Notched Packer Wheels Clear Trash, Make Dams

Notched packer wheels clear trash, make dams PLANTING EQUIPMENT Accessories 12-2-23 A Washington state farmer-inventor says he's improved the performance of drill packer wheels by putting two large notches on opposite sides of each wheel. Bob Zimmer, who farms near Almira, invented the split packer wheel drill 20 years ago. Now he says he's made it even better. "There are two purposes for the notches. The first is to enable the drill to go through more trash. The notches grab onto straw and mulch and pull it through the drill. When the notch rotates forward, toward the ground, the top portion of the notch is parallel to the ground at the level where trash builds up. If any residue gets into this area, the notch grabs it. "The other benefit of the notches is that every three feet, they leave a small dam that holds moisture and helps control erosion. They also free the packer from the dirt build-up ahead of it allowing the packer to start fresh every half a rotation. A better furrow is made because less dirt remains over the seed, allowing earlier emergence. Notches have to be at just the right angle, depth and width to properly build the dams." Barnes Welding & Machine has been making the modifications on Deere HZ packing wheels for $27 per wheel. The idea may also work on other packing wheels. Barnes Welding also recently introduced another Bob Zimmer innovation for Deere HZ drills - a spring trip mechanism for seed boots that prevents damage from rocks and other obstructions. The spring-trip mechanism sells for $109.95 per row. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Barnes Welding & Machine, P.O. Box 614, Waterville, Wash. 98858 (ph 509 745-8588).

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