Furrow V Closer

Closing Wheels — Complete Parts List

The concept for the Furrow V Closer came about in 1992. It addresses the issue of the furrow being left open in no-till and minimum till fields.

mounting instructions — Furrow V Closer see full list

helpful hints — Furrow V Closer

About the Furrow V Closer

Furrow V Closer along with Chicken Tracker, 2×2 fertilizer tube, Rebounder,
and gauge wheel scraper on a Case IH planter

If you use no-till or other alternative till planting methods, then you know how difficult it is to properly close the seed furrows.

The Furrow V Closer comes up superior in closing the seed trench ahead of the press wheels in heavy, wet soils. It does not run in the seed trench, but rather to the side of the seed V opening, making it easier to place starter fertilizer and/or chemicals in the furrow with the seed.

If you are practicing reduced tillage and especially if you are planting on the early side, be conscious of soil temperature variability. Temperatures under heavy residue are usually several degrees colder than they are in bare fields. The top soil is always warmer than the soil at a 3″ depth (as much as 10° difference). Corn will germinate at soil temperatures of 45°-50° F., but lower temperatures may significantly decrease the uniformity of germination.

The Furrow V Closer puts the warmer, moist surface soil on top of the seed, where it can enhance germination, speed sprouting time, and speed emergence.

This is a very distinct advantage of the Furrow V Closer over the seed firmer wheels.

Benefits of the Furrow V Closer

Features—Design—Benefits

Closes the seed V opening ahead of the press wheels
Affordable (½ the price of the spoked closing wheels)
Works well in all soil types
New heavy duty triple seal bearings turn easily

Eliminates Common Problems

Poly discs are herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer resistant
Poly discs are resistant to mud build-up
Reduced down pressure on press wheels = Less compaction
Eliminates air pockets for better seed-to-soil contact

Where They Work—Suitable for Many Soils

Exceptional results in heavier, wetter soils
Works well in all soil types

Ease of Installation

Models available for most planters
Easy to assemble and install, less than 10 minutes per row

furrow-v-closer-compare — The row unit on the left shows the furrow without the FVC, the result of which is an open seed V. The image on the right shows how the Furrow V Closer closes the seed V.

Exceptional Results in Wetter Soils

By using the Furrow V Closer and the Rebounder in wetter soils you will achieve greater results. The gauge wheel tire and angle of pitch can be used to accomplish this.

The press wheels were designed to firm the soil over the seed in tilled seed beds where the soil practically falls in over the seed.

With a firm ground resulting from minimum tillage situations, the double disc openers leave compacted furrow sidewalls that resist closing over the seed even with increased pressure on the press wheel(s).

Increased pressure compounds the compaction in the seed zone and contributes to crusting problems above the seed.

If the sides of the furrow do not close in over the seed, there is poor seed to soil contact.

If they crack open and expose the seed, the seed dries out and does not germinate.

If they close at the top without soil directly above the seed, the seed may germinate, leaf out, and then be unable to penetrate the crust above it and die.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do the Furrow V Closers (FVCs) do?

The FVC stitches the seed V shut so it does not crack back open on a hot, windy day after planting.

What is the best way to store the FVCs?

Make sure that the planter does not rest on poly Furrow V Closer discs during storage. Furrow V Closer discs can warp.

When should I remove the FVCs?

Check the tail section’s full range of motion for adequate FVC clearance. If you have a field you don’t need to use the FVC on, just remove the bearing, hub, and disc assembly and not the shaft it runs on. This saves time in re-setting the FVC when you need it. More pitch and less depth move the same amount of soil.

How do I adjust the FVCs?

Reduce the down pressure on the press wheels! This helps prevent compaction which allows quicker emergence and at the same time saves press wheel bearings.

furrow-v-closer-chicken-tracker-top — Furrow V Closer and Chicken Tracker on a Case IH planter

Gallery

MOUNTING BRACKETS & SHAFTS

Mounting Instructions

Testimonials

A.B., Ohio
I have been using Furrow V Closers on my 6 row John Deere 7000 and my 5 row John Deere splitter. I only use the splitter every other year as I do a corn and soybean rotation. I’ve been using the FVCs for about 15 years. I only farm 170 acres, so I don’t have up-to-date equipment. I am a no-till farmer, but I do use a vertical tillage tool only following fall harvest of corn. I also still use rubber closing wheels. The Furrow V Closers have always assured me that the furrow is always closed properly. I’m aware of all the add-ons on the market. I haven’t needed them. The V Closers are also very good in wet conditions. Thanks for making a quality product that does the job. Also, the young lady who answered the phone when I called to order replacement poly discs could not have been more professional and pleasant.
M.M., Iowa
I’ve tried many attachments on my John Deere 7000 planter. The Furrow V Closer is the best attachment I’ve ever put on. They do a good job of closing the seed V on my poorly drained upland clay soils.
R.W., Iowa
I plant 600 acres of corn with a John Deere planter. We try to plant early in the heavy black ground, it’s very hard to get the seed V closed properly. We installed a set of Furrow V Closers and they do a super job of closing the seed V. We even run less pressure on our press wheels.
M.J., MN
I love the Furrow V Closers in our no-till operation, they move the correct amount of soil needed for seed to soil contact and seem to close the seed V very well. Also, Schaffert Mfg. staff are very helpful to work with!

FURROW V CLOSER