The serial number is located on the data plate mounted on the front of the machine.Older machines will have the number stamped into the joining plates on the left hand side where the main pull joins to the centre frame or on the main hydraulic cylinder mount plate on the centre frame.

How do I know what year/model machine I have?

The 2^nd and 3^rd number displayed in the serial number relates to the year the machine was manufactured e.g. 121012-4012 is a machine built in the 2020-2021 financial year.  The  numbers after the – relate to the model e.g. 121012-4012 is a model 4012 machine.

I’m having trouble with my machine folding?

• Refer to the troubleshooting section in the hydraulic chapter of the operator’s manual.
• Check that the discs are not caught on any saddles or transport rests.
• Check that your hydraulic hoses are connected correctly to your tractor.
• Check the flow setting and transport lock on your hydraulic controls in tractor.
• Check the tips on the hoses, a faulty tip will prevent return oil flowing to the tractor.
• Ensure there is not excess mud in the chains.My Hydraulics are not working correctly?
• Refer to the troubleshooting section in the hydraulic chapter of the operator’s manual.

Can I buy directly from you or do I need to go through a dealer?

We have relationships with dealers in many locations. Please purchase through them wherever practicable. If you cannot locate one that suits your needs, please contact us at Kelly Tillage. To locate your closest dealer, check the map here.

How do you pull apart the swivels? Please explain the procedure.

The swivels are serviceable, please see the Swivel Rebuild Instructions provided on our website or refer to the attached video for comprehensive instructions.

Do we rebuild hydraulic cylinders?

We can refurbish cylinders using genuine seals and components. Most competent dealer workshops can service cylinders and indeed many farm workshops have the capability to perform the task.

Have I put the chains/discs on back to front?

The disc chains are designed to work with the concave side of the disc facing forwards.

Spiked disc chain is intended to run with the convex side of the disc forwards so that it is less aggressive.

Prickle chain should be installed with the Bent Tyne leaning away from the rotation of the chain. This helps it self clean.

What is the best speed to travel at while driving?

This is dependent on disc type and soil type more than machine size.

• Spike disc and prickle chain, up to 16 kph
• W36 and R300 welded discs, 12-16 kph
• CL1 Green cast discs, 10-14 kph
• CL2 Cutting Discs, 8-12 kph

Can I fit a Kelly Chain on another machine?

Technically yes. Most diamond harrows however are designed for prickle chain and may suffer stress from the extra load imparted by the Kelly Disc chains. The Kelly Diamond Harrow has been designed and guaranteed specifically for the range of Kelly Disc chains.

What bearings do I need to change the swivel bearing?

We recommend a rebuild kit that includes a replacement shaft, seal and bearings when refurbishing your swivel bearing units. These kits are available as spare parts from your dealer.

Where is the bearing number for the swivel?

You can find the bearing number in the spare parts manual. We use metric, deep groove ball bearings. Use only high quality bearings, as inferior types will fail prematurely when put back in service.

Do I have to lift the tail up when turning around?

• No, that isn’t necessary.
• The tail lift is advantageous when making very short turns as it avoids dragging a furrow as you turn.
• It is quite okay to turn with the whole machine in working position.
• In heavy residue it may be necessary to raise the tail to avoid blockage when turning short.
• It can be useful to raise the front also but not necessary.

Why is there a ridge left in the field at the edge of my working width?

The swivel height at the front of the rear gang of discs is too low. The leading disc is digging too much and must be adjusted upward by moving the spacers on the drop leg to be above the frame. See operator’s manual for adjustment.

Why is there a ridge left near the centre of my machine?

The discs at the very front of your machine are too low and working too aggressively. Set the main pull level with the ground and insert depth stops on the tongue cylinder. Raise the front swivels by shortening the height adjusting chains. See operator’s manual for details.

Why is there a ridge formed about one meter to the side of the centre line of my machine after I pass through the field?

The leading edge of the short module chain is too low and digging aggressively. Raise the leading disc by shortening the height adjusting chain. See operator’s manual for details.

Why is there an unworked strip in the centre of my machine?

The front is too low. Although this may sound unusual, this creates a mound in the centre line. The module chains work through this and the tail chains clear the soil away, leaving the original unworked strip exposed. Raise the front to allow the modules to work effectively. Raise the tail to just cover the wheel mark left from the castor wheels.

Will the Diamond Harrow fill in wheel ruts?

Yes. The left and right movement of soil from the two gangs of discs does an excellent job of filling ruts and levelling the soil.

How does the Diamond Harrow cut up residue?

The discs in most cases are quite blunt and are intended to bruise and split the stubble.

Loose dirt is mixed with the residue, introducing microbes into the broken stubble and providing an ideal environment for decomposition.

The disc chains accelerate decomposition rather than cutting the stubble.

This is extremely efficient and makes best use of the time between harvest and planting, allowing the most efficient application of time and energy to get the job done.

What happens if my working speed is too high?

• At speeds higher than recommended for the conditions you will experience:
  • Poor performance as the discs loop or skim over the ground.
  • Machine bounce. This will leave a corrugation on the surface that will diminish planter performance and operator comfort in operations following the disc chain.
  • As soon as corrugations are detected behind the machine, a new, slower operating speed must be adopted. Slow down.

How much tension should I have on my chains?

• Correct tension is very important.
• The chains should not sag back more than 12″ or 30cm when working.
• Decals show the correct tension spring setting on each chain.
• Loose chains wear prematurely in the links.
• Loose chains give uneven performance across the width of the machine.
• Loose chains will not engage in their transport rests when folding and may cause damage to the machine when unfolding if they catch on framework.

What happens if the machine starts to fold or unfold in what is not the correct sequence?

• Operators must operate! Watch and understand what the correct folding sequence looks like so you can recognise a fault.
• As soon as you notice an irregularity in the folding or unfolding sequence, stop the hydraulic flow by releasing the control lever or switch.
• Reverse the flow to set the machine back to the last “correct” stage.
• Gently engage the lever to try again.
• If the fault recurs get out of the tractor and inspect the machine for any excess mud in the chains or mechanical irregularities that might be causing the problem.
• If none are evident, adjustment of the sequence valve may be necessary.
• Do not allow the outer wing tips to collide under any circumstances.

What is so great about a Kelly Seedbed?

• The seedbed created by the Kelly Diamond Harrow has the following features and benefits:
  • A firm moist base in which to place the seed.
  • No change in soil density below the emerging roots. This promotes strong root growth downwards rather than sideways.
  • A shallow area of loose tilth to provide excellent seed soil contact.
  • A barrier to capillary action that dries the soil.
  • A layer of mulch residue on the surface.
    • Protecting the soil from droplet compaction.
    • Mulching and preserving moisture.
    • Reducing wind exposure and evaporation.
  • Smooth level surface that promotes superior planter performance.
    • Greater accuracy of seed placement.
    • Reduced planter wear.
    • Higher planting speeds means more acres per day and more crop planted at the optimum time.
  • Full cut weed control, saving on herbicide.
  • Integrated weed management to control herbicide resistance.
  • Lowest cost seedbed preparation.
    • Low fuel use per acre.
    • Low labour cost per acre.
    • Very low operating and wear costs per acre.