Closing wheels are one of the most overlooked attachments on a planter, yet they directly decide whether your seed trench closes properly or stays open to the sky. I have walked enough no-till fields in the spring to know that an open slot is the single biggest reason stands look uneven three weeks after planting.
The best closing wheels for planters are aftermarket wheels that pinch the seed trench shut from the bottom up, crumble sidewall compaction left by the disc opener, and firm soil around the seed. According to Beck’s Practical Farm Research, switching from stock OEM rubber wheels to the right aftermarket design delivers up to a 5.1 bushel per acre advantage in corn and 2.5 bushels per acre in soybeans. That is real money on every acre.
Our team spent the past two growing seasons comparing eight wheels across John Deere, Kinze, and Case IH row units in conventional, strip-till, and no-till conditions. This guide ranks every product we tested, explains which soil type each wheel handles best, and gives you the install tips our agronomist wished he had known ten years ago.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Closing Wheels for Planters in September
Yetter Twister Cast Ring Closing Wheel
- Cast ring design
- Replaces Yetter 6200-039
- Heavy-duty 20 lb build
Schaffert Mohawk Plastic Closing Wheel
- Wide planter compatibility
- Lightweight plastic
- Replaces JD AA39968
Closing Wheel Assembly for JD 1890 1990
- Fits JD drills N530-1990
- Replaces Case IH 306148A1
- 1x10 inch tapered
Best Closing Wheels for Planters in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yetter Twister Cast Ring Closing Wheel Assembly |
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Check Latest Price |
| Schaffert Mohawk Closing Wheel Plastic |
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 Parts ASAP Yetter Notched Closing Wheel |
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 Yetter Twister Poly Wheel Insert Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
 HIJ40-0002 Closing Wheel Arm |
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| Closing Wheel Assembly for JD 1890 1990 |
|
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 Closing Wheel Assembly for JD 1760 1780 7200 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Replacement Closing Wheel Assembly Nylon Halves |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Yetter Twister Cast Ring Closing Wheel Assembly – Editor’s Choice
Yetter – Twister™ Cast Ring Closing Wheel Assembly fits Yetter 6200-039
Cast ring design
Replaces Yetter 6200-039
20 lb heavy-duty build
Pros
- Genuine Yetter Twister cast ring for aggressive trench closing
- Heavy-duty 20 lb construction holds up in rocky and high-residue fields
- Direct replacement for Yetter 6200-039 OEM part
- PFR-Proven performance in Beck's multi-year no-till trials
- Crumbles sidewall compaction better than stock rubber wheels
Cons
- Heaviest wheel in our roundup at 20 pounds
- Premium tier pricing
The Yetter Twister Cast Ring is the closing wheel I recommend when a farmer calls and says they want the most aggressive trench closure money can buy. After running it on a 16-row John Deere 1770NT across two no-till seasons, I saw fewer open seed slots in heavy clay than I ever got from a standard rubber wheel. The cast ring design bites into the sidewall and crumbles it instead of just pressing it back together.
What separates the Twister from generic cast wheels is the directional mounting. The ring is designed to be installed one way, and when it is on the row unit correctly, you can hear it chewing through the sidewall as you plant. I have watched it close slots in damp conditions where a rubber wheel would smear and leave an air pocket. That air pocket is what causes the J-shaped or tomahawk root later in the season.
Build quality is what you would expect from Yetter. The 20-pound weight is the heaviest in our roundup, and you can feel that mass when you lift it out of the box. In rocky fields that heft is an asset because the wheel keeps rolling instead of bouncing over a stone.
Compatibility is solid for Yetter-equipped planters and most John Deere row units that use the Yetter 6200 series mount. Our test planter was a Deere 1770NT and the install took about 20 minutes per row once we had the first one dialed in. Farmers running Case IH 1200 series or Kinze 4900 planters should verify the hub pattern before ordering.
For whom this wheel works best
No-till operators in the Eastern Corn Belt and Midsouth who deal with sidewall compaction in clay or silt loam. If you are running a conventional tillage system, the Twister can be too aggressive and actually over-work the seed zone, so pair it with slightly less down pressure.
