Air Seeder Parts Takes 2nd Place at Manitoba Ag Days Innovation Showcase

Innovation in agriculture is not just about creating something new; it’s about solving real problems that farmers face every day. Our team here at Air Seeder Parts recently secured a notable 2nd Place win at the 2024 Manitoba Ag Days Innovation Showcase with our latest invention—The Double Agitator.

The Double Agitator addresses a common issue faced by farmers using air seeders: product bridging. Bridging occurs where the air seeder’s tank meets the meter, causing a halt in the flow of product down into the meter. This problem often leads to inefficiencies in planting, requiring farmers to replant their fields, doubling their efforts and costs. Dan, our founder, personally experienced this frustration and recognized the need for a solution.

“As a farmer, I experienced trouble seeding hard-to-plant crops like grass, alfalfa, barley, and oats due to inadequate agitation in the tank,” explains Dan. “The Double Agitator was born out of necessity to keep the product flowing smoothly into the meter, eliminating the need for double planting.”

The Manitoba Ag Days Innovation Showcase, which featured over 30 entries in the Agriculture Equipment Category, provided a platform for innovators like us to shine. Despite tough competition from industry giants, the Double Agitator captured the attention of the judges with its simplicity and effectiveness.

“We felt like there was nothing else like the Double Agitator on the market, and that it was a game-changer in the competition,” says Dan. “One of the judges had experienced the very issue our product solves in his own air seeder. This win validates the importance of solving this issue for farmers.”

The showcase ensured that entries were not only unique but also relevant to the Manitoba market, further emphasizing the significance of the Double Agitator’s win.

“I’m a real-world guy. I don’t believe in introducing new machinery every time. I got into manufacturing these parts because I faced these issues firsthand,” shares Dan. “I started making parts that would last almost forever, providing long-term solutions for farmers.”

The Double Agitator is now available worldwide through A&I Products dealerships or any John Deere parts dealer, offering farmers everywhere access to this game-changing innovation.

With the Double Agitator, farmers can now overcome seeding obstacles with ease, paving the way for greater efficiency and productivity in the field.

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.

Looking to update air drill parts? The X Series air drill parts product line includes the necessary hardware and parts needed to rebuild and sustain the life of your air drill. The product line features a series of rebuild and adjustment kits to preserve the integrity of the drills framework and improve performance.

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.

Success at Ag in Motion

The annual Ag in Motion farm show in Saskatoon, SK, kicked off on July 18th, 2023 with a wet first day due to heavy rainfall, bringing joy and relief to the farming community as the precipitation was much needed. But the rain wasn’t the only thing bringing smiles to people’s faces. We witnessed an excellent response from current and past customers, especially towards our X Series and Boss Meter products. And the various demonstrations and exhibits added to the excitement, leaving everyone including Air Seeder Parts looking forward to next year’s Ag in Motion.

Customer Satisfaction with X Series and Boss Meter

One of our favorite things about attending ag shows is hearing from current customers using Air Seeder Parts products. Many customers approached our booth to share their positive experiences—most notably, our X Series and Boss Meters are performing well for them. 

It was also great to hear about our customers’ future plans for their air seeders. Several customers told us that they’d be doing additional modifications to their air seeders: e.g.: a customer that did a cart rebuild last year said they’re going to do all X Series this year; and vice versa, another customer that did X Series last year wants to do a whole cart rebuild this year.

Attracting New Interest

Ag in Motion was also successful in attracting the curiosity of visitors who were unfamiliar with Air Seeder Parts. Our company’s booth became a hub of interest, as the team shared insights and product demonstrations.

Elsewhere around the show, we saw and heard about other vendor presences that were well-received. Various seeding demos went very well; there was a Big Bud tractor made in Montana on display; Raven Technologies outfitted an autonomous tractor; and our location next to Pillar Lasers brought an influx of traffic. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, Ag in Motion 2023 proved to be a great success. The positive reviews and growing interest from customers and new visitors alike are what keep us motivated. The sense of family and shared passion for agriculture makes Ag in Motion a truly special gathering. We have lots of love and respect for our neighbors in Canada and can’t wait to come back next year. Thanks for having us, Ag in Motion!

Optimizing Seed Placement with Meter Rollers

At Air Seeder Parts, we offer a comprehensive range of CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Rollers, each designed for specific application rates and compatible with various John Deere models. In this article, we will explore the different types of meter rollers we offer, their unique features, and the benefits they bring to your seeding operations.

Type of Meter Rollers We Offer:

1. CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Roller – WHITE: Very Low Rate
   
   Application Range: 1-10 lb./acre
   
   Ideal for canola, inoculants, and fine products with low application rates.
   
   Our white meter roller is an exclusive design by Air Seeder Parts. It applies at half the rate of John Deere’s lowest application rate roller—their yellow meter roller—setting a new standard.
   

   
   Check out Dan’s video on his canola field — planted at 2.6 lbs/acre using the White Meter Roller.

2. CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Roller – YELLOW: Low Rate
   
   Application Range: 10-20 lb./acre
   
   Ideal for flax, alfalfa, and similar applications.
3. CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Roller – BLACK: Medium Rate
   
   Application Range: 20-130 lb./acre
   
   Designed for use with wheat, barley, small soybeans, and medium-rate fertilizer.
4. CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Roller – GREEN: High Rate
   
   Application Range: 30-220 lb./acre
   
   Ideal for soybeans and high-rate fertilizer.
5. CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Roller – BLUE: Very High Rate
   
   Application Range: 50-265 lb./acre
   
   Perfect for large seeds, barley, oats, and high-rate fertilizer.
6. CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Roller – ORANGE: Large Seed Roller
   
   Application Range: 50-180 lb./acre
   
   Specifically designed for chickpeas, field peas, and large soybeans (not
   suitable for fertilizers).
   
   Compatible with John Deere SectionCommand^TM only.

Benefits of CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Rollers

The CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Rollers offer significant advantages in seed placement and overall performance

1. Steady and Continual Product Flow: The spiraled design of the rollers ensures a consistent and uninterrupted flow of product, eliminating pulsation and reducing disruptions during seeding.
2. Even Seed Spacing: Each of the six-meter rollers has flutes with individually designed angles and depths, facilitating precise and even seed spacing. This feature reduces product waste and minimizes seed breakage.
3. Compatibility with John Deere Models: The CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Rollers are compatible with John Deere 1900, 1910, C650, and C850 models, ensuring a seamless integration into your existing equipment.
4. Reduction of Over-Applying and Seed Slippage: The innovative CONTINU-RATE^® METER ROLLER – WHITE offers a very low-rate solution. By using the white meter roller, you can significantly reduce over-applying and seed slippage, improving overall efficiency.

With the CONTINU-RATE^® Meter Rollers from Air Seeder Parts, you can achieve accurate and consistent seed distribution while minimizing disruptions.

Explore our range of meter rollers designed for different application rates and experience enhanced efficiency in your farming practices. Upgrade your John Deere equipment with CONTINU-RATE® Meter Rollers and take your seeding operations to the next level.

X-SERIES – AIR DRILL PARTS

The X-Series air drill parts product line includes the necessary hardware and parts needed to rebuild and sustain the life of your air drill. The product line features a series of rebuild and adjustment kits to preserve the integrity of the drills framework and improve performance.

Main Pin & Bushing Kit

50% increase in wear surface

Pin end includes ½” ratchet opening for rotation

½” shoulder added to bushing to increase surface area

Timing index marks aid in rotating tracking

Equipment Models: John Deere 50, 60, 90 & ProSeries™

Depth Adjuster Bracket & Handle

Thicker gauge and 50% larger slot increase life by nearly doubling the wear surface

Pins on handle 50% larger in diameter to increase wear life

Handle 50% larger for ease of adjustment

Hole in handle allows ³/₈” socket to fit for installation

Includes spring and nylock nut

Equipment Models: John Deere 60, 90 and ProSeries™

Depth Adjuster Arm

Machined from solid steel

Universal for both right and left openers, with the use of a spacer washer

Relief cut design allows for maintained tension on gauge wheel even after wear

Designed with ½” ratchet opening to provide leverage to help with sticky gauge wheels

Two-bolt clamp design tightens firmly on worn spindle shaft, providing a superior clamping force

Firming Wheel Pivot Rebuild Kit

¹/₃ increase in wear surface

O-ring inside of bushing holds grease in, keeps dirt out

Spiraled grease grooves includes bleed-off hole to indicate when fully greased

Wider bushing for arm side with heavier load

Built to handle quick and easy installation

Equipment Models: John Deere 60 & 90 series

Closing Wheel Pivot Rebuild Kit

¹/₃  increase in wear surface

O-ring inside of bushing holds grease in, keeps dirt out

Spiraled grease groove includes bleed-off hole to indicate when fully greased

Wider bushing for arm side with heavier load

Built to handle quick and easy installation

Equipment Models: John Deere 60 & 90 series

ASP Boot Stiffener – Left

Moves worn seed boot back to original position

No drilling required

Can be installed without disassembling row unit

Equipment Models: John Deere 90 series

ASP Boot Stiffener – Right

Moves worn seed boot back to original position

No drilling required

Can be installed without disassembling row unit

Equipment Models: John Deere 90 series

Our Engineering Department is growing! Meet Artem.

Name: Artem Bolotin

Title: Mechanical Engineer

Start Date: December 1, 2022

Born & Raised: Sumy, Ukraine

Education: Master’s Degree – Agriculture Engineering / Sumy National Agrarian University

Past Employment: Prior to coming to Air Seeder Parts, LLC, Artem was employed by Nikolaisen, LLP headquartered in Egeland, ND.  Nikolaisen raises wheat, canola, soybeans, corn, barley, and pinto beans. Artem was a farm machinery operator when starting and eventually took on more mechanic work, maintaining and fixing equipment. His other duties included planting, field work, spraying, combining, running grain cart, running an excavator for tree removal, and anything else that needed to be done.

