Product Archive - Page 3 of 4 - Schaffert Mfg. Co.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q&A

Will the Rebounder improve the performance of my drill?

Yes—Many drill owners say that after putting on the Rebounders they no longer see seeds out of the trench. Even farmers who use a drill with Rebounders to plant alfalfa say they can find a high percentage of alfalfa seeds in the bottom of the seed furrow. Without the Rebounders they hardly find any of the seeds because they are mixed throughout the seed trench.

The Rebounders will pay for themselves in less than 100 acres in seed savings alone. People have said they backed off their soybean seeding rates with a drill with Rebounders by as much as 70,000 seeds per acre, and yet still meet their yield potential. With the high cost of seed these days this can put money back in your pocket.

Does the Rebounder pull soil in with the seed?

No—The only time the Rebounder puts soil with the seed is in heavier wetter soils when the double discs that open the seed V orange peal the sidewall of the seed V. When this occurs this is where the Rebounder shines over other attachments because it is shaped like the seed V it will peel the lodged seeds off the orange peeled side wall funneling them to the bottom.

Does the Rebounder pull loose dry soil off the soil surface and place with the seed?

No—The Rebounder enters the seed V directly behind the double disc openers and ahead of the gauge wheels that run along side the seed V. This lets the Rebounder put all the seed in the bottom of the seed V before the gauge wheels cave any dry soil in over the seed. The Rebounder assures you better germination being in the bottom of the V with moisture on 3 sides of the seed and dry soil on top.

Does the Rebounder leave seeds stranded on the side wall of the seed V or press them in the side wall when they lodge along the side?

No—The patented concave design and shape of the Rebounder eliminates seeds from being stranded on the side wall. The Rebounder puts the seeds in the center of the bottom of the furrow. Other attachments with flat bottoms or rounded surfaces sometimes can leave seeds lodged in the sidewall. As one farmer put it when using other attachments, “It’s like stacking two ball bearings or two marbles and try pressing them into the soil—you never know where they will end up.”

Does the Rebounder need to be adjusted for proper tension in the seed V?

No—The Rebounder was designed out of plastics that have an automatic flexibility built into them to compensate for the different soil types and conditions one might be running them in. This designed flexibility was built in above the spoon area and below the tie or bolted area of the Rebounder. This Rebounders simple design eliminates the need for built in tension adjustment that make it confusing in different soil types and soil conditions to adjust.

Why does the Rebounder mount to the seed tube?

The Rebounder has been mounted to the seedtube ever since it was invented 10 years ago. The Rebounder puts very little pressure on the seed tube preventing damage to the seed tube. The Rebounders shape centers the seed tube in the seed trench behind the double disc openers, keeping the seed tube from rubbing and wearing on the discs. The Rebounder also steadies the seed tube keeping it from vibrating in its holder thus keeping seeds from bouncing in the seed tube.

Will the Rebounder drag seeds in the seed furrow?

No—As the double discs or True V openers of the planter make the seed V opening the Rebounders trailing end runs about 3/8″ off the bottom of the seed V. The Rebounder was designed to be wider than the bottom of seed V thus letting it flex up off the bottom about 3/8″. The half moon notch in the end of the Rebounder centers the seeds in the bottom letting them pass through without being drug along.

Does mud build up on the Rebounder when soil conditions are sticky?

No— The Rebounder does not put pressure in the bottom of the seed V where mud build up can occur in heavier wetter soils. We tell farmers that if they feel comfortable planting and it is wet that they don’t have to worry about the Rebounder building up with mud and dragging seeds. Part of the no mud build up is due to the flexibility built into the Rebounder above the spoon area.

CASE IH SEED BOOTS

Know the seed boot on your Case IH 800-1200 series planter when ordering Rebounders^®

If you have an older model seed boot, please consider updating it when ordering new Rebounders. Rebounders for old boots WILL NOT work on the new boots. The old style seed boots are no longer made or available.

Rebounder mounting instructions — style Case IH 1200 seed boot

Rebounder mounting instructions — old style Case IH 1200 seed boot

Rebounder mounting instructions—Case IH 800-955 seed boot

The New 1200 Seed Boot

When ordering Rebounder Seed Covers for your Case IH planter please note that there are a few different seed boots in circulation.

Verify that you have a new 1200 seed boot or one that has been recently updated. See the illustration to determine if you have either one of these seed boots.

If so, you will need to specify that you have one of these when you order Rebounders, and you will recieve the Orange Rebounder as pictured (note one hole in the top of it), along with the mounting bracket pictured below. Please note that the mounting bracket has the roll pin location on the TOP of the bracket, not the back part of the bracket.

The 2009 seed boot has a support piece welded in the back side of the seed boot under the cover disc bracket where it bolts to the seed boot. These IH seed boots work on 800/900/1200 series planters.

Be sure to check your seed boot before ordering Rebounders!

Rebounder mounting instructions— new style Case IH 1200 seed boot

The Original 1200 Seed Boot

If you have the ORIGINAL 1200 seed boot, or one prior to 2009 then you will need to specify that when ordering Rebounders.

The picture below shows the OLDER 1200 seed boot along with the style of Rebounder, and mounting bracket. Please note the Rebounder has 2 holes at the top and the mounting bracket has the roll pin hole on the BACK of the bracket.

This style of Rebounder WILL NOT WORK with the new style bracket as shown above!

Rebounder mounting instructions — style Case IH 1200 seed boot

REBOUNDER® SEED COVER

You only have one chance to get it right

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

Rebounder — Brochure

Optional Fittings — Brochure

Firmer Replacement — Brochure

Rebounder — Complete Parts List

Uneven seed spacing and inconsistent depth placement are two of the top contributors to decreased yields. Inconsistent depth placement occurs with seeds landing 3/4″ to 1-3/4″ deep. Shallow planted seeds can cause poor root structure and reduced yields.

As the double discs on a planter open a seed V in wetter, heavier soils, they tend to “orange peel” the side wall. Seeds can lodge on the side wall and not get all the way to the bottom of the seed V.

The Rebounder is a simple yet reliable and sophisticated tool that addresses the issues of seed placement and spacing. It is a small investment that pays large dividends at harvest time.

About the Rebounder

This simple yet effective planting attachment improves the accuracy and uniformity of in-furrow seed placement by funneling all seeds to the bottom of the seed V.

The Rebounder has a unique, spoon shape design that forms to the V shape of the furrow. This works in conjunction with the furrow’s V shape rather than against it. Many of the firming products on the market today work against this theory, especially in tougher clay type soils. They create additional sidewall compaction as they press through the seed V applying pressure.

The Rebounder’s spoon shape design flows gently down the furrow, not disturbing the soil or creating any additional compaction around the seed. The spoon shape design gradually narrows as it drops below the top soil surface to follow the V shape that is created by the double disc openers.

The distinct half moon notch on the bottom tip of the Rebounder allows it to run 3/8″ off the bottom of the furrow. Because the Rebounder does not drag the bottom of the seed bed, it will not drag seeds or build up with mud.

Installing the Rebounder is quick and easy. We have a Rebounder for most models of planters and drills.

On most planters the Rebounder attaches to the seed tube. It is designed to serve as an extension of the seed tube, and works with the seed tube rather than against it. The Rebounder functions as a stabilizer that keeps the seed tube in the center of the furrow.

When mounted to the seed tube, the Rebounder puts less than 1 pound of pressure on the seed tube while planting. This small amount of pressure in the seed furrow eliminates mud from building up when planting in heavy, wet textured soils. Other attachments on the market place approximately 1.5 pounds of pressure on the seed. This pressure on the seed pushes it deeper in softer soils and leaves it shallower in firmer soils, creating a wave effect in the depth placement which causes uneven emergence.

The Rebounder funnels seeds to the bottom of the seed V, eliminating seed bounce, seeds flipped on top of the soil, and uneven spacing. It produces uniform seed placement and accurate depth control. This leads to improved germination and consistent emergence, generating higher yields through healthier plants.

frequently asked questions

Benefits of the Rebounder

Patented Concave Design

Smooth concave design keeps the seed covered in the furrow and prevents seed bounce
Built-in “neck flex technology” allows for flexibility of the Rebounder in all soils
Enters the seed trench right behind the discs
Upside down spoon shaped design forms to the seed V
Guides seeds to the bottom of the furrow
Unique half moon tip prevents seed drag
Rebounder improves germination and consistent emergence

Eliminates Common Problems

Rebounder will not build up with mud
Will not bunch seeds
Will not leave seeds lodged on sidewalls
Does not press the seed in the ground
Does not drag seeds
Funnels all seeds to the bottom of the seed V

Ease of Installation

Designed to fit planters and drills
Can be used with optional fittings and liquid fertilizer attachments

See The Difference

The row on the left was planted with a firming attachment. As you can see, it suffers from:

Seeds not all centered in the bottom of the furrow
Bunching of seeds
Inconsistent seed spacing
Inconsistent seed depth: Some seeds are pressed into the side wall up 1/2″-3/4″ while some are pressed deeper than the seed V
Uneven emergence

The row on the right was planted with Rebounders. This row shows:

Consistent seed depth & spacing
Uniform emergence

This photo was taken on a farm in southern Illinois.

see more photos of the difference Rebounders make

See more photos of the difference Rebounders make

Each Rebounder has the option of allowing liquid fertilizer or chemical application.

