Manual

SEED HAWK
®
2014 30 SERIES OPERATOR’S MANUAL – DOMESTIC 65
5.12 Primary Operation Variables
5.12.1 Packer Tire Pressure
5.12.2 Field Travel Speed
5.12.3 Packing and Trip Pressure
Ensure that the pneumatic packer tires are inated to the appropriate pressure.
Semi-Pneumatic packer tires do not require air pressure adjustment.
Select a eld travel speed that will allow productivity, but will not compromise
accurate seed and fertilizer placement. Higher eld travel speeds tend to cause
excessive soil disturbance and can throw soil into adjacent furrows resulting
in deeper seed depths. Higher eld travel speeds also reduce the effect of soil
packing by reducing packing pressure.
The Seed Hawk
®
System is the leading design in crop emergence, which allows
growers to reap the benets 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
inuence germination percentages.
IMPORTANT! There are six primary variables that affect the quality of soil
packing. As with any eld 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.
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
eld (It is best to test in drier parts of the eld 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.