Ag Focus has introduced the Planter Pro system to provide faster soil warm-up, more even seed emergence and higher yields even in the toughest soil and residue conditions.

The Planter Pro is attached to the faceplate or mounting area of the planter unit.  Residue is first cut, then swept aside by a pair of fingered, residue-clearing wheels.  The company says its new patent-pending technology includes pulling these wheels with independent suspension.

Residue-clearing wheels follow the soil terrain with spring-coil tension on each of the pivoting arms. Closing the top of the trench is more complete by keeping drier and warmer soil over the row.

A double-beveled, flat coulter allows for successful planting even into conditions of high soil moisture and tough residue without removing soil from the planting row area. The universal mounting allows for the use of many residue clearing wheels currently in use.

Planter Pro units may be purchased with 13-inch fingered residue-clearing wheels or at a reduced price without wheels and hubs if a no-tiller chooses to use their current wheels. All hubs supplied contain maintenance-free, double-walled sealed bearings. No greasing maintenance is required.

The company adds that hydraulics, electronics or pneumatics are not required for successful residue clearing while planting. Depth bands are not needed, which are often recommended for floating systems that push the residue clearing wheels.

The Planter Pro is designed for use with John Deere, Kinze and Case IH 1200 series planters.