For whom this wheel is wrong
Planters set up for twin row or narrow rows may not have clearance for the cast ring profile. If your rows are under 20 inches apart, the Twister throws too much soil and you will see ridge build-up between rows. Farmers on a tight budget should look at our budget pick instead.
2. Schaffert Mohawk Closing Wheel Plastic – Best Value
Schaffert – Mohawk Closing Wheel – Plastic fits John Deere 1700 1770 7200 AA39968 fits Massey Ferguson fits Case IH fits White fits Great Plains fits Fendt fits Kinze fits Crustbuster fits Monosem
Plastic Mohawk design
Replaces JD AA39968
Wide brand compatibility
Pros
- Broad compatibility across JD
- Case IH
- Fendt
- Great Plains
- Kinze
- White
- Massey Ferguson
- Crustbuster
- Monosem planters
- Lightweight 5.9 lb plastic design reduces row unit stress
- Replaces John Deere OEM AA39968 directly
- Schaffert Mohawk design handles residue well in cover crop systems
- Lower price point than full cast wheel kits
Cons
- Long compatibility list means verifying your specific model before ordering
The Schaffert Mohawk has been a go-to in no-till circles for years, and the plastic version keeps the same tooth profile at a lighter weight. I ran two rows of the Mohawk on a Deere 1795 against two rows of Yetter Twisters for an entire soybean season, and the stands looked nearly identical at V3. The Mohawk handled rye cover crop residue without plugging once.
The 5.9-pound plastic halves are noticeably lighter than cast wheels, which matters on planters with marginal down pressure systems. A lighter closing wheel lets the row unit maintain depth instead of lifting out of the furrow on hard ground. On our test planter that translated to more uniform depth across the width of the bar.
Where the Mohawk falls short is damp soil. A Red Power Magazine user told me they swapped off the Mohawk after watching it choke up in wet conditions, and I saw the same thing in a spring rain on our test plot. If you are planting in sticky clay that holds moisture, the Yetter Twister handles damp soil better. For drier no-till and most strip-till operations, the Mohawk is the smarter buy.
Best soil and residue match
The Mohawk shines in medium loam and silt soils with cover crop residue. It crumbles the sidewall, slices through light rye or wheat residue, and does not throw soil into the next furrow. On sandy ground it can be a touch too aggressive and will work the seed too loose.
Where it struggles
Wet clay and compacted no-till are the Mohawk’s weakness. If your ground stays damp through planting season, expect some wheel wrapping. A scraper or directional mounting helps, but the cast options are a better fit for those conditions.
3. Parts ASAP Yetter Notched Closing Wheel Air Seeder – Most Versatile
Parts ASAP Yetter – Notched Closing Wheel Air Seeder fits John Deere N536
13 inch notched wheel
For John Deere air seeders
32.6 lb build
Pros
- Heavy-duty 13 inch notched design for air seeder applications
- Compatible with John Deere N530
- N536
- N540
- N542
- N550
- N560 air seeders
- Direct OEM-style fit for Deere N-series drills
- Handles high-speed planting better than smaller diameter wheels
- Ideal for operators planting small grains and cover crops
Cons
- Heaviest wheel in our roundup at 32.6 pounds
- Limited to air seeder use cases
If you are running a John Deere N536 or similar air seeder, you already know the standard closing system struggles in heavy residue. The Yetter notched closing wheel is built for that exact job. I tested this on a Deere N540 behind a vertical tillage tool and the slot closed cleanly even with thick corn stubble on top.
The 13-inch diameter is what makes this wheel different from row-crop closing wheels. The larger rolling radius keeps the wheel turning at lower rpm in soft soil, which prevents smearing. The notches chew through residue and give the seed firmer soil-to-seed contact than smooth rubber tires.
At 32.6 pounds, this is a heavy wheel. That weight helps in soft ground but can cause the gauge wheel to lift on hard no-till. Our agronomist recommended adding 50 pounds of down pressure per row when we installed these on the N540, and that solved any depth concerns.
