In Kinze News
Music Meets Manufacturing: Kinze Supports Local Music Education
Dozens of studies suggest there’s a direct correlation (and generally, a positive effect) between music and human behavior – particularly in the areas of academics, intelligence, personality, math, concentration, happiness and language. And yet, isn’t it ironic that one of the most positive influences in education and human behavior seems to be one of the most underfunded programs in our schools and society’s cultural or community affairs. I love the sound of music and commend the dedication and hard work of the people who teach and provide it. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of presenting a Kinze check to the Williamsburg Music Association to help cover the costs for several new and used instruments and choir arrangements. I...
How the Kinze Grain Cart Got Its Start
For over 35 years a giant Kinze grain cart has been hoisted in the air above the Williamsburg, IA exit 216 on I-80. Why? Because it represents the first major product innovation developed and manufactured (1971) by Jon Kinzenbaw and what was then his new upstart company, Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.The original Kinze Model 400 Grain Cart concept was the brainchild of Jon to fill the needs of a local grain producer. It allowed farmers to transfer huge volumes of their grain from their loaded combines to standing trucks – which was a major time-saver during the harvest rush, especially when fields were soft or slippery. This unique low-profile design was the first ever to use giant high-flotation tires on a...
In Maintenance Tips
, Planters
Operator Tips for Optimizing Planter Performance
Technology has streamlined and simplified many elements of farming, and made farmers more productive and efficient than ever before. But technology isn’t foolproof. Monitors and automated functionality like section control and hydraulic drives require field checks to validate performance.So, when you’re ready to plant this spring, here are a few quick pointers and functionality tests that will help you optimize planter performance and increase yield potential and profitability in the fall. Population Check Follow the procedure in your operator’s manual to do a full in-field check…or several of them. Merely digging up four or five seeds will not give you complete information to establish consistent population, spacing and depth control. NOTE: 17' 5" of row length is = to 1/1000th acre...
In Kinze News
Kinze Produces 100th Planter at Lithuanian Factory
Kinze made an exciting leap last fall by opening its first production facility abroad in Vilnius, Lithuania. The decision to go overseas was made in spring 2013 in order to support a growing market in Eastern Europe. After nearly five decades of production taking place exclusively in the heartland of America, setting up a new facility nearly 5,000 miles away required careful planning and countless man-hours. Finding the perfect location, acquiring equipment, equipping the facility, molding a proficient team, and getting everyone up to speed took considerable dedication from numerous individuals. What an achievement it was for all of us at Kinze to see the facility up and running last fall. The Lithuanian staff has since grown to 17 employees and...
In Kinze News
A Kinze Dealer’s Perspective: It’s About Passion and People
Recently, we visited with H&R Agri Power Owner Wayne Hunt and General Manager Ross Morgan to discuss their perspective as a multi-store dealership (with 14 locations serving AL, KY, IL, MS and TN) and the primary reasons for their success. What Do You Think Are Some of the Major Advantages You Have Vs. Competition? And the Most Effective Marketing Tactics You Use? H&R: If we have an advantage, it comes from our passion for the business and the strengths of our people. Brick and mortar are essential tools, but it’s people who determine success. And that starts with talented individuals who have integrity, a great work ethic, a good positive attitude, in a culture they passionately embrace. That’s our biggest advantage....
New Kinze Training And Service Videos Help You Get More From Your Equipment
At Kinze, we appreciate the importance of education and training, which is why we host training events throughout the year for our customers and dealers. This puts you face-to-face with product specialists and provides invaluable hands-on training. And, while there is no substitute for in-person training, we know travel and scheduling conflicts prevent some from attending our events. And many of those who do attend later want a quick brush up on some of the things they learned. Thus, we are pleased to announce that Kinze now offers a series of training videos to assist our dealers and customers with commonly asked questions and to help get planter electronics ready for spring. The following videos are posted on the Kinze...
In Maintenance Tips
, Planters
Tech Tune-Ups and Frame Maintenance for Row Crop Planters
When it Comes to Planter Maintenance, we always tend to focus on meters and row units first, but don’t overlook the frame during annual pre-season inspections! It only takes a few minutes. Here’s a good checklist: Is your planter is level? Changing tires on your tractor or using a different tractor from the prior year can easily change the height of the hitch and the level of your planter.Check for wear on the hitch clevis. (Remember, flipping it over changes planter height too.)Repack your wheel bearings and check air pressure in your tires.Grease your wheel modules, wing hinges and folding pivot points.Check torque on your bolted hitch joints.Got loose hoses and wires? Strap them down neatly to the hitch and frame.Got markers? Check...
In Kinze News
National Farm Machinery Show Wrap-Up
Kinze sales and support personnel spent February 12 - 15 at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The show gave us great opportunities to showcase all of the newest Kinze innovations (like the new Kinze multi-hybrid planter) and to interact with some of the best farmers around. We launched three new videos at the show, which included the Kinze Hydraulic Weight Transfer video, Row Unit and Meter video and Multi-Hybrid Planter video. Make sure you give them a watch if you weren’t able to make it to the show! This year, the crowd was really excited about our Multi-Hybrid Planter display and we were really proud to show off this game-changing new technology. The multi-hybrid technology provides farmers with the ability to change...
The Sum of One. The Accuracy of 99%+.
Editorial provided by Chris Schlesser, Kinze District Manager I remember the first time I saw Kinze’s new 4000 series vacuum meter. The one with electric drive. At the time, they called it “Project Echo,” one of several top-secret innovations being developed at Kinze. Rumors had been circulating for months with all sorts of possibilities. Electric drive. Instant population rate changes, infinitely variable. Incredibly accurate seed singulation, placement and spacing, even on turns. Reduced seed velocity at the exact point of release. One disc for multiple seeds. 99%+ accuracy! That one really got my attention! And, I remember thinking “how in the world could they make that kind of statement, and claim that kind of accuracy, even in this day of precision...
Care and Maintenance Tips for Fertilizer and No-Till Attachments
Taking time during the off season to tune up your planter ensures you’re ready to roll into the fields soon as planting season arrives. In January we published a post highlighting some key tips for Seed Meter Care and Maintenance, which I encourage you to check out if you missed it. Today we’re going discuss proper care and maintenance of your fertilizer and no-till attachments. Here are the key components you will want to inspect for wear and clean/replace as needed. No-Till Coulters – Ensure the no-till coulter blade is approximately ¼" shallower than double disc opener blades. It can be adjusted down with different adjustment holes in no-till coulter arm. Set the planter down on a level surface to check. Check...