Download a printable version of Farm Journal’s Planter Checklist.
Functional Areas and Parts to Check:
1. SEED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
- Check clutch assembly.
- Check bearings/sprockets/idlers.
- Check chains.
- Line up Lovejoy couplers.
- Check point row clutches.
- Check U-joint/sliding shafts.
2. SEED METERS
- Put meters on a calibration stand.
- For air/vacuum planters:
- Blow air lines clean.
- Check for air leaks (hoses and seals).
3. WHEELS AND TIRES
- Check lug nuts and bearings.
- Check tire air pressure.
- Are drive wheels centered?
- Check mud scrapers on drive wheels.
4. FERTILIZER TRANSMISSION
- Check openers and bearings/blades/shoes.
- Check fertilizer hoses.
- Check piston or squeeze pump.
- Check drive chains.
- Calibrate flow.
5. DOWN PRESSURE SPRING ASSEMBLY
6. PARALLEL ARM LINKAGE
- Check measurements between arms.
- Check bolts and bushings (rocking test).
- Check shape of hole on parallel arms (circle or egg shape).
- Check for bent arms and lower shank.
7. ROW UNIT SPROCKETS
- Check meter disconnect lever (make sure it lines up correctly).
- Make sure it is moving freely.
8. DRIVE CHAINS
- Check to make sure they are lubricated and in good condition.
- Check drive rollers, idlers and idler springs.
- Check for grooves in rollers.
9. ROW CLEANERS
- Check bearings.
- Check for free movement up and down.
10. NO-TILL COULTERS
- Check bearings.
- Check cutting edge.
- Are they centered on hub?
- Check depth (must be 1/4” higher than opening disks).
11. GAUGE WHEEL ASSEMBLY
- Check gauge wheel arm condition.
- Check walking gauge wheel attachments.
- Check rubber tire.
- Is it in good condition?
- Does it run true and have contact with disk blades?
- Check bearings.
12. TRU-VEE OPENERS/DISK BLADES
- Measure blade point of contact. (It should be 2” to 2 1/2”; except for Kinze 3000 series, which should be 1” to 1 1/4”).
- Check diameter of blades (minimum of 14 1/2”, centered around seed tube).
- Check bearings.
- Check scrapers.
13. SEED TUBE AND TUBE GUARD
- Seed tube – look for worn edges or broken tubes.
- Seed tube guard
- Look for loose or broken rivets.
- Is width worn or too narrow?
14. SEED FIRMERS
- Are they installed correctly?
- Adjust tension.
- Look for wear.
15. CLOSING WHEEL ASSEMBLY
- Check tires and wheel bearings.
- Are they centered over seed trench (scratch line test in shop)?
- Check staggered wheel setup.
- Check pivot assembly holes.
16. INSECTICIDE ASSEMBLY
- Check box and feed roll condition.
- Is hose attachment clean?
- Check insecticide bander (wind shields).
17. FRAME
- Check structural welds.
- Check hydraulic hoses and cylinders.
- Check wing hinges and pivots.
- Check row markers.
18. ELECTRICAL
- Check routing.
- Check cable connections.
- Review control console functions.
- Check seed tube sensors.
19. VRT CONTROLLERS
- Check for version updates.
- Set up test run.
- Check seed drop calibration.
- Check speed sensor calibration.
- Implement switch.
- Check tractor hydraulic calibration.
In-Field Adjustments to Check:
1. PLANTER RUNNING LEVEL
- Is the frame level?
- Is the parallel linkage level?
- Adjust hitch height (should be 20” from bottom of frame to planting surface).
2. PLANTER SPEED
- Make sure row units run smoothly with no bounce or vibration.
- Run at 4.5 to 5 mph.
3. ROW CLEANERS SET AT CORRECT DEPTH
4. NO-TILL COULTER
- Depth should be higher than disk openers.
5. CHAINS AND DRIVE SYSTEM
- Apply oil.
- Make sure they are running smooth.
6. CLOSING WHEELS
- Are they centered on trench?
7. USE GRAPHITE (ON FINGER PICKUP) OR TALC (ON VACUUM PLANTERS)
Download a printable version of Farm Journal’s Planter Checklist.
