Closing Wheel Planter: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Closing wheel planters are essential for planting a wide variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, sunflowers, sugar beets, and dry beans. They work by closing the seed trench and firming the soil around the seed, which helps to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and promote uniform emergence.

There are many different types of closing wheel planters on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Factors to consider include the type of soil you are planting in, the tillage practices you use, and the type of crop you are planting.

closing wheel planters

Types of Closing Wheel Planters

The most common types of closing wheel planters are:

Rubber closing wheels: Rubber closing wheels are the most basic type of closing wheel planter. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, but they can be less effective in closing seed trenches in tough soil conditions.

Steel closing wheels: Steel closing wheels are more durable and effective than rubber closing wheels, but they are also more expensive. Steel closing wheels are a good choice for planting in tough soil conditions or for planting crops that require a lot of down pressure.

Spike closing wheels: Spike closing wheels are designed to break up sidewall compaction and improve seed-to-soil contact. They are a good choice for planting in no-till or minimum-till conditions.

Zipper closing wheels: Zipper closing wheels are a type of spike closing wheel that is designed to close seed trenches in heavy, wet soils. They have a unique design that allows them to zip shut the seed trench without disturbing the seed.

Choosing the Right Closing Wheel Planter

When choosing a closing wheel planter, it is important to consider the following factors:

Soil type: If you are planting in tough soil conditions, you will need a closing wheel planter that is designed to handle those conditions. Steel closing wheels or spike closing wheels are a good choice for tough soil conditions.

Tillage practices: If you are using no-till or minimum-till practices, you will need a closing wheel planter that is designed for those conditions. Spike closing wheels or zipper closing wheels are a good choice for no-till or minimum-till conditions.

Crop type: Some crops require more down pressure than others. If you are planting a crop that requires a lot of down pressure, you will need a closing wheel planter that can provide that down pressure. Steel closing wheels are a good choice for crops that require a lot of down pressure.

Maintenance and Operation of Closing Wheel Planters

It is important to properly maintain and operate your closing wheel planter in order to ensure that it is performing at its best. Here are a few tips:

Inspect the closing wheels regularly for wear and tear. Replace any worn or damaged closing wheels immediately.

Make sure that the closing wheels are properly adjusted. The closing wheels should be adjusted so that they are closing the seed trench without disturbing the seed.

Lubricate the closing wheel bearings regularly. This will help to extend the life of the bearings and reduce friction.

Clean the closing wheels after each use. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could build up on the closing wheels and affect their performance.

Conclusion

Closing wheel planters are an essential tool for planting a wide variety of crops. By choosing the right closing wheel planter for your specific needs and maintaining it properly, you can ensure that your closing wheel planter is performing at its best and helping you to achieve uniform emergence and high yields.

Farm Shop MFG LLC offers a wide variety of high-quality closing wheel planters for all types of soil and tillage conditions. We also offer a variety of other planting equipment, including planters, row units, and seed meters. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you to improve your planting operation.