10 Maintenance Points on Your Air Seeder

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your air seeder in top condition and ensuring its longevity and performance. Whether you're just wrapping up planting or preparing for the next season, following these essential steps will help you avoid downtime and costly repairs. Below are the top 10 maintenance tips to keep your air seeder running smoothly.

1. Clean Out the Tanks

One of the most important tasks after planting is thoroughly cleaning out your tanks. Depending on your model, you may have one or two tanks. These can carry either more seed or a combination of seed and fertilizer. It’s crucial to clear out these tanks after use, especially if you’re storing seed like wheat or fertilizer. Moisture buildup can cause seeds to harden and fertilizer to solidify, making cleanup a nightmare. Make this your first priority after each planting season.

2. Clean the Meters

After cleaning the tanks, don’t forget the meters—the components responsible for dropping the seed into the tubes. Any leftover seed or fertilizer in the meters can harden with moisture and cause problems next season. Always take out the meters, blow them clean, and ensure no debris remains to avoid downtime when it's time to plant again.

3. Clear the Tubes

The tubes that run from the fan to the tool need to be clear for proper air and seed flow. Once you've removed the meter rolls, turn on the air system and let it blow out any leftover material. This will ensure you don’t have hardened product clogging up the tubes when you’re ready to start planting again.

4. Check Wheel Bearings

With so many wheels and tires on your air seeder, checking the wheel bearings is a must. Ensure the bearings inside the hubs are in good shape before heading to the field. Worn-out bearings can cause significant issues and downtime during planting.

5. Inspect and Grease the Swivel Points

Swivel points on both the cart and tool require regular attention. Be sure to grease them and check for smooth pivoting. Proper lubrication ensures that your wheels can rotate freely, reducing the risk of ruts or damage in the field.

6. Grease the Openers

The openers on your air seeder are some of the highest wear points on the machine. Depending on your model, each opener could have one or more grease points. Ensure all of these are greased and in good condition, as they are crucial to effective planting.

7. Check the Gap Between the Disc and Gauge Wheel

The gauge wheel and disc should sit tightly together to maintain proper depth and clean off any material buildup on the disc. A small gap helps prevent debris from causing issues, so make sure this gap is properly adjusted before heading into the field.

8. Adjust the Depth Control

Your depth adjustment handle sets the depth for your seed trenches. It should be easy to adjust by hand and stay in position while planting. Ensure this control is neither too loose nor too tight and is working as intended.

9. Inspect Hydraulic Hoses and Cylinders

Hydraulics are essential to your air seeder’s performance. Check for leaks, worn hoses, and damaged cylinders before heading out to the field. A quick inspection now can prevent frustrating hydraulic failures that could shut down your operation mid-season.

10. Inspect Bearings on the Openers

Lastly, don’t forget to inspect all the bearings on the openers. Each opener has multiple moving parts—up to four pieces that require regular attention. Check the bearings by hand, ensuring they spin freely and don’t have any wobble. A damaged bearing can ruin an entire section of your crop, so be diligent about this step.

Final Thoughts

These maintenance tips will help keep your air seeder in peak condition. Whether you're an experienced operator or just getting into larger-scale planting, knowing what to look for and how to care for your equipment is critical. Proper upkeep not only saves time and money but also ensures that your planting goes smoothly each season.