When planting season wraps up, you’ll be tempted to park your planter in the shed and get on with growing crops. But if you take the time now to properly store your planter, you’ll likely make it to the field quicker next spring.
A thorough inspection, making repairs — or at least noting them — and performing routine, recommended maintenance can help ensure your planter is ready when you pull it out of the shed next spring. Just as important, it can help preserve your equipment and its resale value. Here’s where to focus.
Clean, clean, clean
Dirt, dust and debris pose serious threats to equipment across the farm. Left in place through the offseason, soil on disc openers, row markers or any point of contact will cause rusting. Clean these surfaces thoroughly. Touch-up paint or a light coat of spray lube will prevent rust.
Nooks and crannies that harbor dust or stray seeds provide a perfect spot for rodents or insects. Use an air compressor to clear those dust pockets.
Disassemble your Early Riser® planter seed meter units. Clear seeds and dirt. Remove the seed discs. Wipe them clean, check for wear and store them flat. Check the meter unit covers for wear before reassembling the unit.
Watch for wear
As you clean and inspect the rest of the planter, give chains a wiggle to check for excessive play. Check sprockets for wear. Make sure bearings rotate freely and smoothly. Examine hydraulic hoses for signs of cracking or wear. Look for metal fatigue or excessive wear, especially at pivot points.
Winterize
Pesticides and fertilizer can be corrosive. Thoroughly clean areas that come in contact with either. Winterize liquid application equipment by pumping an antifreeze solution through the system. Review your operators manual for specific recommendations.
Lubricate
Lubrication helps keep equipment running smoothly. It also protects against moisture and, ultimately, rust. Make sure all fittings accept grease. Follow your operators manual lubrication schedule and make sure you’re current. Oil chains.
Go certified
For the most complete, professional postseason review of your planting equipment, work with your Case IH dealer to schedule a Certified Maintenance Inspection. Because Case IH technicians use Certified Maintenance Inspection checklists for each inspection, you can rest assured that service is thorough and nothing is overlooked.
Regardless of how you prefer to manage planter maintenance and storage, devoting time to inspection and routine care can help eliminate surprises and reduce downtime. Find everything you need at the Case IH Parts Store or tap into the expert service at your Case IH dealer.
