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A Guide to Prepping your Planting Equipment for Spring

As planting season is quickly approaching, it’s important to make sure your planter is ready to take on the busy season. A few hours of planter prep could save you headaches in the field later. We’ll go over some key steps to ensure you encounter fewer unwanted surprises in the planting days ahead.


1) Start by thoroughly cleaning your planter

The first step to a successful planting season starts with a clean planter. It’s important to take the time to thoroughly clean all areas including your frame and in-between parts. A clean planter will ensure parts are working properly and help identify potential issues. Not cleaning your planter thoroughly can cause unnecessary problems down the line and could result in having to repair or replace parts.


2) Lubricate your planter chains, bearings, and moving parts

Regular lubrication is key in preventing hang-ups and keeping your operation running like a well-oiled machine. It’s a simple maintenance step that will improve performance and could increase the longevity of your chains, bearings, and moving parts. By taking the time to properly lubricate your planter, you can keep your machine working smoothly and prevent downtime in the field.


3) Check your planter’s electrical system and technologies

Keeping your planter’s electrical system in good working condition is an important part of maintaining it. Preventing potential hazards starts with inspecting your wiring and connections to make sure they are not loose or faulty. Once a wire begins to show signs of wear, it is best to replace in order to protect your planter from malfunctioning in the field.


4) Check your precision electronic equipment for software updates

It is crucial to take time to check your precision electronic equipment like your GPS, auto-steer, planter monitor, and other systems for proper function. Technology is ever-changing, so it is important to make sure your GPS and auto-steer systems are up-to-date and accurate. This small task can prevent unwanted detours and prevent downtime during the planting season.  


5) Check the tire pressure and downforce systems

Double-check for proper tire pressure and row unit downforce settings. Doing so will help to ensure optimal seed placement. Proper tire pressure keeps your planter level, creating a uniform planting depth for seed application. Adjust the downforce settings to customize the desired amount of pressure for the specific soil type. Making these minor adjustments can help provide consistency in your planting in varying planting conditions.


6) Clean and calibrate the seed metering system

Don’t forget to check your seed metering system and inspect all parts of the system, including singulators, seed plates, seals, hoppers, meters, and drive points. Upon inspection, replace any worn or defective parts. In order for the system to perform at optimal capacity, be sure to routinely calibrate your device. Routine updates and maintenance will improve your planter’s overall performance.  


7) Check your planter’s hitch

Making sure your hitch is in good working condition and properly adjusted will help your planter stay level and stable. When the hitch is not set properly, it can result in instability and uneven planting. A well-functioning hitch is essential in producing a productive season from day one!


8) Set your planter’s depth control

Optimal emergence starts with setting the correct depth for your planter depending on your soil and seed type. There are a few factors in determining the proper setting, such as soil type, seed type, and soil moisture. Taking the time to determine the right depth settings typically aids in a better emergence, healthier plants, and increased yield potential.


9) Check your closing systems

Test your closing systems for proper functionality and adjustment, replacing any worn parts. Ensure your closing system is set correctly for proper seed-to-soil contact to obtain a more uniform plant germination. A closing system that is functioning properly will help crumble the trench sidewall to avoid any air pockets that lead to improper germination. Investing the time to prepare your closing systems for the season will be essential in a successful planting.


10) Inspect your seed tube and opener disc parts

Regularly inspect your openers and seed tubes to ensure optimal performance. Check your seed tubes, seed tube guards, seed disc openers, and seed disc opener scrapers for wear or damage and replace those that are no longer in good working condition. Routine cleaning and upkeep are also important, as even a small amount of build-up can affect the responsiveness of the seed tube sensor. Keeping on top of regular maintenance can provide an invaluable return in regard to quality results, increased efficiency, and prolonging the life span of your machine. Completing this small task prior to planting will save you from unnecessary downtime in the field later.  


11) Test the planter’s marker system

Check your planter’s marker system to make sure they are functioning correctly with a full range of movement with no binding or hang-ups. Additionally, grease or lubricate moving parts and check to make sure they are set properly. Check hydraulic hoses and valves to ensure they are cycling and functioning correctly.


12) Conduct safety checks on your transport equipment

Before you hit the fields this season, make sure you take the time perform a necessary safety check. This includes taking preventative measures to keep you and others safe. Start by upfitting your equipment with proper signage, testing your lights and signals for functionality, cleaning all windows, properly inspecting your hitch, chains, shields, and other equipment. Replace any equipment that shows signs of wear and tear, as they could be potentially dangerous to you or others if not replaced. Don’t forget to conduct routine safety checks throughout the entire season!


13) Go for a test run

Before you jump into the planting season, it’s time to test your planter and check for any unexpected problems. This will allow for you to make any necessary repairs or adjustment before the planting season begins. For specifics regarding your planter, turn to your operator’s manual for clarification and adjustments.

Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to properly prepare your planter to take on this year’s season, it’s time to put it to work. With a little preparation, you will be set on the path to a bountiful growing season. For checklists regarding depth settings, determining proper ballast and tire pressure, and additional preparedness, check out this article by Iowa State University.

At DICKEY-john, we believe that your success is our success. Join us in reimagining agriculture for a brighter, more productive future. Let's grow together.

Prepare with DICKEY-john’s Soil Compaction Tester Solution. 

Plant with DICKEY-john’s seed sensor solutions: IntelliAg ISO 6, Hy Rate Plus Seed Sensor, Vigilense™ Blockage System, Recon Flow, and Daisy Chain Blockage System.

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