John Deere 71 Flexi Planter For Broccoli

[CreekRRTRN]

Just picked up my "new to me" JD 71 planter. I have been unable to figure out which plate would do best for broccoli. I haven't got my hands on an operators manual yet. Does anyone have experience using the 71 for broccoli? From what I can tell I need to get my hands on a sugar beet bottom; however I have seen sugar beet plates that look like they would work. If someone could explain the difference between the sugar beet plates and the sugar beet bottoms that would be helpful. Also if someone could tell me about their experience with using the 71 for broccoli that would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[sweettractors]

Just picked up my "new to me" JD 71 planter. I have been unable to figure out which plate would do best for broccoli. I haven't got my hands on an operators manual yet. Does anyone have experience using the 71 for broccoli? From what I can tell I need to get my hands on a sugar beet bottom; however I have seen sugar beet plates that look like they would work. If someone could explain the difference between the sugar beet plates and the sugar beet bottoms that would be helpful. Also if someone could tell me about their experience with using the 71 for broccoli that would be helpful. Thanks!

I would start my Broccoli in a seedbed and then use a trans-planter to put in the stemmed plant when 6-12 inches tall. The 71 probably will get the broccoli seed too Deep to germinate efficiently. Ken Sweet

 

[CreekRRTRN]

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering how precise the depth control on the 71 was.

 

[jbooth]

Don't have experience with broccoli. I can tell you that the 1 beet beet plate I have is the same diameter and drive the same as the corn plates. Most all beet plates require a false/filler ring to fit your present planter bottom. The milo plates I have on hand use a different filler ring. The milo filler ring has an outside ring that contains the actual plate. Have you measured the broccoli seeds.

Readers Digest Version; The beet and milo/sorghum plates with filler ring will fit your present planter configuration. If you can size them correctly for seed size and gear it for proper spacing, I would sure give it a try.

 

[CreekRRTRN]

Don't have experience with broccoli. I can tell you that the 1 beet beet plate I have is the same diameter and drive the same as the corn plates. Most all beet plates require a false/filler ring to fit your present planter bottom. The milo plates I have on hand use a different filler ring. The milo filler ring has an outside ring that contains the actual plate. Have you measured the broccoli seeds.

Readers Digest Version; The beet and milo/sorghum plates with filler ring will fit your present planter configuration. If you can size them correctly for seed size and gear it for proper spacing, I would sure give it a try.

Where can I get my hands in the filler rings? I plant one acre of sugar cane each year so I will def need the sorghum filler ring and then figure out what plates I need for the seeds I use.

I will have to just experiment once I get my hands on the filler rings. Are filler rings the same as bottoms?

 

[jbooth]

Open the attached web address. I would recommend going to the gallery and looking at the Sunflower plate and filler ring. That happens to be the only one that gives a good picture of a filler ring. It will give you an idea of what the filler rings look like. The one pictured there will work with beet plates. If you have milo plates, they use a filler that is similiar but with an outside ring the plate sets in. Most plates are .312" max. I would choose a combination of filler ring and plate that puts you somewhere between .250" and .312". This is all theory and has seen very little practical experience. They also recommend a star knocker to punch the seed out, but I just make sure the seeds fit rather loosely in the plate. I do have some milo and 1 beet plate that I could let you have to try. How many rows does your planter do. If you can measure seed size, I will try and help select a combination that might work. I trust you are looking at your own consumption and not a commercial operation. I would hate to see you waste a bunch of seed on my limited experience and recommendation. You could also order blank plates and cut your own cells.

In the event the web address doesn't work. Just type in Lincoln ag and go from there.


Lincoln Ag Products

 

[Briar Hill Brittanys]

If you go to John Deere - Parts Catalog , the listing shows the different parts needed to convert to beet seed. I THINK you also need a baffle to insert inside the hopper. HTH Mark

 

[jbooth]

If you go to John Deere - Parts Catalog , the listing shows the different parts needed to convert to beet seed. I THINK you also need a baffle to insert inside the hopper. HTH Mark

Going with the beet bottoms would be a better way to go but a bit more expensive. The person at the website listed below has used ones for sale and includes some beet plates.


Planter parts

 

[CreekRRTRN]

Going with the beet bottoms would be a better way to go but a bit more expensive. The person at the website listed below has used ones for sale and includes some beet plates.

Planter parts

I emailed the person from this link. Thanks for the info!