Don't neglect your planter - Storage tips for optimal performance

May 14, 2024

By Farms.com

When planting season is over, neglecting your planter can lead to problems the following spring. Proper storage is essential for maintaining optimal performance.

" For your planter to run at peak performance, efficiency and accuracy, what you do now to properly store it is just as important, if not more important, than how you prepare for planting next spring," says Brad Niensteadt of Kinze Manufacturing.

Here's a helpful checklist to ensure proper storage:

Store indoors - Protect your planter from moisture and extreme temperatures.
Clean thoroughly - Remove dirt, debris, and rust-causing residue from all components.
Lubricate all points - Apply lubricant as recommended in the operator's manual.
Inspect and replace parts - Identify worn or damaged components and order replacements.
Clean and store seed meters - Follow specific storage instructions for different meter types.

Empty and clean tanks and hoppers - Remove fertilizer and seed residue to prevent corrosion.
Flush liquid systems - Use clean water and antifreeze to prevent freezing and corrosion.
Maintain PTO pump and hoses - Ensure proper oil level, change filters, and inspect hoses.

"These maintenance practices will ensure that planters have been thoroughly inspected and properly prepared for storage," says Niensteadt. "Also, by ordering replacement parts right away, you will have them when you get your planter back out next spring."

By following these steps, you can ensure your planter is well-maintained and ready to perform at its best when planting season returns.

Video: Uncover the world of insurance salvage auctions in Canada

What happens to vehicles, farm equipment, machinery and other valuable assets after an insurance claim? They may have more value—and opportunity—than you think.
In this interview, Christine O’Brien, Director of Marketing at Barga, takes us inside the world of insurance salvage auctions and explains how the Saskatoon-based company is making these assets directly accessible to buyers across Canada.
Unlike a traditional auction house, Barga operates primarily online, connecting consumers with a constantly changing selection of insurance salvage sold on an “as is, where is” basis. Buyers can see where an item is located, bid online and, if successful, arrange pickup or shipping.
With new auctions every two weeks, Barga offers much more than farm equipment, with a diverse range of vehicles, machinery, equipment and other unexpected finds coming up for bid.
Christine explains how the auction process works, what buyers should know before bidding, and why insurance salvage can offer some interesting opportunities for Canadians looking for equipment, vehicles or a great deal.
Registration is free, allowing buyers to browse upcoming auctions, watch items that catch their attention and bid when the right opportunity comes along.