Gandy Row Applicator System Offers Positive Shutoff, Speed-Compensated Rates.
Using the basis of its patented Orbit metering system from large hoppers, Gandy Company has introduced positive displacement metering for its row crop applicator.
The system is available on new Gandy Jumbo, Super or Junior model hoppers as well as attachment packages for existing hoppers in the field. New Jumbo and Super hoppers feature a sight window to view the material level in the box.

Why PDM?
The new system provides absolute shutoff as soon as the metering wheels stop.

No dribble, no waste.
In addition, if ground driven from the planter, the implement's live shaft, or a separate ground drive, the metering system provides speed-compensated rates. You speed up or slow down, the system speeds up or slows down proportionately. Precise application with the latest technology. Ideal for applying materials with market or environmental restrictions. A 12-volt electric clutch option allows the operator to shut off the flow before reaching the headlands to avoid double application. The material still flowing through the tubes is deposited on the last remaining feet of row.

How is the Ground Speed Provided?
The Gandy ground drive and its rate charts are based on the input rpm at the hopper shaft of 2 or 4 revolutions per mile per hour. Drives from live shafts will require the proper sprockets to achieve the desired 2 or 4 rpm per mile per hour. This can be figured based upon the implement's drive tire specifications. Other input rpms will require user to calibrate for the difference.

Ground, Electric or Hydraulic Drive?
Speed-compensated rates, are only obtainable with a ground drive. However, the system can be driven with either hydraulic or electric drive and the system will still provide positive shutoff. All drives must turn the metering wheels in the proper direction so the material is underfed to the outlet. Existing electric motor drives must be changed to the opposite side of the hopper to provide this rotation. A new sprocket, guard and chain will be needed.

How are Rates Controlled?
A set of 12 sprockets are used in combination to set the amount of material dispensed. These are easily interchanged on the parent hopper metering and drive shafts. Factory rate charts are provided as a guide for many materials, however, users should always calibrate their particular formulation or material before applying to the field.

What about Multiple Applicators?
A stub shaft connector for the parent hopper plus connector drive tubes can be used between hoppers to power units on either side of the parent hopper. The ground drive will power all hoppers as well as a hydraulic motor. The Gandy 1/64 hp 12-volt motor can drive two hoppers each.

Is Internal Agitation Required?
There is an internal shaft within the PDM metering system, however, no rotor as used previously. The system has been designed so the metering wheels feed the material out of the hopper. Although most currently used materials should flow well, optional agitators are available according to the number of outlets in the hopper. These pin to the hopper's internal shaft.

What are the Mounting Requirements?
In tool bar mounting installations, the new hopper or attachments may well mount in the same location. The PDM metering bottom is larger than the cam gauge system, and permits a choice of 1 to 4 outlets, whether Jumbo, Super or Junior model. Allowances must be made for the ground drive or shaft drive to reach the parent hopper drive shaft. Shaft drives will require an input sprocket according to the drives' specifications, and perhaps additional sprockets to route the chain around obstructions in reaching the hopper shaft.

What Materials Can It Meter?
The PDM row applicator is capable of applying many seeds and fertilizer as well as chemicals. However, rate charts will be developed over time, and granular chemicals will be given first priority.

Other Options?
Half-rate chemical wheels provide for lower rates with higher rpm on the input shaft. Required for Temik on potatoes. Hopper extensions, lids diecut for Lock 'N Load* valves, snap latches for lids, and Lock 'N Load* valves are other options.
*Lock & Load is a registered trademark of American Cyanamid and John Deere & Co.