The planter pass is the most important pass of the growing season. This planter checklist can help ensure proper maintenance and adjustments of your planter equipment are completed to help maximize your performance this spring. Always reference the owner’s manual for exact specifications and recommended settings.

For a deeper dive into how you can prepare your planter and set yourself up for a trouble-free season, check out this episode of The DIG.

: When the parallel arm components become worn, the row unit can move excessively, increasing meter chatter (causing skips/doubles), leading to erratic seed placement, open seed trenches, and air pockets within the furrow.

With the planter raised while holding on to the rear of the row unit, check for:

Ideally, you want less than 0.5 in. play in the row unit

Ensure bolts, bushings, and arms are tight and not worn

Typically, arms are softer than the bushing

Upgrading to a kit that has a bushing pressed into the arm for longer life is recommended

gbgiusa.com/precision-planting#parallel-arms

precisionplanting.com/products/planters/durawear#parallel-arms

shop.integratedagsolutions.com/products/bearingforce-planter-parallel-arms 

To purchase this kit contact your Kinze dealer: 

kinze.com/planter-performance/row-units/3005seriesrowunit/ 

It’s unlikely that just replacing the bushings will solve the problem long-term, therefore, regular inspection is recommended.

DISC OPENERS, NO-TILL COULTERS, AND ROW CLEANERS: 

Clearing residue and creating a proper V-shaped seed trench promotes uniform planting depth, seed-to-soil contact, and emergence.

Check the condition and wear of disc openers: 

A new 15 in. opener should be replaced at 14.5 in. or when the bevel is at 1/2 of its original measurement. See planter brand chart.

Adjust disc openers so that the contact is within the range listed in the operator’s manual: 

Make sure the opener is set to the range listed at several contact points around the opener; never set an opener outside of that range. If you have changed to a different thickness of openers, follow this chart for contact ranges.

DISC OPENERS, NO-TILL COULTERS, ROW CLEANERS, CONT.

Too tight of blade-to-blade contact will generate excessive side load on the bearings: 

This can lead to premature wear and failure.

Too loose of blade-to-blade contact can cause a “W” shaped trench: 

This can result in inconsistent seed depth and uneven emergence.

If replacing seed disc openers, replace the seed tube guard if it is out of spec. Normally when they are worn to less than 5/8”. : 

An in-spec guard will help form the bottom of the seed trench by reducing opener flex. This also helps reduce excessive side load on opener bearings. The seed tube guard also protects the seed and high-speed seed tubes.

No-till coulters should maintain 0.25 in. clearance above the disc openers depth

Properly adjusted row cleaners should move residue and clods and not soil: 

Adjust them to where they do not dig a trench but rather provide a smooth and clean environment for the seed trench and gauge wheels.

: Gauge wheels should be set so that they lightly contact/scrub the seed disc openers.

If set too loose in dry planting conditions, dry soil can be dropped from the inside of the gauge wheels into the seed trench.

If set too tight, premature wear will be caused to the gauge wheel tires.

Make sure the gauge wheel arms and studs are not worn. Follow these links for aftermarket gauge wheel kits:

copperheadag.com/product/gauge-wheel-arm-repair-kit/

sidist.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=222

coyotemachining.com/products/coyote-gauge-arm-1

www.precisionplanting.com/products/planters/durawear#gauge-wheel-arms

 This vital step will find any row-to-row variance with depth settings

Lower the planter on a smooth level surface. If you don’t have a concrete floor, sheets of plywood can be used.

S-Set all T-Handles to the deepest setting.

Slide 2”x2” square tubing or similar under the gauge wheels of one row.

Shallow the row unit until the T-handle will no longer move.

Label the calibrated depth position on every row for future depth adjustments.

Now that the planter is uniform from row to row, check the planting depth and adjust accordingly in the field.

 to watch a video demonstrating this process

Parts to check and replace if an extreme variance is found:

Planter manufacturers use different depth mechanisms, and these parts will wear/can cause variance in planting depth from row to row. Parts include gauge wheel arms, d-rings, depth equalizers, and more

 for a kit to fix gauge wheel arms if they are worn at the depth stop.

 Meter calibration is essential to get a picket fence stand. Worn/broken seed tubes will cause poor spacing and erratic seed placement in the furrow.

Scarring on the sides of the seed tube is typically caused by a worn seed tube guard. Replace them if you see scarring.

Run these meters on a stand each year to check for wear and ensure they are calibrated.

Seals around the meter can become worn and will prevent an airtight seal.

If you are having singulation issues with vacuum meters, check the above parts for wear. You can have them run on a stand if needed.

Check for rough spinning bearings and failures.

Inspect meter drive chains for wear and movement on the sprockets (worn sprockets or chains can cause the meter to jump).

At the end of the season, remove seed discs for storage.

: Certain brands of speed tubes require removing the belt or brush for storage. Check your owner’s manual for instructions.

roperly closing the seed trench provides good seed-to-soil contact without causing sidewall compaction. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper spacing.

Ensure the wheels are centered directly over the seed trench: 

Adjust to get the closing wheels positioned correctly.

Make sure closing wheels are spaced per manufactures recommendations.

Check the closing wheel pivot for wear. 

 for an updated kit that can prevent wear in the future.

precisionplantersolutions.com/product-page/john-deere-1700-series-closing-wheel-kit 

 Bulk seed systems are great for quick fill and easy seed handling, but if not properly serviced, they can cause numerous planting issues.

Check the hopper and seal for wear or cracks that would cause a lack of tank pressure.

Check that the agitator inside is functioning properly to avoid seed bridging in the tank.

Ensure the manifold and seed delivery hoses are clear of debris and connect/seal properly.

Ensure that seed delivery hoses do not sag too much: 

When filling a bulk-fill planter for the first time each season, use a higher rate of graphite/talk mix so there will be enough distributed in the tank, hoses, row units, and meters.

Inspect the hydraulic system for leaks and wear on hoses, valves, and remotes.

Check the hydraulic cylinders for wear and leaks and ensure that the planter raises and lowers smoothly.

Set the tractor and planter tires to the proper PSI: Consult your operator’s manual for the correct specs.

Check the overall condition of the toolbar, hitch, markers, etc., for cracks and worn parts: 

 Monitor and technology issues have quickly become the number one cause of delays on the first day of planting.

Update all software to the latest version.

Connect all technology systems and make sure everything is communicating properly.

Clear out last year’s information to avoid confusion when planting the new crop.

Upload new prescriptions and test before the first day of planting if possible.

Keep consistent client/farm/field names from different passes throughout the season. This will ensure easier access and analysis of data.

Check the depth of each individual row to ensure they are planting at a consistent depth.

Check and adjust the downforce settings for the conditions in the field:

Chain up the closing wheels and plant around 100 ft. without seed

If it has already collapsed, the downforce is too low; if the trench is extremely compact, then the downforce is too high.

You want to set it somewhere between these two observations and then check it again.

Check closing wheel pressure and performance: 

Take a paint scraper and place it in the seed trench perpendicular to it. Then dig away from the scraper, then remove the scraper. Check for air pockets and good seed-to-soil contact. Adjust if needed.