Planting season marks a new beginning on the farm. The start of a new crop year brings anticipation, excitement, and (maybe) a little stress for farmers as they prepare for the hard work and long hours to come. A well-prepared seedbed, along with proper seed depth and spacing are some of the most critical elements to a uniform stand of crops. Farmers can optimize these factors with well-maintained planting equipment to maximize the chance of a successful crop for the season ahead. Get your planter in field-ready condition with our preseason planter maintenance steps.
Start with a clean slate
If you didn’t clean off the surface of the planter or ground-engaging parts after last season, remove dirt and any built-up debris with an air compressor or careful washing. Check the planter structure for rust and use touch-up paint to cover. Also, inspect other planter components for rust that could impact seed movement.
Part by part
Every part of your planter plays a critical role in getting the seed to the soil. Use the following list as a guide for your comprehensive inspection of each part, checking for excessive wear and broken parts needing replacement along the way.
- Check the chains for excessive play and adjust to the proper tension.
- Ground-engaging components will likely show more wear than others, requiring replacement more often. Take a look at the seed openers, closing disks, and press wheels. Any overworn openers should be replaced with OEM or Earth Metal® openers from your Case IH Dealer, and most owner’s manuals should indicate replacement recommendations for closing disks. Check the press wheels for splits that cause compacted dirt inside.
- Multiple parts of the planter influence proper seed placement and depth, starting with the vacuum and seed delivery lines. Ensure they are not leaking air and are properly connected on both ends. Also check seed sensors, seed disks, seed disk covers, and singulator spools for wear, dust, and dirt buildup.
- Remove seed meters, and disassemble to inspect for wear and reassemble. Proper seed meter calibration is critical to a uniform stand of crops. Consider consulting your local Case IH Dealer for calibration assistance.
- Ensure all tires are properly inflated to the operator’s manual recommendation. It’s a maintenance step that is easy to overlook but can impact planter speed control in the field.
- Electrical harnesses and hydraulics should be checked for cracks, wear, and damage and be replaced as needed.
Finish your planter maintenance routine by greasing all grease fittings and lubricating chains using genuine Case IH lubricants.
Planting season is the prime time to partner with your local Case IH Dealer for the year ahead. The trained equipment technicians and expert parts staff are ready to help you hit the field with your planter in tip-top condition. Visit your local Case IH Dealership or shop parts online at mycnhistore.com.