FAQ

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 center frame or on the main hydraulic cylinder mount plate on the center frame

The 2nd and 3rd number displayed in the serial number relates to the year the machine was manufactured e.g. 116012-40 is a machine built in the 2015-2016 financial year. The last 2 numbers after the – relate to the model e.g. 116012-40
  • 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 then hoses, a faulty tip will prevent return oil flowing to the tractor.
  • Ensure there is not excess mud in the chains.

Refer to the troubleshooting section in the hydraulic chapter of the operator’s manual.

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, click here.

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.

 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.

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

  • SD49: 10mph
  • W36 Disc Chain: 8-10mph
  • CL1 Disc Chain: 6-9mph
  • K4 Disc Chain: 8-9mph
  • CL2 Disc Chain: 5-8mph

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.

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. Spare parts manuals are available for download here.

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.

No, that isn’t necessary. The tail lift is advantageous when turning very short 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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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

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 and allowing the most efficient application of time and energy to get the job done.

At speeds higher than the optimum for the conditions you will experience:

Poor performance as the discs loop or skim over the ground Machine bounce. 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.

  • 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
  • Operators must operate! Watch and understand what the correct folding sequence looks like so you can recognize 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 cause 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.
  • 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 a herbicide.
      • Integrated weed management to control herbicide resistance.
      • Lowest cost seedbed preparation
        • Low fuel use per acre
        • Low labour cost per acre

You should consider replacing your KELLY Disc Chains when they are no longer performing the desired outcome they were originally purchased for. KELLY Disc Chains are considered to be wear items and it’s reasonable to expect that these parts may need to be replaced over time.
We would recommend replacing K4, CL1 and W36 Disc Chains when they are worn to the bottom of the KELLY logo or 4.9 inches (125mm) from the center of the discs. For CL2 Disc Chains we would recommend replacing when they are worn to 5.5 inches (140mm) from the center of the discs, as indicated by the linked document.