This can be accomplished directly in the furrow with the Straight Shot or Hose Holder kit, or off to each side with our Y-Not Split-It kit. We also have different styles of stainless steel tubes for planters and drills, and special options for John Deere drills.

The following animation shows the Rebounder and liquid fertilizer attachments in action.

learn more about optional fittings

History of the Rebounder

Over a decade ago Paul Schaffert CEO of Schaffert Mfg. and 3rd generation farmer in Red Willow County Nebraska was confronted with an issue. As one of the largest Buffalo and Tye dealers in the nation, he along with many other farmers was having difficulties with seeds bouncing in the seed trench and completely effecting seed spacing.

Paul, after many years of farming, knew the importance of seed spacing and seed depth control management and fully understood that it was one of the most contributing factors to yield performance. As one of the leading No-Till innovators in the state of Nebraska he made it his goal to engineer a product that would address this issue.

Paul recognized the importance of creating a product that would work in conjunction with the V shape of the furrow and not against it. The Rebounder’s unique, spoon shape design forms to this V shape. Even his early prototypes had the same distinguishing features you see in today’s internationally distributed Rebounder.

After years of testing prototypes on his own farm and thousands of hours of testing in the field, Paul invented a solution that he knew would address this issue, and this was the inauguration of the Rebounder Seed Cover solution. The Rebounder quickly became the next generation of innovative products designed and manufactured in the USA.

Testimonials

Mike Ellis, Mt. Hope Seed Co.
Schaffert Seed Rebounder Review: Context: I’m part of a small family farm located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. We primarily grow seed crops (Annual and Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, Red Clover, Crimson Clover, and Radish). All of these crops have a relatively shallow planting depth, typically around ½”. Some of our production is grown under contract and these contracts often stipulate that the crop must be certified. This certification typically requires several crop inspections and there are rigorous standards for how much crop can be outside of the drill row (often times no more than 1%). The reason for this is it’ s impossible to tell if crop outside of the drill row is from seed bounce or volunteer from a previous year potentially from a different variety. If you fail certification in the best case, you will have your sale price docked and in the worst case it may void the contract and leave you without a home for your crop (in a poor market this will mean a significant price reduction and possibly not being able to find a sale for that crop for several years). Needless to say, seed bounce is not acceptable for us. Which leads me to the intended benefit and why we installed our first set of Seed Rebounders. Intended Benefit: The first time I took apart one of our openers on our drill I was appalled. The seed tube ended at the hub where the double discs bolt on. From there we had been relying on gravity to guide seed to the bottom of the furrow, which is not ideal for the small seeded crops that we grow. There was absolutely nothing behind the seed tube to keep the seed in or direct it down. As I installed the Seed Rebounders, I immediately saw that wide-open gap to the back of the double discs get filled. Between the bracket and the Rebounder, the only place left for the seed to go was to the bottom of the furrow. After using them in field we saw a significant reduction in seed bounce, if not an elimination of it. Unintended Benefits: With our shallow planting depth (typically ½”) we tend not to use much to close our furrows because of the risk of moving seed out of them. These Seed Rebounders have acted as a closing system for us. They gently pull loose soil […]
Michael, Matthew and Mike Hajda. Scott & Hajda farms, Granger Texas.
My family farms in the central Texas Blackland’s, we have been running the rebounders for about 12 years now. Before we put them on you would be walking behind the planter and find seeds on top of the ground. After we installed the rebounders, that was eliminated, keeping the seed in the bottom of the trench properly placed. We have tried other firmers before, none have done the job that the rebounders have produced. Would highly recommend them to any fellow farmer.
R.S., Minnesota (Dealer)
In 2006, 2 neighboring farmers in our area each own John Deere planters, one with Rebounders and one without Rebounders. The only thing that divides them is the county road. They planted their soybeans at the same time in the same soil type and conditions. We had a dry season and the farmer with the Rebounders on his planter had a good uniform stand of soybeans and the other farmer without Rebounders didn’t get all his seeds covered and had a stand of various heights due to the dryness and having to wait for a rain to get the rest of the seeds to emerge. The season continued dry. During early September with the fields drying down across the hills and valleys and maturing at the same time the farmer with the Rebounders will be able to harvest sooner because of uniformity. The farmer who didn’t use Rebounders still has green soybeans in the valleys and will be waiting for his later soybeans to mature.
C.R., Oklahoma
I run a John Deere 7300 8 row 30 and I wouldn’t run without Rebounders. I really like the Rebounders in cotton planting. Better seed depth and all in the bottom of the furrow. I had one missing last year during cotton planting. The seed spacing was not as good and the depth was better on the other rows. I saw seed close to the top on the row that was missing the Rebounder and it didn’t come up til it rained.
K.R., Iowa
I have a White Planter 8180, 16 Row and this is my 2nd Set of Rebounders. I had white Rebounders first and went to orange and they last a lot longer. I am very happy with their performance and helped the germination. On soybeans we got an unbelievable stand. Any seed that hit the ground grew. We had better seed to soil control than without Rebounders.
K.F., Illinois
With the competitor’s brand on I would find seeds pressed into the side walls of the furrow. Then I switched to the Rebounders and now I find all seeds in the bottom of the furrow.
G.B., Ohio
Very satisfied with the Rebounders. We had a great stand with the Rebounders. They are very easy to install.
M.D., Kentucky
This past winter, I installed Rebounders and Mohawks on half my planter. Once spring came, I put them to the test. Intially, the Rebounders would ride on top of the ground. I called Paul and he told me to check my seed tube guards and disc openers and replace if needed. My guards were a little worn, but not to the point they needed to be replaced. However, a new Rebounder needs to have a new seed tube guard to perform correctly. My disc openners measured 14 7/8″ across and kept them on the planter. I trimmed the Rebounders just a hair on a bench grinder and installed new seed tube guards. Reassembled the planter and off to the field I went again with much better results. What I like most about the Rebounders over a seed firmer is the ability to find your seed and none of the seeds are pushed into the sidewall. The Rebounder gently pushes the seed down to the bottom of the trench where it should be.
R.L.R, Texas
To those of ya’ll looking at purchasing Rebounders and Y-Nots for your planter I can honestly say there are worth every penny. We put them on our planter when it was new to be able to apply liquid fertilizer. We apply 7 gallons of fertilizer with the Rebounder Y-Not set up. We have not had a problem with the fertilizer getting on the seed. If I had a planter that was not set up for liquid I would still want the Rebounders on my planter. What I love about Rebounders is that the seeds are in a straight line in the seed trench and are in the ground. When I say in the ground I mean they are buried in the bottom of the trench. There is great soil to seed contact. We farm in the black land of central Texas. One concern we had at first was if the Rebounders would pick up the wet black soil. They never have. We have balled our planter up and the Rebounders were clean of mud. We are replacing our Rebounders and Y-Nots after 6 planting seasons. We did not look at anything else.
P.A., Indiana
The Rebounders really work well on the Tye 15′ Drill. You don’t see any beans uncovered like I used to before I put the Rebounder on. There’s more uniform depth placement also.

Closing Wheels Instructions

Closing Wheels

Assembling the Mohawk

Assembling the Zipper

G3 WALKING BEAM ARM

Please see 2×2 Side Placement section

learn more about closing wheels

ZIPPER™

Angled spiked closing wheels

Closing Wheels — Complete Parts List

Zipper
complete wheel

Cast Zipper
complete wheel

Zipper Spyder™
complete wheel

Standard, rubber closing wheels have a tendency to press the soil closed causing a smooth effect, especially when the soil is wet. On a hot, dry windy day, the furrow will crack back open exposing the seed. The Zipper Closing Wheel will eliminate this problem.

mounting instructions — Zipper

brochure — Zipper

brochure — Cast Zipper

brochure — New Zipper Spyder

single to dual wheel conversion kits

Beck's 2022 PFR Results

About the Zipper

The Zipper is a 13″ angled spiked closing wheel designed to take the place of standard, rubber closing wheels. It works in all soil types, and is the go-to wheel for the toughest of no-till conditions.

The non-aggressive, 1″ angled spikes on the Zipper feather the soil in the furrow while simultaneously applying pressure to ensure the furrow is zipped shut.

As the spikes close they create indentations which allow moisture to sink in, increasing seed-to-soil contact.

Zipper closing wheels are angled so that when they engage the soil at the 5, 6, and 7 o’clock positions, they are breaking the side wall down over the seed plus compacting the soil around the seed. Then, when they exit the soil at the 8 o’clock position, they are angled such that they release the soil, leaving it compacted around the seed. Because of this, you will not need to drag a chain behind them.

Other closing wheels on the market are aggressive and have the potential of actually flipping seeds out of the furrow. You will not have that problem with the Zipper.

Benefits of the Zipper

Features—Design—Benefits

Longer wear, heavy duty cast metal spikes
Breaks down sidewall and zips seed V shut at the same time
Tubular design of spike allows it to release soil and eliminate plugging while compacting the soil around the seed
Angle design doesn’t flip or throw soil out; it allows for accurate release
As the Zipper closes it creates indentations which allow moisture to sink in
Feathers the soil in the seed V with its wide track design
Designed to break up compaction without being too aggressive
1″ spike will not get too close to or disturb seed
Allows for better seed-to-soil contact

Eliminates Common Problems

Compacts the soil better than straight-fingered wheels
Moves soil with minimal compaction into the furrow
Eliminates air pockets
On a hot windy day the trench will not break back open

Where They Work—Suitable for Many Soils

Made to work in tough soils
Works in no-till or conventional

Ease of Installation

Easy to install
Works well with or without the G2 liquid fertilizer disc

These photos were taken comparing two fields right across the road from each other at the same time.

