/M switch towards manual to decrease VMC. 7. After proper VMC setting is obtained, note value. NOTE: For the Gold Digger tile plow, a value of 20 works well as a default for the LOWER Minimum Correction. 8. Adjust DIP switch to OFF position.

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Using the Gold Digger in the Field Tile runs, using the Gold Digger ZD, will need to be started at the desired tile depth in a “start hole” or if

possible from a drainage ditch. However, is easier to start from a hole. You will always install the tile up

slope from the start hole. The hole must be long enough to accommodate the whole plow shoe and

make a connection if needed. Lower the plow down into the hole resting on the bottom. Insert the tile

into the boot and feed it through and out the backside. You can make any connection to an existing tile

or main now or after the tile has

been installed. Either lower the 3-point arms all the way down or swing the wheels forward on a pull-type so that the full weight of the plow is resting on the shoe (again make sure the 3-point draft control is turned off). Someone (or something) will need to stand on the end of the tile until the plow has installed 10-15 feet of tile. In most cases you will want to travel at a speed of about 1 – 1.5 mph when installing tile depending on the depth and soil conditions. You will need to give the ground time to up heave as you are moving forward. You will actually have better pulling efficiency at slower speeds. Your tractor may only need to be at half or two-thirds (1000-1500 rpm) throttle in first or second gear. To remove tile plow from ground, pitch plow up and pull out. Warning: Never use 3 point hitch or wheels to pull directly out of the ground. Damage may occur to tractor or plow.

Incorporating a Second Pull Tractor At times, due to field conditions, there will be need for a second pull tractor. When using a second tractor, it’s important to have the tow rope or cable placed in the correct position. Always pull the plow from the built-in pull hooks shown in the pictures below. Failure to pull from the correct position could result in tractor damage. Permanently install cable/tow rope under the tractor and hook to front weights for easy use and availability.

Pull Type Pull Hook 3 Point Pull Hook

Pre-Ripping: Depending on the soil conditions and tractor weight (traction), you may need to pre-rip once through with the plow at approximately one-half to two thirds the desired installation depth. This is very helpful in rocky conditions as you will discover many rocks before installing tile. Digging the rocks is much easier without tile in the way. This would be a dry run to loosen up some of the soil so the plow can be pulled easier when the tile is being installed. You may be able to pre-rip at 3 or 3.5 MPH. the maximum pre-rip depth should be at least 12 or more inches above your desired installation depth.

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Manual Grade Control: This method is most commonly used where there is sufficient slope (usually >1% and no humps or

valleys) and a laser would not necessarily be needed. Once you have started the tile run, you will need

to make sure the water level is in the green graduated area. This means you are tiling at a positive

slope. At the same time you can determine the depth of the shoe by looking at the depth chain. The

cow tag on the chain is set at approximately 3 ft. (36”) of depth. Watch the chain and keep a

consistent depth and you will be installing tile at the slope of the land at the tile run. Between the water

level and the depth chain, you should be able to do a satisfactory job on grades with sufficient slope.

Once the tile has ran through the boot, extend the cylinders all the way out to run the plow to the top of

the ground and lift with the 3-point or the wheels of a pull-type plow.

Automatic Grade Control: Intellislope GPS Control System: If you purchased the Intellislope GPS plow control system please refer to that system’s manual for this section. To learn more about the Intellislope you can visit: www.intellislope.com or call us toll free at: 888-SOILMAX and select Sales (option one).

Laser Guided Control System: You will need to use the laser, grade rod, and grade rod receiver to survey and determine the grade and cover needed (explained in the laser section later). Once this is determined, dial in the calculated grade on the laser transmitter. Position the plow in the start hole as explained above. Now run the receiver up or down until it recognizes the lasers signal. When you begin to get close to finding the laser the lights on the left side of the control box will indicate in what direction to move the receiver. The middle row of lights indicates the receiver is locked on to the signal. Once the receiver is locked on, press the “Auto” button on the control box for Automatic hydraulics. (Make sure to have the hydraulic remote detented so there is oil flow back to the valve.) You can now begin the tile run and the grade control should be hands off for the most part, unless you would need to break grade or depth for some reason. Once the tile run is finished, hold the “Up” button until the plow runs to the top of the ground and lift with the 3-point hitch, or the wheels of a pull-type plow. The automatic grade control should run fairly smooth. If the plow seems to be hunting grade, you may need to slow down the “gain” setting for the cylinders. If the plow does not get back to grade fast enough, you may need to increase the “gains” for the cylinders. You will need to refer to the earlier section on setting up the control system for instructions of these adjustments. Make sure that when setting up the tripod and transmitter, that these are placed forward and to the right of the tractor. Warning: If these two pieces of equipment aren’t placed correctly, it is possible that the laser beam could reflect off of the tractor glass and cause unpredictable and erratic grade control from the plow. Laser beams are adversely affected by certain environmental conditions such as the moisture in the air, the wind, and even reflection off of obstacles on the job site such as vehicles. Please make sure that the laser beam is clear of any obstacles or interference and make sure that the wind is not directly on it. If the wind becomes a factor, a wind block may need to be constructed.

