Early Spring Planting Prep: Getting Your John Deere Equipment Field-Ready

2/27/2026

With Louisiana's narrow planting windows, every day counts when conditions are right. When the sun peeks out after winter and planting season approaches, you need your John Deere tractor and planter field-ready—not sidelined by maintenance issues that could have been caught weeks earlier. Getting your equipment ready now ensures you won't lose precious planting days to preventable problems when ideal conditions finally arrive.

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Tractor Pre-Season Checklist

Clean and Inspect

First things first, for a thorough inspection, you need to wash away all the dirt and debris that has accumulated on your tractor over the winter months. Use a power washer or hose to remove any dirt and grime you can see. Once your tractor is clean, perform a visual inspection, checking for leaks, worn parts, or anything else that requires immediate attention.

Fluids and Filters

Fluids and filters can become contaminated over the winter months, causing all sorts of problems for your engine. Get under the hood to check the following fluids and filters, replacing as necessary

Engine oil and filter
Hydraulic oil
Coolant
Transmission fluid
Fuel filters

Battery and Electrical Systems

Cold temperatures can be especially harsh on batteries. When bringing your tractor out of storage, test your battery to see if it can hold a charge. Also, clean the terminals to remove any corrosion. You’ll also want to check the condition of your electrical system. Test your lights so you’re ready for long planting days in the field. Also, inspect your wiring, keeping an eye out for rodent damage—a common problem in the winter.

Tires and Wheels

Tires tend to deflate more quickly in low temperatures. Check your tire pressure and make sure they're properly inflated for field work. Inspect for cracks, worn tread, and damage as well. Before you head out on the field, it’s also important to check wheel weights and lug nuts, making sure they are secure.

Lubricate

Don’t skip lubrication. Lubricate all moving parts and grease points like chains and bearings to minimize friction and extend the lifespan of components.

Final Functional Checks

Once everything is inspected thoroughly, perform a final operational test to ensure everything is working as it should be. Test all your hydraulic functions, such as the PTO shaft, and verify smooth transmission operation. Check steering response and brake operation.

With your tractor inspected and ready, it’s time to focus on your planter- the precision equipment that sets the foundation for your entire growing season.

Planter Pre-Season Checklist

Planters are built for precision, and Louisiana's planting conditions—clay soils, variable moisture, tight windows—rely on accuracy. A thorough inspection can prevent costly downtime when it matters the most.

Seed Meters and Drive Systems

Remove and thoroughly clean all seed meters
Inspect seed discs for wear, cracks, or damaged cells
Inspect drive chains for wear, proper tension, and lubrication
Check drive sprockets for worn teeth
Verify seed population accuracy with calibration test using actual seed
Run calibration for each crop you'll plant (corn, soybeans, cotton)
Lubricate all drive components according to manufacturer specs
Replace any worn drive components now

Row Units and Closing Systems

Inspect opener discs for wear and sharpness (dull openers = poor seed placement)
Measure disc thickness and replace if below minimum spec
Check depth gauge wheels for flat spots or excessive wear
Examine closing wheels for wear patterns and proper alignment
Adjust closing wheel pressure for your soil conditions
Test down pressure systems (airbags or springs) for leaks and proper operation
Verify row unit parallel linkage moves freely without binding
Check for worn bushings in gauge wheel arms and row unit pivots
Lubricate all pivot points and grease fittings
Ensure row cleaners (if equipped) spin freely and adjust properly

Fertilizer Systems (if equipped)

Completely flush and clean fertilizer tanks and delivery lines
Inspect pumps, hoses, and tubes for leaks or corrosion damage
Check nozzles and openers for clogs or wear
Test application rate accuracy with water test
Verify rate controller operation across different speeds
Inspect for corrosion from fertilizer residue (particularly connection points)
Replace any corroded components before they fail in the field

Monitor and Electronics

Update planter monitor software to latest version
Test all row sensors for proper signal transmission
Verify GPS and guidance system operation and accuracy
Check AutoTrac or similar guidance system calibration
Replace any sensor batteries
Test seed sensor operation on each row unit
Verify population and spacing accuracy matches monitor display
Calibrate speed sensors if needed
Check all wiring harnesses for damage, especially near moving parts
Test alarm systems for seed flow interruption

When to Call the Professionals

We fully support your right to repair and our team is here to guide you through any DIY maintenance you wish to perform on your equipment. However, some service tasks are best left for your dealer. Complex repairs and diagnostics like the following should be handled by an experienced technician.

Transmission or hydraulic system issues
Engine performance problems
Electronic system diagnostics
Precision ag system calibration and troubleshooting
Major component replacement

At Goldman Equipment, we have John Deere Certified technicians ready to take on any job, big or small. Our service department uses genuine John Deere parts along with special tools and diagnostic equipment to accurately diagnose and repair your equipment, providing a comprehensive inspection that catches issues you might miss.

Get Ready Now

Pre-season preparation leads to fewer breakdowns and more productive planting days. For reliable service that gets you back to work faster, schedule an appointment at one of our 11 Goldman locations across Louisiana. Don’t let unexpected repairs cost you valuable time in the spring.

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