A practical guide to inspecting, calibrating, and optimizing your seeder before spring planting begins
A successful planting season starts long before the tractor hits the field. Whether you run an air seeder, box drill, or precision planter, proper preseason maintenance ensures accurate seed placement, consistent emergence, and fewer costly breakdowns. Here is a guide to getting your seeder field ready.
1. Start With a Full Visual Inspection
Before touching wrenches or lubricants, walk around the machine and do a detailed visual check. What to look for:
- Cracked, bent, or worn framework
- Missing or loose bolts, pins, or guards
- Hydraulic lines showing cracks, leaks, or chafing
- Electrical harnesses with wear, corrosion, or exposed wire
- Tires inflated properly and free of sidewall damage
Catching these issues early prevents major delays once you are in the field and racing the weather.
2. Check and Clean the Seed Delivery System
- Hoses, Tubes, and Manifolds - Air seeder hoses often collect dust, rodent debris, cracked rubber, or moisture buildup. Replace any hoses that feel brittle, collapsed, or have abrasion marks.
- Fans and Airflow Components - Make sure the fan turns freely, bearings are tight, and all intake areas are free from residue. Poor airflow equals poor seed distribution.
- Seed Boots and Drop Tubes - Look for cracks, thin wear spots, or misalignment that could cause uneven seed placement.
3. Inspect Metering Systems and Replace Worn Parts
Meter Wheels / Disks / Rollers - Metering components take a beating over time. Worn meters lead to:
- Overseeding or underseeding
- Poor singulation
- Uneven spacing
Clean all metering systems thoroughly, check for cracks or grooves, and replace any worn parts.
Calibration Check - Calibrate your meters with the seed you intend to plant. Different seed sizes, shapes, and treatments can change meter performance.
4. Examine Opener Assemblies and Depth Settings
Consistent seed depth is crucial for even emergence. Key components to inspect:
- Opener disks: Replace if diameter is too small or if edges are dull
- Bearings: Spin them—any grinding or looseness means replacement
- Scrapers: Ensure proper clearance and check for excessive wear
- Press wheels: Confirm correct alignment and pressure
- Depth adjustment arms: Test for rigidity and room for fine adjustments
Even slight opener misalignment can lead to emergence issues across the entire field.
5. Grease, Lubricate, and Tighten Everything
Lubrication is a simple step that prevents thousands of dollars in downtime. Be sure to:
- Grease all fittings
- Lubricate chains and sprockets
- Check gearboxes for proper oil levels
- Tighten all bolts, clamps, and fasteners
If your seeder has been stored through winter, condensation can create rust in moving parts—lubrication solves this before it becomes a failure.
6. Test Electronics and Monitor Systems
Modern seeders rely heavily on electronics. Confirm that:
- GPS, blockage monitors, and rate controllers power up properly
- Sensors are clean and free from corrosion
- Wiring connectors are tight
- Software and firmware updates are installed
Run all systems while stationary to confirm consistent readouts.
7. Perform a Full Calibration and Test Run
This is your most important preseason step. Calibrate for:
- Seed rate
- Fertilizer rate (if applicable)
- Fan speed
- Section control
- Downforce or opener pressure
Then, do a short test run on a bare piece of ground or gravel yard. Check for:
- Uniform seed drop
- Uneven row patterns
- Unexpected noises
- Blockages or bridging
A one-hour test now can save an entire day of fixes during peak planting.
8. Stock Spare Parts & Emergency Supplies
Keep these on hand:
- Extra seed hoses
- Opener disks
- Bearings
- Drive chains
- Hydraulic fittings
- Sensors
- Fuses and electrical connectors
Running out of a simple part on a Sunday afternoon can stop planting for days.
A well maintained seeder pays dividends all season long: better emergence, improved yield potential, less downtime, and lower repair costs. Investing time now ensures your planting window stays on schedule—and your crop starts strong.