Calibrating Your Brillion Seeder: A Guide for First-Time Use and Best Practices

Calibration for Agricultural Users

(For Models: SS, SSP, SS-16, 4610-16 Series)

These models are built for larger producers and usually feature two seed boxes. The front Micro-Meter box handles fine seeds like clover, alfalfa, timothy, and chicory. The optional rear agitator box is used for heavier, bulkier seed types like orchardgrass, brome, or oats.

Identify Seed Type and Box

Use the Micro-Meter box for smooth, uniform seeds that flow easily. Use the agitator box for bulky, fluffy, or irregular seed types that require constant movement to avoid bridging. If you're using a blend, you can split seed types between the boxes for better metering accuracy—just be sure each is suitable for the box it's in.

Reference the Seed Rate Chart

Every Brillion seeder includes a seed rate chart mounted inside the Micro-Meter box lid. Find your seed type (or a close match), then reference the row spacing and your target seeding rate in pounds per acre. The chart will provide a control lever position, often in half-step increments (e.g., 6.5).

Set the Control Lever

Use the adjustment lever on each box to set the output rate. Start conservatively if your seed type isn’t listed. Most Brillion drills are ground-driven, so seeding rate is determined by ground speed, control lever setting, and drive system tension.

Perform a Static Calibration

1. Raise the seeder off the ground.

2. Place catch pans or bags under 3–5 seed tubes.

3. Rotate the drive wheel manually for a known number of revolutions (10 or as listed in the manual).

4. Weigh the seed collected.

5. Use the formula below to calculate pounds per acre:

(Total seed weight × 43,560) ÷ area covered in sq ft = lbs/acre

Repeat the test until the output matches your target seeding rate. Adjust the lever as needed and re-test until the result is within an acceptable range.

Conduct a Field Pass

Make a short planting pass. Stop, dig into the seedbed, and inspect your results. Seed should be placed shallowly—just below the surface—and firmed by the rear roller. If seed is buried too deep or sitting on top, adjust your roller tension, speed, or seedbed firmness accordingly.

Final Tips

• Don’t skip calibration if you're using a new seed mix, haven’t used the machine in months, or are planting into drastically different conditions.

• Keep a notebook or laminated sheet with past lever settings for common crops; it can cut setup time dramatically.

• Clean the Micro-Meter box thoroughly between uses, especially after using coated or sticky seed.

• Note on coated seed: Coated seed flows differently than raw seed. Even if the seed is the same species, coatings can cause changes in metering rate and bridging risk. Always recalibrate when switching between coated and uncoated seed.

Calibration for Plot, Turf, and Compact Seeder Users

(For Models: FPSB-6, Turfmaker, LSP/LSS, Till ‘N Seed)

While smaller in size, these machines require just as much care in calibration—especially because plot seed is often expensive and turf blends can vary in size and coating.

Understand Your Metering System

Most compact Brillion models use one or two seed boxes:

• Micro-Meter box (front): Ideal for small, uniform seeds like ryegrass, clover, and brassicas.

• Brush-agitator box (rear, on FPSB): Handles coarser, fluffy seeds like oats, peas, or larger food plot mixes.

• Blade agitator systems (LSP/LSS): These work well for straight turfgrass blends or evenly sized seed types. When used with mixtures that include both very small and large seeds, separation or flow inconsistencies can occur.

Choose the Right Box

Seed type is the primary factor. Use the Micro-Meter for anything smaller than soybean size. Only use the agitator box when seed needs mixing during flow (e.g., millet or buckwheat). If you’re planting a mix with coated or varying seed sizes, consider running it in two passes rather than combining in one box.

Reference Your Seeder’s Rate Chart

Most FPSB and Turfmaker seeders include a laminated rate chart near the box. Find your seed or a close match by size and density. Choose a rate on the lower end to avoid over-seeding small acreage. Overapplying small seed like clover is a common food plot mistake.

Static Calibration

1. Raise the machine and rotate the drive wheel for a fixed number of turns (usually 10 or as manual states).

2. Collect output from 3 drop tubes using pans or bags.

3. Weigh and average the amount per opener.

4. Multiply and convert to lbs/acre using your working width and row spacing.

5. Adjust the lever slightly and repeat if the result is off-target.

Conduct a Visual Field Test

After a test pass, check seed coverage. For turf applications, especially fine grasses like bluegrass or rye, it’s acceptable for some seed to remain visible on the surface. That seed should still be pressed firmly into contact with the soil by the rear roller. For food plot mixes, seeds like clover or small grains should sit just below the surface (1/8" to 1/4"), evenly spaced and not buried too deep.

