Precision Seeders

Summary of John Deere 7000 Max-Emerge Row Crop Planter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.72 MB)

Functional Performance: The functional performance of the John Deere 7000 Max-Emerge row crop planter was very good.

Seed Metering: The spacing of corn seed at 5 mph (8 km/h) using the finger pickup seed metering system was very good, particularly when planting medium round seed. However, spacing of large sunflower seed was only fair.

Increases in ground speed or when operating on slopes slightly decreased the accuracy of this metering system.

When using the "soybean feedcup" for planting soybeans and white beans, actual population rates were significantly higher than those stated in the operator manual.

Fertilizer Application: Actual fertilizer rates for the "regular rate" fertilizer augers were higher than those stated in the operator manual, especially at low rates.

Penetration: Penetration of the Tru VeeTM seed disk openers was excellent in all field conditions tested. However, penetration of the fertilizer disk openers was reduced in heavy clay soils.

Soil Finishing: Coverage of seed was very good and consistent, particularly at 5 mph (8 km/h) in tested field conditions. Two angled closing wheels packed the soil around the seed leaving loose soil on top of the seed.

Monitor: The monitor supplied with the test machine was very easy to read and provided a wide range of operating information. Either Imperial or SI (metric) units of measurement could be used. good in corn and sunflowers but unsatisfactory in soybeans and white beans.

Ground speed and area measurements were very accurate.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Seeding rates were very easy to adjust on the central seed drive sprocket transmission. Seeding depth was easily adjusted for each individual row.

Filling the fertilizer hopper was usually done from the back of the machine. Latches and holding straps for the hopper iids were very convenient and useful.

The John Deere 7000 Max-Emerge folding frame planter could be placed in transport position in minutes with minimal operator effort.

Power Requirements: A 90 hp (67 kW) tractor with a Category III narrow or a Category II hitch is the minimum tractor size recommended.

Operator Safety: The John Deere Max-Emerge was safe to operate provided normal safety precautions were observed. Front-end tractor weights were necessary to maintain tractor stability.

Operator Manual: The operator manual was excellent. Clear illustrations and easy to read text were used to aid the operator in the safe and proper use and maintenance of this machine.

Mechanical Problems: Problems occurred with the electrical harness on the folding frame and was replaced. The scrapers for the fertilizer disk openers had a wear life of only 535 ac (215 ha).

Summary of International Harvester 800 Cyclo-Air Row Crop Planter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.75 MB)

Functional Performance: Functional performance of the International Harvester 800 Cyclo-Air row crop planter was very good.

Seed Metering: The spacing of corn seed at 5 mph (8 km/h) using the seed drum metering system was very good on the centre rows of the planter, particularly when planting round seed. However spacing of flat corn seed and large sunflower seed was only fair, particularly on outside rows. Increases in ground speed also decreased the seed spacing accuracy of this system.

Actual overall population rates were excellent for white beans and soybeans when compared to rates stated in the operator manual.

Operating on 11° slopes had no significant effect on the accuracy of the system.

Fertilizer Application: Actual fertilizer rates were only slightly higher than rates stated in the fertilizer chart, for the "high" and "extra high rate" augers. However, actual fertilizer rates for the "low rate" auger was significantly higher than the stated rates.

Penetration: Penetration of the seed disk openers was excellent in all field conditions tested. However, penetration of the fertilizer disk openers was reduced in heavy clay soils.

Soil Finishing: Coverage of seed was excellent and consistent in field conditions tested, particularly at 5 mph ( 8 km/h).

Soil was pushed on top of the seed by two inverted closing wheels, then compacted by the press wheels. Seedlings emerged in the narrow groove left by the rib on the press wheel.

Monitor: The Performance Center monitor supplied with the test machine, provided easy to read information in either Imperial or SI (metric) units of measurement.

The ability of the monitor to detect the number of seeds per drum revolution, drum rpm, drum pressure, and seed hopper level was very good. Accuracy of the ground speed and area calculations could not be tested because the ground speed sensor failed to function throughout the test.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Seeding rates were easy to adjust on the seed drive sprocket transmission. The fertilizer drive transmission was not as convenient.

The central seed hopper was convenient to fill if the planter was in a lowered position. The large fertilizer hoppers were filled using a long spout on a drill fill. The operator usually stood on the tool bar to direct the flow of fertilizer. Latches and holding straps for the hopper lids were handy.

