Seed Hawk TOOLBAR 2014 - Manual (Page 20)

SEED HAWK ® 2014 TOOLBAR OPERATOR’S MANUAL SEED HAWK ® 2014 TOOLBAR OPERATOR’S MANUAL 32
4.7 Primary Operation Variables
4.7.1 Packer Tire Pressure
4.7.2 Field Travel Speed
4.7.3 Packing & Trip Pressure
The Seed Hawk ® System is the leading design in crop emergence, which allows
growers to reap the benefits of quick and effective germination throughout
the growing season. Positive soil to seed contact is essential for optimum seed
germination. Soil type, extent of tillage or disruption and moisture content all
influence germination percentages.
IMPORTANT! There are six primary variables that affect the quality of soil
packing. As with any field adjustment procedure, make only one change to a
variable, operate the implement for a short distance and observe any difference,
and whether the difference was positive or negative in outcome.
Ensure that the Pneumatic packer tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure.
Semi-Pneumatic packer tires do not, require air pressure adjustment.
Select a field travel speed that will allow productivity, but will not compromise
accurate seed and fertilizer placement. Higher field travel speeds tend to cause
excessive soil disturbance and can throw soil into adjacent furrows resulting
in deeper seed depths. Higher field travel speeds also reduce the effect of soil
packing by reducing packing pressure. Increase packing pressure when seeding
at higher speeds to ensure proper knife penetration.
Determining and setting the most effective packing and shank trip pressure
allows for optimum soil to seed contact for quick, even germination. It is im-
portant to set the pressure high enough to ensure the packer/gauge wheels are
following the ground properly so that the seed is placed at the right depth.
Once the seed depth and travel speed is set, make a pass in a dry area of the
field (It is best to test in drier parts of the field to ensure those areas are prop-
erly packed.) Stop and check the furrows made, it is important that the packer
wheel makes a smooth track in the soil. If there is no track made increase the
pressure and try again, if the track is smooth, but too hard decrease the pres-
sure and try again.
Setting the packing pressure too high may result in: more rocks being pulled
out, higher wear on shanks and opener parts. Setting the pressure too low may
result in: uneven seed depth, and germination.
It may be desirable to increase packing pressure in drier and sandier soils.
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4.7.5 Furrow Depth & Width
4.7.4 Mud Scraper Adjustment
Ensure that the Pneumatic packer tire
has a pressure of 10-15 lbs. There is
no adjustment to the Semi-pneumatic
since there is no air pressure. Also
ensure the gap between the packer
tire and the mud scraper is minimal.
Be sure to check mud scraper setting
before seeding and yearly to ensure
proper gap between packer tire and
mud scraper.
For optimal mud clearance set the
mud scraper between 1/16” and 1/8”
from the packer tire
The knives are designed to place fertilizer ¾ in. (19mm) below and 1-½ in.
(38mm) to the side of the seed. Be sure to install, adjust and maintain knives
properly, in order to maintain these dimensions.
To adjust the depth of the fertilizer knife in relation to the seed knife:
1. Loosen hardware
2. Raise or lower fertilizer knife accordingly.
3. Tighten hardware.
Factory setting for fertilizer knife is: 20-7/8 in. (530mm) from the carbide tip to
the corner on the trip plate.
20-7/8"
(530mm)
1
NOTE: Any damages sus-
tained to packer tires as a re-
sult of improper adjustment
or maintenance of scraper is
NOT covered by warranty.