JD 71 disc opener

deere755 · Mar 17, 2011

Has anyone replaced the disc openers on a 71 planter? If so what all is involved in getting them off. I took the little bolts off the outside of the disc but they didn't seem to want to move at all. I decided there must more to do then remove the bolts.

beenthere · Mar 17, 2011

Not sure what you are meaning by "disc openers". There are runners for opening for the seeds.
There is a disc marker.

Either/or?

Briar Hill Brittanys · Mar 17, 2011

Hey Deere! I've not done it, here's a link to JD parts for your planter unit showing the breakdown of parts for the opener. John Deere - Parts Catalog . Looks like removing a single screw/bolt in the middle of the disc will let it loose off the seed boot.
HTH. Mark

beenthere · Mar 17, 2011

Is this the disk you speak of? Not the "little bolts" mentioned in the OP.
We'll figure it out if we get on the same page.

Luremaker · Mar 18, 2011

Here is another view of the boot with disks breakdown. I removed the disks off my 71 last year when I painted my units and don't remember having any problems.

jimgerken · Mar 18, 2011

The center screw is simply a cap. Take it off, and inside you will see an allen head screw, about 3/8" hex. Now, the allan screw on one side disc is right hand threads and the other side disc is left hand thread. I THINK the right side (as you are standing behind the unit) is right thread, and the left is left, and that makes sense, as they would tighten themselves in normal operation of the planter. Once these allan screws are loosened completely the disk with bearing holding cap will come off a little angled stub off the main casting. Its a trick little system. Note, there are shims in there. They are "tuneable". As the discs wear, and are no longer touching at the bottom, shims can be removed.

deere755 · Mar 18, 2011

Thanks for all the replies. I will take another look at them tonight. I am having a little trouble with them not wanting to turn so I thought I would take them apart and check the bearings.

deere755 · Mar 18, 2011

Thanks for all the advice. I was able to get them apart in about 20 minutes. I am going to go see Deere in the morning about getting some more shims, the bearings are fine.