The narrow width of the endwise transport position allowed for safe movement on roads. Caution was necessary when driving through some field approaches because of low ground clearance of the fertilizer disks nearest the tractor hitch.

Power Requirements: A 90 hp (67 kW) tractor with a 540 or 1,000 rpm pto shaft is the minimum tractor size recommended.

Operator Safety: The International Harvester 800 Cyclo-Air row crop planter was safe to operate provided normal safety precautions were observed.

Operator Manual: The operator manual was very good. Clear illustrations and well written text provided instruction on safety, operation and maintenance of the machine. An excellent pocket guide was also provided with helpful hints and suggestions for planting a variety of crops. Seed rate and fertilizer rate charts were also included in the guide.

Mechanical Problems: The ground speed sensor failed at the beginning of the test. The replacement part also failed. Wearability of disk openers, disk scrapers and furrow firming points was very good over the duration of the test.

Summary of White Farm Equipment 5100 Seed Boss Row Crop Planter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.78 MB)

Functional Performance: Functional performance of the White 5100 Seed Boss row crop planter was evaluated in a wide variety of field conditions.

Seed Metering: The spacing of corn seed at 5 mph (8 km/h) using the seed disk metering and air pressure system was very good, particularly when planting round seed. When using flat corn seed or increasing ground speed, the seed spacing accuracy of this system was slightly reduced. However, results did not vary significantly from one row to the next. Spacing of large sunflower seed was not as accurate as the spacing of corn seed.

Actual overall population rates were excellent for white beans and soybeans when compared to rates stated in the operator manual.

Operating on 11° uphill slopes had a small affect on the accuracy of the system.

Fertilizer Application: Actual fertilizer rates were within 10% of the rates stated in the fertilizer chart.

Penetration: Penetration of the seed and fertilizer disk openers was very good in all field conditions tested. Seeding depth was affected in damp clay soil conditions because of soil "build-up" between the depth gauge wheels.

Soil Finishing: Covering of seed was good in most field conditions tested, particularly at 5 mph (8 km/h). Soil was pushed on top of the seed, then compacted by the press wheels. In sandy soils the seed was placed in the range of one inch on either side of the centre line. In damp clay soils the seed was not always completely covered.

Monitor: The SM-III monitor supplied with the test machine, provided an accurate readout. A chart was used to convert the readout into seeds/acre.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Seeding rates were easy to adjust on the seed drive sprocket transmission. The fertilizer drive transmission was not as convenient. The fertilizer index augers had to be free of rust and fertilizer buildup to slide easily.

The seed hoppers were convenient to fill if the planter was in a lowered position. The large fertilizer hoppers were filled using a long spout on a drill fill. The fertilizer hopper lids did not remain in place during field operation.

Caution was necessary when travelling under low wires or bridge structures because of the high transport height of 14.1 ft (4.3 m). The manufacturer recommended a maximum transport speed of 10 mph (16 km/h).

Power Requirements: A 90 hp (67 kW) tractor with a 540 or 1,000 rpm pto shaft is the minimum tractor size recommended.

Operator Safety: The White 5100 Seed Boss row crop planter was safe to operate provided normal safety precautions were observed. In addition, the seed hopper lids should not be removed when the system is pressurized to prevent dust and chemicals from being dispersed into the air around the operator.

Operator Manual: The operator manual was very good. Clear illustrations and well written text provided instruction on safety, operation and maintenance of the machine. SI units of measurement were not included.

Mechanical Problems: Scrapers for the fertilizer disk openers had a wearlife of only 350 acres (140 ha).

Summary of Allis Chalmers 330 Air Champ Row Crop Planter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.82 MB)

Functional Performance: Functional performance of the Allis-Chalmers 330 Air Champ crop planter was evaluated in a wide variety of field conditions.

Seed Metering: The spacing of corn seed at 5 mph (8 km/h) using the seed disk metering and air pressure system was very good, particularly when planting small round or small plateless seed. When using flat corn seed or increasing ground speed, the seed spacing accuracy of this system was reduced. However, results did not vary significantly from one row to the next. Spacing of large sunflower seed was not as accurate as the spacing of corn seed.

Actual overall population rates were excellent for white beans and soybeans when compared to rates stated in the operator manual.