Final Thoughts on Calibration

Calibration takes 30–60 minutes the first time, but it saves rework, seed, and frustration. Brillion drills are built for precision, but only when properly adjusted based on seed, speed, and field conditions.

Recalibrate when:

• Changing seed type or blend

• Field conditions change significantly

• You haven’t used the machine in several months

Keep written records of successful settings for future use. Many owners keep a dry-erase card on the machine or a chart in the seed room for quick reference.

Best Practices and Pro Tips for Brillion Seeders

Once calibration is complete, several habits can help you get the most out of your Brillion seeder. These details aren’t always highlighted in the owner's manual, but can improve seed placement and consistently performance over years of use.

First, consider the ground speed you intend to seed at. Because Brillion seeders are mechanically driven, their seed rate is tied directly to how fast the machine moves. Inconsistent speed leads to uneven seeding, even when the control lever is correctly set. Agricultural drills perform best around 4.5 to 6 mph, while food plot and turf units are more accurate between 3 and 5 mph. Many operators use GPS, or mark off a 100-foot section to verify their ground speed.

You should also match the pressure on the rear roller to your field conditions. The roller presses seed into the soil for firm contact, but too much pressure can bury the seed too deep, and too little may leave it exposed. In dry or loose seedbeds, increasing tension helps firm the seedbed. In heavier or moist soils, it’s better to reduce pressure to avoid compaction or smearing. As a rule of thumb, a properly set roller should leave a visible track but not compress the soil excessively. However, this may vary based on the seed you're planting. Reference the owner's manual for more information.

Another common issue is seed bridging, especially in humid conditions or when using fluffy blends. If seed stops flowing, open the box and check for clumping or uneven distribution. Avoid filling seed boxes above the recommended level, as this can reduce airflow and cause bridging. Use brush agitators or factory agitator kits for coarse seed as needed. If you’re planting a blend with large variation in seed sizes, it’s often better to divide the seed by box or plant it in two separate passes to avoid separation or flow inconsistencies.

Matching seed type to the correct box also prevents most flow problems. The front Micro-Meter box is ideal for small, smooth seeds like clover, alfalfa, ryegrass, and brassicas. It can also be used with coated seed, though it should always be recalibrated when switching from uncoated to coated types. The rear agitator box, when installed, is best for irregular or fluffy seed such as oats, buckwheat, or soybeans that benefit from constant mixing. Landscape seeders with blade-style agitators are well suited for consistent turfgrass blends, but may perform less reliably with highly diverse mixtures. As always, if seed isn't flowing properly, start by inspecting the seed box and metering system before adjusting other parts of the drill.

Cleaning your boxes between crops or seasons is another key to accuracy. When switching between seed types, fully empty each box and use a soft brush or low-pressure vacuum to remove dust or leftover material from the meters and corners. If buildup is left behind, it can reduce metering accuracy or carry unwanted seed into your next crop. It’s also important to run the drive wheel manually a few turns during cleanout to clear any seed held in the rollers or tubes. Avoid using water to wash out the box unless the unit is completely dried afterward, as residual moisture can lead to corrosion or meter failure.

Brillion's chain-driven systems are dependable, but only if kept in working order. Bearings should be greased before each planting season, and chains inspected regularly for tension and wear. Loose or rusty chains can result in reduced meter rotation, which throws off your seeding rate. If the machine will be unused for several months, consider moving it indoors or protecting it from excessive moisture.

When the season ends, be sure to store your seeder properly. Leaving seed or fertilizer in the box—even for a short time—can lead to rusting, damage to internal components, or rodent problems. Always empty and clean the boxes, lubricate moving parts, and if possible, store it indoors. If storing outside, cover the meter housings, roller bearings, and seed box lids securely to keep out rain and debris.

These steps take a few extra minutes per use, but extend the life of the machine and preserve the consistency of Brillion’s metering systems, which depend on tight tolerances and even flow. When combined with accurate calibration and smart seeding practices, these habits can save you from downtime, poor germination, and unnecessary costs in the field.

Looking for a New Seeder?

Interested in learning more, or purchasing a new Brillion seeder? As one of the largest drill and seeder dealers in the Midwest, give us a call for affordable nationwide delivery, low rate financing, and unbeatable expertise from the first acre to the last. See more here at keastenterprises.com or call us at 800-480-2487.