Meter Rate Check

Meter rate check is used to confirm product application rate before or during seeding.

Using seed treatments and innoculants can cause bridging. Be sure the treatment is dry going into the tank. If seed rate or distribution problems persist discontinue using the machine and contact your John Deere dealer.

1. Determine target application rate for the product in use and set transmission according to chart.

2. Check that existing meter wheels can deliver product at desired rate.

3. Make sure there is sufficient product in tank to collect a measurable sample. Product should be at least 152 mm (6 in.) deep and cover all meter inlets.

4. Close meter gates on all runs not being checked.

NOTE: Bracket and bags are optional. See your John Deere dealer.

5. Zero out scale with empty bag.

6. Run fan to blow seed from air hoses prior to installing bags.

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7. Hang bag on bracket (A). Remove primary hose (B) where it enters the splitter (C) and insert into rate check bracket.


A-Rate Check Bracket
B-Primary Hose
C-Splitter

A51135
A51134

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8. Hang bag on bracket (A). Run hose through bracket to bag.

NOTE: When seeding at low rates or for increased verification accuracy, course distance may be increased.

9. Layout a 122 m (400 ft) course distance. If tractor radar has been previously calibrated, it may be used to measure this distance. The following field conditions are needed:

  • Correct tire pressure.
  • Product should be 152 mm (6 in.) deep and cover all meter inlets.
  • Field ground conditions.
  • Normal seeding speed.

IMPORTANT: Shear pin may fail and verification results will be incorrect if fan is not operating.

10. Travel the course distance at seeding speed with fan operating.

11. At end of course, allow fan to run until all seed has been blown from hoses prior to removing bag.

NOTE: Recommended scale should be able to weigh up to 2.3 kg at 45 g (5 lbs at 1/10 lbs) increments.

12. Weigh the total contents of each bag.

13. Calculate seed rate using following formula:

METRIC FORMULA:

Kilograms of Seed Collected Per Bag x 100 x 10,000
Row Spacing (cm) x Number of Openers per Meter Roller x Course Distance (m)

 

EXAMPLE:

(0.68 kg collected x 100 x 10,000) ÷ (19 cm rows x 2 openers per meter x 122 m course) = 147 kg/hectare seed rate

ENGLISH FORMULA:

A51135


A-Bracket

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Pounds of Seed Collected Per Bag x 12 x 43,560
Row Spacing (in.) x Number of Openers per Meter Roller x Course Distance (ft)

 

EXAMPLE:

(1.5 lb collected x 12 x 43,560) ÷ (7.5 in. rows x 2 openers per meter x 400 ft course) = 131 lb/acre seed rate

NOTE: See your John Deere dealer for assistance, if desired.

14. If calculated application rate is above or below target rate, adjust transmission setting and repeat procedure.

15. Upon completion, return hoses and meter gates to original positions.

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