N1ST
Silver Member
Someone please tell me the + and - of acra opener vs. double disc. I think those are the 2 types of 71 planters. Thanks.
JD 71 double disc vs. acra opener
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Farmwithjunk
Super Member
Same "type of planter", just 2 different options for openers.
Acra opener (shoe type) work fairly well in CLEAN, sandy (or very light) soils. They also prefer drier conditions than required with disc openers. (although EITHER should only be used when soil conditions are "ideal" for planting. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen) They're less expensive to replace due to no bearings, ect. (or WERE less expensive back in the day. Harder to find now) That's a factor in sandy soils where the openers wear more quickly than more loamy soils. Less moving parts (none) can result in fewer complications if poorly maintained/ extended maintenance intervals.
Disc openers (double disc in the case of #71's) work well in "normal" conditions. They cut through crop residue and surface "trash". Shoe type openers tend to "hair pin" stalks where the disc opener cuts them. Disc openers tend to work better at faster ground speeds....IF.....the rest of the planter is up to the task. Disc openers USUALLY maintain a more consistant planting depth, again, if the planter is up to the task. They generally don't "porpoise" quite as bad on a rough or poorly prepared seedbed.
I've owned several shoe type opener planters and a couple disc opener types. With that experience behind me, I'd opt for the disc openers when I have the choice.
OP
N1ST
Silver Member
Thanks FWJ, that helps. Sounds like you know these like the back of your hand. The 71 will make a hole, deposit the seed, cover the hole and compress the soil with the wheel. Is that right? Is the depth and distance between seed adjustable?
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
Most of the years I farmed, I used #70's or #71's as my planter of choice. I learned a LOT of hard lessons.
They make a vee-shaped opening, drop seed at spacngs determined by (A) choice of seed plate and (B) combinations of several drive sprokets. Depth is adjustable by any one of several methods. They are very adjustable, and very accurate planters, all the while probably the most simple design ever to hit the market.