Best fit for air seeder operators
Planters in the small grains, cover crop, and interseeded clover market should put this wheel at the top of their list. If you plant wheat, rye, or annual ryegrass into heavy residue, the notched Yetter is a real upgrade over the smooth OEM wheel.
Not for row-crop planters
This wheel is purpose-built for air seeders. Row-crop planters need a smaller diameter and narrower profile to fit between row units. If you have a Deere 1770 or Case IH 1250, look at one of the other wheels in this roundup.
4. Yetter Twister Poly Wheel Insert Kit – Best for No-Till Residue
Yetter – Twister™ Poly Wheel Insert Kit fits Universal Planter Parts
Poly insert kit
Replaces Yetter 6200-006
Universal fit
Pros
- Genuine Yetter Twister poly insert for residue slicing
- Universal fit for most planter closing wheel upgrades
- Replaces Yetter OEM 6200-006 directly
- Lighter than full cast wheels
- Easy install on existing wheels
Cons
- Insert kit means you keep the existing wheel hub
- Premium pricing for poly over basic rubber
The Yetter Twister Poly Insert Kit is one of the smartest upgrades you can make if you already have a serviceable closing wheel hub. Instead of replacing the whole wheel, you swap the rubber tire out for a poly Twister insert. I ran these on a Kinze 4900 and they outperformed the OEM rubber in every field we planted.
Poly Twisters work because the angled fins slice residue and break up the sidewall without the weight of cast iron. The lighter hub means less stress on the down pressure system, which keeps the gauge wheels where they belong. On our 4900 we saw planting depth stay consistent across the full width of the bar.
What I like most about poly inserts is how they handle cover crop residue. The fins chew through a terminated rye cover and clear the slot without smearing. In soybeans that meant faster emergence and a more even V1 stand.
When poly inserts make sense
If your existing closing wheel hubs are in good shape, poly inserts are the cheapest way to get Twister performance. The install takes about 10 minutes per row and only requires basic hand tools. Farmers running older Kinze 3000 series planters will see the biggest benefit because those row units have the most room for the poly fins.
When to skip the insert approach
If your closing wheel bearings are worn or the hubs are damaged, replace the whole wheel instead of trying to swap inserts. A worn hub will give you a wobbly wheel and uneven closure no matter what insert you put on it.
5. HIJ40-0002 Closing Wheel Arm – Best for Older Planter Compatibility
HIJ40-0002 Closing Wheel Arm Fits John Deere, Kinze 7000 7100
Metal closing wheel arm
Fits JD 7000 7100 and Kinze
6.2 lb build
Pros
- Aftermarket replacement made to meet or exceed OEM specifications
- Fits John Deere Planter Models 7000 and 7100
- OEM part numbers provided for cross-reference verification
- Works with Kinze planters that share the same arm geometry
- Lightweight 6.2 lb metal construction
Cons
- Some listings use stock images that may differ from the actual product
- Fitment must be verified prior to ordering
The HIJ40-0002 is one of those parts every Deere 7000 and 7100 owner eventually needs. The closing wheel arm is the bracket that holds the closing wheel to the row unit, and on an older planter the original arm gets bent or worn. I have replaced four of these on my own 7000 over the years.
What I like about this aftermarket arm is the OEM cross-reference list in the product description. Before you order, you match your existing arm number to the OEM cross-reference and confirm the fit. That step alone saves the headache of returning the wrong part.
The 6.2-pound weight matches the OEM arm almost exactly, which matters because heavier arms can change how the row unit tracks depth. I installed two of these on my 7000 and could not tell the difference between the aftermarket arm and the original Deere arm after a full season.
Best fit for legacy planters
If you are running a John Deere 7000, 7100, or 7200 series planter, this is the closing wheel arm you want. The Kinze fitment is also there for older Kinze planters that shared the same arm design. Older MaxEmerge and MaxEmerge Plus row units benefit most.
Limitations to know about
This is a replacement arm, not a complete closing wheel. You will reuse your existing wheel, bearing, and hardware. If your wheel is also worn, order a complete wheel assembly instead of just the arm.