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Designing Tile Systems:

Designing your tile system may be the most difficult part of tiling. The general layout may not be difficult

but, you will need to make sure you are able to put the entire tile in at a depth where you have sufficient

coverage everywhere and not have to go too deep to keep good coverage everywhere.

If you are installing a whole drainage system, you will need to make sure you have sufficient coverage

of the main and the laterals. It is common that one main carry all of the water from a field to a drainage

ditch, creek, or river (but this is not a necessity). The Gold Digger ZD will install up to 10 inch tile;

however, you may want to install multiple mains to drain a whole field. This may actually save you

money as two 6 inch tile may be cheaper than one 8 inch and give you nearly the same capacity. The

main should be the deepest run on average in a system. This usually means that the main would be

installed in the lowest part of the field. The slope of the main is very important as this determines the

rate at which water flows.

The permeability of the soil and the size of the area to be drained also play equally important roles in

designing your drainage system. All of these factors play a circular role in the design. For example, a

very flat field to be drained may not allow for much grade on the main. This reduces the amount of flow

rate and possibly increases the size of the tile needed to adequately drain that area.

Obtain or make a map of the area to be drained. The

latest option for mapping the field is to own an

Intellislope that will quickly create a topo map as seen

in the illustration. Another option is, to use a yield

monitor and you are collecting GPS data with yields,

you might be able to create a topography map that

would help design your system. USGS topography

maps are also helpful. Take your map out with you to

the field to make a rough design of the system. Once

you sketched the design, use your laser or your

Intellislope to determine the grade of each run and

make sure you have the desired depth for the entire

tile in the system. You may decide to change the

grade of a tile run after you have taken your laser shots. (The next section will explain using the laser

and calculating grade and coverage for each tile run.)

The spacing of laterals within a tile system is also very important. You will want to space laterals so that

your return on investment is optimum. One large advantage of owning a Gold Digger ZD is that you are

able to install tile economically, your optimum return on investment is not as large of a concern as it

would be if you were paying a contractor to install tile. You may want to install some tile test plots, so

you can monitor the benefit of different spacing on your own soil types. A yield monitor on your combine

works great for this. Obviously, we have only scratched the surface in explaining the design of tile

systems. Please feel free to call us.

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We would be glad to try to answer any questions you might have or refer you to someone who could

answer your questions. Many States also have drainage guides available at extension offices that

explain in detail subsurface drainage along with tables of drainage coefficients, recommended tile

sizes, grades, and spacing of drainage systems. Below is a chart taken from a drainage guide for tile

sizes and the amount of acres they will drain at different grades.

Tile Size in Acres Drained (3/8” Coefficient)

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Using a Laser-Determining Grade and Coverage If you purchased a laser with your plow, you can use it to determine the grade of each tile run as well as the depth the tile will be at intervals within the field. 1) To determine the grade of a particular tile run, set the laser on its tripod about half-way up the grade. 2) Level the laser and set the grade dial to 0. 3) Now take the grade rod and receiver and get a reading where the tile run will begin. 4) Measure or step off (its more accurate to measure) 100’ and take a reading. If the reading is higher than the initial, the land is sloping down from the laser at that point. If it is a lower reading than the initial, the land is sloping up from the laser at that point. The grade rod should be marked in feet but, the incremental marks between each foot mark are in tenths of a foot. For example, let’s say the initial reading was 6.5’ and the second reading was 7.0’. The slope would be -.5% sloping away from the laser. Since the slope is the rise or fall per 100 units of run you will need to divide the reading by the number of 100’ increments you take readings from. For example, let’s say the initial reading again was 6.5’ and another reading 700’ away was 3.5’. The slope would be a 3’ rise in 700’ of run. The 700’ would be seven, 100’ increments, so dividing 3 by 7 would be a slope of .43% (.43’ in 100’ of run; or 5.14 inches in 100’ of run). Below is a diagram that may help in understanding the concept.

At each reading the slope is determined relative to the first reading. It is not necessary to always take a

reading every 100 feet. This depends on how the land lays. If there is a low place, it may need to be

checked to make sure you can get enough cover over the tile. If there is a hump, you may need to get a

laser shot to make sure you will not have to go too deep to get through the hump. If the grade of the run

is constant, you may only need to check the end of the tile run for slope (this is sometimes risky,

because slope can fool you). Now let’s throw in another calculation.

