There are 3 reasons: #1 -increasing popularity of foodplotting, #2 -increasing value of scrap metal, #3 -elapsed time since most small family farms have ceased operation. Today's farmers dont use them little 4-10 foot cultipackers that are so popular with foodplotters. You can still find them, but some patience is needed today. Last summer I found a 4 ft Brillion with bearings and frame in excellent condition but (2) cracked discs at a garage sale for $40. My 8 footer, that I traded an old farmer a case of beer for about 20 years ago, is in need of some frame repairs and new bearings. Once the weather breaks a little, I plan on pulling them both up to my shop and making the 8-footer into a 6-footer and using some of the extra discs to patch up the 4-footer. I like the 4-footer for planting clover and brassicas as it is perfect size for behind an ATV or my Farmall cub. The 6-footer will match the width and be perfect behind a 2 section drag for final soil prep prior to planting corn. I am flabbergasted that folks are forking over more than $1000 for cultipackers these days. If I didnt have (2) already, I would simply drag and old log or railroad tie around sideways to cover my seeds or level the tilled ground.