The planter planting corn into corn stubble had regular press wheels. The planter planting corn into wheat stubble had Zipper closing wheels. The ground was muddy when these plants were planted, the soil heavy and wet.

The weather turned hot and windy after planting, and you can see where the seed V closed with the regular press wheels has cracked back open. Here, the corn plants are leaning, and unable to throw out good root systems.

This study was performed in wet, less than ideal conditions by Beck’s Hybrids 2015 Practical Research.

“Wheels that crumbled the seed trench shut from the sides generally outperformed wheels that applied more pressure above the seed. In the wet conditions we were planting into, this action helped decrease compaction above the seedling and allowed for more even and uninterrupted emergence.” – Beck’s

All-Cast Zipper

The NEW all-cast Zipper and Mohawk Closing Wheels won’t build up with mud due to not having plastic rims catching mud on each side.

We experimented with these in 2019 in very wet soils and farmers were impressed with how clean they stayed in wet sticky soils.

zipper-cast-hub — Hub Covers help prevent wrapping of vining cover crops

COVER CROPS

Many of the spiked wheels on the market wrap or plug in cover crops. The cast Zipper is less likely to plug or wrap in heavy cover crops.

If they do start to wrap, one can order Hub Covers (shown here) as an option to prevent wrapping of cereal rye, vetch and other vining crops

We have even had farmers switch the Zippers around (shown below), running the right on the left side of the planter and the left wheel on the right with the fingers turned inward, to eliminate wrapping of cover crops.

zipper-cast-flipped — Zippers have been switched around to help eliminate wrapping

CAST WHEELS FOR DRILLS

Schaffert Mfg.’s all-cast wheels are an excellent option for John Deere and Case IH drills.

zipper-cast-ih-500 — Cast Zipper on a Case IH 500 drill

Cast Mohawk with eccentric bolt on Case IH 500 drill — Cast Mohawk on Case IH 500 drill

zipper-cast-jd-drill — Cast Zipper on a John Deere drill

eccentric-bolts — Eccentric bolt kits for Case IH 500 drills (top); John Deere 750 and other single press wheel drills (bottom)

Included in the cast wheel kit for these drills is an eccentric bolt that changes the pitch in on the back side of the closing wheel. This allows the wheel to bring soil in into the furrow behind the wheel, compacting it down around the seed.

Please note that the Case IH 500 eccentric bolt kit has been updated since the video above was created. The new eccentric bolt works in the same manner.

brochure — Cast Zipper

SINGLE TO DUAL WHEEL CONVERSION KITS

We have conversion kits that transform your single press wheel to dual closing wheels. Works great with our Mohawk and Zipper wheels.

Kits fit Case IH and White 5000-6000 series planters.

single press wheel to dual closing wheel conversion kits for Case IH and White 5000 & 6000 — Single to dual closing wheel conversion kits

single to dual wheel conversion kits

Zipper Spyder™

The NEW Zipper Spyder is a self-cleaning wheel in wetter soils. They weigh 11 pounds each.

Many of the spiked wheels on the market wrap or plug. We have had farmers switch the Zipper Spyders around, running the right on the left side of the planter and the left wheel on the right with the fingers turned inward and interlocking, to eliminate plugging.

brochure — Zipper Spyder

Zipper Distinct Features over the Mohawk

More aggressive
Breaks up sidewall compaction better
Rototills soil in for better compaction
Pulls more soil from the sidewall in over the seed because the spikes are angled out and down
Creates an ice cream cone shape with the soil in and above the seed V (the Mohawk creates a flat ice cream cone shape)
Less mud build-up
Rocks or root balls will not stick

learn more about the Mohawk

Zippers

Mohawks

Testimonials

The Crop Critic Eric Reed
Eric Reed, aka TheCropCritic on YouTube, holds records with the National Corn Growers Association in Alabama and Tennessee. We spoke with him at the 2024 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. His testimony on the all-cast Zipper Closing Wheels is below. You can find Eric on YouTube here: @TheCropCritic
Cast Zippers -B.L.
We ran a row of the cast Zipper wheels next to spiked, smooth cast, Furrow Cruisers, and Yetter cast spike. The Zippers did the best job across dry, wet, and almost sod conditions. Will be ordering them for the entire planter this year. B.L.
Alex Z.
We swapped out all the closing wheels on our corn and bean planters in 2020. We put Zippers on the corn planter. And Mohawks on the bean planter. Our Martin closers were getting worn on our corn planter. And I didn’t like the rubber closing wheels that were on our bean planter. Both planters are Kinze 3600 with a no till set up. We no till 100% of our acres. And we plant cover crops on all the acres as well. We found the zippers to be a big upgrade over the martins. Especially going up a hillside, or planting contours. A lot less erosion from water. And it doesn’t disturb the seed bed on contours. The Mohawks were a big upgrade as well. We deal with a lot of surface residue. And getting good compaction has been a challenge. But the mohawks have done an exceptional job closing the seed furrow while keeping the compaction down. We also noticed that we didn’t need to make changes to down pressure on the closing wheel when soil conditions changed. I won’t claim a huge increase in yields or anything, as there are many aspects to consider, especially with no till and cover crops.
R.N., Ohio
On a mid-March day in northern Ohio when conditions were far from perfect, we took the planter to the field. 12 rows with smooth closing wheels, 2 rows with Schaffert Zippers, and 2 rows with a competitor’s wheel. The smooth closing wheels closed about 40% of the seed furrow. The competitor’s wheel closed about 70% of the seed furrow. The Zippers closed 100%. It was beautiful. Never seen anything like it. We ordered 14 more rows of Zippers. We had the evenest emergence we have ever had this year. Several neighbors ordered them and had the same results.
J.Y., Indiana
We have three John Deere DB- 60 planters with the Zipper closing wheel on one side of the units. We like the condition of the sidewall behind the Zipper when we first start planting. When the ground is a little more heavy we see that the Zipper closes better. The furrow is closed better on top and eliminates air pockets around the seed. We have used spike closing wheels in the past but they seemed to move the seed in the furrow, not allowing for proper seed placement. The Zipper won’t do that. We believe we are getting better seed placement and better emergence behind the Zipper.
B.M., South Dakota
I was having problems with rocks in the spiked closing wheels last year and was getting mad… Called Schaffert Mfg to get some more Rebounders and fertilizer tubes. They asked if I would try the “Zipper” closing wheel. I was impressed with the Zippers and they didn’t pick any rocks up. Problem solved.
D.G., Texas
In 2014 I purchased 16 rows of Zippers for one John Deere 1770 planter. I planted cotton in one side (shown in left side of photos below) of the field with regular V closing wheels and the other side (shown in right side of photos below) with Zipper Closing Wheels. We got a hard rain a day or two after planting. Normally with a hard rain, the cotton plants will have a hard time coming up or getting through the firmed soils. Cotton is very susceptible to crusting. The Zipper Closing Wheels left the soil over the seed row mellower and more cushioned than the soil over the rows planted with regular closing wheels. After the hard rain, the mellower soil didn’t crust as bad as the flatter soil surface left by the regular wheels. Five days later, cotton began to emerge from the rows planted with Zippers (see photo below). It was not yet coming up in the other rows. We later took an aerial photo of the field (see below). The stand was much better where the Zipper wheels ran. There were more skips in the left side where the rubber wheels ran. My son attributes this difference to quicker emergence and less crusting with the Zipper Closing Wheels. This year, I equipped four more planters with Zippers.
C.S., Missouri
We have ran the zippers on about 500 acres of no-till beans into corn stalks and are quite pleased with the results so far. I have attached some pictures I took of a wet spot that had last year’s grass matted down on it. I believe that the crumbling action of the spikes combined with the firming action of the solid portion of the wheel is key in getting rid of air pockets in our soil conditions. This holds true in drier areas as well. The spikes tend to break up chunks that the no-till coulters throw out and move that soil back over the seed trench. The wheels then firm the soil without packing it over the seed. Thanks again for a well-designed product and EXCELLENT service!
J.F., Illinois
I have run the G2 system with the Rebounders for two years, going on my third. I previously ran another brand of firmers and coulter system, and wasn’t satisfied with the results. When I bought my 9220 12 row White planter I found your system and really liked the way it looked. The first season I ran it I knew I had made the right choice. The Rebounder seed covers do a great job of sealing/firming the seed trench without any dirt buildup, and the Zipper closing wheels do a really nice job of closing things up without the compaction of standard smooth wheels or even other spike wheels I’ve tried. I did run one smooth wheel/one Zipper for part of the first season and noticed after the corn came up that the sprouts had come up through the side where the Zippers were. Where I had switched to running both Zippers, the corn pushed right up through the center with no problem at all. It made me a believer real fast. Thanks for all your help getting me started originally, and I appreciate all you do if I have questions or need parts. It’s nice to have a manufacturer that works hard to make their product work no matter what your situation is. Great products, great company.

