Great Plains YP1625A Operator Manual - Manual (Page 58)

54 YP1125A & YP1625A Table of Contents Index Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
401-625M Table of Contents Index 2013-08-13
Checking Planting Rate
Cautious practice includes checking seed delivery rate
prior to planting.
Although the seed monitor can count most singulated
seeds, it may not reliably count the smallest (such as
Milo), it does not count individual volumetric seeds, and
several factors can cause even large seed singulated
reports to be inaccurate (such as incorrect speed
calibration, Sensor Constant or Gear Ratio setup).
Methods of rate checking are described in detail in the
Seed Rate Manual. The information on this page is an
overview of the general process, which varies with the
seed type and the planter meter drive type.
Before checking rate, make sure that the seed monitor is
configured with an accurate Ground Speed Constant. As
delivered, the monitor may have an inappropriate value
pre-loaded.
The DICKEY-john
®
Quick Start Guide for your planter
includes an initial value for this constant, but this value
may not be optimal for your planter, and does not include
any adjustment for tire wear over time.
For reliable monitor reports, at the start of each season,
perform a “GROUND SPEED CALIBRATION” over a
400 foot/100 m course, as described in the
DICKEY-john
®
IntelliAg
®
Planter/Drill Control Operator’s
Manual. When completed and entered in the monitor,
cross-check the reported implement speed against the
tractor speedometer or other reference.
Checking Singulated Rate
A furrow check is the most accurate way to verify that
you are seeding at your desired population value. This is
done by planting for a short distance with one or two
rows set to shallow depth and with press wheels tied up
for no furrow closure. Seeds are counted in the furrow
over a specific distance and the area rate is computed.
Refer to the Seed Rate Manual for details.
The seed monitor will also be counting during the test,
and comparing results provides confidence in the seed
monitor display.
Note: If the checked rate varies materially from the chart
rate, or for hydraulic drive, from the programmed
rate, it is likely that there is a seed flow problem or
planter malfunction (such as contact drive tire
slippage) or a configuration error that requires
correction. Do not “calibrate” to correct unexpected
variations in singulated rates.