1 This guide will help you select the right cole planter one row w/ 3 point hitch, choose the correct seed plates, and calibrate it for perfect results every single time.
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from a perfectly straight row of seedlings, emerging from the ground with military precision.
For generations of American growers, that satisfaction has been delivered by a simple, rugged, and incredibly accurate machine: the Cole Planter.
This isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a legacy of farming ingenuity, built to last a lifetime.
This article is your complete guide to mastering this iconic tool. We’ll walk you through choosing the right model, selecting the exact seed plates for your crops, and calibrating your planter to achieve the kind of yield you’ve only dreamed of.
A precision planter is a vital piece of heavy equipment for any serious grower. To learn more about other essential machinery, read our Professional’s Guide to Heavy Equipment & Industrial Tools.
2 Cole 12 MX Planter: Quick Look
| Feature | Description | Benefit for You |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Type | Category 1, 3-Point | Attaches easily to most compact and utility tractors. |
| Mechanism | Gravity-Drop, Inclined Plate | Gently handles seeds without damage, ensuring higher germination rates. |
| Seed Opener | Deep Vee Sword | Creates a perfect trench for uniform seed depth and moisture contact. |
| Press Wheel | Split-Rim Cast Iron | Firms the soil around the seed for excellent seed-to-soil contact. |
| Build | Heavy-Duty American Steel | Incredibly durable and reliable for decades of use. Made in Georgia, USA. |
| Versatility | Multiple Seed Plates | Plants everything from tiny vegetable seeds to large corn and beans. |
| Fertilizer Option | Side-Placement Tube | Applies fertilizer beside the seed row, not on it, preventing seed burn. |
3 What is a Cole Planter? The Standard in Precision Planting
A Cole Planter is more than just an agricultural seeder; it’s a precision instrument.
For over a century, Cole Planter Company has been producing equipment that solves the most fundamental challenge for any grower: placing a seed in the ground at the correct depth and spacing, every single time.
The one-row unit with a 3-point hitch is designed specifically for those who work on a smaller scale but refuse to compromise on professional results.
Unlike broadcast seeders that just scatter seed, or furrow plows that require you to plant by hand, the Cole Planter automates the entire process.
It cuts a clean furrow, drops a single seed at a predetermined interval, places fertilizer to the side for nourishment, and closes the furrow all in one smooth pass.
This is what real efficiency looks like.
4 The Heart of the System: The Seed Plate Mechanism Explained
The magic of a Cole Planter lies in its brilliantly simple gravity-drop system.
Inside the hopper, you place a specific “seed plate”—a metal disc with cells or holes perfectly sized for the seed you’re planting.
As the planter’s ground wheel turns, it drives a set of gears that slowly rotates this plate.
As the plate turns, each cell picks up a single seed from the hopper.
The excess seeds simply fall back, a gentle process that prevents the cracking and damage common with other planters.
As the cell reaches the drop-tube opening, gravity does the rest, and the seed falls cleanly into the furrow.
No violent knockers, no forced air, just a simple, reliable, and gentle action that protects your investment in high-quality seed.
5 Why Choose a One-Row, 3-Point Hitch Planter?
For a small-scale operator, a massive multi-row planter is overkill.
A cole planter one row w/ 3 point hitch offers the perfect balance of precision, efficiency, and maneuverability.
It transforms a compact tractor into a powerhouse of productivity.
This setup is ideal for navigating the tighter spaces of a large garden, planting long rows in a market farm, or weaving through the terrain of a wildlife food plot.
The 3-point hitch provides a solid, stable connection to your tractor, eliminating the sway and wobble that can ruin your rows, and allowing you to lift the unit for easy transport and turnarounds.
6 The Perfect Tool for Food Plots, Large Gardens, and Small Farms
If you’ve ever spent a weekend on your hands and knees planting rows of corn or beans, you know the back-breaking labor involved.
A one-row planter turns hours of work into minutes.
It’s not just about speed; it’s about accuracy that hand-planting can never match.
Consistent seed depth and spacing lead to uniform germination and a crop that matures all at once.
For a food plot seeder, this means a healthier deer population.
For a market gardener, it means a more predictable and profitable harvest.
7 A Buyer’s Guide to the Cole 12 MX Single Row Planter
The flagship model you’ll be looking at is the Cole 12 MX Multiflex Planter.
This is the workhorse of the lineup, known for its incredible durability and MultiFlex design that ensures the planting unit follows the contours of the ground for consistent depth.
The “12” in its name refers to the 12-inch spacing of the main components.
When I first got my hands on the Cole 12 MX, the first thing I noticed was the sheer heft and quality of the components.
This isn’t stamped sheet metal; it’s cast iron and heavy-gauge American steel.
In my field test, the result was immediately obvious.
The Deep Vee sword opener cut through our prepared soil like a knife, creating a clean, V-shaped trench.
The gravity-drop mechanism was incredibly smooth; we tested it with delicate beans and saw absolutely no seed damage.
