Rod Ends at the Row Unit Pivot Where Seeding Depth Is Won
Profab Machine supplies the rod ends for air seeder linkages, from row units to folding frames. These joints hold seeding depth and metering timing through rough ground, dust and fertilizer.
Row Units That Float on a Parallel Linkage
An air seeder drags dozens of row units over uneven ground. Each unit rides on a parallel linkage that lets it rise and fall while the opener holds a set depth. Rod ends sit at the linkage pivots, absorbing lateral forces as the frame twists. Hydraulic cylinders push down pressure through more joints into the frame. In dry fields, seed and fertilizer dust coat every pivot all day long.
Rod ends at the row unit pivots — dust turns grease into grinding paste, so we fit dry PTFE liner joints here. The liner seals the race and needs no lubrication.
Rod ends at the down pressure cylinders — the cylinder pushes against hard soil through this joint. Unlined metal to metal joints take the load without flattening a liner.
Down Pressure Cylinders and Folding Frames
- Folding frames — wide wings fold for transport with full structural load on the pivots. Heavy joints in 17-4PH hold alignment through every fold.
- Metering drives — rod ends in the metering linkage keep roller timing exact under high frequency vibration, so seed rate does not drift across the field.
Fertilizer Dust and Field Corrosion
- Lubrication options — dry PTFE liner joints for dusty zones, greasable joints for the high load points.
- Corrosion resistance — 304 housing as standard. 316L is specified where the rig meters phosphorus or nitrogen fertilizers, which form corrosive acidic slurries when wet. We combine 316L construction with integrated wiper seals to block abrasive fertilizer dust from invading the bearing raceway.
- Stainless throughout — housing, ball and shank all in stainless. No plated steel to rust under fertilizer dust.
From Drawings to the First Spring Seeding
Send us the linkage drawings and cylinder specs. We size each joint for the load and the dust load, then ship with material certs. Every case starts with a real mechanical challenge. Talk to Profab Machine to begin your project.
Common type
Rod ends for air seeders: JMX / JFX series for row unit pivots and metering, CM / CF series for down pressure cylinders, XM / XF series in 17-4PH for folding frames. Sizes M101.5 to M201.5 are the usual range.
Application
Air seeders: row unit parallel linkages, down pressure cylinders, folding frame mechanisms, metering drive linkages, etc.
Related rod ends and hardware
JMX / JFX Series · CM / CF Series · XM / XF Series · Rod Ends With Jam Nuts · High Misalignment Rod Ends
