Read this before you plant! John Deere Pro Series Seed Meters

When working with a John Deere 1770 NT planter equipped with CCS and Pro Series meters, it's essential to ensure the equipment is properly adjusted for the crop you're planting. This guide provides an overview of how to troubleshoot and optimize the performance of these meters, particularly when switching from corn to cotton.

Understanding Double Eliminators

Double eliminators are designed to knock off double seeds from the seed plate when planting corn. However, when switching to cotton or Milo, the double eliminator must be adjusted correctly. For cotton, the double eliminator should be completely up to prevent it from knocking seeds off the plate. This adjustment is crucial to avoid planting inconsistencies.

The double eliminator is a small but vital component. It ensures that only one seed is planted at a time, which is particularly important for crops like corn that require precise spacing. However, cotton planting requires a different approach. If the double eliminator is not adjusted correctly, it can knock off seeds that should be planted, leading to gaps in the field. Therefore, when switching from corn to cotton, always ensure the double eliminator is fully open.

Preparing the Test Stand

To diagnose and resolve issues, set up a test stand to run the meters at 6 mph, aiming for a population of 30,000 seeds per acre. The test stand simulates field conditions and helps identify any problems with the meters. Start by turning on the meter and machine, allowing the vacuum to reach about 7 inches, and then begin the test.

The test stand is an invaluable tool for ensuring your planter is working correctly before heading to the field. By simulating field conditions, you can identify and correct issues in a controlled environment. This step can save time and prevent problems during actual planting. Make sure to monitor the singulation rate closely during the test. A singulation rate of around 97% is ideal, indicating that the meter is planting seeds accurately.

Observing the Results

During the test, monitor the singulation rate, which should be around 97%. Expect to see a few skips and multiples, as these are common due to the lack of singulation mechanisms for multiples on the seed plate. Adjusting the vacuum level can help reduce skips, but maintaining a higher vacuum is essential to ensure seeds stay in place during field operations.

Skips and multiples are common issues when planting. Skips occur when the meter fails to plant a seed, while multiples happen when more than one seed is planted in the same spot. Both can affect crop yield. By adjusting the vacuum level, you can reduce the occurrence of skips. However, it's important to maintain a higher vacuum to ensure seeds stay in place, especially when the planter is moving across the field.

Cleaning and Adjusting

If the double eliminator is difficult to adjust, it may be clogged with dirt. Cleaning it thoroughly with a blower can make adjustments easier and prevent breaking the lever. Proper adjustment of the double eliminator is vital for optimal performance when switching from corn to cotton.

Dirt and debris can accumulate in the double eliminator, making it difficult to adjust. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure the component works correctly. Use a blower to remove dirt and debris, and check the double eliminator regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. Proper adjustment of the double eliminator is crucial for optimal performance, especially when switching between different crops.

Final Thoughts

After running all the meters on the test stand and adjusting the double eliminators, issues with skips and multiples should be significantly reduced. While some multiples are inevitable, maintaining a singulation rate of 97-98% is quite good for a standard John Deere meter with a 64-cell cotton plate.

Regular maintenance and proper adjustment of your planter's components can significantly improve planting accuracy. By following these steps, you can ensure your John Deere Pro Series meters are optimized for cotton planting, leading to better results and fewer issues in the field. Regular testing and adjustment can help identify and resolve issues before they become major problems, ensuring a successful planting season.

Tech Tip

If you've previously planted corn with your 1770 planter and are switching to cotton, make sure to open the double eliminators all the way. This simple adjustment can greatly improve planting accuracy and overall performance.

By following these steps, you can ensure your John Deere Pro Series meters are optimized for cotton planting, leading to better results and fewer issues in the field. Regular testing and adjustment can help identify and resolve issues before they become major problems, ensuring a successful planting season.