How to Calibrate Your Moore Unidrill Seed Drill: Complete Guide
Calibrating your Moore Unidrill correctly is essential for achieving accurate seed rates, minimizing waste, and ensuring even crop establishment. Whether you’re sowing grass, cereals, or fine seeds like clover or rape, this guide walks you through the full calibration process using the Kverneland/Accord metering system.
Why Calibration Is Important
- Accurate seeding rates
- Reduced seed waste
- Uniform crop emergence
- Cost-effective seed usage
Step-by-Step Calibration Process
1. Identify Your Seed Type
Determine whether your seed is:
- Normal seed (4–10 mm): e.g., wheat, barley, oats, peas
- Fine seed (1.5–4 mm): e.g., rape, red clover, fine grasses
Use the red change-over switch on the metering unit:
- Normal seed: switch points toward the metering device
- Fine seed: switch engages in the hexagonal shaft and points away
Important: Only switch between seed types when the hopper is empty to avoid damaging the metering system.
2. Set the Airflow
Adjust the fan regulating flap:
- Normal seed: flap in the open position
- Fine seed: rotate the lever 90° to reduce airflow
3. Choose the Right Setting from the Seed Rate Chart
Refer to the seed rate calibration chart (usually on the hopper or in the manual). It provides:
- Recommended variator settings for different seeds
- Corresponding kg/ha rates
- Separate columns for normal and fine seed settings
4. Prepare for Calibration
- Close the emptying flap
- Inspect the hopper for foreign objects
- Place a catch pan under the metering unit
- Remove the elbow and fold the bracket aside
- Mount the calibration handle on the shaft and secure it
5. Perform the Calibration Test
- Add seed to the hopper
- Set the variator to the desired value
- Rotate the calibration handle 85 times (equivalent to 0.10 ha)
- Collect the seed in the catch pan
Note: For high seed rates (over 100 kg/ha), calibrate for 0.05 ha using 42.5 turns.
6. Weigh and Calculate
- Weigh the collected seed
- Compare it to the expected amount from the chart
- If there’s a difference, calculate the percentage deviation
- Adjust the variator setting up or down accordingly
Important: If reducing the setting (cell width), ensure the metering unit is empty.
7. Repeat for Accuracy
Repeat the calibration test 2–3 times to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Pro Tips
- Always calibrate for each seed type and field condition
- Allow for extra seed if using tramlines (e.g., +10% for 12m or 24m tramlines)
- Keep the seed hopper clean and free of debris
- Store a copy of the seed rate chart in your cab for quick reference
Need Help?
Contact Moore Unidrill:
