From planter singulation to seed furrow creation, use this preseason planter maintenance checklist to help prevent common seeding problems that result from improper setup, maintenance and operation.
Originally posted on Pioneer.com here.
Reminders:
Left Photo:
Right Photo:
Level Bar Across Entire Planter
Stop and think how much weight is added to the center frame of this planter. Two 50-bushel seed tanks plus a 500-gallon fertilizer tank all riding on the center. Four tires pushing the center of the planter farther down into the tilled soil than the wings.
How much vibration do you have in your drive system?
Check the following:
Note: Transmissions need to run smoothly. Any vibration in the drive system will end up at the meters and can cause spacing issues. Sprockets, chains, bearings, meter drives and insecticide drives all need to be checked.
Shafts must be aligned. If they are misaligned some row units may plant heavier or lighter populations than the main section of the planter.
If using no-till coulters they need to be 1/4" above the openers.
Set deep enough to remove trash and not throw soil. In some cases floating cleaners may help.
Floating vs. Fixed
Floating row cleaners follow contours and are less likely to "trench" or "hover."
JD Opening Disk
Disk Contact Adjustment
CNH Planters
The firming point, shown in red circle below, should be replaced when opener disks are replaced.
The firmer is designed to run in the bottom of the seed trench.
Check seed tubes and seed tube guards for wear, bending or deformation.
Seed tube protector worn by contact with opener allows contact between disks and seed tube. Need to keep protectors in good repair to preserve seed tubes.
Bullseye Tube with additional wear allowances (left). Standard Tube (right). Vibration or bounce of the row unit can cause tumbling and poor seed spacing.
Seed firmers are designed to push the seed to the bottom of the trench. In wet conditions, soil can build up on the firmers and actually move the seed along the trench.
Seed firmers help eliminate a gap between the seed and the bottom of the seed trench, helping create good seed-to-soil contact and uniform depth within the seed trench.
Gauge wheels should slightly rub on the disk openers to help create a good seed trench sidewall and keep the openers clean.
Mechanical (left) / Pneumatic (right)
Too much down force creates sidewall compaction.
Gauge wheels should take effort to spin by hand.
Closing wheels should be centered on the row.
In tougher wet soils, spike closing wheels may help prevent sidewall compaction.
Check all types of vacuum systems for air leaks and worn seals around the metering units.
| Cell Disk - John Deere Cell Disk |
| Flat Disk - Precision Planting eSet |
Flat disks are more forgiving of different seed sizes than cell disks. Note the different sizes of seed in the cell disk.
Doubles Eliminators
Doubles eliminators are used with flat disks. Shown are the Precision, Case and Deere singulators.
CCS Pressure Gauge
Agitator Shaft
Small Seed Nozzle Insert
Mini-hopper
Seed Bridging in Seed Tank
Symptoms:
Suggestions:
Seed Plugging in Seed Hose
Symptoms:
Suggestions:
Seed Lubricants Reduce Problems
Proper use of talc and graphite may eliminate a lot of potential problems. Use rate may need to increase for large treated seed and when temperature and humidity are high.
Talc and Graphite
Increase use rates for heavily treated seed or when temperature and humidity are high.
Find use rates at Seed Corn Plantability Guide.
For more information, please visit Pioneer's Preseason Planter Checklist: http://spr.ly/6054HdVA6 and Porter's Ag Solutions: http://spr.ly/6055HdVAB. Timestamps: 1:50 Row Unit, 4:14 Openers, 6:44 Gauge Wheels, 8:44 Meter Maintenance, 13:56 Down Pressure, 15:54 Closing Wheels, 18:39 Electric Drive, 20:18 High Speed, 21:54 Final Setup and 23:28 Contact Info.
Refer to the individual planter manufacturer's manual for complete recommendations.
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