Milner, GA (October 16, 2025) – Any type of machinery is subject to malfunction, but the leading cause is a lack of maintenance. Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment (ROE) proudly builds all its products to provide rugged, reliable performance, but once they leave its ISO 9001:2015 certified Milner, Georgia plant, it’s up to the owners to ensure that the products continue to work at peak performance.
The Elements
Sun, rain, and neglect are among the worst enemies of equipment. Firminator implements should have a designated shelter to protect them from the elements when not in use. It’s okay to leave them outdoors briefly between uses, but owners should consider covering the units with a tarp or canvas. Even on the nicest days, harmful UV rays can accelerate aging of the durable powder coat finish and rubber tires (on Firminator ATV Model), requiring more frequent maintenance. On the bad days, moisture in the form of rain, snow, and even fog can collect on the machine, eventually leading to rust and corrosion. Furthermore, heavy or steady precipitation can wash protective lubricants from the seed cups, requiring more frequent lubrication.
Groundbreaking
Before initial use or after a lengthy break, operators should thoroughly inspect all moving parts to ensure they are properly lubricated and in good working order. A maintenance checklist can be very helpful in tracking this. After that, occasional cursory inspections and cleaning of excess dirt and dust with a hose or power washer are advised. Fine particulates can collect moisture, leading to rust, or work their way into moving parts.
In addition to being kept free of dirt and environmental moisture, moving parts must be regularly lubricated to ensure smooth operation. A checklist can also help monitor hours of use and keep a routine maintenance schedule. The Firminator has three flange bearings that require regular grease: two at the cultipacker shaft ends and one on the small shaft protruding from the drive side leg. Ranew’s recommends lubricating these bearings after every 15-20 hours of use.
Other routine maintenance tasks can be done at longer intervals, but it doesn’t hurt to do any more frequently; it’s often easier to do them all at once. That includes periodic inspection of the chain tensioner. Inside the drive-side frame leg, proper tension is maintained on the large chain that drives the seed metering system. Check it more frequently during the break-in period. After the first 50 hours of use, it should require minimal attention. The disk axle bearings are triple-sealed, replaceable, and do not require additional grease.
Another routine task involves occasionally removing the bottom access cover that protects the underside of the drive side leg to remove any dust or debris that may have collected inside the frame. Cleaning the seed box at the end of the season is recommended, but cleaning it between applications is also advisable, especially when changing seed sizes. After each such cleaning, lubricate the seed cups with a dry lubricant like powdered graphite. DO NOT use wet lubricants on the plated seed metering bushings, as that could collect gritty, abrasive material.
Spreading pelletized lime and normal dry fertilizer is not recommended because of their abrasive and corrosive nature. Should an operator choose to do so, it’s especially important to thoroughly clean and lubricate immediately after use.
Storage
Take the time to clean and lubricate everything thoroughly, as described above. First, remove the seeds from the seed box, as they can absorb and hold moisture, potentially blocking the seed cups. The most efficient method for this is a shop vac. Clean the vacuum hopper first if the seed box contains a salvageable amount. Then vacuum and pour the seed into a container for later use.
Once the hopper is empty, lift the unit with a tractor, open the seed meter to its largest setting, ensure the seed drive is engaged, and turn the cultipacker a few times to remove any residual seed. Lubricate the seed cups again with a dry graphite lubricant. Remove the bottom and side access covers, and then remove any accumulated dust or debris from within the legs. Lubricate the seed metering chain while the cover is off with quality spray grease. Let the machine air dry before storing it, particularly if the structure is not well ventilated. Adding some mothballs or dryer sheets to the seed box before storage is also recommended to keep small rodents from taking up housekeeping in idle implements.
About Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment
Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment features the Firminator – The Firminator is by far the most versatile piece of equipment in the industry. The operator can choose from a wide range of angle and pitch adjustments to perform many different functions.
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