Field Method for Meter Verification

This method simulates actual seeding and therefore is the most accurate verification.

The objective is to cover a calculated area to produce an accurate product sample and verify the actual application rate.

The area covered depends on the product application rate. High application rates require less area to collect a product sample. Low application rates require a large area to collect a product sample.

IMPORTANT: Avoid errors. Configure all cart, tool, and tractor configurations first for accurate results. All tank meters and the speed sensor on cart tire must be calibrated. (Refer to Performance Monitor and Monitor Setup sections to complete all these requirements first.)

  1. Select a target application rate.

  2. Properly configure meter segments.

  3. Fill tank with enough product to collect a sample and maintain coverage over meter inlets. Do not pile product on one side of tank.

  4. Place half-width disconnect handles fully down.

  5. (Stationary Double-Shoot System Only) Move slide to bottom shoot position.

  6. Start fan and seed a short distance to fill meter with product.

  7. Shut off hydraulics and place tractor transmission in park.

  8. NOTE: To verify more than one meter at a time accurately, a separate scale must be used for each meter. Collection bags weigh different amounts and have a different zero reference on scale.

    A77781
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    A - Collection Bag

    B - Scale

    Hang empty collection bag (A) from scale (B). Zero gauge. If more than one bag and scale are used, label bags and scales as matched sets.


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    Remove cover plate from bottom of manifold.


  10. IMPORTANT: Do not operate fan with collection bags installed.

    Install collection bag.

  11. NOTE: The target sample weight is the expected collection amount. This amount is a customer preference.

    Choose a target sample weight and write it down. Choose a weight close to 4.5 kg (10 lb.), if tank contains light weight product. Choose a weight close to 15.8 kg (35 lb.), if tank contains a heavy product.

  12. NOTE: The target application rate is the rate entered on meter setup screen.

    Calculate a course length to drive for meter verification.

    Metric Formula

    Sample Formula (Sorghum)

    Target Sample Weight (kg) X 10 000 = A

    7 kg X 10 000 = 70 000

    Machine Width (m) X Target Application Rate (kg/ha) = B

    13.7 m X 3.5 kg/ha = 47.95

    A ÷ B = Course Length (m)

    70 000 ÷ 47.95 = 1460 m Course Length

    Imperial Formula

    Sample Formula (Sorghum)

    Target Sample Weight (lb.) X 43 560 = A

    12 lb. X 43 560 = 522 720

    Machine Width (ft.) X Target Application Rate (lb./acre) = B

    45 ft. X 3.1 lb./acre = 139.5

    A ÷ B = Course Length (ft.)

    522 720 ÷ 139.5 = 3747 ft. Course Length

  13. Mark a section of field that equals the course length. If tractor radar has been calibrated, it is acceptable to use it to measure the course. The following conditions are needed for accurate verification:

    • Correct cart tire pressure.
    • Sufficient product in tanks.
    • Field conditions like actual seeding conditions.
    • Normal seeding speed.

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    Air Cart Button

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    Totals Softkey

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    Meter Verification Screen

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    Main Drive On

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    Main Drive Off

    A - Meter Calibration

    B - Front Tank

    C - Middle Tank

    D - Rear Tank

    E - Stationary Method

    Select primary Menu button >> Air Cart button >> Totals softkey >> Calc tab.


  15. Select Meter Verification drop-down.

  16. NOTE: Do not check the stationary method box (E).

    Check box for the tanks being verified at this time.

  17. IMPORTANT: Do not operate fan with collection bags installed.

    Drive at seeding speed towards course. When front tractor tires meet start point, press Main Drive button. When front tractor tires cross end point, turn off Main Drive.

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    A - Collection Bag

    B - Scale

    Remove the collection bag (A), hang it from scale (B), and record weight.


  19. Calculate application rate as follows:

    Metric Formula

    Sample Formula (Sorghum)

    Sample Weight (kg) X 10 000 = A

    7 kg X 10 000 = 70 000

    Machine Width (m) X Course Length (m) = B

    13.7 m X 1460 m = 20 002

    A ÷ B = Actual Rate (kg/ha)

    70 000 ÷ 20 002 = 3.5 kg/ha

    Imperial Formula

    Sample Formula (Sorghum)

    Sample Weight (lb.) X 10 000 = A

    12 lb. X 43 560 = 522 720

    Machine Width (ft.) X Course Length (ft.) = B

    45 ft. X 3747 ft. = 168 615

    A ÷ B = Actual Rate (lb./acre)

    522 720 ÷ 168 615 = 3.1 lb./acre

  20. If actual rate equals target rate, return half-width disconnect handles and double shoot slide to original positions.

    If actual rate does not equal target application rate, perform the following:

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

    • Verify that tanks did not run out of product over any meter inlet.
    • Verify meter components and meter setup on monitor are properly configured.
    • Calibrate cart tire speed sensor. (See CONFIGURE TIRE SPEED SENSOR in Monitor Setup section.)
    • Calibrate meter. (See METER CALIBRATION in this section.)
    • Verify proper monitor setup.
    • Verify proper tire pressure.
    • Verify that the scale for collection bag is zeroed.
    • Empty the collection bag and perform rate verification again.

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