Post-Planting Planter Maintenance: Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape

Post-planting season is the best time to give your planter some attention. Check the parallel arms for play, shim your gauge wheel arms based on tire wear, and measure your opener discs. Tighten everything back up and inspect for wear. GBGI row units are built tough, but a quick check now saves time next season.

Key Takeaways

After a long planting season, your equipment deserves a little attention-and so do your yields. One of the smartest things you can do right now is run a simple post-planting maintenance check. A few quick inspections and adjustments can keep your planter performing like it should and help you avoid costly breakdowns next year.

Here's what GBGI recommends you do right after planting:

Start with the Parallel Arms

Begin at the top of the row unit where you'll find your parallel arms. These are critical to row unit movement and depth consistency.

• Grab the upper arm and try to wiggle it. If there's noticeable play or rattling, the bushing may be worn.

• Want to dig deeper? Lift the row unit and try moving it side to side. Any horizontal movement in the lower arms could mean additional wear.

GBGI row units are built to last. Many dealers report never needing replacement kits, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check.

Re-Shim Gauge Wheel Arms Based on Tire Wear

After a full season in the dirt, your gauge wheel tires are going to show signs of wear.

Here's what to do:

• Look at where the tire contacts the opener blade.

• If there's any space or daylight between them, it's time to re-shim the gauge wheel arm.

• Most likely, this means removing a shim or two to bring the tire back into proper contact.

This keeps your seed trench clean and consistent for next year.

Opener Disc Diameter Checks

Your opener discs take a beating each season. Now's the time to check if they're still within spec.

• Measure the diameter of your discs.

• Compare with your planter's guidelines. Many recommend replacement if diameter drops below a certain threshold.

GBGI opener blades are built to last longer with high-quality steel and heat-treated designs, but every disc has its limit.

How to Measure Opener Disc Runout

Along with diameter, it's smart to check the runout, or side-to-side wobble, of your opener discs.

Here's GBGI's method for a precise check:

• Mount a dial indicator with a magnetic base, about 1 inch off the blade's bevel.

• Spin the blade slowly and observe the dial movement.

• A healthy blade will typically show around 0.020 inches of runout, staying between 10 and 90 on the dial.

No dial indicator? Use the business card method for a quick field check:

• Hold a business card about 1 inch from the disc edge.

• Spin the disc slowly by hand.

• If it rubs slightly and consistently, you're likely within tolerance. If it slaps the card or leaves big gaps, there may be excess wobble.

Runout is expected in heat-treated discs. It's nearly impossible to get a perfect one; but GBGI keeps wobble in check through:

• Precision-machined hubs

• Enhanced rivet designs

• Quality control on 20% of every batch of opener blades

It's another way GBGI delivers reliable, long-lasting performance.

Tighten It All Up

While you're in there, go ahead and torque everything down:

• Bolts on the gauge wheel arms

• Parallel arm fasteners

• Disc bolts

Anything that feels even a little loose now can become a problem later.

Maintenance-Free Bearings: What You Need to Know

Good news: with GBGI components, you don't need to grease your bearings. They're pre-packed and sealed, which means less maintenance and fewer messes.

Still, it's worth giving them a visual inspection. No grease required-but peace of mind is always good to have.

FAQ

Why should I check planter parts after planting season?

It's the best time to catch wear and fix it before it gets worse. A few minutes now saves hours later.

How do I know if my parallel arms are worn out?

Try wiggling the upper arm. If it moves or rattles, there may be bushing wear. For lower arms, lift and shift the row unit side to side.

When should I re-shim my gauge wheel arms?

If your gauge wheel tire no longer contacts the blade fully due to wear, it's time to re-shim.

Do GBGI bearings need greasing?0

Nope. They're sealed and maintenance-free.

What's the ideal opener disc diameter?

It depends on your planter, but when in doubt, check your manual. Discs worn past spec need replacement.

How do I measure blade runout?

Use a dial indicator mounted about 1 inch off the bevel. Runout near 0.020" is normal. More than that could affect trench consistency.

Locate a Precision Planting Dealer Near You

Need help with replacement parts, adjustments, or just want a second opinion? Your local Precision Planting dealer can walk you through every post-season check.

🔧 Find a dealer now: GBGIUSA.com/dealer-locator

By taking a few minutes after planting season to check these parts, you'll protect your investment, save time in the spring, and keep your yields strong.