Use of a Blended Talc and Graphite Lubricant

CAUTION:

A34471-UN-11OCT88

IMPORTANT: Only use approved blends of talc and graphite lubricant. (See your John Deere™ dealer.)

At the beginning of each season, add the blended talc and graphite lubricant to the empty CCS™ tanks. Also, add 9 mL (0.6 tbsp.) or (0.3 oz.) to each empty row unit mini-hopper.

Use of either a blended talc and graphite or wax-based lubricant improves the vacuum seed meter and CCS™ system performance. Wax-based lubricant typically has lower levels of inert and seed treatment dust in the vacuum blower exhaust.

A lubricant (fluency agent) is required for optimum performance of the vacuum meter and CCS™ system. To obtain consistent seed release from the seed bowl and improve spacing accuracy, properly lubricate the seed.

FARMER-APPLIED SEED TREATMENT

Farmer-applied seed treatments are NOT recommended.

IMPORTANT: Avoid sticky seeds and meter components. It is possible for seeds to become sticky due to chemical reactions between farmer-applied seed treatments and commercially applied treatments. If farmer-applied treatments are used, follow recommendations of chemical manufacturer carefully. Avoid treatments with high oil content. Certain temperature and humidity levels also complicate material compatibility.

If farmer-applied treatment is used, apply seed treatment to seed before the lubricant and allow seed treatment to dry before placing seed in tanks. If seed treatment accumulates in the meter while using the following lubricant application rates, contact the treatment manufacturer for assistance.

COMMERCIALLY TREATED SEED

Mixes of seed and seed treatment must be free of clumps.

Some treated seed is coated with commercially applied lubricant. To maintain meter performance, apply the recommended amount of lubricant, in addition to the commercial application.

IMPORTANT: Avoid poor seed flow. Thoroughly incorporate the lubricant in tanks and hoppers, so all seeds are evenly coated.

NOTE: Any additives other than John Deere™ powdered lubricants leave a residue on parts that affect planting rates.

Blended Talc and Graphite Application Rate for CCS™ Tanks
Apply lubricant to seed as seed enters tank. All seeds must be coated to ensure movement through the CCS™ system and for proper meter performance. Mix seed and lubricant as necessary.
CCS Tank Size	Amount of Talc-Graphite Mix
1233 L (35 bu.) Bulk Tank	2.6 L (11 cups)
1762 L (50 bu.) Bulk Tank	3.8 L (16 cups)
Per 80 000 kernel seed corn unit	74 mL (5 tbsp.) (2.5 oz.)

NOTE: If lubricant builds up in bottom of hopper, reduce the quantity.

Adjust these rates as necessary so all seeds become coated with lubricant, while avoiding an accumulation of lubricant in bottom of tank.

Double the talc recommendation when planting small seed, large seed, seeds with heavy treatment, or in humid planting conditions.

When a combination of sticky seed treatments, large or small seed, and high humidity occurs, add up to 2—3 times the amount of lubricant shown in the tables.

IMPORTANT: Avoid the formation of lubricant clumps. Clean buildup of seed treatments and lubricant out of hoppers between fills.

If lubricant builds up in bottom of hopper and vacuum tubes require frequent cleanout, reduce lubricant rate. If a coating of seed treatment is found on seed bowls, increase the amount of lubricant.

When using seed treatments, clean the meters and seed bowls as needed. Clean the seed bowls with warm, soapy water. Spray a graphite solution on vacuum seal side of bowl as needed.