Planter Buying Guide

A typical modern farm will plant hundreds of seeds per year. Obviously, planting that many seeds by hand would take far too long. That’s why farmers use planters, a piece of equipment specifically designed to plant seeds in rows. Obviously, matching the right planter to the right operation is an important part of successful farming, but how do you determine which planter is right for you? This buying guide from K.C. Nielsen Ltd. can help you find the right planter for you. 

How Big Is Your Property?

As with most farm equipment, the bigger the planter, the more work it can do and the more it will cost. Survey your property before you start shopping for a planter. Take note of your farm’s size, overall shape, and terrain type. Keep in mind that while bigger planters can do more work, they can also be cumbersome to maneuver. A smaller model may be needed if your fields are unusually shaped. 

What Crops Are You Planting?

Not all crops are the same. They can differ significantly when it comes to planting depths and intervals. A planter’s size affects the depth and intervals at which it plants, so consider the types of crops you are trying to grow when shopping for planters. 

How Much Can You Spend?

Creating a budget is an important part of buying a planter. You don’t want to overspend on a model that you can’t afford, after all! Don’t forget to factor in the costs of things like maintenance and buying attachments. These smaller costs can add up quickly if you don’t keep track of them. 

Shop our inventory of planters at K.C. Nielsen Ltd. We operate 11 locations throughout the northwest Iowa area. We’re proud to serve communities like Humboldt and Fort Dodge, Iowa. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing. We hope to see you online or in-person!