Operating on 11° slopes had little effect on the accuracy of the system when planting corn but adversely affected the spacing of sunflower seed on sideslopes.

Fertilizer Application: Actual fertilizer rates were up to 19% higher than the rates stated in the fertilizer chart.

Penetration: Penetration of the seed and fertilizer disk openers was very good in all field conditions tested.

Seeding depth control was much better when the optional depth gauge wheels were used.

Soil Finishing: Coverage of seed was good in most field conditions tested, particularly at 5 mph (8 km/h). Soil was pushed on top of the seed by the outer edges of the press wheels. The centre of the press wheels then slightly compacted the soil over the seed. In sandy soils the seed was placed in a range of less than one inch on either side of the centre line. In some clay soils the seed was not always covered. The optional seed disk covers (closing wheels) improved seed coverage.

Monitor: The ACP-3 monitor supplied with the test machine, provided an accurate seed count for corn only. A chart was used to convert the readout into seeds/acre. Sensors in the seed tubes were cleaned daily.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Seeding rates and fertilizer rates were adjusted by selecting sprocket combinations on two centrally located sprocket drive transmissions. The sprockets, held in place by retaining rings and klik pins, could be quickly removed from the transmissions. Seeding depth was changed by adjusting the depth adjustment pin on each row. The planter had to be in the raised position.

The six seed hoppers were conveniently filled from the rear of the machine. The three large granular fertilizer hoppers were filled using the optional horizontal fertilizer auger.

The 330 Air Champ had very good stability on roads at speeds up to the manufacturer's recommended maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).

Power Requirements: A 55 hp (41 kW) tractor is the minimum tractor size recommended. The tractor must be equipped with a minimum 32 amp alternator.

Operator Safety: The Allis-Chalmers 330 Air Champ row crop planter was safe to operate provided normal safety precautions were observed. In addition, the seed hopper lids should not be removed when the system is pressurized to prevent dust and chemicals from being dispersed into the air around the operator.

Operator Manual: The operator manual was very good. Clear illustrations and well written text provided instruction on safety, operation and maintenance of the machine. Both Imperial and SI units of measurement were used in the text.

Mechanical Problems: Chain tighteners for the drive chains had a wear life of only 500 acres (200 ha). Also, scrapers for the seed disk openers had a wearlife of 750 acres (305 ha). At the end of the tests, weld failures on the tongue frame were noticed. Close inspection indicated that proper weld penetration had not been achieved.

Summary of Pickett Bean Planter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.80 MB)

Quality Of Work: Penetration of the Pickett bean planter was very good in a wide variety of field conditions, providing the double-disc openers were properly adjusted and adequate pre-seeding tillage had been performed.

Seed placement was good. Variation in seed depth was small when seeding in tilled soils.

Soil finishing of the planter was good. A set of double covering discs closed the seed furrow and formed a hill of loose soil over the seed.

The quality of the marking system was very good. The mark was visible from the tractor cab.

Operation of the Pickett in stony conditions was fair. The trip clearance of the double-covering disc assemblies was inadequate to clear large stones.

Metering accuracy of the Pickett bean planter was good. Plant misses in the field were attributed to the seed bridging over a meter.

Uniformity of distribution of the application rate across the width of the planter was good. Uniformity of the inter-row seed spacing was unsatisfactory for precision seeders.

Seed handling was very good. Seed damage by the metering system was negligible.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Ease of performing routine maintenance was very good. Five minutes was required to lubricate the 10 grease fittings.

Ease of filling and cleaning the planter was fair. The box lids could not be locked in the open or closed positions.

Ease of hitching to the planter was good. A centre support stand allowed for safe unhitching of the unit.

Ease of transporting the planter was very good. Caution had to be taken when transporting because of the width, height and the weight of the unit.

Ease of operating and adjusting the marking system was very good.

Monitoring was unsatisfactory on the planter. No acre meter, metering shaft motion indicator or seed flow sensors on the meters were provided.

Ease of changing the seeding rates was poor. No calibration charts were provided. Adjusting seeding rates was inconvenient.

Ease of setting the seed depth adjustment was fair. Two people required 15 minutes to adjust the depth.

Power Requirements: A 76 pto hp (57 pto kW) tractor (with tire ballasts and weights) had sufficient power and hydraulic lift capacity to operate the Pickett bean planter and provide necessary stability.

