Adjust Opener Down-Pressure (Machines with Hydraulic Down Force)

  1. IMPORTANT: Avoid machine damage. Do not use more down-pressure than necessary to penetrate the soil and maintain firm contact between gauge wheels and soil.

    NOTE: Use a tractor with closed-center hydraulic system ONLY.

    NOTE: Ensure that hydraulic controls are properly configured. See Prepare Tractor section.

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    Lock Up Valve

    A - Valve

    Open valve (A).


  2. Lower machine to soil while moving forward.

  3. Engage the SCV controlling the down force system.

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    A41379
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    A - Pressure Gauge

    B - Knob

    C - Locking Wheel

    D - Green Zone

    E - Amber Zone

    F - Red Zone

    Stop and loosen locking wheel (C).


  5. Watch pressure gauge (A) and turn knob (B) until target pressure is obtained. One turn of knob (B) adjusts pressure approximately 2240 kPa (22 bar) (325 psi). Clockwise increases pressure. Counterclockwise decreases pressure.

  6. The gauge is divided into three zones, green (D), amber (E), and red (F). Operate within proper zones, so drive wheel maintains contact with soil to drive the meters. ALL machines operate properly with pressures in the GREEN zone. Machines equipped with markers, operate well in the AMBER zone. Under certain field conditions or with hoppers full of seed, pressures above recommended levels are acceptable as long as maximum pressures are not exceeded. Whenever operating with pressures outside the recommended zone, monitor the drive shafts for proper rotation to ensure that the drive wheel is turning at the proper speed.

    IMPORTANT: Avoid opener damage. NEVER EXCEED the following pressures.

    Opener Spacing

    Pressure

    15 cm (6 in.)

    10 340 kPa (103 bar) (1500 psi)

    19 cm (7.5 in.)

    8275 kPa (83 bar) (1200 psi)

    25 cm (10 in.)

    6205 kPa (62 bar) (900 psi)

  7. Tighten locking wheel (C). Drive forward with openers in soil, then check gauge and adjust if necessary.

  8. Before raising machine with 3-point hitch, return SCV to neutral position to prevent openers from fully rotating down. After machine is lowered on the next pass, engage down force hydraulics again.

    As machine is raised, seed continues to flow until drive wheels lose contact with the soil.

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