Don't neglect your planter - Storage tips for optimal performance

By Farms.com

When planting season is over, neglecting your planter can lead to problems the following spring. Proper storage is essential for maintaining optimal performance.

" For your planter to run at peak performance, efficiency and accuracy, what you do now to properly store it is just as important, if not more important, than how you prepare for planting next spring," says Brad Niensteadt of Kinze Manufacturing.

Here's a helpful checklist to ensure proper storage:

• Store indoors - Protect your planter from moisture and extreme temperatures.

• Clean thoroughly - Remove dirt, debris, and rust-causing residue from all components.

• Lubricate all points - Apply lubricant as recommended in the operator's manual.

• Inspect and replace parts - Identify worn or damaged components and order replacements.

• Clean and store seed meters - Follow specific storage instructions for different meter types.

• Empty and clean tanks and hoppers - Remove fertilizer and seed residue to prevent corrosion.

• Flush liquid systems - Use clean water and antifreeze to prevent freezing and corrosion.

• Maintain PTO pump and hoses - Ensure proper oil level, change filters, and inspect hoses.

"These maintenance practices will ensure that planters have been thoroughly inspected and properly prepared for storage," says Niensteadt. "Also, by ordering replacement parts right away, you will have them when you get your planter back out next spring."

By following these steps, you can ensure your planter is well-maintained and ready to perform at its best when planting season returns.