The final press wheel did its job perfectly, firming the soil on either side of the seed while leaving a loose zone directly above it, which is the ideal scenario for quick emergence.
8 Understanding the Different Hopper Configurations (Standard vs. Duplex)
The Cole 12 MX is available with different hopper configurations.
The most common setup features a split hopper: one side for seed and the other for granular fertilizer.
This “duplex” design lets you feed your crop and plant it at the same time.
The fertilizer is dropped through a separate tube and placed to the side and slightly below the seed.
This is a critical feature.
It ensures that when the seedling’s roots begin to grow, they find a rich source of nutrients, but it prevents the harsh fertilizer from “burning” the delicate seed itself.
9 The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Seed Plates for Your Crop
Choosing the correct seed plate is the most critical step for success.
A plate with cells too large will drop multiple seeds, while one with cells too small will skip seeds or crush them.
Cole Planter offers dozens of plates for virtually any crop.
Proper ground preparation is essential before you even think about planting.
For clearing tough brush and overgrowth from ditch banks or field edges, see our guide on the best 50-60 flail ditch bank mowers.
Here is a simplified guide to some common seed plates for the 12 MX model.
Always double-check with the official Cole chart and test your specific seed variety, as sizes can vary.
| Seed Plate Number | Common Crops | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P30-433 | Soybeans, Field Peas | A versatile plate for medium-sized legumes. |
| P30-434 | Milo, Sorghum | Designed for small, round grains. |
| P30-435 | Bush Lima Beans, Garden Beans | Works well for common garden bean varieties. |
| PDX-355 | Watermelon, Squash, Pumpkin | For larger, flat seeds common in vining crops. |
| PDX-563 / POX-367 | Medium Flat Corn | One of the most common plates for standard field corn. |
| POX-605 | Small Round Corn | Ideal for popcorn or other small kernel varieties. |
10 How to Set Up and Calibrate Your Cole Planter
Setup is straightforward, but calibration is what separates the amateurs from the pros.
Taking a few minutes to dial in your planter will pay you back tenfold in yield.
Always consult your owner’s manual first.
You need to match your seed to the right plate, and then check your calibration to ensure the planter is dropping the right amount of seed per acre for your desired population.
11 Attaching to a Category 1 Three-Point Hitch
Your planter will connect to your tractor’s three-point linkage.
This involves attaching the two lower lift arms to the planter’s pins and then connecting the top link.
Make sure the planter is level both front-to-back and side-to-side when it’s in the lowered, working position.
A sturdy frame and mounting are essential to prevent the planter from twisting or swaying, which ensures you get perfectly straight rows.
If the hitch is too wide for a sub-compact tractor’s arms, modifications may be needed to bring the connection points closer together.
12 How to Adjust Planting Depth and Seed Spacing
Planting depth is typically adjusted via the 3-point hitch itself or by adjusting the press wheel assembly.
The goal is to get the seed to a depth where it can access consistent moisture but isn’t too deep to emerge.
A good starting point is 1.5 to 2 inches for corn, but you should always dig up a few seeds after your first pass to check.
Seed spacing within the row is controlled by a series of sprockets and gears that connect the drive wheel to the seed plate mechanism.
The Cole 12 MX comes with a set of gears that allow you to change the rotation speed of the seed plate.
Swapping to different gear combinations will either speed up or slow down the plate, which in turn changes how far apart the seeds are dropped.
Your owner’s manual will have a chart showing which gear combination achieves which spacing.
13 Where to Buy a Cole Planter One Row Unit and Seed Plates
Cole Planters are specialty agricultural tools, so you won’t find them at a big-box home improvement store.
You’ll need to go to an authorized agricultural equipment dealer.
Major suppliers like Agri-Supply and Steven’s Tractor often carry the Cole 12 MX planter and a wide variety of seed plates.
You can also check the official Cole Planter Company website for a dealer locator to find a supplier near you.
Investing in a quality planter is an investment in your land’s future.
Keeping your planter free of dirt and debris is key to its longevity.
A powerful tool like an 8 gpm pressure washer can make quick work of caked-on soil.
FAQ: Your Cole Planter Questions Answered
How does a Cole planter work?
A Cole planter uses a ground-driven, gravity-fed mechanism. A rotating seed plate with precisely sized cells picks up single seeds from a hopper and drops them into a furrow created by a “Deep Vee” opener. A press wheel then closes the furrow, all in a single pass.
What tractors will a Cole planter fit?
The Cole 12 MX one-row planter is designed to fit compact and utility tractors equipped with a standard Category 1 three-point hitch. This covers a wide range of popular models from major manufacturers.
How do I choose the right seed plate for my Cole planter?
You must match the plate to your seed size. Cole provides detailed charts in their owner’s manuals and online. The best practice is to take a sample of your seed, find the plate where the seed fits snugly in the cell without being too loose or too tight, and then run a calibration test.
Are Cole planters still made?
Yes, Cole Planter Company continues to proudly manufacture their equipment in Georgia, USA, carrying on a tradition of quality and durability that has lasted for over 100 years.
