| | Quality of Work: The accuracy of the liquid metering system was very good. A gate valve and flow meter permitted easy monitoring and control of liquid metering rates. Conversion charts in the operator’s manual were required to convert flow indications to actual metering rates. The range of attainable ftowrates was adequate, and mixing of liquid with seed was very uniform as it moved through the auger. The accuracy of the dry metering system was fair. The flow properties of the various inoculant products used in the test differed markedly from each other, and the metering system was very sensitive to these variations. Appropriate settings could usually be determined after some experimentation, and little adjustment was then required unless inoculant type or metering rate was changed. The range of metering rates was adequate, and appropriate inoculant uniformity and adhesion could be achieved.
Ease of Installation: Ease of installation was good. Two holes had to be cut in the auger tube for dispensing sticking agent and inoculant into the grain flow. Leveling adjustments to allow for different auger angles were provided, but did not cover a wide range of useful adjustment. Once installed, the inoculator was easily and quickly removed and reinstalled if desired.
Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Ease of filling was very good. The reservoirs were easily accessed for filling and could be refilled while the unit was operating, However, if the liquid reservoir was pumped dry before being refilled, the outlet coupling had to be loosened to prime the pump, which was messy. The controls were good. All controls were conveniently located and easily used. Ease of setting rates was good. The operator’s manual provided simple charts and instructions and the metering systems were easily adjusted, but inconsistent inoculant flow properties and lack of an easy method to determine grain flow rate made it difficult to quickly obtain precise inoculation rates. However, compared to traditional manual methods of inoculation, the Norton Inoculator greatly improved the speed and consistency of inoculation after some operator experience was gained. Ease of cleaning was very good. The inoculant hopper usually emptied itself, requiring no special cleaning procedures. The liquid reservoir had to be removed for complete cleaning, but appropriate provisions were made for this. The pump and valves were easily flushed using water or an appropriate solvent, and the exterior of the inoculator could be cleaned with cold water. Ease of transporting was good. In general, the inoculator did not interfere with normal hitching or towing of the auger. The weight of the inoculator was mainly applied to the intake end of the auger, which made moving the auger by hand considerably more difficult. Ease of maintenance was good. Seasonal maintenance involved lubrication of 4 grease zerks, adjustment of the shaker drive belt tension, and draining liquid from the pump and valves before storing below freezing temperatures.
Power Requirements: The Norton Innoculator was intended to use a 12 volt DC power source, and drew 18 to 20 amps. For consistent delivery rates, it was necessary to have a charging system that would maintain the battery voltage.
Operator Safety: No safety hazards were apparent, however, normal safety precautions were required and warnings had to be heeded. Operators should be especially careful when working around the inlet of a grain auger.
Operator’s Manual: The operator’s manual was good. it provided useful information on safety, installation, operation, maintenance, and specifications. No trouble shooting section was provided, and the "standard safety symbols" were not used in the manual or on the machine.
Mechanical History: A few minor problems occurred. |
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