My JD 2 row flex just arrived and I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. The first is, do I need depth bands? My land is mostly clay and uneven in a lot of areas. The second question concerns the use of the planter on slight slopes. Will the slope of the land cause me any difficulties that I should plan for? Thanks!
FarmWithJunk...Flex 71 question
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Farmwithjunk
Super Member
You don't HAVE to have depth bands, but they add a degree of accuracy in planting depth. I used mine for YEARS before ever investing in a set. If you do install them, and you have clay soil, I'd invest in a set of scrapers for the disc openers too. All toled, expect $100 per row if you buy all those parts from Mother Deere. If you decide to go with them, let me know and I'll look up all the part #'s. A GOOD Deere parts counter man should be able to get them for you.
If your ground isn't so steep that you can't drive a tractor on it, the 71 planter will do just fine. You want the planter's "flex" frame to be about mid-travel when planting. Set the planter so it is level with weight on closing wheels, and use depth adjustment to set disc opener depth (planting depth) Beyond that, there's not a lot to it. That's the beauty of these planters. Simple, accurate, and reliable.
If your ground isn't so steep that you can't drive a tractor on it, the 71 planter will do just fine. You want the planter's "flex" frame to be about mid-travel when planting. Set the planter so it is level with weight on closing wheels, and use depth adjustment to set disc opener depth (planting depth) Beyond that, there's not a lot to it. That's the beauty of these planters. Simple, accurate, and reliable.
I'll just forego the depth bands for now. I saw some on Ebay that were fairly inexpensive and it gave me pause for thought.
Due to knee surgery today I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. But, I did take a quick peak at it yesterday after it arrived. I'm assuming the plates are hidden under the baffle that I saw in the planter hoppers?? My manual is black and white and leave a little to be desired as it has been copied many times. Just in case I need some, are the sprocket easy to come by like the depth bands? And yes I would agree that it seems to a novice like myself that this may be easier to operate than I thought. Thanks for all of the tips!!
Due to knee surgery today I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. But, I did take a quick peak at it yesterday after it arrived. I'm assuming the plates are hidden under the baffle that I saw in the planter hoppers?? My manual is black and white and leave a little to be desired as it has been copied many times. Just in case I need some, are the sprocket easy to come by like the depth bands? And yes I would agree that it seems to a novice like myself that this may be easier to operate than I thought. Thanks for all of the tips!!
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
The set of 4 drive sprockets SHOULD be in the chain enclosure. (2 used with the chain and 2 in storage) If not, you'll be at the Deere dealer soon. Seed plates are all over EBAY. I've got a few extra sets. (Been a real run on 'em this year! I've sold 40+ pairs)
Most of the depth bands I see on EBAY are larger diameter. They were usually used for sugar beet planting. (Most common crop where depth bands were usually used) They are planted MUCH shallower than corn would be. I use a 7" depth band when planting corn. New disc openers are 12". Typically, on most used planters, they're 10-1/2" to 11" after some wear. 7" depth bands give 1-3/4" to 2" planting depth.
Most of the depth bands I see on EBAY are larger diameter. They were usually used for sugar beet planting. (Most common crop where depth bands were usually used) They are planted MUCH shallower than corn would be. I use a 7" depth band when planting corn. New disc openers are 12". Typically, on most used planters, they're 10-1/2" to 11" after some wear. 7" depth bands give 1-3/4" to 2" planting depth.
SCDolphin
Gold Member
I am in the process of rebuilding a 2 row 71 with a cole fert hopper. This is mounted on a Pittsburg frame I have one completely apart and have primed everything, painted with 2 coats of paint. I have finished getting all of the bearings. I am new at this too. FarmwithJunk (fwj) has been great with info. I have one original JD owners manual. You can go on Yetter's web site and basically dl the jd 71 manual. I have learned a lot in the past few months. While you are on crutches come see me. I am in Irmo.
LeadPoison
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Farmwithjunk said:
Quick hijack...
I recently got a flex planter and was wondering what you meant by "mid-travel?"
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
LeadPoison said:
The "Flex" in Flexplanter is the suspension travel. When planting, you want that suspension to be about midway in it's range of travel so there is room for movement up and down as the terrain requires.
LeadPoison
Platinum Member
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- Kubota M4900
Got it. Thanks.
