Unlock the Secrets to Optimal Planter Performance

Start With a Holistic Approach

Brad Niensteadt, lead product specialist at Kinze, advises operators to start at the hitch pin and work backwards. Examine all hydraulic lines for abrasion and kinks. Worn hoses can collapse during planting, reducing flow to blowers or vacuum motors. Look for abrasion and cracking on hoses, which can indicate heat buildup due to hose restrictions. Finish the hydraulic inspection by examining all cylinders for leaks.

Check tires for proper inflation. Kevin Kimberley, Successful Farming's Planter Doctor, emphasizes the importance of proper tire inflation. Write inflation pressures on rims to avoid confusion during the season. Check inflation daily as it affects down pressure.

Mind the Seed Meter

Regardless of meter type, completely disassemble each meter and clean all parts. Use a spray surface solvent like a mixture of 80-20 talc-graphite additive to minimize buildup. Examine all working parts of the meter for wear and tear using the owner's manual as a guide.

For finger pickup-style meters, Kimberley automatically replaces certain parts each year. During examination, look for warped baffles or elevator housing wear. Buff away rust and spray with slip plate or graphite. Pay particular attention to the meter's faceplate and replace it when the wear is into the second layer of metal to prevent overplanting.

Check the Disk Openers

Sharp disk opener blades provide better depth control and emergence. Change blades when they wear down to 14.5 inches in diameter. Niensteadt recommends replacing disk opener blades and the inner scraper as a set. When removing shims, replace them on the outside of the shaft for easy retrieval.

Check the owner's manual for the proper distance between disk openers. Measure the length where double disks touch at their leading edges. Use a small sheet of paper or a business card to mark spacing and check for wear. Keep in mind that disks on planters with hydraulic downforce wear out faster.

Inspect Depth Gauge Wheels

In transport position, grab depth gauge wheels and turn them to check for "operating slop" indicating worn eccentric bearings. More than a quarter inch of free play means it's time to replace the arm. Gauge wheel arms with bearings provide more even down pressure per row.

Loose gauge wheels won't press against disk openers, which is crucial for forming a true V-furrow. If bearings are sound but the wheel is loose, adjust the eccentric bearing. Finally, check for sharp lips on the wheels where they contact the disk opener and replace worn wheels.

Look at Seed Tubes

Seed tubes are often overlooked but need to be examined annually. Worn tubes have a small flap of plastic at the bottom. Any significant wear requires new seed tubes. While the tubes are out, check their straightness. Even brand-new tubes can be curved, causing seed ricochet and spacing problems.

Clean the eye of the monitor sensor in the tube and inspect cast guards for wear. Replace the seed tube protector. In high-speed planters, check the brushes for straightness and clear them of dirt or debris.

Examine the Drive System

Every component in the drive system, including the transmission, should be examined. Replace overly rusty, stiff, or kinked chains. A faulty chain can cause vibration affecting meter accuracy, especially for hard-to-plant seed sizes.

For cable drives, remove the unit and turn the cable to check for smooth rotation. Inspect connections in electric meters. After inspection and parts replacement, operate the drive in the shop to ensure smooth operation.

Inspect the Parallel Linkage

Although parallel linkage arms may seem reliable, their bushings wear and their arms can bend or twist, especially on sidehills or in wet conditions. Evaluate linkage by moving the row unit and looking for sloppy motion at the mounting points and twisted linkage.

Worn bushings increase chatter and affect depth placement. Check down pressure springs for tension and air bag fittings for leaks. Use a spray bottle of soapy water to detect air leaks.

Check the Closing Wheels

Closing wheels are often overlooked but have a significant impact on seed-to-soil contact. Examine the closing wheel assembly for looseness at the arm connections. Spin closing disks and press wheels to check for noise indicating worn bearings.

Inspect the press wheel assembly for bends or cracks. Planting on curves or hillsides can cause undue wear. Adjust the distance between closing wheels to get the correct gap. You can check and center closing wheels in the shop with a straightedge.

Calibrate Your Monitor

Run a seed tube sensor test to ensure all rows are counting. Double-check the selected seed plate in the system. Clean up old data from the display, including hybrids and fields.