The gauge wheel’s purpose is to keep the planter/drill running at a consistent depth and absorb the residue (in no-till). Until now, there have only been two options for gauge wheels: soft, rubber tires and rock-hard, polyurethane tires, making a tough choice for farmers. At Exapta, we have always preferred the rubber tires; they are pliable enough to absorb variations on the soil surface, from small stones to thick stalks, plus, rubber tires shed mud better due to their flexible nature. The downside to rubber tires is the wear-life in no-till conditions. Originally designed for tilled seedbeds, the abrasions of corn stalks, soybean stubble and cotton in no-till, cause rubber tires to wear quickly (in some conditions, only lasting one season). Hence, the introduction of polyurethane gauge wheel tires. Their wear life is exceptional, but rock-hard tires can increase soil compaction and may cause the row unit to raise or jump over variations on the soil surface, resulting in erratic seed depth placement. And, their rigid structure, causes mud build-up.
After extensive testing in a variety of conditions across the U.S., Exapta is pleased to offer the PolyFlex™ gauge wheel tire, combining the strengths and minimizing the issues of too-soft rubber and rock-hard polyurethane. With a 3-year warranty on the tire, the PolyFlex™ assures durability for long-lasting wear-life and pliability to conform to your soil type. We’re pleased to introduce our PolyFlex™ gauge wheel, now as a complete assembly. The only polyurethane tire on the market with an air cavity that allows it to flex.
PolyFlex™ remains flexible in order to maintain performance in varying ground conditions. Engineered for balanced deflection to prevent excessive mud buildup and soil compaction while providing the excellent wear resistance of polyurethane tires. PolyFlex™ gives the benefits of traditional rubber tires and solid core tires without the drawbacks. Lab tested and field proven.
Fits most planters and single-disc gauge wheel drills using 5/8″ or 16mm mounting bolt (JD 50,60,90 & N series, Case P500 & NH 2080 drills).
Cross-section of Exapta’s PolyFlex tire, a high-wear polyurethane material with a hollow core, that can flex. The only polyurethane tire on the market with an air cavity that allows it to flex. 3-year tire warranty; 1-year rim warranty
PolyFlex™ remains flexible in order to maintain performance in varying ground conditions. Engineered for balanced deflection to prevent excessive mud buildup and soil compaction while providing the excellent wear resistance of polyurethane tires. PolyFlex™ gives the benefits of traditional rubber tires and solid core tires without the drawbacks. Lab tested and field proven.
The PolyFlex gauge wheel tire is unique from other polyurethane tires in that it has a hollow core, which allows it to shed mud more so like a rubber tire. It can absorb rocks and small clods in the fields, which means the row units will have less bounce, and the seeds will be better placed in the furrow, not on the top of the soil.
Content of this page is copyright 2005-2025 Exapta Solutions, Inc. (reprint with written permission only).
Thompson wheel covered by U.S. Patent No. 6,907,833. Liquid delivery feature of Valion seed tube guards is U.S. Patent No. 8,978,564. Ninja seed bounce flap U.S. Patent Pending. UniForce U.S. Patent Pending. All rights reserved on other designs. Exapta is a registered trademark of Exapta Solutions, Inc. Keeton is a registered trademark of Precision Planting. Mojo Wire, Thompson wheel, Valion guard, Ninja flap, UniForce, DuraLok, No-till Seeding Explained, and No-till Seeding School are trademarks of Exapta. Disclaimer: Recommendations & page content are current, accurate, and believed to be broadly applicable as of the time of writing (Dec 2005) and last update (2005 – 2014). Because of diversity of soils, climate, crops, planter & drill models/designs marketed worldwide, combinations of attachments, etc., actual results may vary. No warranty is made as to actual results obtained. Should you encounter exceptions or worthwhile annotations to the statements made on this page, please contact us.
Derek is Kansas native who grew up in a 100% no-till farming operation. From an early age the benefits of no-till were made known to Derek by his father and by attending no-till conferences. From there he furthered his passion for soils while at Kansas State University getting his agronomy degree. He has had the experience of working in various roles and sectors of agriculture from sales and consulting to management, which have all been within production agriculture. Derek has also worked in specialty ag markets such as turf and ornamentals.
Sales & Service Representative
Prior to joining Exapta, Bob Pagel was an Agricultural Territory Sales Manager for Ritchie Brothers, serving parts of MN, WI and IA. He continues to support his family farm in SE Minnesota.
Current Product Engineer
Jonathan Zeller joined Exapta excited to return to working with no-till planting equipment. He supported research of no-till planting and other ag related projects for 7 years with Kansas State University’s Agricultural Engineering Department after getting his engineering degree. He later worked 3 years for Landoll Company, LLC. where he gained experience in a design engineering role. Jonathan grew up on a small family farm in NE Kansas working with row crops, hay and cattle. Jonathan enjoys solving engineering problems and improving or creating products to be robust and easy to install and service.
