Adjust Opener Downforce—Tractors with Open-Center Hydraulic Systems

1. Air drill must be equipped with change valve kit if used with a tractor with an open-center hydraulic system. (See your John Deere dealer for installation.)

   (See Principles of Active Hydraulic Opener Downforce System in this section.) Decide initial pressure setting.

2. Place tractor transmission in “park” and start engine.

3. Hold hydraulic lever forward for a few seconds, then release. This pressurizes the downforce system.

4. Gauge needle does not move when dial (A) is turned. One full turn is an approximate change of 1724 kPa (17.24 bar) (250 psi) on the gauge.

   
   A43339-UN-22MAR99

   A - Dial, Adjustment

   B - Pressure Gauge

   C - Dial, Lock

   Loosen dial (C), watch pressure gauge (B) and rotate dial (A) to adjust downforce to desired setting. Once set, lock dial (A) in position with dial (C). If gauge needle does not move, see Troubleshooting section.

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5. Raise and lower the openers, to recharge the downforce system. Hold hydraulic lever forward for a few seconds to pressurize the cylinders, then cycle lever back and forth. Check pressure gauge (B). If gauge needle is not at desired setting, repeat adjustment. If gauge needle does not move, see Troubleshooting section.

6. Make a trial pass in the field.

7. If opener penetration and gauge wheel contact with soil are not satisfactory, increase downforce. If gauge wheel contact with soil is adequate but opener penetration is not, adjust opener components. (See Seed Opener Components and Adjustments and Adjust Gauge Wheel and Seeding Depth in Preparing Machine section.)