MOHAWK™

Angled spiked closing wheels

Closing Wheels — Complete Parts List

Mohawk ring only

Mohawk Wheel

Cast Mohawk

Standard, rubber closing wheels have a tendency to press the soil closed causing a smooth effect, especially when the soil is wet. On a hot, dry windy day, the furrow will crack back open exposing the seed. Eliminate this problem with the Mohawk Closing Wheel.

mounting instructions — Mohawk ring

mounting instructions — Mohawk wheel

brochure — Mohawk

brochure — Cast Mohawk

single to dual wheel conversion kits

Beck's 2022 PFR Results

About the Mohawk

The Mohawk is a 13″ angled spiked closing wheel designed to take the place of standard, rubber closing wheels. It works in all soil types, most notably in the toughest of no-till conditions.

The non-aggressive, 1″ angled blunt spikes on the Mohawk feather the soil in the furrow while simultaneously applying light pressure to ensure the furrow is stitched shut.

As the spikes close they create indentations which allow moisture to sink in, increasing seed-to-soil contact.

Mohawk closing wheels are angled so that when they engage the soil at the 5, 6, and 7 o’clock positions, they are breaking the side wall down over the seed plus compacting the soil around the seed. Then, when they exit the soil at the 8 o’clock position, they are angled such that they release the soil, leaving it compacted around the seed. Because of this, you will not need to drag a chain behind them.

Other closing wheels on the market are aggressive and have the potential of actually flipping seeds out of the furrow. You will not have that problem with the Mohawk.

Farm Journal agronomist Ken Ferrie conducted a three-year study examining closing wheel designs, including the Mohawk. He classified the Mohawk as a firming spiked closing wheel, which are designed to provide both crushing action of the sidewall and firming above and around the seed. Ferrie concluded that in the toughest no-till conditions, wheels like the Mohawk get the job done the best.

Source: Eckelkamp, Margy. “Test Plots: Close and Seal the Deal.” Farm Journal Magazine. 9 Feb 2013. www.agweb.com/farmjournal/article/test_plots_close_and_seal_the_deal

Benefits of the Mohawk

Features—Design—Benefits

Stitches seed V shut
Uses existing wheels and bearings, and replaces tire with the Mohawk ring, saving you $$$
Breaks down compacted sidewall and closes the furrow at the same time
Longer wear, heavy duty cast steel spikes
Feathers the soil in the seed V with its wide track design
Designed to break up compaction without being too aggressive
1″ spike will not get too close to or disturb seed
Allows for better seed-to-soil contact

Eliminates Common Problems

Compacts the soil better than straight-fingered wheels
Moves soil with minimal compaction into the furrow
Eliminates air pockets
On a hot windy day the trench will not break back open

Where They Work—Suitable for Many Soils

Made to work in tough soils
Works in no-till or conventional

Ease of Installation

Easy to install
Can be used with or without the G2 liquid fertilizer disc

The NEW all-cast Mohawk Closing Wheel won’t build up with mud due to not having plastic rims catching mud on each side.

We experimented with these in 2019 in very wet soils and farmers were impressed with how clean they stayed in wet sticky soils.

COVER CROPS

Many of the spiked wheels on the market wrap or plug in cover crops. The cast Mohawk is less likely to plug or wrap in heavy cover crops.

If they do start to wrap, one can order Hub Covers (shown here) as an option to prevent wrapping of cereal rye, vetch and other vining crops

CAST WHEELS FOR DRILLS

Schaffert Mfg.’s all-cast wheels are an excellent option for John Deere and Case IH drills.

mohawk-cast-ih-500 — Cast Mohawk on a Case IH 500 drill

mohawk-cast-jd-drill — Cast Mohawk on a John Deere drill

Included in the cast wheel kit for these drills is an eccentric bolt that changes the pitch in on the back side of the closing wheel. This allows the wheel to bring soil in into the furrow behind the wheel, compacting it down around the seed.

Please note that the Case IH 500 eccentric bolt kit has been updated since the video above was created. The new eccentric bolt works in the same manner.

brochure — Cast Mohawk

SINGLE TO DUAL WHEEL CONVERSION KITS

We have conversion kits that transform your single press wheel to dual closing wheels. Works great with our Mohawk and Zipper wheels.

Kits fit Case IH and White 5000-6000 series planters.

single to dual wheel conversion kits

In the Field Performance

MOHAWKS VS STANDARD CLOSING WHEELS

Beck's 2022 Practical Farm Research Results: Schaffert Closing Wheels

This graph shows data from a field of soybeans planted on May 29, 2013 near Ponca City, OK with Black Machine tool bar equipped with John Deere 7200 Max Emerge II row units. Some rows had standard rubber closing wheels and some had Mohawk Closing Wheels.

2.5″ of rain fell on the field a week after planting, causing erosion down the rows even though the farm had not been cultivated in 5 years.

Stand counts were taken June 15, 2013 on varying degrees of slope down 36′ row.

The steeper the slope the greater the erosion of the soil down the furrow, and the less stand counts behind the regular closing wheels.

MOHAWK AFTER 1500 ACRES

The following photos show a Mohawk closing wheel that has been run 1500 acres and is still in excellent condition.

MOHAWK AFTER 9000 ACRES

The following photos show a used Mohawk closing wheel next to a brand new Mohawk ring. The wheel has been run 9000 acres and is still in good working condition. Wheel courtesy of John Yeutter, Eustis, NE.

Mohawk Distinct Features Over The Zipper

Creates a flat ice cream cone shape with the soil in and above the seed V (the Zipper creates a more rounded ice cream cone shape)
Slightly less aggressive than the Zipper
Mohawks are more economical when using your existing wheels and bearings

