It’s time to think about reviewing your plans for the planting season, and there are four basic areas you may want to spend some time on.

They include inspections, settings and replacements; reviewing and calibrating your precision-ag system; inspecting and calibrating your fertilizer system; and reviewing where your different hybrids and varieties will be planted.

Inspecting, Refining

Remember that the performance of your planter is influenced by how you operate it after various items, listed below, are adjusted and maintained properly.

I think it’s important to run your planter between last year’s rows so it you can avoid running through attached residue and the machine can work efficiently.

Here are several areas of your planter to look over, and each can contribute to the machine’s performance.

1. Planter Frame

Wheel-Lift System: Check over the planter frame for cracks or loose hinging joints. Retighten wheel modules and flexing points. Check wiring connections on hydraulic fold boxes to make sure there is no corrosion, and repair any damage to harnesses. Make sure the frame is running level when the planter is in the plant position.

2. Planter Drive System

Check bearings on hex shafts and transmissions, and check chains to ensure they move freely.

3. Row Units

Make sure the row-attachment bolts are tight. Check for any play in the parallel arms and replace bushings if necessary.

4. Drive Chains Or Drive Shafts

Make sure chains are free and don’t have any kinks in them. If you can, soak chains in oil…