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Gauge Wheels

All About Gauge Wheels

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).

PolyFlex™ Replacement Gauge Wheel Tire

Flexible Polyurethane

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

Engineered for Balanced Deflection

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.

PolyFlex in Action

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. 

Chris Horton

Chris Horton brings 25 years of management with him. He grew up on his grandparents farm in Reno County Kansas where they mainly grew wheat and cattle feed. He worked on feed lots as a pen rider and cow-calf operations before moving to Southern California where Chris started a new career in the transportation and transport logistics, eventually managing the western region for a large commercial vehicle leasing company. Chris moved home to Kansas, to manage a local Farmers Coop and then eventually the service dept for a tractor dealership. The opportunity to join the Exapta team came up, and he knew he wanted to be a part of this team.

Bob Pagel

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.

Jon Zeller

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.