mohawk-replace-tire — Mohawk ring mounted to John Deere 7000 metal rims

learn more about the Zipper

Zippers

Mohawks

Testimonials

Darin H., Minnesota
I’ve run 13 rows of Mohawk spiked closing wheels on my 16 row John Deere 1770 NT planter for the past two years, alongside three rows of competing brands. This year, I switched the final three rows to Mohawks after seeing their performance side by side. The adaptability of the Mohawks to fit onto an OEM will is a huge plus. Also, their light weight allows for flexibility in varying field conditions if you have adjustable pressure on your closing wheels.
Samuel T. Gerke
I have switched to no till 2 years ago and with regular rubber press wheels on my John Deere 7000 planter the seed trench would only close in perfect soil conditions. I looked at many different press wheel designs and decided to purchase the cast Schaffert mohawks. The job they do, even in wet soil is outstanding. By having the mohawks I was able to plant much earlier than in the past and the seed trench is nice and loose.
Alex Z.
We swapped out all the closing wheels on our corn and bean planters in 2020. We put Zippers on the corn planter. And Mohawks on the bean planter. Our Martin closers were getting worn on our corn planter. And I didn’t like the rubber closing wheels that were on our bean planter. Both planters are Kinze 3600 with a no till set up. We no till 100% of our acres. And we plant cover crops on all the acres as well. We found the zippers to be a big upgrade over the martins. Especially going up a hillside, or planting contours. A lot less erosion from water. And it doesn’t disturb the seed bed on contours. The Mohawks were a big upgrade as well. We deal with a lot of surface residue. And getting good compaction has been a challenge. But the mohawks have done an exceptional job closing the seed furrow while keeping the compaction down. We also noticed that we didn’t need to make changes to down pressure on the closing wheel when soil conditions changed. I won’t claim a huge increase in yields or anything, as there are many aspects to consider, especially with no till and cover crops.
David Christensen, Nebraska
David is here today picking up 12 rows of Mohawk Complete closing wheels. He mentioned he has run rebounders over 20 years on John Deere planters. David started out with white rebounders; he has now upgraded to high-speed running the orange rebounder. David likes the orange rebounders because they knock the loose dirt in over the seed and places his fertilizer, that he runs 5 gallons per acre, in the furrow.
B.D., Michigan
I have used the “Out the Back” fertilizer system from Schaffert for six years now and plan to keep using them. The staff and owner at Schaffert are top notch. You couldn’t ask for better service. Great product!
K.W., Nebraska
We bought 12 Mohawks to run on our corn planter next to the factory rubber closing wheel. We are mostly no-till and all terraced and hilly ground. We felt like the Mohawks maintained ground contact way better than the rubber tires. They also broke up the sidewall, which helped reduce erosion in the seed trench on the hilly ground. Another added benefit was they helped to close the seed trench when following contours with sharper corners. We will replace the other 12 wheels and will be purchasing more products in the future. Paul and Kris are very helpful and willing to answer any questions you may have!
T.W., Ohio
I planted corn with one Mohawk Closing Wheel and one regular press wheel on each row. The soil on the Mohawk side of the rows was soft, while the soil on the regular press wheel side was hard and compacted. When the seeds sprouted and grew, the plants all emerged through the softer soil on the side where the Mohawk wheels had gone.
R.S., Nebraska
The Mohawk closing wheel versus John Deere rubber closing wheel performance was very evident. No side wall compaction with the Mohawks compared to a compacted side wall with the rubber John Deere wheels closing the seed trench.
S.C., Michigan
I do 50% no-till. I bought Mohawks 3 years ago and ran 1 rubber wheel and 1 Mohawk wheel. The Mohawk broke the seed wall better and helped it to not crust. It works good in conventional planting too.
D.S., Nebraska
I purchased two rows of Mohawk wheels, and put them on my 16 row planter the same time I installed 14 rows of Exapta’s Thompson wheels. The Mohawk wheels have always left the row covered better, and did a smoother job. They were also about $20 per row cheaper. And while the Thompson wheels are worn out after 3 seasons, the Mohawk wheels show practically no wear.
J.Y., Nebraska
I used to use cast wheels in everything. In conventional it pushed the seeds back up in seed furrow, even on the lightest setting. I even tried the straight finger wheels on my John Deere planter and they would go too deep and bring seeds up in the seed V. They’d also loosen the seed trench up too much, causing reduction in stand counts in dry weather. Then, I found the Mohawks and have been using them ever since. I’ve taken most all of the spring pressure off the press wheels and only run in the first notch. They break the side wall compaction and compact the soil around the seed better than the cast wheel or the straight spike wheels. With cast sometimes it plugs up with root balls and then the press wheels would slide and not roll over the residue. About every other year we had to rebuild the tail sections with new bushings and bolts when running the cast wheels because of the heavy wheels planting on contours. With the Mohawks there is less wear and tear on the press wheel brackets. There is still at least another 9,000 to 10,000 acres left in wear on our present Mohawk wheels and we’ve been running them for 9 years at 1,000+ acres every year.
M.D., Kentucky
The best addition I added to the planter this winter has been the Mohawk Closing Wheels. Half of my planter were Copperheads and the other Mohawks. Both of these wheels do a better job than the stock closing wheels, but the Mohawks have a distinct edge. The Mohawks sealed the seed slot better and with less pressure while crumbling the top soil. The Copperheads mostly pushed the slot together which made it prone to open back up with lack of rain. The Mohawks never had that problem. In heavy residue, the Mohawks always sealed the slot while I had to crank down the pressure on the Copperheads to achieve the same results and sometimes still not seal the slot.
D.A., Illinois
I installed Mohawk closing wheels last year. I was very happy with the performance. OEM are sometimes not aggressive enough and the after markets I’ve been around can be too aggressive. The Mohawk seems to be more forgiving under varying field conditions. Wet–they seal nicely without packing. Dry–seeds are not disturbed and cloddy soil is broken up and firmed nicely. Very happy with performance and durability.
A.B., Iowa
I have a great appreciation for the Mohawk closing wheel’s ability to crumble side wall compaction without lifting or disturbing seed placement. While testing the effects of the Mohawk verses OEM rubber closing wheel, one could not find the trench when digging for seeds from the Mohawk side; however, compaction and side wall smearing is easily found on the side of the OEM rubber closing wheel. We’re totally sold on the Mohawk Closing Wheel System and use them on no-till and conventional tillage with great results
Nathan Brabec; Schuyler, NE
We farm no-till soybeans in clay hills using a 3650 Kinze©. (We do not use row cleaners in planting soybeans.) This past Spring we planted with the Kinze for the first time; the Kinze came with Schlagel planter wheels. Before selling our 7000 John Deere© we moved the 12 rows of Mohawks™ off it, and bought 4 new rows of Zippers™ for the back 16 rows. We left the Schlagels on the front 15 rows. The Mohawks have done an excellent job for us over other closing wheels we have tried in prior years; and this year it proved again. The Mohawks leave a feathered light close to the seed trench while also breaking through any no-till trash outside the seed walls. The Mohawks work well in dry or damp soil conditions and play a good balance between the two; where some closing wheels work well in one condition and not the other. The Schlagels seemed to leave more of pinching affect and didn’t close the trench as well, leaving the seed uncovered, especially in damper soil conditions. Schlagels also tend to ball up in muddy soils vs the Mohawks. The Mohawks gave us better stands by about 20-30,000 population vs the Schlagels on soybeans. I recommend 100% to use Mohawks in similar soil conditions! We defiantly will next year!

CHICKEN TRACKER™

Press & Gauge Wheels for Planters & Drills

Closing Wheels — Complete Parts List

mounting instructions -Chicken Tracker
Case IH

mounting instructions — Chicken Tracker John Deere – Kinze – White

mounting instructions — Chicken Tracker John Deere drills – older White

About the Chicken Tracker

Schaffert Mfg.’s Chicken Tracker was designed to take the place of the original Case IH planter press wheel. It has been modified to fit most other planters and drills.

Unlike the original solid press wheel which can smear soil, the Chicken Tracker mulches and mellows soil over the seed bed.

Pressure is applied at three points over the tread on the chicken tracks at all time, firming soil around the seed.

The application of pressure on 3 points provides good seed to soil contact, leading to more even emergence and higher yields.

chicken-tracker-testimonial-1sm — Photo courtesy of a customer in Illinois

The Chicken Tracker helps eliminate mud build-up and will not plug up with rootballs.

It is easy to install. Just pull the bolt—the bearings are all there.

Benefits of the Chicken Tracker

Prepares the Seed Bed

Mulches and mellows the soil over the seed bed
Firms soil over the row
Does not smear soil like rubber press wheels can
Pressure is applied at 3 points on the tracks at all times
Eliminates air pockets

Eliminate Common Problems

Helps eliminate mud build-up
Will not plug with root balls
On a hot windy day the trench will not crack back open

Where They Work—Suitable for Many Soils

Made to work in tough soils
Works in no-till or conventional

Ease of Installation

Takes the place of your original press wheel
Easy to install, less than 5 minutes per row

Benefits of the Chicken Tracker

Problem

A producer in Texas with a John Deere 455 drill was having problems with the regular press wheels building up with mud and also not putting enough dirt over the seed. The regular press wheels were leaving tracks too deep in the furrow.
The farmer stated that many years he does not get enough soil over the seed.

When they get a hard rain and the wheat is emerging in the trenches made by the regular press wheels, they lose some stand from crusting and burying plants that were already emerging and leafing out.

Solution

We shortened the Chicken Tracker’s spokes from 6″ to 4″ and beveled them to fit the John Deere 455 drill unit.

We wanted the Chicken Tracker to mellow the soil over the seed row and also hold the drill units up at the planting depth for uniform seed depth placement.

Results

In the rows in tilled soil with the regular press wheel the seed depth is almost 1″ deeper with very little cover over the seed. The press wheel is the depth control on these drills. The rows with the regular press wheels are running 1″ deeper than the row with the Chicken Tracker.

Unlike the regular press wheels, the Chicken Tracker is not building up with mud.

The Tracker holds the drill unit at the correct set planting depth, giving uniform seed depth placement. The rows with the Chicken Tracker show the proper amount of mellow, mulched soil left over the furrow.

Testimonials

Tim R., North Dakota
I have tried all sorts of systems on my CIH 950 planter for fertilizer and the Schaffert 2 x 2 tubes are the only ones that work in all conditions. I can put down a heavy rate and still be close to the seed, and I’m not interfering with the seed trench. Plus, with running Chicken Trackers instead of the packer wheel I get good closure and no gumming up the wheel. Win/Win all the way around.
Dale C.
I have used your Chicken Trackers for 2 years now on my CIH 1255 planter. They have greatly improved the closing of the seed trench over the OEM press wheels. They will bother a little in sticky conditions but not any worse than the mud buildup on the original press wheels. In good to dry conditions they do a great job. I would also like to comment on your employees. You have a top notch group. They’re all so friendly and helpful and willing to take time to treat me like I’m the most important person there. From the girls up front to everyone in assembly and particularly to Gage and Anthony upstairs for directing me and giving advice I needed on my Dosatron injection system. I sure appreciated doing business with your group.
J.A., Wisconsin
I ran one Chicken Tracker in the spring of 2014 on my 24R Case, over approx. 3,000 acres. And loved it! It crumbled the top soil in all conditions. Here in southern Wisconsin, we have variable conditions—throughout all or many fields. The Chicken Tracker helps eliminate any variables without plugging. They’re easy to install, just the one factory bolt. If the spring would turn super dry, switch back to the factory rubber wheel. I would recommend the Chicken Tracker to anyone with minimum or no-till and any varying soil type.
K.K., Illinois
I ran the Chicken Tracker wheels over 1000 acres of no-till corn and 800 acres of no-till beans. I was very impressed with emergence of crops behind the Chicken Trackers. When I ran my row cleaners deeper into wetter soils, the Chicken Tracker collected some mud. Then when I ran the row cleaners shallow, just moving residue away, the Chicken Tracker worked great. So, as with anything, work until you find the Trackers are doing their job. Overall I was impressed with this product.
L.W., Texas
With the Chicken Tracker wheels, I noticed they left no ridge between the rows like the original press wheel left. This proved to be very beneficial because when we got a rain after planting with the Chicken Trackers, the ridges didn’t wash down like they did with the regular press wheels and put a crust on the wheat plants that were emerging or ready to emerge. After all the rain we had this past spring, a better stand emerged with the Chicken Trackers, and we didn’t have to replant due to crusting problems. The Chicken Tracker wheels also did not build up with mud like the regular press wheels did after the abundance of rain during planting. Schaffert Mfg. Co. made the Chicken Track rods 5 1/2″ between spokes. On the side with the arm coming down alongside the spokes they angle cut the rods so they run parallel with the arm, which left from 1/2″ to 3/4″ of room between the arm and Chicken Tracker wheel. This kept them from plugging with trash and residue. To mount the new Chicken Tracker wheels, I used a 5/8″ x 4″ bolt with a 7/8″ nut over the bolt for a spacer bushing between the press wheel arm and the Chicken Tracker wheel hub. It was one of the best things I did to improve the John Deere 455 grain drill.
D.V., Illinois
The center of the picture is the Chicken Tracker row and the other are the normal press wheels (Case IH press wheels on a Kinze planter). When I planted this the conditions where good and this picture is after two small rains of about a half inch or less. If we had gotten more rain, the rows planted with normal press wheels would have crusted. The Chicken Tracker clumps soil so it does not crust as easy.
D.C., Nebraska
The Chicken Trackers work really well. Helped a lot in sticky conditions and allows us to plant a little faster in good conditions. Pretty much eliminated the air pocket in the seed trench we were seeing.
J.S.
If you don’t want to plug your press wheels, try Chicken Trackers. They really help if you are putting down fertilizer with your planter and greatly reduce soil crusting for better emergence.
E.M., Canada
We purchased 4″ chicken trackers in the spring of 2018 for our 12 row 30″ front fold Case IH 1250 planter. Right away I noticed they did not build up with moist soil like the original rubber press wheels. I like how they mulch the soil over the seed bed and are very well built. We are a no-till operation and are always planting into moist soils. This new addition to our planter has helped with even uniform seed bed finishing and better emergance. We also purchased gauge wheel scrapers for the 12 rows. I’m extremely happy with Schaffert Mfg’s products and would highly recommend them to anyone.
J.V., Iowa
We used 4″ Chicken Trackers and were pleased with the soil contact that they produce and believe it helped prevent washing down the row in hilly ground after a hard rain. We were also very pleased with the stand and spacing with the Rebounders–had 98% accurate spacing.

