The MeterMax Test Stand calibrates all finger-pickup units, JD vac units, and White air planters. (Includes both the 7000 and 7200 series meters.) The calibration process includes a performance pretest, unique calibration procedures, and the replacement of necessary parts.
The answer to this question obviously depends on many different factors. Of course, anytime the customer changes seed size or shape, the meters need recalibration on the MeterMax Test Stand. Also, as with all equipment, the meters' parts will wear and create more needs for the MeterMax calibration procedure. (For example, seed belts often need to be replaced each season.) We especially see a need to calibrate the units every year if the planter is left outside all year long with the meters kept on the machine. Overall, to insure singulation of seed, we would recommend calibrating your meters every year.
The MeterMax calibration costs $25 per row for the finger pickup units, plus parts. For the vacuum or White air meters, the charge is $25 per seed variety. Replacement parts are sold for national retail list prices. The average cost for the total service (parts & service), for most growers runs between $0.75 and $1.05 per acre. Click here to find the MeterMax representative nearest you!
Each customer must send along at least one gallon of the specific seed they want their meter calibrated to. (This seed will be returned to the customer once the calibration service is complete.) Also, for vacuum planters, the grower must bring one of the gauges off the planter to be calibrated. This way, we ensure that the planter's gauges match those on our MeterMax test stand.
The winter season provides an ideal time for meter calibration. At our local facility, we usually calibrate meters from mid-January all the way up to the date of planting. Obviously, the earlier the better from our point of view, however, the grower must wait until specific seed is available to them before we can calibrate their meters. We have several growers who have us calibrate their meters even though they live hundreds of miles away. These relationships work well for both parties as long as the grower has access to a UPS or FED-EX shipping location. If a grower is going to ship his/her meters to us for MeterMax calibration, we'd ask that you first call our facility and warn us of the approximate date of arrival so that we can be expecting their arrival. Otherwise, use our MeterMax Locator to find the MeterMax System nearest you!
Most definitely. As you may have already noticed, maximizing the yield potential of your crop begins before you ever put the seed into the ground. This is the systems approach that Precision Planting is so excited about. Your yield potential is only as good as your system of genetics, equipment, and management. The planter is just one of the focuses of our system's approach. In Video I of our series, "Fine-Tuning Your Planter for Maximum Yields," we give valuable tips on how to maximize your planter's performance. Check out all three videos for more value-adding tips for precision farming! Also, as you look to your planter's performance, you must consider the soil preparation issues that come before the planter even enters the field. Find out more about what we have to say about the the Phillips Harrow. These unique tools are sure to add dollars to your bottom line!
The MeterMax system offers unique value compared to other test stands on the marketplace. Our trained technicians have years of experience and spend about 45 minutes on each finger unit we calibrate. We ensure through a comprehensive process that the meter is calibrated to give the grower nothing but "picket-fence" stands. National tests showed a 10 bushel advantage with the MeterMax system. Furthermore, the MeterMax Test Stand is one of the few stands on the market that does not measure performance on a percentage basis. We use the belt…ensuring that the results on the stand are exactly the results you'll receive in the field. Competitor stands that use percentages are not as accurate since 2 doubles and 2 skips on the stand would still equal 100%. This is not helping you as a grower achieve your maximum yield potential! Finally, if you use the White air planter, the MeterMax Test Stand is one of the few stands on the market that is able to calibrate your planter. We have been in the business for many years and continually strive to serve our customers. Our comprehensive procedures, trained technicians, and patented equipment allow the MeterMax System to be the best provider of meter calibration on the market today!