Row Unit Maintenance: The Key to Efficient Planting Equipment Operation

Row units are an integral part of agricultural planters. Whether you’re using equipment from John Deere, Case IH, Kinze, or another popular OEM supplier, these units are at the heart of precision planting, making sure your seeds go into the ground just right for optimal growth.

By keeping up with row unit maintenance, you not only extend the life of your equipment but also minimize the chances of breakdowns when you need your gear the most. 

And your crops will reward you with a healthy and productive harvest!

This guide will share everything you need to know about maintaining your row units, including the parallel arms, gauge wheels, double disk opener blade, and tailing assembly.

Parallel arm maintenance 

Parallel arms are key for precise planting depth. Here's how to keep them working right.

• Routine checks: Regularly inspect and maintain the parallel arms to maximize your equipment's lifespan and productivity.

• Assess tolerance: Lift the row unit; ideally, there should be no more than 3/8 of an inch of looseness or 'play'. If there's more, the parallel arms are likely worn out.

• Identify wear: Determine where the extra play comes from—is it the upper or lower arms? This helps you pinpoint the specific parts that need attention.

• Replacement: Replace worn parts quickly to prevent planting issues.

Parallel arm replacement options

When it comes to replacing your parallel arms due to wear-out, you have more than one option: 

1. Original OEM planter parts

You can go to your OEM supplier and buy the same original parts. But with the current quality of OEM parts, you'll generally find that the play in the arm is 3/8 of an inch. This means they’ll have worn-out play, even though they’re brand new. 

2. Aftermarket OEM parts 

Aftermarket solutions from companies like GBGI offer a clever parallel arm design with a hardened, machined outer bushing and a softer inner bushing. 

This means the outer bushing won't lose its shape over time because the inner bushing, being softer, absorbs the wear and tear.

On the other hand, OEM row units typically have a punched metal outer piece with a standard bushing. Over time, these can become misshapen and loose.

Aftermarket options can also provide specialized components. For example, options like the DeltaForce bracket integrate heavier-duty components, ideal for harsh conditions or systems like hydraulic downforce setups. 

These configurations improve reliability and reduce the chance of equipment breakdowns.

Gauge wheel maintenance

Having a well-functioning gauge wheel on a row unit is a must to ensure consistent, accurate planting. The gauge wheel places seeds at the correct depth and spacing, directly affecting crop emergence and yield.

How to make sure your gauge wheel arm is working right 

1. Check the position 

Make sure the gauge wheel is snug against the double disk opener. Gaps can let dry soil into the planting trench, causing uneven seed depth and inconsistent growth in the future. 

2. Inspect for damage

Look for any notches, divots, or breaks in the gauge wheel. Damaged wheels can affect how well they maintain contact with the opener and the soil.

3. Nut adjustment 

Typically, gauge wheel arms are adjusted using nuts. Lift the arm and adjust the nut to bring the gauge wheel closer to the opener. 

But it's important to note that this method can introduce play over time. Despite starting tight, nuts can become loose and wobbly as planting progresses, affecting planting precision.

4. Consider alternative adjustments 

Exploring alternative designs—like those featuring maintenance-free bearing systems and hardened components—can reduce maintenance needs and enhance long-term stability.

Double disk opener blade maintenance

Double disk opener blades create the ideal seed furrow so they're planted at the correct depth for optimal growth and yield.

To maintain your double disk opener blades, be sure to: 

1. Check run-out consistency

Run-out measures blade wobble, and consistent run-out is crucial for setting blades accurately. If your blades touch at varying distances (1 inch or 2.5 inches), it indicates inconsistent run-out. 

Choosing blades with excellent run-out consistency will improve your field performance and planting accuracy. 

2. Prioritize durability 

Choose heat-treated blades for longer life. These blades last about 30% longer, staying flexible and wear-resistant, so they don't break easily.

Regularly check and maintain your double disk opener blades to keep them working well, ensuring a consistent and efficient planting process.

3. Consider aftermarket options 

Aftermarket disk opener blades can be a better choice than OEM options, as they often include advanced designs and materials that can outperform OEM components.

For example, GBGI features a 204 double rib bearing option on a 3.5-millimeter blade with oversized riveting and cast hubs, known for their durability and reliable performance.

Tailing assembly maintenance 

Proper tailing assembly helps maintain the closing wheels' alignment with the planting trench. To maintain your tailing assembly, it’s important to: 

1. Inspect the crew

Check the welded resist collar (takes the planting force) for cracks, especially on older parts. Worn bearings can cause closing wheels to wobble, messing with seed placement. 

2. Know that alignment matters

A secure tailing assembly keeps closing wheels following the perfect ‘true-V’ trench. This prevents aggressive wheels from flicking seeds out.

3. Spot a worn assembly

Too much play means the closing wheels can't maintain consistent depth, potentially harming seed emergence.

4. Upgrade 

If your tailing assembly shows wear, consider replacing it with a higher-quality aftermarket kit. This ensures a stable planting system for maximum seed success!

The bottom line

Maintaining your row units is vital to efficient farming and a successful harvest, whether you use row units from John Deere, Case IH, Kinze, or other popular OEM suppliers. 

But keep in mind, when replacing worn-out parts, aftermarket solutions often provide a more durable and efficient option than modern OEM parts.

Discover Precision Agri Services’ aftermarket planter parts!

At Precision Agri Services Inc., we specialize in providing high-quality aftermarket planter parts.

We partner with trusted brands like Precision Planting, GBGI, Yetter Farm Equipment, Harvest International, HORSCH, and Copperhead Ag to replace worn-out row unit components and much more. 

Thanks to their robust designs, with these brands, you can enjoy greater efficiency and a longer lifespan for your planter compared to modern OEM parts.

Contact us today to upgrade your row unit parts and enjoy a productive and successful harvest!