As warmer weather arrives, it’s time for final planter preparation.
On this episode of RealAgriculture’s Corn School, Kearney Planters sales and customer care specialist Jay Curtis takes a look at some of the basic requirements to ensure row units are ready to travel at the proper depths, seed drops are accurate, and the seed trench is adequately closed.
There’s plenty of inspection points on the row unit beginning with the parallel arm and the down pressure system. Trash whippers, coulters and and blades always require attention — it’s important to make sure the point of the blade is shimming and you have at least 14.5 inches remaining when planting season wraps up: “You don’t want to stop planting part way through to replace blades,” says Curtis who also emphasizes the need to check seed tube quality and properly adjust gauge wheel arms.
Curtis also emphasizes the need to focus on hydraulic systems, an area he feels doesn’t get enough attention. “We often see where SCV (selective control valve) connections are made while dirt and debris is present on male and female couplers. These particles raise absolute hell internally with today’s complex systems, manifolds and controls on planters. Gentle cleaning of SCV stacks is a must. “It’s a sign of a good operator,” he adds.
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