Checking the Sowing Operation

The operation of drill should be checked carefully in order to ensure perfect sowing. Check operation after first few meters of forward travel, and also at regular intervals if you are sowing relatively large areas of field.

• Are seed delivery hoses sagging?
• Is the sowing depth and the coverage of the seed adequate? Compare all openers.
• Is the calibrated quantity of seed actually being sowed (particularly when sowing fine seed)?
• Does the seed flow freely through the solenoid valves?
• Are the openers blocked?
• Are the openers being obstructed.?
• Have the track markers been set properly?
• Are the solenoid valves switching correctly (tramlines)?
• Are the solenoid valves seated firmly on the distributor?
• Does blower speed remain constant during the sowing operation?
• Is the seed in the hopper prone to forming lumps (especially the case with glumaceous seed)?
• Does the metering device drive wheel rotate smoothly and evenly?

NOTE: After stopping in the middle of the field due to a blockage or similar malfunction, raise the drill and back up approximately 1 meter (39 in.) prior to continuing. This will ensure no patches are left unsown.