Ready, Set, Seed: Getting Your Air Seeder Ready for the Next Season
As one growing season winds down, another is just around the corner. Ensuring that your air seeder is properly prepared for the upcoming planting season is a crucial step in achieving a successful crop. The off-season is the perfect time to perform essential maintenance and make necessary adjustments to your equipment. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key tasks you should complete to get your air seeder ready for the next season.
1. Review Last Season’s Performance:
Begin by reviewing your air seeder’s performance during the previous season. Did you encounter any challenges, such as uneven seed distribution or clogging? This evaluation will help you identify areas that need improvement and parts that need to be replaced.
2. Thorough Cleaning:
Before you store your air seeder for the off-season, give it a thorough cleaning. Residue, debris, and dust can accumulate during the planting season, which can lead to corrosion and clogging. A clean air seeder not only prevents rust but also ensures accurate seed placement during the next planting season. Below are some essential cleaning guidelines:
- Wash out tanks with soap and water.
- Clean the tank pressure hoses.
- Take out the meter rollers and meter drive housing, and clean with soap and water.
- Clean the inside of the manifold head.
- Clean the outside of the seeder.
3. Inspection and Repairs:
Conduct a detailed inspection of all components and parts of your air seeder. Look for signs of wear, damage, leaks, or corrosion. Replace any worn-out or damaged parts, such as belts, chains, bearings, and hoses. Inspecting your meter housing cartridge in your air seeder is an important part of preparing for planting season. Check out this video featuring Dan as he demonstrates inspection, disassembly, replacement parts, and reassembly of a meter housing cartridge.
Not all repairs are as straight forward as you would think. In this video Dan talks about a farmer having issues with wheat seed siphoning in one of his primaries. After making the recommended repairs and still having the same issues, Dan knew that there was more going on. Soon after, a rat’s nest was found to be the cause of the issues.
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4. Lubrication:
Proper lubrication is key to maintaining the smooth operation of your air seeder. Lubrication helps prevent friction, reduces wear, and extends the lifespan of your equipment. Additionally, tighten any loose bolts or connections and ensure that all parts are properly secured. Below are some essential parts that need lubrication:
- Meter drive chain
- Half-width disconnect and agitator shaft
- Gear case threads
- Grease zerks
- Primary drive chain
5. Calibrate for Accuracy:
Calibration is essential before planting season begins again. Use the manufacturer’s guidelines to calibrate the metering units, delivery rates, and fan speeds based on the seed type and planting conditions you anticipate for the upcoming season. Proper calibration leads to uniform plant emergence and a healthy crop stand.
6. Plan Storage:
When storing your air seeder during the off-season, take precautions to prevent damage from harsh weather conditions. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area, preferably indoors, to protect it from moisture and temperature extremes. If indoor storage is not an option, consider using weather-resistant covers to shield the equipment from the elements. Consider storing your air seeder flat and not folded up to avoid moisture collecting in some areas.
Conclusion:
Preparing your air seeder for the next planting season is an investment in your farming success. By dedicating time to cleaning, inspection, repairs, calibration, and testing, you’ll ensure that your equipment is operating at its best. A well-maintained air seeder leads to accurate seed placement, better crop establishment, and ultimately, higher yields. Whether it’s a parts need or assistance, Air Seeder Parts has your back.