Spaded Closing Wheels

Is there any big difference between May-Wes and Martin closing wheels? I’m getting ready to make a purchase and want some opinions on each brand.

—Craig

I chose the Martin’s a few years ago. The May-Wes Polys had just come out and I couldn’t find anyone who had used them. At the time, opinions from Martin users were positive. I thought about something getting caught in the spokes on both and figured the poly material would break off while the metal would bend or break. With metal, I could fix the unit easily.

How about backing up the no-till planter and just touching a telephone pole? I figured it would crack or break the poly material and the metal ones would survive. I’ve had good luck with the Martins and recommend them.

—Joe Etheridge,

mkfarms@coastalnet.com

I’ve used the May-Wes wheels for 3 years as spading wheels. I’ve never broken the plastic spades or plastic parts.

When I turn with the no-till planter lowered, the aluminum hub that encases the bearing will break, causing the wheel to be lost in the field. The same thing happened with the original John Deere rubber closing wheels.

—Merritt A. Seefeldt Jr.,

seefeldt@itctel.com

I’ve had Martin units for several years and like them for the most part, even though the tines plug up occasionally in sticky conditions. The May-Wes units have too thick a wheel and might cause more downward compaction then the thin metal spikes on a Martin. I’m not…