Planter Maintenance

Given today’s chilly temperatures , it’s hard to believe that Spring is upon us. But as April progresses, it’s important to check your planter in preparation for planting season. There are a lot of factors outside of our control. One thing that is in our control, however, is proper planter maintenance and inspection. Here are a few suggestions to make sure your planter starts off running smoothly and accurately for the 2019 season.

1. Check your meters. Having your meters properly calibrated can contribute significantly to planting. It can prevent skips, doubles, or triples from occurring. Send your monitor in to your dealer for proper testing.
2. Check planter unit. Checking things such as planting depth, bolts, and broken seed hoppers now will prevent delay when it’s time to start planting. Check to make sure the planter unit is level, and check the hitch height and planter alignment, too.
3. Check the drive system. Checking all chains will prevent kinks and vibration occurring to the meter during planting.
4.  Check seed opener disks. Having seed opener disks working properly will prevent any depth issues that may occur if they are not at the correct diameter.
5. Check bushings and parallel linkage. If brushings are worn, seed bounce will be increased. Check them and make sure they are tight.
6. Check fertilizer unit. Making sure the fertilizer unit is adjusted correctly will ensure that the correct amount of fertilizer is added at planting. Are the hoses working properly? What about the tanks and hoppers?
7. Check insecticide boxes. Ensuring there are no holes or leaks in the insecticide box will prevent spills, leaks, and loss of product.
5. Check closing wheels. Check for wear and tear on bearings. They may be damaged and need to be adjusted or replaced.
6. Check row cleaners. Adjust or replace due to wear and tear.
7. Check coulters. Adjust or replace if unstable.
8. Check depth wheels. Check diameter and depth. Adjust or replace if damaged.
9. Check seed firmers. If too worn, in furrow depth may be affected. Germination will be improved if working properly.
10. Check seed tubes. Replace or adjust seed tubes to prevent tubes curling and seed becoming caught.
11. Safety. Check the lights, SMV emblem, and safety chains. Remember, a successful planting season is a safe planting season.

Organization and preparation are key to a successful season when events out of our control occur. Staying on top of planter maintenance is just one of the many ways you can stay organized this planting season.