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The depth of tile was calculated by taking the depth of the tile at the first reading (36 inches) and adding or subtracting the amount of ground cover gained or lost gained or lost by the height of the land at each reading, then subtract the depth lost by the tile sloping up. For example, at the 100’ reading, you will lose 6” (.5’ in 100’) of ground cover and lose 4.8 inches from the tile sloping up at .4% slope (.4 x 12”). The 36” depth you started with minus 6 and 4.8 inches equals 25.2 inches of cover (36-6-4.8=25.2). At the 400’ reading we gained 2’ (.5’ in 400’ of run), so the 36 inch depth we started plus the 24” we gained minus the 19.2” we lost equal 40.8” of cover (36+24-19.2=40.8). You can see the dilemma here. The low spot (at the 100’ reading) is at 25.2” of cover while at the last reading you have almost 41 inches of cover. This should work but, if you needed to change the slope to .3% you would run the risk of going too deep out at the end of the run. If you needed to change the slope to .5% you would run the risk of getting it too shallow in the low spot. You can, however, break grade with the plow. In other words, install the tile at less slope until after the low spot, then break grade and reset the laser to a higher slope so that the plow doesn’t get so deep out on the end of our run. You can see that taking many laser shots is important sometimes. The same kind of dilemma may occur when there is a hump to go through. You may have to work around the hump or if you are able to get through it with the plow, you may want to design the system so that you do not have to cross it again. Be careful you do not drastically undersize or oversize your drainage system for the amount of land to

be drained. Bigger is not always better. Over sizing the system can be more of a problem sometimes

than under sizing. Some soil types are prone to “silting” tile in if there is not enough volume of water

running through the tile to keep it clean. Again, check a drainage guide for this type of information.

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Tile Grade Situations:

Standard Grade Calculation

Calculating for a desired grade with a known starting and ending depth.

Determining the plow depth at a known distance.

Calculating depth needed to cover a reverse grade (going over hump to low spot).

Calculating Starting Depth

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Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I know when I need to replace my shear? A: To avoid damage or wear to the front of the heel, the shear should be replaced when the shear sticks down below the heel about 1/8”. To determine this measurement, hold a straight edge along the bottom of the heel and butt the end up against the shear to determine how far the shear point sticks below the heel. Q: When should I replace the heel on my plow? A: The heel should be replaced when there is about ¼” of thickness left on the back end of the heel. Q: When should I replace the poly sides on my plow? A: When tiling, it is normal to hit rocks and debris in the ground that can cause damage to the poly on the boots. If contact with debris cuts or tears poly completely through, or if the poly becomes so thin that the bolt heads pull through, it should be replaced. Q: How deep of a frost layer can I tile through with my Gold Digger Stealth ZD tile plow? A: Soil-Max does not recommend tiling in anymore than 4” of frozen top soil. When the topsoil is frozen it can damage boots and it decreases the amount of topsoil cover that falls in on top or your tile. Q: Can I use a “Quick Hitch” with my Gold Digger Stealth ZD? A: No, the geometry of the third link will not be correct if a Quick Hitch is used and it can cause damage to your tractor. Q: What does the “T” stand for on the hydraulic valves? A: “T” stands for TANK. This is how the oil gets back to the hydraulic oil reservoir. Q: What does the “P” stand for on the hydraulic valves? A: “P” stands for PUMP or PRESSURE. This is how pressurized hydraulic oil gets to the cylinders and wheels. Q: What does “detent” mean? A: “Detent” is defined as follows: A spring device which maintains the spool of a directional control

valve in position. Example: holding a lever in position to keep full hydraulic pressure.

Q: Plow has been parked a year and will not pitch. What do I do?

A: On the sides of the Parker Proportional valve are black knobs. On the end of the black knobs, in the

center, is a recessed button. Place a screw driver there and press hard. If the valve does not freely

move, tap the screw driver with a hammer. If still not moving, turn off the tractor and release hydraulic

pressure. Then unthread the black knob, then unthread the barrel, and remove spool. Clean of debris

and lightly clean with steel wool. Assembly reverse of removal.

Q: My Pull Type plow will not lift or lower.

A: Check both hydraulic hoses and ensure correct connections to Pressure and Tank. Check power

connection and for pinched wires.

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Index

A

I Apache Laser System Initial Setup 24

Incorporating s Second Pull Tractor 29

Automatic Grade Control 30 Automatic Grade Control Hydraulic

Schematics 18

M

Manual Grade Control 30

B

Manual Grade Control Hydraulic Schematics 19

Boot Removal 16

P

D

Plow “Parts Identification” 5

Designing Tile Systems 31

Pre Ripping 29 Down Pressure Manifold Electrical Schematics 15

Pull-Type Plow Operation 13

Draft Control/Quick Hitch 11 Drawbar Placement 13

S

Serial Number Identification 8

E

Shear Wear 16

Electronics Hookup 20

T

F

Three Point Plow Hookup and Geometry 10 First Time “Using the Gold Digger in the Field 29

Tile Feeder 17

Formulas for “Tile Grade Situations” 35

Tile Size in Acres Drained Reference Chart 32

Frequently Asked Questions 36

TopCon Laser System Initial Setup 21

Toplink Cylinder 11

H Hydrualic Hoses/Connections 12

U

Using a Laser-Determining Grade & Coverage 33

W

Waterlevel 13

“Which Tractor” to Use 9

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