Fertilizer Opener Components and Adjustments

Opener adjustments are necessary to match desired fertilizer placement based on soil and field conditions. Proper adjustment of all items is essential to achieve desired fertilizer placement.

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A - Gauge Wheel

B - Closing Wheel

C - Fertilizer Boot

Gauge Wheel (A)—Firms the furrow wall and controls furrow (fertilizer) depth between shallow 12.5 mm (0.5 in) and deep 89 mm (3.5 in). There are 13 depth settings. The gauge wheel also acts as a scraper to reduce dirt buildup on the disk opener. The gauge wheel is available in both 76 mm (3 in) and 114 mm (4.5 in) widths and in both closed and spoked wheel configurations. Spoked wheel configuration improves operation in muddy conditions.

Closing Wheel (B)—Places soil over the fertilizer, using one-of-four downforce settings.

Refer to detailed adjustment procedures for further information.

In addition to wheel adjustments, the following items can be repositioned to improve opener performance.

Closing Wheel—Reposition the wheel, closer or further from furrow, based on soil conditions for optimum furrow closure.

Fertilizer Boot (C)—Reposition fertilizer boots up-or-down to suit the machine, field, and seeding conditions.

Refer to positioning procedures for further information.