True Speed – the high-speed planting solution from Kinze – plants at speeds from 3–12 mph and provides the accuracy and stability for planting up to twice the acres in a day versus conventional meters. For many farmers, the increased productivity is a perfect fit for their operation and they’re ready to make the switch. However, what about those who are pessimistic of True Speed’s advantages, or question if they will realize a return on investment? To help understand high-speed planting and the specific advantages of True Speed, we have compiled a list of “high-speed planting myths” and discussion points to help remove the mystery.
“To go that fast, it must be complicated.”
- True Speed uses only one, no-adjust singulator for planting all shapes and weights of corn. The only adjustment necessary is the amount of system vacuum.
- Access to the meter and delivery tube are tool-less for easy and efficient crop change-overs and maintenance.
- Changing from one crop to another is fast and easy. Just lift the pivoting meter mount equipped with lock-up, change the seed disc and mating ejector, and release and close the meter mount – only about 20 seconds per row.
- Operated by Kinze’s Blue Drive electric drive and controlled by the Blue Vantage display – the easiest to use dedicated planter display in the industry – requiring only 3 clicks to set up and start planting. Blue Vantage individually controls every row unit to custom match the requirements of the field.
- Using the True Speed high speed meter is as simple as a finger meter – just fill the seed hoppers and go. At the end of the season, no special care is necessary – just clean out the hoppers and meters, and put the planter in the shed.
“It’s too expensive to replace the wear parts.”
- Each meter is designed to operate a minimum of 500 row acres before requiring any maintenance. That means a 24-row True Speed equipped planter will typically plant 12,000 acres before any main wear components require replacement. When replacement of main wear components (brush wheel, comb, and singulator) becomes necessary, the cost per row is less than $150.00 per row.
- Minor wear components include the seed delivery belt and vacuum seal, and have service lives of 2,000+ row acres and typically only require annual inspections. When necessary to replace these items, the cost is also less than $150.00 per row.
- True Speed has a lower cost of ownership. A John Deere® seed delivery belt costs about $210 and lasts approximately 500 row acres. A Kinze seed delivery belt costs $80 and lasts 2,000+ row acres. That equals four John Deere® belts for every one Kinze belt, or $840.00 total cost of John Deere® belts versus $80 for the Kinze. This means the John Deere® belts cost 10x more to maintain over the Kinze.
“I won’t get a return on my investment.”
- True Speed is not just about planting fast; it is also about planting more accurately and at a uniform depth for increased productivity, higher plant emergence, and increased profits. Each seed remains controlled by the meter from the seed disc to the seed trench for unmatched precision.
- Planting is the most critical time of the year. Weather, available time, field conditions, planting speed, consistent spacing, and seed size variability are all factors that can make or break the successful planting of a crop. What is it worth to a farmer to have more control over these factors at this critical time of the year? True Speed provides this control because of its wider operating speed, increased seed spacing and depth accuracy, and ability to take advantage of smaller windows of time to plant.
- Overall, the trend with farmers is toward incorporating high-speed planting into their farming practices. Three to five years from now when farmers trade in their non-high-speed planters, there will not be as great of a demand for those particular planters.
- According to Pioneer Hi-Bred, any deterioration of COV above even 0.3 can start to reduce corn yields by 1% and have a significant impact on profits. Their example below illustrates this point:
- Kinze True Speed
- COV of 0.29 / accuracy of 99%
- Stand: 33,660/acre = 278 bu/acre
- John Deere® ExactEmerge®
- COV of 0.36 / accuracy of 98%
- Stand: 32,320/acre = 269 bu/acre
- Yield loss of 1% for COV = 266 bu/acre
- Kinze yield/acre = 278 bu
- John Deere® yield/acre = 266 bu
- Kinze advantage = 12 bu/acre
- 12 bu x 1,500 acres = 18,000 bu
- 18,000 bu x $7.00 = $126,000 additional profit
- Kinze True Speed
“There aren’t any fields on my farm flat enough to go 8 mph or more.”
- Planting is the most critical time of the year. Weather, available time, field conditions, planting speed, consistent spacing, and seed size variability are all factors that can make or break the successful planting of a crop. What is worth to a farmer to have more control over these factors at this critical time of the year? True Speed provides this control because of its wider operating speed, increased seed spacing and depth accuracy, and ability to take advantage of smaller windows of time to plant.
- The Kinze True Speed high speed meter was designed to accurately plant from 3 to 12 mph. That means you can plant at whatever speed is best for you. But, even if you increase your average speed by just 1–2 mph over the entire season, think of how many more acres will be planted during the time when conditions are right for the crop and increased yields.
- True Depth hydraulic down force is standard on a True Speed planter. While planting at higher speeds, the gauge wheel load is constantly measured, and row unit down force or up lift automatically and instantly adjust to ensure seeds are at a consistent depth.
“It’s too large of an investment just to plant soybeans.”
- Overall, the trend with farmers is toward incorporating high-speed planting into their farming practices. Three to five years from now when farmers trade in their non-high-speed planters, there will not be as great of a demand for those particular planters.
- Just like corn, when singulation is improved, soybeans have improved germination, develop a better stand, and deliver improved yields. As a result, higher seed populations become unnecessary – saving input costs.
- Not only does True Depth hydraulic down force ensure a consistent seed depth, but the hydraulics also assist in lifting and locking the push row units up when not needed.
The technology of planting is changing at an ever-increasing pace, and every year Kinze is releasing new features and enhancements that increase the precision, speed, and productivity of the season’s most important job. To learn about the latest technology in planters and try it out for yourself, we invite you to be our guests at the Kinze factory and demonstration grounds for Experience Kinze. Fill out the form at Kinze.com/visit, call (888) 599-6630, or contact your local dealer to schedule your visit.
Find out more about the True Speed high speed meter HERE.