Several methods of attaching the row-cleaning devices and controlling their depth may be used. Those that attach to the planter frame and control depth independent of the planter units usually provide more consistent depth control. Those that mount directly to the planter units and depend on the planter's gauge wheels usually have inconsistent depth control. Units that mount on the parallel linkage between the planter frame and the planter units provide a compromise between cost and performance. Some devices are available, or in a state of development, to provide guidance for the planter to bring it back onto the ridge.
Coulters are probably the least-cost stabilizing device available.
Coulters may be used as combination stabilizers and residue cutting devices or as a separate stabilizer. Coulters tend to make the cultivator run in a straight line and may tend to guide the planter off of a curved row, and to make it harder to bring the planter back onto the ridge once it gets off. Other devices include tapered wheels that run in the furrows and angled wheels that run against the sides of the ridges. These devices are usually used in pairs. The angled wheels are sometimes used on each ridge, especially when they also serve as gauge wheels for the row-cleaning device.