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, causing 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 Poly-Flex™ gauge wheel tire, combining the strengths and minimizing the issues of pliable rubber and hard polyurethane. With a 3-year warranty, the Poly-Flex™ assures durability for long-lasting wear-life and pliability to conform to your soil type.