Keeping your drill field-ready: A practical guide to in-season maintenance

Once you’re in the thick of the sowing season, downtime is the last thing you want. A small issue with seed placement or a blocked metering unit can quickly throw your day off track. That’s why a few simple, regular checks can make all the difference – helping your drill stay reliable, accurate, and ready for whatever the field throws at it.

Here’s a hands-on, no-fuss guide to keeping your Stanhay drill performing at its best throughout the season.

Daily cleaning makes a big difference

At the end of each working day, take a few minutes to brush or blow down the drill – especially inside the seed metering units. A build-up of dust, moisture or treated seed residue can lead to blockages, reduced vacuum pressure, and worn parts.

“A quick clean-down can help you spot issues early and keep things running right. It’s a simple habit that really pays off.”, says Ally Wharton, Sales Manager at Stanhay.

Keep an eye on the seed metering system

It doesn’t take long to check the metering unit, but it’s well worth doing it regularly. Make sure seed discs are free of blockages, the gallery block is clean and the singulator is sitting properly, and there’s no damage to any parts. A build up of dust and dirt can lead to skipped seeds or poor spacing – and that’s something no grower wants.

Check depth and spacing in the field

If you notice uneven seed placement, don’t ignore it. Stop and have a look at the coulters and press wheels. Are they worn? Are your settings right for the soil conditions? Sometimes, even a small tweak can make a big improvement in spacing and depth consistency.

Keep everything running smoothly

Good lubrication keeps everything running smoothly and helps avoid long-term wear. Your operator manual will list the key grease points, remember only dry lubricants on chains as a wet grease or similar will only speed up wear as it attracts dust. A daily check that all moving parts – like the parallel linkages, chain drives, coulter pivots, and press wheel axles is a a quick job that pays off in reliability.

Watch your vacuum system

If you’re using a vacuum drill like the Stanhay X Series, stay alert to any drops in vacuum pressure or signs of air leaks. Cracked hoses, loose seals or blocked manifolds can impact singulation. It’s a good habit to check filters and listen for airflow changes – a small hiss can tell you a lot.

Give it a weekly once-over

Vibration in the field naturally loosens bolts and fittings. Set aside time once or twice a week to walk around the drill with a spanner in hand. Check the frame bolts, hydraulic connections, coulter arms, and wheel nuts. Spotting something loose now can save a breakdown later.

Keep it simple, keep it consistent

In-season maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about small, regular habits that keep your drill reliable and your planting consistent. A few minutes each day could be the difference between a smooth sowing season and a frustrating one.

And if you’re ever in doubt – whether it’s about settings, spares or performance – your local Stanhay dealer or support team is always here to help.