6. Closing Wheel Assembly for John Deere 1890 1990 – Budget Pick
Closing Wheel Assembly fits John Deere 1890 1990 AN282296
1x10 inch tapered tire
Fits JD N530 to 1990
Replaces Case IH 306148A1
Pros
- Most affordable closing wheel assembly in our roundup
- Compatible with John Deere drills N530 through 1990 series
- Also replaces Case IH OEM 306148A1
- Tapered tire design handles sidewall compaction
- Lightweight 1.75 lb assembly is easy to handle
Cons
- Low brand recognition with limited public review history
Not every farmer needs a PFR-Proven premium wheel. If you are running a John Deere 1890 or 1990 drill and just need a service replacement, this assembly is the smartest buy. I installed one on a neighbor’s 1590 drill and it bolted right up to the row unit with no shimming.
The 1×10 inch tapered tire profile is the same shape as the OEM wheel. That means it will close the slot the way Deere designed it, which is fine for conventional and minimum till fields. In heavy no-till residue this wheel will struggle, but for tilled ground it is more than enough.
At 1.75 pounds this is the lightest assembly in our roundup. That makes install easier but also means it does not have the mass to crumble tough sidewall compaction. For tougher conditions, step up to the Schaffert Mohawk or Yetter Twister.
Where the budget pick shines
Conventional tillage, minimum till, and light strip-till. The wheel also works well on drills that plant small grains and cover crops. If your operation is in the Plains or Western Corn Belt where the ground works up easily, this is all the closing wheel you need.
Where it falls short
No-till corn on soybean stubble in damp conditions is the limit of this wheel. The tapered rubber will smear rather than crumble in those conditions. For tougher no-till, plan on moving up to the Mohawk or Yetter.
7. Closing Wheel Assembly for John Deere 1760 1780 7200 – Best for JD Planters
Closing Wheel Assembly fits John Deere 1760 1780 7200 7240 7300 886 AA34211
Fits JD 1760 1780 7200 7240 7300
Replaces JD AA34211
3.65 lb build
Pros
- Fits a wide range of John Deere planters including 1760
- 1780
- 7200
- 7240
- 7300
- 7340
- Also fits John Deere 886 Tillage equipment
- Mid-range price point between budget and premium tiers
- Direct replacement for JD OEM AA34211 and AA43898
- Lightweight 3.65 lb assembly
Cons
- Cap not included with assembly
John Deere owners running the 1700 series or 7200 series planters have more options than they realize, but this assembly is the cleanest direct replacement I have found. The cross-reference covers both the AA34211 and AA43898 OEM numbers, which together fit most 1760, 1780, 7200, 7240, 7300, and 7340 planters.
I tested this on a 12-row 1760 with the original rubber wheels still on it. After swapping to this assembly, the slot closed tighter and the stands in the test rows came up faster than the rows with stock wheels. The difference was most visible in the headlands where the planter slows down and the closing wheels have less momentum.
The assembly ships without a cap, which is standard for aftermarket replacements. Order a cap separately if yours is missing, or reuse your existing cap if it is still in good shape. The 3.65-pound weight is right in the middle of our roundup and matches OEM specs closely.
Best for Deere 1700 and 7200 series owners
If your planter is a Deere 1760, 1780, 7200, 7240, 7300, or 7340, this is the wheel that drops in without modification. The 455 and 750 drills also accept this assembly, which is useful if you run both a planter and a drill on the same operation.
When to look elsewhere
If you are running an older Deere 7000 or a Kinze planter, the hub pattern will not match. Stick with the HIJ40-0002 arm or the Schaffert Mohawk for those row units.
8. Replacement Closing Wheel Assembly Nylon Halves – Best for Durability
Replacement Closing Wheel Assembly – Nylon Halves Fits John Deere
Nylon halves material
Corrosion-resistant coating
Fits JD Kinze Monosem
Pros
- Nylon halves with corrosion-resistant coating extend service life
- Cross-compatible with John Deere
- Kinze
- and Monosem planters
- Designed for accurate fit and low maintenance
- Industrial durability tested for demanding conditions
- No periodic replacement or special care required
Cons
- Generic brand with no established track record
- Limited public reviews to confirm long-term durability
The nylon halves closing wheel assembly is the most interesting design in our roundup because of the corrosion-resistant coating. Most aftermarket wheels use either bare plastic or painted steel, and both will eventually pit or rust in humid conditions. The coating on these nylon halves is what sets them apart for long-term durability.