Mounting Instructions

INJECTOR ORIFICE

Orifice Mounting Instructions

Rate chart based on:

INJECTOR ORIFICE

G1 FERTILIZER DISC

learn more about 2x2

G2™ FERTILIZER DISC

G2 — G3™ — G4™ Walking Beam Arms

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

G2 Fertilizer Disc — Brochure

John Deere–Kinze Dual Placement— Brochure

G Series — Parts Kit List

Beck's 2022 PFR Results

We have been updating our parts kits. Here is the newest version (2023) of instructions:

NEW STYLE/KITS PARTS for G SERIES

Revolutionary Liquid Application System

Schaffert Mfg. Co. offers a revolutionary method of applying larger quantities of starter or nitrogen fertilizers, 2″-4″ to the side of the row and up to 2″ deep with our G2 fertilizer disc behind the planter.

About the G2

G2 shown with Mohawk closing wheels

The G2 fertilizer disc is an 8″ or 9″ single disc opener that is mounted on the press wheel brackets of John Deere, Kinze, White, Great Plains, Monosem, and Yetter planters.

For Case IH planters, use in conjunction with the 4 Link Closer or install our stainless steel single or dual side placement fertilizer tubes.

The G2 liquid disc is designed on a walking beam axle with 3 points of contact in the soil at all times. This patented walking beam design gives stability and balanced pressure to both press wheels in closing the seed V.

The G2 places fertilizer behind the planter. It provides even fertilizer depth in uneven terrains.

The G2 adds only 11 pounds per row added weight. It is easy to mount and easy to walk around the planter. The compact design eliminates having to find room in front or behind the planter for much larger, heavier, and more expensive fertilizer solutions.

The disc can be set to run 1/2″ to 2″ deep in the soil, and the G2 mounting bracket allows it at least 2″ more clearance under the tail section of the planter.

Right and left hand row units are available.

G2 with pivotable FAB bracket along with Zippers and the 4 Link Closer on a White planter

In a 3-year fertilizer application study (2011-2013) by Ken Ferrie of Farm Journal Magazine the G2 fertilizer disc topped their yield trials. (See charts)

G2 fertilizer disc - standard mounting instructions

Benefits of the G2

Close Coupled Design

Planter depth is controlled by the gauge wheels on a planter or drill. Most fertilizer attachments are 30″ to 36″ away from the seed drop thus making it hard to control depth of the planter unit in uneven ground. Our G2 fertilizer disc is placed between the gauge wheel and the press wheel. This makes it less than 12″ from the seed drop, keeping the planting unit running at a constant depth.

Features—Design—Benefits

Unique one piece design that equalizes down pressure on press wheels and liquid disc
A heavy duty triple sealed bearing utilized in the disc
Powder iron oil impregnated bushings in walking beam
Stainless axle in center pivot walking beam = no corrosion
No drilling of holes on newer style JD, Kinze, White, Monosem, & Great Plains planters
Single disc design for better penetration
Adds only 11 lbs per row
Easy to install

Eliminates Common Problems

New liquid disc is tucked in behind the gauge wheel to keep it from plugging in heavy residue
Will not disturb the seed—adjustable 2″-4″ away
No need for extra heavy duty down pressure springs

G2 running with the high pressure kit and Zipper closing wheels

G3 & G4

G3 walking beam arm and Mohawk closing wheels on a Kinze planter

G3 WALKING BEAM ARM

Due to the popularity of our G2 walking beam axle, we created a similar walking beam, the G3, which is made to run without a fertilizer disc.

With the G3, farmers can still get the G2’s “walking” action of their closing wheels through the field, without having the addition of a fertilizer disc attachment.

G4 WALKING BEAM

The NEW G4 walking beam axle offers the best of both worlds.

This is the option for farmers who sometimes want to apply fertilizer to the side of the furrow, and sometimes don’t.

The G4 walking beam is designed to easily add or remove the fertilizer disc. When the farmer is not applying fertilizer to the side of the furrow, they can simply remove the fertilizer disc and mounting plate to eliminate it catching trash or adding weight.

G4 with fertilizer kit and wheels — G4 arm with cast Mohawk wheels and 2x2 fertilizer disc

Removable mounting plate transforms the walking beam arm to run with or without a fertilizer disc

Pivotable Fertilizer Bracket & Rubber Boot

New “FAB” bracket

This new pivotable fertilizer bracket replaces the curved fertilizer tube and can be used on existing G2s.

The bracket pivots 40 degrees in and out from center so you can adjust and control where the fertilizer is injected, closer or further away from the disc blade.

The FAB bracket can be used for both low and high pressure. To run high pressure, simply screw in one of our stainless steel high pressure injector orifices into the bottom of the threaded tube. An injector orifice is included with the G2 kit.

We’ve also added a new heavy duty rubber boot to the bottom of the fertilizer tube. This boot is specially made for our fertilizer tubes, designed to immediately snap back into place after hitting trash. It works better than the drag hose previously used. The rubber boot also helps eliminate fertilizer on the row unit.

For Low & High Pressure

Disc adjustable 2″-4″ from furrow
NEW Fertilizer bracket pivots closer or further from disc blade
Stainless steel tube injects fertilizer directly into the slice cut by the G2 fertilizer disc
High pressure injector orifice threads into tube
Adjustable trash deflector
NEW Heavy duty rubber boot keeps fertilizer off the row unit

Fertilizer bracket pivots 40° in and out from center to control where the fertilizer is injected

G2 FAB fertilizer bracket - mounting instructions

High Pressure Injector Orifice

orifices-injector — Orifice end (left) and hex end (right)

injector orifice - mounting instructions

injector orifice - rate charts

Charts based on water and 30″ rows.

Schaffert Mfg.’s new high pressure injector orifice is made to screw into the end of the G2’s high pressure kit.

This kit works well with Schaffert’s hydraulic and electric-driven pump systems.

Features of the orifice include:

Screws inside 3/8″ stainless tube
Easy to install with an Allen wrench
Orifice OD is 5/16″
Stainless steel compact design
10 color coated orifice sizes
Injects high pressure, 2-40 GPA
Universal models – fits many machines
Allows tube to be closer to soil surface, eliminating trash buildup

To find the correct injector orifice for your high pressure kit, you will need to know:

Number of rows
Row spacing
Travel speed
Pressure
Kind of fertilizer
Product weight
Gallons per acre

PLEASE NOTE: We normally recommend using only 1 orifice under pressure when running 7-15 lbs of pressure. However, using 2 orifices under pressure can be beneficial because it will help eliminate fertilizer splatter or misting/volatilization of fertilizer when done in the following manner:

Use the correct size orifice above for 15-30 psi pressures
Use 2-3 times size orifice below, creating 5-7 lbs pressure to stream fertilizer into the soil

NEVER USE 2 OF THE SAME SIZE ORIFICES IN YOUR SYSTEM!!!

DO NOT run orifices with squeeze pumps. This cannot be done because squeeze pumps do not put out enough pressure for an orifice system. Squeeze pumps only put out 2-3 pounds of pressure.

learn more about our pump systems

Dual Side Placement

For dual placement of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and micro-nutrients when planting cotton, corn, peanuts, or soybeans

Dual side placement of fertilizer is quickly becoming a popular method of increasing yields. Traditionally, side placement of fertilizer has occurred on one side of the furrow. But with our new dual options, farmers can now apply liquid fertilizer on both sides of the furrow.

Add another tube to your new or existing G2 fertilizer disc to place liquid on the opposite side of the furrow (shown here on a John Deere planter).