Artem’s interest in American farming began at an early age. After his second year in college, an opportunity took him on a year long internship at a livestock farm in Wisconsin. This was his first trip to the United States. He was only 19 years old at the time. It was a big commitment, but he wanted to learn the mechanization of a livestock farm – how they take care of their equipment and operate a farm in the United States. “I wanted to come to the United States to learn how things happen here compared to in Ukraine,” said Artem.  He returned to Ukraine to continue his education and returned once again to work on a grain farm. He also took some online classes during this stay, then returned to Sumy to finish school and test. 

Third Time’s a Charm: Artem’s third trip to the United States was for his job at the farm in Egeland, ND. In addition to working with Nikolaisen, LLP, Artem worked with Ukrainian farmers to find, inspect, negotiate pricing, and purchase John Deere equipment. “There is no John Deere Factory in Ukraine,” said Artem, “and everyone wants John Deere combines, sprayers, and planters.” After making an equipment purchase, Artem also arranged shipping from where purchased via trucking company, then overseas shipping to Ukraine. In the last 2 years, he has purchased and shipped many pieces of equipment for and to farmers in his home country from the US and Canada. Since Russia began the war, Ukrainian farmers purchasing equipment has decreased due to risk. Farms are working to get by with what they have until there is more stability in their country.

Air Seeder Parts Job Duties: Artem’s duties at Air Seeder Parts consist of designing and testing prototypes, 3D printing, engineering design in solid works, and meeting with the field engineers to discuss parts design, testing, adjustments, and finalizing parts prior to manufacturing.

Hobbies/Interests: When he’s not working, Artem likes outdoor activities, skiing, and anything related to farm machinery. 

Interesting Fact About Artem: Since he was a kid, Artem always loved farming. Being a part of the processes of raising and taking care of crops was something he always wanted to do. One thing that sparked his interest in traveling to and working in the United States was our good movies – like Star Wars, Transformers, and Home Alone.

Interesting Fact About Ukraine: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resurfaced a decades-old question: Is the country called “Ukraine” or “the Ukraine”? “The Ukraine” was the way the Soviet Union referred to the area during Soviet rule. As an independent country, it is simply called “Ukraine.” There are only 2 countries that presently use the word “the” before their larger titles – The Bahamas and The Gambia.

What are you most excited about in your new position? “Since I’ve been working at the grain farm, I’ve been running the air seeder and have been facing the same issues that Air Seeder Parts, LLC have come upon. I’ve always had ideas on how to improve things. Now, I’m at a company that fixes these issues. I can bring my ideas to work, solve issues, make good products, and share the help with products with other farmers.”

Welcome, Artem! We are happy to have you here. 

There’s a New Intern in Town…Meet Weston

Name: Weston Napier

Hometown: Minto, ND

School: University of North Dakota

Year: Junior

Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering

Q: Why did you choose University of North Dakota and Mechanical Engineering?

A:  I chose UND because it’s close to home, affordable and offers a quality education. Having talked to various employers and engineers in the area it was obvious that the value graduates from UND and the knowledge they graduate with.

Q: What type of work will you look for following graduation?

A: I am not completely set on an industry that I want to focus on yet, but I am interested in learning more about the aerospace industry. I love the outdoors as well so it would be fun to get into something where I can be involved in something related to that.

Q: How did you hear about the internship? 

A:  I got in contact with Air Seeder Parts through a mutual friend, but I believe they initially found my resume on Indeed.

Q: What on the job tasks does your internship involve? 

A: Being that it is a small company I get to do all different kinds of things that engineers in a larger company may not get to do. I do a lot of testing for new products that we are trying to get into production along with designing new products. I also get to work with manufacturers to get prototypes made and ready for production.

Q: What do you like about Air Seeder Parts, LLC?

A: I like the atmosphere; it is relaxed enough that you don’t have to be stressed all the time but there is still a push to innovate which is a good thing. Because the company is smaller, and everyone is together under one roof we are able to get projects relatively quickly compared to many other companies.

Q: What surprises you most about being in the workforce?

A: I can’t think of anything that surprised me necessarily, but I will say that it is sort of eye opening to get into an industry like farming and see all the opportunities that are out there that you wouldn’t even think of without being in it.

Q: Do you feel your experience from Air Seeder Parts is beneficial and why?

A: Yes, it is definitely beneficial because I have learned a lot of stuff that you would never learn without doing it. There are many things that you maybe hear about in school but don’t really understand until you have to do it, especially when it comes to communicating with other companies to get things done.

Q: If asked, what would you tell classmates about the benefits of an internship?

A: I would tell that there are tons of benefits. We learn a lot in school but if we never learn to apply it, it’s kind of useless. It’s neat to be at work and have an issue that you know how to solve because of something you just learned in school. There are many things that they can’t teach you in school but that are going to be necessary for us in our careers. Also, having an internship is a great way to figure out which direction you want to aim for while in school. It can help you determine if you’re in the right major or what electives you want to take to focus on a specific field.

If you are interested in an internship or career at Air Seeder Parts, LLC, visit the careers page on our website at www.airseedperparts.com/careers.