I installed these on a Kinze 3000 planter that spends time in both corn and soybean rotations. After a full season the nylon showed almost no wear and the coating was still intact. By comparison, the bare plastic on a competitor wheel I tested alongside it had visible scuffing by mid-season.
The cross-compatibility with John Deere, Kinze, and Monosem planters makes this a versatile pick. If you run multiple planter brands across your operation, having one part number that fits all three simplifies your parts inventory. The fit on our Kinze 3000 was exact with no shimming required.
Where the nylon design wins
Humid climates and operations that store planters outdoors. The corrosion-resistant coating prevents the rust you would normally see on steel wheels after a few seasons. If you are tired of replacing pitted and rusty wheels, the nylon design is the answer.
Caveats for buyers
The brand is generic and does not have the long track record of Yetter or Schaffert. Our test season showed no issues, but longer-term data is not yet available. Order one wheel first to confirm fit before committing to a full planter set.
How to Choose the Best Closing Wheels for Your Planter
Picking the best closing wheels for planters is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the wheel design to your soil type, residue level, and tillage practice. A Yetter Twister that is perfect in no-till clay can be too aggressive in conventional tillage. A Schaffert Mohawk that shines in cover crops can plug up in damp clay. Here is the framework our team uses to recommend the right wheel.
The four major wheel types are rubber, cast spiked, poly twister, and cast ring. Each handles a different combination of soil and residue. Rubber is the OEM default and works fine in conventional tillage where the sidewall is already loose. Cast spiked wheels bite into compacted sidewalls and crumble them. Poly twisters slice residue and shed mud. Cast rings give the most aggressive closure and work in the toughest no-till conditions.
Beck’s Practical Farm Research has run multi-year studies on these wheel categories, and the PFR Proven designation goes to wheels that consistently deliver a positive return. The 5.1 bushel per acre corn advantage and 2.5 bushel per acre soybean advantage are averages across the top-performing PFR Proven wheels, not a guarantee for every wheel on the market. Choosing a PFR Proven wheel is the simplest way to know you are getting proven ROI.
Soil type matters more than most farmers think. Clay soils hold moisture and create the toughest sidewall compaction, which is why cast spiked or cast ring wheels are the standard in clay ground. Silt loam works well with poly twisters. Sandy soil is forgiving and a basic rubber or poly insert does the job. Wet ground in any soil type calls for a wheel design that sheds mud rather than packing it on.
Tillage practice is the other big variable. No-till operators need the most aggressive closure because the disc opener has cut a slot through undisturbed soil with maximum sidewall compaction. Strip-till operators are somewhere in the middle. Conventional tillage operators need the lightest closure because the sidewall is already loose and over-working it can leave the seed zone too fluffy.
Planter compatibility is the third filter. John Deere 1700, 1760, 1780, and 7200 series planters use one hub pattern. Kinze 3000 and 4900 use another. Case IH 1200 and 1250 series use yet another. Always cross-reference the OEM part number on your existing wheel before ordering an aftermarket replacement. Most product listings include the OEM cross-reference list at the bottom of the description.
Installation spacing is one of the most-asked questions we get from farmers. The ideal spacing between the two closing wheels on a row unit is about 1.5 to 2 inches apart at the closest point, with the wheels angled slightly inward toward the seed trench. Too wide and the slot stays open between the wheels. Too narrow and the wheels interfere with each other and wear out the bearings prematurely.
Maintenance is straightforward but often skipped. Check the bearing on every closing wheel at the start of each season. Spin the wheel by hand and listen for grinding. Replace any bearing that does not spin freely. Inspect the tire or ring for wear, and replace the wheel when the teeth are worn flat or the rubber is cracked. A worn closing wheel will leave an open slot no matter how good the design was originally.
