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Planter Maintenance and Calibration
Ron Meyer, Area
Extension Agent - Golden Plains Area
Date: 3/24/2011
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It has often been said that
the planter is the key to maximizing yield. Time lost during prime planting
season because of planter breakdowns can result in significant yield loss.
Yield losses of 7 to 15 bushels per acre have been documented because of uneven
spacing between seed. Review the maintenance section in the planter manual and
make a list of the items that should be addressed.
Planter
Maintenance:
Washing – On a warm day, power wash the planter
if it was not washed and cleaned after last spring. Broken and worn parts may
be more visible after washing and a clean planter will be more pleasant to work
with.
Framework – Go over the planter framework and check
for broken welds or bent steel. Make sure the markers are straight and in
working order.
Chains – Replace worn or rusty links.
Lubricate chains before the planting season begins.
Seed tubes
– Clean tubes to remove seed treatment residue, mouse nests, and other
obstructions. Check for wear on the tube bottom as seed delivery into the
furrow can be influenced.
Monitor sensors – Remove seed
treatment residue and dust as they will interfere with
accuracy.
Coulters and disc openers – Align or replace if
worn to maintain desired furrow opening and proper seed placement. Shims should
be adjusted so that the bottoms of the openers just touch.
Tires
– Check inflation levels and significant wear. Seed drop can be
affected by variations in tire pressure levels.
Seals and brushes
– Replace worn seals around seed drums. Make sure the drum fits
properly against the housing to maintain uniform air pressure and seed
metering. Inspect the brush and replace if necessary.
Finger-pickup
backplates – Inspect and remove dust, rust, and seed treatment
residue. Residues can interfere with proper finger movement. Replace the
backplates if the dimples are worn down. Adjust finger tension for accurate
single seed pickup. Check the condition of seed conveyor belt. A brittle belt
may interfere with seed metering.
Clean and inspect seed boxes
– Make sure holes are unobstructed and nuts are
tight.
Pneumatic systems – Inspect air pump for proper
calibration and air flow. Replace damaged hoses that may reduce air
pressure.
Calibration:
Calibrating the planter for seed drop
accuracy is crucial. Calibration can begin when you have your seed in hand.
Review the seed tag for bag weight and number of seeds per pound. The planter
operations manual provides air pressure settings, seed disc choices, drum
alternatives, and other valuable information for the appropriate seed weight.
The manual will also provide the transmission setting for the desired seed
rate.
Operate the planter in an area that approximates field planting
conditions. Wheel slippage can be different in field conditions compared to the
gravel road. Dig up seeds and check for accuracy according to desired spacing
between seeds. Review and adjust pressure or gear settings if seed doubles are
occurring.
If fertilizer or insecticides will be applied with the
planter, inspect and replace worn parts on these attachments. Calibrate and
inspect for proper delivery of amounts and placement of the fertilizer and
insecticides. Misplaced fertilizer can adversely affect
germination.
Source: R. L. Nielsen. Planter Maintenance: There’s
Still Time! February 2000. Purdue University.