Ensure your planting equipment is ready for accurate seeding and optimal crop growth
Planting equipment plays a critical role in achieving good crop stands and high yields. Planters are designed for large seeds like corn and soybeans, while drills handle small grains, forages, and cover crops. Planters need precise seed depth and spacing, whereas drills are simpler but less accurate.
Timely maintenance of planters and drills prevents delays during planting and avoids yield loss. Poorly maintained equipment, especially in no-till systems, can cause irregular seed depth, open seed slots, or compacted soil, affecting crop growth.
Winter maintenance starts with checking all equipment. For planters, metering units must be cleaned and inspected for cracks, worn brushes, or faulty fingers. Vacuum or air meters should have proper pressure, and calibration every few years is recommended. Planter units must be stable, and all seed hoppers intact. Seed opener disks should maintain proper diameter and spacing to avoid sidewall compaction. Seed tubes, firmers, depth wheels, coulters, row cleaners, and closing wheels need inspection and adjustment to ensure uniform planting. Fertilizer units, chains, sprockets, tires, and electrical connections should also be checked and maintained.
For drills, inspect coulters, disk openers, seed firmers, depth control wheels, press wheels, and seed tubes. Chains and sprockets must be properly lubricated and tensioned. Replace worn parts to maintain accurate seeding and avoid blockages.
Proper storage of equipment in dry conditions prevents rodent damage. Cleaning and maintenance in winter help farmers avoid planting frustrations, maintain even seed placement, and ensure healthy crop growth.
Some Points to Remember:
Check metering units, seed tubes, disks, wheels, and chains.
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