| NOTICE |
|---|
Removal of shanks in order to solve a problem will cause the remaining shanks, frame members, and frame components to be overloaded. Operation of the implement with out all of the shanks could cause damage to the implement. |
Plugging
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dragging of straw | Lower the depth of the implement. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Implement Adjustments" for additional information. |
| Bunching of trash | Perform shallow tillage during the first pass. Perform additional tillage. |
| The field is too wet. | Allow field to dry. |
| The Shanks are positioned improperly. | Adjust the spacing of the shanks. |
Excessive Ridges
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| Loose point The bolts for the sweeps are loose. |
Tighten the bolts for the sweeps. |
| Replace the damaged bolts. | |
| The shanks are positioned improperly. |
Relocate the shanks. Make sure that the shank is straight from the front to the back when you tighten the mounting bolts. |
| The frame is not level. | Level the frame at operating depth. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Implement Adjustments" for additional information. |
| Bent shank | Straighten or Replace the shank. |
| Soil builds up on sweeps with residue that prevents necessary cleaning for even flow. | Remove the trash and residue. Clean the field cultivator after each use. Apply a rust preventive before storing. |
Field Cultivator Will Not Lower
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| The wheel transport lock valve is closed. | Open the wheel transport lock valve. |
| The hydraulic hoses may not be locked into the implement hydraulic coupler on the tractor. | Check the connections for the hydraulic hoses. |
| Hydraulic oil does not flow through the system. | Replace the restriction orifices (90 degree fitting) in the hydraulic plumbing for the raise and lower. |
Field cultivator does not follow directly behind the tractor
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| The sweeps are different length. | Replace the sweeps. |
| Bent shanks | Replace the shanks or straighten the shanks. |
| The wings are out of adjustment. | Readjust the depth of the wings. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Implement Adjustments" for additional information. |
| Bent rocker shaft (axle) | Replace the rocker shaft or straighten the rocker shaft. |
| Incorrect tire size Sever wear of a tire. |
Replace tires that are the wrong size and replace tires that have severe wear. The diameter of each tire should be within 1/2 inch of the specified tire size. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Specifications" for the tire size. |
| Incorrect air pressure in tires | Adjust the air pressure in the tires. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Specifications" for the recommended air pressure. |
| The locations of the shanks are wrong. | Correct the spacing of the shanks. |
| The slave cylinder is out-of-phase. | Raise the implement out of the ground and hold the hydraulic lever until the cylinders are phased correctly. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Hydraulic Cyliners-Phasing" for additional information. |
The center section is not level from one side to the other side.
Note: This is for problems when the center section is not level from one side to the other side.
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| Incorrect tire size Sever wear of a tire. |
Replace tires that are the wrong size and replace tires that have severe wear. The diameter of each tire should be within 1/2 inch of the specified tire size. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Specifications" for the tire size. |
| Incorrect air pressure in tires | Adjust the air pressure in the tires. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Specifications" for the recommended air pressure. |
| Bent rocker shaft (axle) | Replace the rocker shaft or straighten the rocker shaft. |
| Bent frame | Replace the frame or straighten the frame. |
The cylinder for the floating hitch does not fully retract
This problem is specific to the optional floating hitch. During operation, the hydraulic cylinder on the tongue must be fully retracted. This cylinder retracts last and a flow restrictor inhibits the flow of the hydraulic oil. The reduced flow can cause the detent to close the valve before the cylinder completely retracts.
Some newer tractors use a timer to control the actuation of a valve instead of a detent. Detents that use a timer will not deactivate due to back pressure. The timed detents should fully retract the cylinder if enough time is allowed.
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| Back pressure from the flow restrictor | Reduce the hydraulic flow on the tractor. Manually hold the implement control. |
The wings are not level from one side to the other side.
Note: This is for problems when a wing is not level with the implement.
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| A wing is too high. | Adjust the depth control for the wing. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Implement Adjustments" for additional information. |
| A wing is too low. |
The wings will not raise to the transport position
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| The hydraulic flow restrictors for the lift cylinders are plugged. | Clean the flow restrictors or Replace the flow restrictors. |
| The hydraulic oil pressure is insufficient. | Check the hydraulic system on the tractor. See Operation and Maintenance Manual for the tractor that is being used to operate the implement. |
Wings will not lower
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| The transport lock valve is closed. | Open the transport lock valve. |
| The hydraulic hoses may not be locked into the implement hydraulic coupler on the tractor. | Check the connections for the hydraulic hoses. |
The wheels have excessive wobble
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| Loose wheel bolts | Torque the wheel bolts. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Wheel Bolt - TIghten". |
| Loose spindle nut | Tighten the spindle nut. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Wheel Bearing - Lubricate" for the procedure to tighten the spindle nut. |
The wings will not flex downward
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| The lift cylinders for the wings are not fully extended. | Fully extend the lift cylinders for the wings. |
Field cultivator will not penetrate
| Possible Cause | Solution |
| The sweeps have the wrong angle. | Use sweeps with a 47 degree angle. The point of the sweep must be lower than the wing of the sweep. If necessary, use a shim to adjust the angle of the sweep. |
| The ground is too hard. | Wait for moisture. |
| The sweeps are dull. | Replace the sweeps that are worn. |
| The speed of operation is too fast. | Reduce the speed of operation to 8 km/h (5 mph) or less. |
| The setting of depth for the field cultivator is not deep enough. | Increase the setting of depth for all of the adjustments. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Implement Adjustments" for additional information. |
The wings do not fold in the right sequence
 |
Failure of hydraulic components or accidental operation of hydraulic controls can allow implement or wings to fall and cause serious bodily injury or death!
|
 |
Models that have five complete sections are equipped with a sequence valve to cause the inside wing to unfold before the outside wing unfolds.
Note: The inside wings should completely unfold before the outer wings begin to unfold. If the wings do not unfold in this order, check and/or correct the problem.
Use the table below to evaluate the problems:
| Possible Cause | Probable Solution |
| The flow restrictor is not placed in the circuit properly. | Correct the placement of the flow restrictor. Refer to the Parts Manual for the correct placement or contact your Caterpillar dealer for additional information. |
| The sequence valve is not adjusted properly. | Adjust the sequence valve. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Implement Adjustments" for additional information. |
| The sequence valve has internal leaks. | Replace the sequence valve. |