Operator Safety: The Pickett bean planter was safe to operate if normal safety precautions were observed. A stow moving vehicle sign was not provided with the planter.

Operator's Manual: An operator's manual was not provided with the test unit.

Mechanical History: Numerous fasteners were tightened on the planter throughout the test. Both row marker extensions failed and had to be repaired during the test.

Testing of Double Shoot Openers (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.32 MB)

Introduction
Direct seeding has become very popular over the last few years. One of the limitations of direct seeding is the ability to apply the required amount of fertilizer. Several manufacturers have developed openers which separate the seed and fertilizer. Double shoot openers allow the application of large amounts of fertilizer while seeding. Knowledge and experience on the operation of these openers is limited. A project to test the double shoot openers was started by the Alberta Farm Machinery Research Centre in the Summer of 1993 and completed in 1994.

Test Procedure
Testing of the double shoot openers was split into two parts. First, was the operation of the openers in the Alberta Soil Bin Test Facility. Horizontal, vertical, lateral soil forces, and seed and fertilizer placement were measured during operation of the openers in the soil bin.

Dimensions of the soil bin are 58 ft (17.7 m) long, 10 ft (3.1 m) wide and 24 in (610 mm) deep. The bin contains a sandy and a clay loam soil. Each type of soil has a useable length of 20 ft (6.1 m). A carriage is mounted on rails and pulled up and down the bin electrically. The carriage contains an instrumented, adjustable frame where a soil opener is mounted. A metering system and a fan deliver the material to the soil openers. Pot barley is used to simulate the seed and fertilizer in the soil bin.

The second part was the operation of the openers in the field. The openers were mounted on a mini air seeder and used in fields around the Lethbridge area for 4 to 5 ac (1.6 to 2 ha) per opener. The soil ranged from clay loam to clay. Seed and fertilizer placement, draft and vertical force were measured during operation of the openers in the field.

The mini air seeder consists of a tow-between air delivery cart and an 8 ft (2.4 m) wide cultivator. The cultivator has four rows of shanks and a floating hitch. The air delivery system is a Gandy applicator. Eight shanks were mounted on the mini air seeder.

Description
Fifteen different double shoot openers from nine manufacturers were included in the test. There are three main types of double shoot openers.

1) Single Row: The fertilizer is placed directly below a single seed row.
2) Single Row and Side Band: The fertilizer is placed below and to the side of a single seed row.
3) Pair Row: The fertilizer is placed between and at the same depth or below two rows of seed.

Single Row Openers Tested

• Key Ag Ventures Four Inch Chrome with Backswept Knife
• New Noble Nutriband System
  

• Dutch Vern-Eagle Buster Combination
• Flexi-coil Side Band Double Shoot Knife Opener
• Gen 200 T2 Seeding System
• Morris Conventional Double Shoot Opener
• Morris Edge-on Double Shoot Opener
• Poirier Double Shoot Opener
• Swede Dual Placement Opener
  

• Anderson Opener
• Flexi-Coil HS Paired Row Double Shoot Knife Opener
• Gen 200 T2X2 Seeding System
• Key Ag Ventures Key Two Seeding System
• Key Ag Ventures Seven Inch Chrome with Backswept Knife
• New Noble Seed-o-vator System

The Key Ag Ventures Key Two system, Key Ag Ventures Seven Inch Chrome with Backswept Knife and the Gen 200 T2X2 seeding system were mounted on a 12 in (305 mm) spacing during the field test. The other nine openers were mounted on a 10 in (254 mm) spacing.

The Anderson opener, New Noble Seed-o-vator system and the New Noble Nutriband system were not available for field testing. The reports on these openers are based only on the soil bin results.

The horsepower ratings in the report do not account for tractive and tractor efficiency and the rolling resistance of the seeding unit. Tractive efficiency is normally 80% for hard soils and 70% for loose soils. Tractor efficiency is normally 80%. Rolling resistance of the seeding unit is 10 hp (7.5 kW) for air delivery tanks and 0.5 hp/ft (1.2 kW/m) for packers.

The wear tests in the circular soil bin were not completed by the publishing date of the this report. The results of the wear tests will be available at a later date.

Two other openers were tested but the results were not published due to unsatisfactory results.