With planting season just around the corner, modern farmers know that success in the field starts long before the first seed hits the soil. Advanced technology isn’t just about fancy screens and sensors—it’s about ensuring every part of your planter is calibrated, updated, and in peak condition. From cleaning up historical data to precise mechanical inspections, here’s your comprehensive tech prep checklist to get your equipment ready for the season.
1. Clean Up Your Data and Software
Before you even step into the cab, take a few moments to review and update your farm information management systems (FIMS).
- Data Management: Archive previous season’s data and verify that critical planting parameters (such as seed rate and downforce settings) are correctly stored. For example, a John Deere Operations Center account should sync with your in-cab display, ensuring that your prescriptions from the past season are organized and ready for review.
- Software Updates: Modern planters like the John Deere 1725C often receive over-the-air firmware updates. Make sure your in-cab display (e.g., the latest John Deere G5 Display) is running the newest version. Updating via the Equipment Mobile App (available on both iOS and Android) over a stable 4G LTE connection can prevent unexpected changes in display layout and sensor readings during planting.
2. Mechanical Inspections and Calibration
Precision starts with the hardware. A thorough mechanical walkthrough is essential for planting success.
- Seed Tube Sensors: Dust and residue can impair sensor accuracy. For instance, on a Case IH Early Riser 2120 planter, clean each seed tube using a soft, dry brush and a mild detergent if treatments have left a film.
- Calibrate Downforce: Consistent seed depth is critical. Use your planter’s built-in load cells (common on models like the John Deere 1725C) to calibrate downforce across each row unit. Document your readings—ideally, each row unit should register within a 0.5-pound variance.
- Parallel Arms and Opener Blades: Inspect parallel arms for signs of wear or play. Replace any opener blades that have dropped below the manufacturer’s recommended diameter (e.g., 14.5 inches on many 15-inch disk systems) to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact.
3. Update Connectivity and Data Transfer Systems
Reliable connectivity enables real-time decision making and remote diagnostics.
- JDLink™ Integration: If you’re using a system like John Deere’s JDLink, verify that your cellular connectivity is strong. JDLink enables real-time monitoring of equipment performance and can alert you to issues like sensor errors or misalignments before they escalate.
- Remote Diagnostics: Modern planters often feature diagnostic tools built into the in-cab display. For example, a Case IH Early Riser planter may automatically run sensor tests on each row unit. Ensure these tests are functioning properly by running them as part of your pre-season checklist.
4. Preventative Maintenance on Wear Parts
Maintenance of mechanical components is as critical as the technology.
- Wear Parts Check: Replace worn components such as seals, bushings, and hoses according to manufacturer guidelines. On models like the Kinze 5670 Pivot Fold planter row unit, routine inspections and timely replacement of these parts can improve overall performance and reduce downtime.
- Lubrication: Ensure that all moving parts—especially in the seed metering system and hydraulic cylinders—are properly lubricated. Use manufacturer-recommended lubricants to prevent premature wear.
- Sensor Verification: Confirm that built-in diagnostic sensors (e.g., those monitoring seed singulation) are clean and calibrated. Even a slight misalignment in sensor feedback can lead to inconsistent planting depths across your field.
5. Conduct a Field Test
After completing data management, mechanical inspections, and system updates, it’s time to put your planter to the test in the field.
- Test Run: Perform a short test run on a small, representative section of your field. Check for uniform seed spacing and depth by digging up a few rows.
- Real-Time Adjustments: Use in-cab displays to monitor seed placement. If the system indicates deviations (for example, a seed meter error on one row unit), address these issues immediately to avoid large-scale planting errors.
- Document Results: Record your findings and make any necessary adjustments before starting full-scale planting. Even minor tweaks can lead to improved yields over the season.
Conclusion
Effective tech prep for planting is a multi-step process that begins long before the first seed is sown. By updating software, performing detailed mechanical inspections, ensuring reliable connectivity, and testing your equipment in real-world conditions, you set the stage for uniform emergence and optimal yields. Whether you’re using a high-end John Deere 1725C planter or a Case IH Early Riser 2120, these proactive steps ensure your equipment is ready to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is data management important before planting?
A1: Organizing past season data in your FIMS helps you review previous settings and identify areas for improvement, ensuring a smoother planting season.
Q2: How often should I update my planter’s software?
A2: It’s best to update your in-cab display annually or as soon as a new firmware release is available to prevent unexpected issues during planting.
Q3: What is the recommended method to calibrate downforce on my planter?
A3: Use the built-in load cells on your planter (e.g., on a John Deere 1725C) and aim for consistency across all row units, with a variance within 0.5 pounds.
Q4: How do I know if my seed tube sensors need cleaning?
A4: Check for dust accumulation or residue from seed treatments; if sensor readings are inconsistent, clean them gently with a soft brush and mild detergent.
Q5: What specific checks should I perform during a field test?
A5: Verify uniform seed spacing and consistent planting depth by sampling several rows and adjust settings if necessary.
Q6: How does JDLink enhance planter performance?
A6: JDLink provides real-time diagnostics and data transfer from your equipment to the John Deere Operations Center, allowing remote monitoring and quick adjustments.
Q7: Should I inspect mechanical wear parts regularly?
A7: Yes, inspect parts such as parallel arms, opener blades, and hydraulic components before the season starts to prevent failures during planting.
Q8: What are the benefits of conducting a pre-season field test?
A8: A test run helps identify and correct any discrepancies in seed placement or depth, ensuring your planter is fully tuned before full-scale operation.
Q9: Can I perform most of these checks from the cab?
A9: Many systems now allow remote diagnostics via in-cab displays, but some physical inspections (like checking for wear on mechanical parts) still require you to step out of the cab.
Q10: How do specific models like the Case IH Early Riser 2120 or John Deere 1725C compare?
A10: Both models offer advanced technology and precise calibration options, with the Early Riser targeting smaller operations (priced between $80,000 and $115,000) and the 1725C featuring extensive connectivity and advanced row-unit controls for larger farms.
By following this comprehensive checklist and understanding the role of technology in modern planting, you can maximize yield potential and ensure your equipment is ready to tackle the season ahead.
