Paddle Wheels combat sidewall compaction, manage soil erosion
Categories: Closing Wheels | Residue Managers
Mitchell Corbin runs Yetter 6200 Paddle Closing Wheels™ on his 36-row, 20" John Deere planter, and he’s gotten some comments on them. "They don’t look like anything else I’ve had." When his dealer suggested he try them out to help with sidewall compaction, Mitchell agreed because he has been a fan of Yetter products since he started using the 2967 residue managers with SharkTooth® Wheels four years ago in his all no-till operation.
"Our soils are heavy clay, so sidewall compaction is a concern. The Paddle Wheels don’t move too much dirt and are not too aggressive. They do a job better than the cast iron wheels I have on my other rows." Because Mitchell did not add Paddle Wheels to his entire planter, it was easy to do a good side-by-side comparison.
Mitchell has also found them to be a better fit for his rolling hills. "We farm all contours here—a 9-14% slope. The Paddle Wheels are more forgiving on the corners and do a better job closing the slot on the curves. The Paddle Wheel rows are just smoother."
In addition, the Paddle Wheels do a better job of preventing soil erosion. "I’ll go out after a hard rain and check the wash—the Paddle Wheel rows have 30-40% less wash than the others."
Of his tried-and-true Yetter residue managers, Mitchell said, "The SharkTooth wheels do an excellent job. I will add them again when I order a new planter."