Seed meter drives play a huge role in seeding accuracy. Here are 4 ways to avoid in-field problems by troubleshooting various drive systems.
1. Chain driven seed meters must turn evenly, without kinks in the chains. Put a 7/8” wrench on the main driveshafts and turn them by hand. They should turn evenly without jerks or dragging. If they don’t, disconnect and test individual row chains to determine the cause of resistance.
2. Cable-driven seed meters can be tested by removing each cable and turning it by hand. If a cable “hangs up” and refuses to release from a seed meter or shaft gearbox, the end of the cable might be damaged, which will cause the seed meter to catch and jerk with every revolution of the cable.
3. Hydraulically-driven seeding systems deserve a good flushing after initial hook up each season. Most hydraulic drive systems have options to perform “system flush” on the entire system, and sometimes to individual drive units. Flushing the system opens metering valves to full hydraulic flow, carrying away any sludge or deposits that could plug precision orifices in control valves.
4. If seeding accuracy, especially the distance between seeds in the furrow, is erratic, try slowing groundspeed. A cloddy seedbed can jostle seed meters enough to disrupt seed spacing. If driving slower improves seed spacing, lower tined row cleaners to give seed unit gauge wheel tires a smoother path.
