1. Update Displays, Firmware & Licenses
Before the planter ever leaves the shop, ensure all precision systems are up to date:
Ag Leader display firmware updates
GPS receiver firmware updates
Autosteer / steering controller updates
Verify subscriptions (RTK, correction services, data platforms)
Tip: HTS Ag can assist with pre‑season firmware updates to avoid planting-day downtime.
2. Verify GPS, RTK, & Base Station Connectivity
March is the perfect time to test signal strength and correction accuracy:
Confirm RTK subscriptions are active
Test base station communication and battery power
Validate boundaries and guidance lines
Check for drifting or signal interruptions in known trouble areas
3. Planter System Calibration
Help customers prevent skips, doubles, and uneven emergence:
SureForce/SureSpeed calibration
Liquid system pressure & flow verification
Seed meter testing
Downforce system checks (springs, actuators, load pins)
Depth calibration for all row units
4. Perform Mechanical Inspections
The “small things” matter:
Opening disc wear
Gauge wheel clearance
Closing wheel alignment
Seed tube condition
Chains, bearings, drive components
Your techs can include add‑on recommendations (gauge wheel upgrades, closing system improvements).
5. Data Prep & Field Setup
Ensuring clean data helps every system run smoother:
Remove duplicate field names
Update boundaries & guidance patterns
Load 2026 varieties, fertilizer blends, and prescriptions
Back up 2025 yield and application data
Ensure cloud sync (AgFiniti, Climate, MyJohnDeere, etc.)
6. Pre‑Season Connectivity Check
Before the first acre:
Test Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connections between systems
Confirm cloud sync from the shop (not in the field)
Ensure all user logins and permissions are active
7. Safety & Readiness Items
Worth adding to show care for customers:
First‑aid kit stocked
Fire extinguisher charged
LED lights working for early/late hours
Grease, seed, and fertilizer inventories checked