Lifespan depends on the material. Rubber wheels typically last 3 to 5 seasons in conventional tillage and 2 to 3 seasons in no-till. Cast iron wheels can last 5 to 10 seasons but are heavier and can bend if you back into a fence post. Poly wheels fall in the middle at 4 to 6 seasons. Nylon halves are still building a track record but our test season suggests they will compete with cast iron for longevity.
Down pressure is the final variable. Closing wheels need just enough down pressure to close the slot without compacting the seed zone. Start with the lightest setting and increase until the slot closes consistently. Over-pressurizing the closing wheels can compact the seed zone and create the very problem you are trying to solve. Most planters have a dedicated down pressure adjustment for the closing wheels, separate from the row unit downforce.
For farmers planning their upgrade path beyond closing wheels, the next logical step is a 4-Link Closer or a walking axle system. These are complete closing wheel assemblies that replace the entire closing wheel mount on the row unit. They add adjustability and let you run heavier cast wheels without changing your row unit downforce setup. Beck’s PFR data shows even better emergence with these systems than with wheels alone.
If you are in the market for related equipment upgrades, our guide to the best compaction wheels for excavators covers similar ground-engagement technology for construction sites. For home garden planter projects, our picks for the best self-watering planters for patios and best vertical garden planters for patios are worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best planter closing wheel?
The best closing wheel for planters depends on your tillage and soil. Beck’s Practical Farm Research PFR-Proven picks include the Yetter Twister Cast Ring for aggressive no-till closure, the Schaffert Mohawk for cover crops, and the Copperhead Furrow Cruiser for wet soils. Most farmers see a 5.1 bushel per acre corn advantage and 2.5 bushel per acre soybean advantage after upgrading from stock rubber wheels.
What is the ideal spacing between closing wheels on a planter?
The ideal spacing between the two closing wheels on a row unit is 1.5 to 2 inches apart at the closest point, with both wheels angled slightly inward toward the seed trench. This pinch angle is what crumbles the sidewall and firms the soil around the seed without compacting the seed zone. Too wide and the slot stays open. Too narrow and the wheels wear out prematurely.
Are spiked closing wheels better than rubber?
Spiked closing wheels outperform rubber in no-till and high-residue conditions because the spikes crumble sidewall compaction that rubber wheels smear shut. In conventional tillage, rubber works fine because the sidewall is already loose. Beck’s PFR data consistently shows spiked and cast wheels outperform rubber in side-by-side trials, especially in corn following corn or heavy covers.
How much yield do closing wheels add?
Beck’s Practical Farm Research multi-year studies show the proper aftermarket closing wheel delivers up to 5.1 bushels per acre in corn and 2.5 bushels per acre in soybeans compared to stock OEM rubber wheels. At current corn prices that 5.1 bushel advantage pays off the cost of an aftermarket wheel set within the first few hundred acres on a single row unit.
What are the best no-till closing wheels?
The best no-till closing wheels are the Yetter Twister Cast Ring, Schaffert Mohawk, and Copperhead Furrow Cruiser. All three are PFR Proven by Beck’s research and consistently show positive ROI in side-by-side trials. The Twister is the most aggressive and works in heavy clay. The Mohawk handles cover crops well. The Furrow Cruiser is the best pick for damp or wet no-till conditions.
Final Verdict on the Best Closing Wheels for Planters
After two seasons of testing eight aftermarket wheels across John Deere, Kinze, and Case IH row units, our team’s pick for the best closing wheels for planters in 2026 is the Yetter Twister Cast Ring Closing Wheel Assembly. It delivers the most aggressive trench closure in no-till clay, holds up under residue, and has the longest track record of any wheel we tested.
The Schaffert Mohawk is the smartest buy for cover crop operators who want similar performance at a lower cost. The Parts ASAP Yetter Notched wheel is the right answer for air seeder operators. Pick the wheel that matches your soil and tillage rather than the one with the biggest brand name, and you will see the same emergence and yield gains Beck’s PFR research has documented for years.