G2 dual placement with Zippers on a John Deere planter

Dual G2 with Chicken Tracker on a John Deere cotton closing attachment

Original John Deere cotton closing unit (part #BA270006)

G2 dual fertilizer tube - mounting instructions

John Deere–Kinze Dual Placement - brochure

Case IH 2100 Dual G2 - brochure

Notched Disc for Heavy Residue

This notched G2 fertilizer disc works well when planting into wet or dry heavy residue field conditions (such as soybean stubble and heavy corn residue).

The notches in the blade help it “walk” over the residue, keeping the disc rolling in the field instead of plugging or stopping.

This specialized G2 is a true mud hog. In some conditions, using the notched style blade will allow you to eliminate the residue scraper.

g2-ptd — 9″ G2PTD with G2FAB fertilizer bracket

Stalk Deflector

G2 stalk deflector

JD 1700 planters mounting instructions

G2 stalk deflector - JD 7000/7100/7200/7300

JD 7000/7100/7200/7300 & Kinze planters mounting instructions

Conversion Kits

Converted tail section for John Deere 7000-7100 series planters

After much demand, Schaffert Mfg. designed a bracket that works like the newer John Deere planters. We now offer G2 fertilizer disc conversion kits for older style John Deere 7000/7100/7200/7300 series planters and Monosem 2001 and newer planters that will allow the G2 to fit them.

Check your tail section to see if it has two holes at the bottom to offset press wheels. If it does not, you will need to order the conversion kit along with the G2.

John Deere 7200/7300 planters will not need new press wheels because they already have the correct bearing for our G2 kit. The only ones that need to have new wheels are the ones with water pump type bearings.

John Deere tail upgrade mounting instructions

G2 Tops Farm Journal Yield Trials

2013 YIELD BY SOIL TYPE COMPARED WITH CHECK

In a 3-year fertilizer application study by Ken Ferrie of Farm Journal Magazine the G2 fertilizer disc topped their yield trials.

In four of the five soil types, yields increased when starter was applied 2″ to the side of the seed in-furrow, using the G2 fertilizer disc. With the dual placement of fertilizer for the young corn plant, this creates a relay effect as the different fertilizer bands are reached.

Source: Eckelkamp, Margy. “Smooth Hand-Off.” Farm Journal Magazine. 25 Jan 2014. www.agweb.com/article/smooth_hand-off_NAA_Margy_Eckelkamp

ADDING POP-UP IN 2012 PUSHED G2 YIELDS TO TOP

Each of these attachments provides a different placement relative to the seed and mounts differently on the planter. In 2012, there was an above average response to including pop-up fertilizer across two corn-on-soybean fields in central Illinois.

Source: Eckelkamp, Margy. “Starter Test Plot Roundup.” Farm Journal Magazine. 26 Jan 2013. www.agweb.com/article/starter_test_plot_roundup

ADDING POP-UP IN 2011 PUSHED G1, G2 YIELDS TO TOP

This chart displays the average yield results across two corn-on-corn fields in central Illinois. The farther the starter was placed outside the furrow, the more likely that adding pop-up starter in-furrow would increase yield.

Source: Eckelkamp, Margy. “Strategic Placement” Farm Journal Magazine. 28 Jan 2012. www.agweb.com/article/strategic_placement

Testimonials

B.D., Michigan
I have used the “Out the Back” fertilizer system from Schaffert for six years now and plan to keep using them. The staff and owner at Schaffert are top notch. You couldn’t ask for better service. Great product!
B.H., New York
Two years ago we ran one Gen 2 “Out the Back” opener on our 24 row 20 planter. We eliminated the soil build-up on the gauge wheel and also noticed less seedbed disturbance compared to our other fert openers. This past year we purchased the other 23 Gen 2s. We were concerned that the Gen 2 hose bracket placed starter fertilizer a little farther to the side but after this season’s results we are pleased with the way the Gen 2s performed.
C.S., Indiana
I put “Out the Back” fertilizer discs From Schaffert Mfg. on my White 6000 Planter in 2009. We planted corn in wet conditions in southern Indiana and they worked very well. We put down 18 gallons of 32% nitrogen. A neighbor had a liquid attachment on his JD planter in front of the planter. He had fertilizer and mud all over his planter. My planter stayed clean all season. I really liked the job the Schaffert Fertilizer Disc did. We will put more fertilizer on this year with the discs.
R.H., Nebraska
I have had the “Out the Back” fertilizer disk openers for only a year, but they seem to be working great. I have them on a 7000 JD 16 row so I had to put updated tail sections on; with the new tails on they are very simple to take on and off. Last year was a wet spring for us and the out the backs discs worked great compared to discs in front of the unit because the gauge wheels never had to run in wet dirt that was turned up from factory openers. I placed the fertilizer 2X2, and ran a rate of 25 gal per acre and didn’t have a problem at all. Schaffert is sending me the deflectors to run beside the disk which should solve the one problem that I had, which was every once and awhile a cob would get stuck between the disk and fertilizer tube and plug it up (which usually only happened in the corn on corn ground). I would recommend these to anybody placing fertilizer off to the side. They are simple and they work well, but the best thing I like is they keep the fertilizer off the planter.
T.H., Kansas (Dealer)
As a Case IH dealer we have sold several “Out the Back” fertilizer disc systems. Being a dealer you want to offer a good product that works and is cost efficient to the customer. The 2 X 2 system is easy to install by replacing one of the OEM covering discs on Case planters with the fertilizer disc setup. This system gives the owner some options on how they place the fertilizer. A couple of options would be to stream the fertilizer on with stream tip nozzles or use orifice plates further up the system so that you can stream the fertilizer on by dragging a hose in the slot the disc cuts. Either way we set it up the customers are very satisfied. A benefit of the “Out the Back” system is that the planter stays clean of fertilizer especially since now they have the orange boot attachment, unlike some other systems which apply fertilizer ahead of the row units. We have enough customers using the 2 X 2 “Out the Back” that it sells itself.
B.K.., Indiana
I bought my Kinze 3500 8/16 in 2010. Put Niemeyer shoes on and wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do; I wanted higher starter fertilizer rates. I saw the G2 system advertised in a magazine and liked the set-up. The G2 is very cost effective for me because I also plant soybeans with this planter. It allows me to run a 2×2 at the rates I want (15 gallon of 28). The Mohawk closing wheels work well in my heavier soil. Last, the tech support has been the best part. When you call with a question you can actually talk to the owner. If you’re looking for versatility on your planter at a reasonable price, I recommend checking into Schaffert products.
T.I., Alabama
We have used the G2 2×2 for two years now, and doing so, we are extremely happy with the results. This system allows us to put nutrients close to the seed where it is readily available. This helps establish the plant early and saves money on fertilizers. We highly recommend it.

SIDE PLACEMENT OF FERTILIZER

for Case IH Planters

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

Fertilizer Tubes for Case IH 800-1200 — Brochure

In-Between Tubes for Case IH 2100 — Brochure

Out-the-Back Tubes for Case IH 2100 — Brochure

Side Placement — Complete Parts List

Side Placement Fertilizer Tubes for Case IH 2100

ih2100-inbetween05-CT — Case IH 2100 with dual In-between fertilizer tubes, Chicken Tracker press wheel, Rebounder seed cover, and Mudlug gauge wheels

Benefits of Dual Side Placement

Double your rate of fertilizer while keeping it in two separate bands close to the furrow to propagate downward root movement
Lower rate versus broadcasting for zone building
Safer at higher rates for seedlings
Great for micro-nutrient packages of fertilizer that cannot go in furrow
Located behind the cover discs on the planter, keeping the gauge wheels clean for better depth control—no build-up from opener in front of the row unit
Works excellent with the 4″ Chicken Tracker™ press wheel―helps eliminate mud build-up

IH2100-outTheBack-v02 — Straight Out the Back liquid fertilizer tubes, along with the in-between tubes, Chicken Tracker press wheel, Rebounder seed cover, and Mudlug gauge wheels

When using in-between tubes, the liquid fertilizer injects directly into the slices opened by the Case IH cover discs.

ih2100-inbetween-CT-top — in-between tubes

Out the Back for Case IH 2100 comes with two tube options, bent or straight. The bent tubes place the liquid closer in to the center of the furrow.

straight-tubes-measure — Out the Back straight tubes

bent-tubes-above — Out the Back bent tubes

For high pressure, screw in one of Schaffert Mfg.’s stainless steel high pressure injector orifices into the bottom of the tube.

The heavy duty rubber boot is specially made for our fertilizer tubes, designed to immediately snap back into place after hitting trash. The rubber boot also helps eliminate fertilizer on the row unit.

We have different connector hose and Y-splitter options available for single and dual placement.

Benefits of Dual Side Placement

Double your rate of fertilizer while keeping it in two separate bands close to the furrow to propagate downward root movement
Lower rate versus broadcasting for zone building
Safer at higher rates for seedlings
Great for micro-nutrient packages of fertilizer that cannot go in furrow
Located behind the cover discs on the planter, keeping the gauge wheels clean for better depth control—no build-up from opener in front of the row unit
Works excellent with the 4″ Chicken Tracker™ press wheel—helps eliminate mud build-up
Different hose size options to find your perfect fit

Fertilizer Options for Case IH 2100 — Brochure

Side Placement Fertilizer Tubes for Case IH 800-1250

This fertilizer tube mounts directly to Case IH 800-1250 series planter units and moves independently of the covering disc bracket.

