Grain drill advice for foodplots

[Foodplot]

I have seen reports on the Truax and the Kasco. Anyone have knowledge of either of these, in regard to performance and cost? We would need a narrow one, in the 5 to 7 foot range. A no-till feature would also be desirable. Could these drill plant a variety of seed from clovers to corn, or is that impossible?

Specialty drills like the Truax shine when you are planting 'fluffy' seeds, which need to be pulled from the seedbox, not merely dropped. They also allow fairly precise metering of small forb seeds, which can be very expensive (many hundreds of $$/lb). They plant very shallowly, leaving approximately 1/3 of the seed on the surface, as appropriate for NWSG. For some CRP/CREP regulated plantings, they're almost a necessity. Here in KY, the state wildlife agency has some of these drills they will use or loan to assist in wildlife habitat creation. You might check with your local NRCS or state wildlife agency office. There are often set-aside cost-sharing options if you are converting active agriculture to native foodplots as well.
Our Truax has trash coulters, hydraulic height adjustment on front AND back, and rear wheels to create a narrow profile. It will work on rough terrain, unlike some seed grain drills.

 

[HCJtractor]

just found (and bought) a used Truax drill (FLX88) with no till. Will post pictures when it arrives. Bought it sight unseen, which is a little scary, but it seemed a good drill at a good price. Hopefully this is not a multi thousand dollar mistake! Any advice or knowledge about these drills (or other drills) would be appreciated!

 

[hrcarver]

I rented a truax before buying my great plains. Always got real good results with the truax, but never was really happy with the way it covered the seed. Luckily, dry weather never was a issue (at least during establishment) for the couple years I used it. Perfect for clover or nwsg's if it is equipped for them, not so great for corn or beans. Still got very decent results even with the large seeds, just not placed deep as I would like them.

Here's the one I went with. A gp 3p605nt, found it with under 10 acres at a 5k discount off of a new 3p606nt. This one has a small seed and a main box, but no nwsg.

 

[farmforwildlife]

HCJ tractor, I live in upstate SC. If u r interested in a row planter as well, I have two allis chalmers row planters (one two row and one three row no till) and would entertain selling one. PM me if u want more details. I have both bean and corn plates.

 

[Big Thom]

We manage over 1,000 acres for wetland and prairie grass restorations. Every year we are re-seeding areas of newly purchased property and also where we have sprayed to remove invasives. While we have a JD 790 and another slightly larger model, we contact the local Pheasants Forever chapter to come in an seed the areas for us. They have the know how and equipment to seed and plant all the varieties of prairie grass and forbs we need. We would spend a lot of time and money trying to do what they can do for a very reasonable amount. We would spend a lot of time and money
on seed and equipment and in the end probably not do it right. To have the local PF guys do it right it's money well-spent, in my opinion.

 

[Timbow]

Kubota L3010 in need of no till drill for planting clover, wheat, oats, corn, rye, pea in Cross Timber area of Oklahoma. Ground is a mix between loam to rocky. Does anybodyhave experience with the Kasco Value or Eco-Drill and or recommendations?