Blog › Planter Maintenance Checklist- week 3
Planter Maintenance Checklist- week 3
Posted March 25, 2025
Week three of our Planter Maintenance Checklist! Ready..set...go!
Meter Drive System
Mechanical vibrations from worn components can cause skips, doubles, and spacing errors in seed placement. To prevent this, regularly inspect and maintain key parts: lubricate and replace chains annually, check sprockets for worn teeth, and replace idler pulleys if they create chain vibration. Test hex shaft bearings by rotating the shaft with a wrench—replace any that don’t spin smoothly. Ensure proper hex shaft alignment, especially at fold points, to avoid population fluctuations. Identifying and fixing these issues before planting can prevent costly downtime and poor stands.
General Items
Before heading to the field, perform general planter maintenance, including lubricating key components like gauge wheel arms and folding pivots—refer to your operator’s manual for all lubrication points. Ensure tractor tires are evenly inflated and at the correct pressure, and verify proper ballasting, especially if you’ve added equipment like liquid or fertilizer tanks since last season. Following manufacturer recommendations helps maintain stability and performance.
Bar Height
Proper planter bar height ensures parallel arms run level, allowing full row-unit travel and preventing shallow planting on uneven terrain. Most planters require 20-22 inches of clearance from the frame to the ground, while Case 2000 series planters need about 26 inches. Check from behind to ensure the bar is level, as height differences between the center and wings can cause planting inconsistencies. For 3-point mounted planters with pneumatic gauge wheels, adjust both sides equally for uniform performance across the field.
Level the Planter
Ensuring your planter's toolbar is level is crucial for proper seeding depth, row cleaner performance, and effective seed firming and closing. If the front of the toolbar is lower than the back, row cleaners may be too aggressive, and seed depth and closure could be compromised. Adjust the hitch height to level the toolbar before heading to the field and check again once you arrive. For 3-point mounted planters, adjust the lift arms to level the quick hitch before attaching. If your tractor has draft control, turn it down or off to prevent automatic height adjustments while planting.