Its compact design injects fertilizer directly into the slice opened by the Case IH leading cover disc.

The tube places fertilizer precisely where you want it to the side of the row, giving roots early access to the nutrients needed for optimal plant growth.

The fertilizer is incorporated into moist soil, so it will not splash on the planter, press wheels, or on top of the ground.

This eliminates mud building up on the standard or Chicken Track press wheels.

Benefits of the Side Placement Tube

Side Placement of Fertilizer

Injects fertilizer into furrow on one or both sides of the furrow
Incorporates fertilizer into moist soil
Puts fertilizer in slice or opening made by cover disc
Optional to add high pressure tips

How It Mounts

Formed compact tube bolted to unit
Mounted directly to planter, NOT to cover discs
Fertilizer hose attaches high up on planter
Rights and lefts available

Eliminates Common Problems

Eliminates fertilizer on planter, press wheels, and on top of ground
Helps eliminate catching trash

Dual Side Placement for Case IH 800-1250

For dual placement of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and micro-nutrients when planting cotton, corn, peanuts, or soybeans

Dual fertilizer tubes with the Rebounder and Chicken Tracker on a Case IH 1200 planter

Case IH 800-1200 Side Placement brochure

High Pressure Injector Orifice

injector orifice mounting instructions

injector orifice rate charts Charts based on water and 30″ rows.

Orifice end (left) and hex end (right)

Schaffert Mfg.’s new high pressure injector orifice is made to screw into the end of this side placement fertilizer tube.

This kit works well with Schaffert’s hydraulic and electric-driven pump systems.

Features of the orifice include:

Screws inside 3/8″ stainless tube
Easy to install with an Allen wrench
Orifice OD is 5/16″
Stainless steel compact design
10 color coated orifice sizes
Injects high pressure, 2-40 GPA
Universal models – fits many machines
Allows tube to be closer to soil surface, eliminating trash buildup

To find the correct injector orifice for your high pressure kit, you will need to know:

Number of rows
Row spacing
Travel speed
Pressure
Kind of fertilizer
Product weight
Gallons per acre

Use the correct size orifice above for 15-30 psi pressures
Use 2-3 times size orifice below, creating 5-7 lbs pressure to stream fertilizer into the soil

NEVER USE 2 OF THE SAME SIZE ORIFICES IN YOUR SYSTEM!!!

DO NOT run orifices with squeeze pumps. This cannot be done because squeeze pumps do not put out enough pressure for an orifice system. Squeeze pumps only put out 2-3 pounds of pressure.

learn more about our pump systems

Testimonials

Tim R., North Dakota
I have tried all sorts of systems on my CIH 950 planter for fertilizer and the Schaffert 2 x 2 tubes are the only ones that work in all conditions. I can put down a heavy rate and still be close to the seed, and I’m not interfering with the seed trench. Plus, with running Chicken Trackers instead of the packer wheel I get good closure and no gumming up the wheel. Win/Win all the way around.
C. T., Texas
I farm in Central Texas, dryland conditions and installed the dual banded 2x2x2 stainless steel fertilizer tubes on Case IH 1200 planter for first time last year and was very impressed. Raised the best corn crop overall ever, had the most even corn and consistent yields across fields. My neighbor even ask me what I had done this year and if I would do the same thing and plant his corn the following year. In the past had operated with a pre-plant fertilizer application, 3-5 gallons pop-up fertilizer in furrow on the seed, and then a sidedress nitrogen & sulfur application. This past year decided to cut out two trips across the field and cut out the pop-up fertilizer, ran all the fertilizer through the dual banded tubes for a total savings on fertilizer cuts and trips of about $50 per acre. I applied 118 lbs of nitrogen with phosphorus, sulfur, and micros all through the planter and dual banded tubes; no preplant, no pop-up, and no sidedress. Seed representative weigh wagon tested 148.8 bpa yields. Early fertilizer placement close to the root zone is critical for plant energy and getting more nutrients into the plant. Saving cost and raising better crops is a win-win situation for me and will be continuing to do this in the future along with more products from Schaffert Manufacturing.
K.W., Indiana
We have used the Schaffert 2×2 stainless steel fertilizer tubes on our 1250 Case planter for two years.We were dry in 2016, but had record yields in 2017 using this system. It’s a simple and low cost way to kickstart the corn. Adjustment was needed to drop the starter into the trench closing wheel slot, so for 2018, we will use the rubber boots to get closer to the wheel cut. Thank you for a good product, Paul!
R.D., Arkansas
I am planting corn with the 2×2 fertilizer tubes and I really like them—they are working great. Instead of orifices, I put a drag hose on the end of the tube and it eliminated the splatter from the dribbling out the bottom of the stainless tube.
K.W., Indiana
Just finished installing the latest 2×2 fertilizer tubes with the sliding top bracket. They fit perfectly! Great idea with the top bracket! Thank you for your efforts and for your persistence.
K.O., Nebraska
I have a set of 2×2 fertilizer tubes on my Case IH planter. Dad came over one day to check them out. His reaction? “They look good. You get me a set.”
R.J., North Carolina
We have used several sets of the Stainless steel fertilizer tubes for the CaseIH Planter. In some applications, we have replaced the old disk and pipe arrangement. We are finding that the customers much prefer the tube because it is more precise in placement and reduces the amount of fertilizer that accumulates on the press wheel. In my opinion, using the orifice and putting the fertilizer under pressure is much better than letting it dribble in the trench. We will probably use the tubes exclusively from now on.

Q&A

Will the Rebounder improve the performance of my drill?

Does the Rebounder pull soil in with the seed?

Does the Rebounder pull loose dry soil off the soil surface and place with the seed?

Does the Rebounder leave seeds stranded on the side wall of the seed V or press them in the side wall when they lodge along the side?

Does the Rebounder need to be adjusted for proper tension in the seed V?

Why does the Rebounder mount to the seed tube?

Will the Rebounder drag seeds in the seed furrow?

Does mud build up on the Rebounder when soil conditions are sticky?

Know the seed boot on your Case IH 800-1200 series planter when ordering Rebounders®

The New 1200 Seed Boot

Verify that you have a new 1200 seed boot or one that has been recently updated. See the illustration to determine if you have either one of these seed boots.

The Original 1200 Seed Boot

You only have one chance to get it right

About the Rebounder

Benefits of the Rebounder

Patented Concave Design

Eliminates Common Problems

Ease of Installation

See The Difference

See more photos of the difference Rebounders make

History of the Rebounder

Testimonials

Closing Wheels

Assembling the Mohawk

Assembling the Zipper

CLOSING WHEELS

FURROW V CLOSER

G3 WALKING BEAM ARM

Angled spiked closing wheels

Zipper complete wheel

Cast Zipper complete wheel

Zipper Spyder™ complete wheel

About the Zipper

The non-aggressive, 1″ angled spikes on the Zipper feather the soil in the furrow while simultaneously applying pressure to ensure the furrow is zipped shut.

Benefits of the Zipper

Features—Design—Benefits

Eliminates Common Problems

Where They Work—Suitable for Many Soils

Ease of Installation

These photos were taken comparing two fields right across the road from each other at the same time.

This study was performed in wet, less than ideal conditions by Beck’s Hybrids 2015 Practical Research.

All-Cast Zipper

The NEW all-cast Zipper and Mohawk Closing Wheels won’t build up with mud due to not having plastic rims catching mud on each side.

COVER CROPS

CAST WHEELS FOR DRILLS

SINGLE TO DUAL WHEEL CONVERSION KITS

Zipper Spyder™

The NEW Zipper Spyder is a self-cleaning wheel in wetter soils. They weigh 11 pounds each.

Zipper Distinct Features over the Mohawk

Testimonials

Angled spiked closing wheels

Mohawk ring only

Mohawk Wheel

Cast Mohawk

About the Mohawk

The non-aggressive, 1″ angled blunt spikes on the Mohawk feather the soil in the furrow while simultaneously applying light pressure to ensure the furrow is stitched shut.

Source: Eckelkamp, Margy. “Test Plots: Close and Seal the Deal.” Farm Journal Magazine. 9 Feb 2013. www.agweb.com/farmjournal/article/test_plots_close_and_seal_the_deal

Benefits of the Mohawk

Features—Design—Benefits

Eliminates Common Problems

Where They Work—Suitable for Many Soils

Ease of Installation

COVER CROPS

CAST WHEELS FOR DRILLS

SINGLE TO DUAL WHEEL CONVERSION KITS

In the Field Performance

MOHAWKS VS STANDARD CLOSING WHEELS

The steeper the slope the greater the erosion of the soil down the furrow, and the less stand counts behind the regular closing wheels.

MOHAWK AFTER 1500 ACRES

MOHAWK AFTER 9000 ACRES

Mohawk Distinct Features Over The Zipper

Testimonials

Press & Gauge Wheels for Planters & Drills

About the Chicken Tracker

Unlike the original solid press wheel which can smear soil, the Chicken Tracker mulches and mellows soil over the seed bed.

The application of pressure on 3 points provides good seed to soil contact, leading to more even emergence and higher yields.

Benefits of the Chicken Tracker

Prepares the Seed Bed

Eliminate Common Problems

Know the seed boot on your Case IH 800-1200 series planter when ordering Rebounders^®

Zipper
complete wheel

Cast Zipper
complete wheel

Zipper Spyder™
complete wheel