planting spring seeds with a drill

[HCJtractor]

We bought a used Truax Grass drill with three seed boxes. I assume it is similar to other no til drills, like the Great Plains, as far as the dispensing mechanism. We are ready to give it a try. I want to practice with some soybeans, corn, and sunflower this Spring. Any tips on using a drill such as this for this type of planting. I have read that some tape over the ports and increase the row spacing, but if I do that, the little rotaing agitators will have to be removed. I guess I could disconnect the tubes and cap the openings from below. Anyone who has used a drill like this with these types of seed boxes, please share your knowledge.

I was also wondering what box to use. The small front box is for clover like seed, I think. THe middle box is for warm weather seed like native grasses, and the rear is for cool season grains. Or at least, that is what I believe. So which does better for the above seeds? THe middle is what I am trying out first.

 

[jbooth]

Looks like downladable manuals are available at Truax's website. Don't know if your particular drill/seeder is available or not.


Truax Seed Planting Equipment

 

[Smallplot]

The small seed box will be the smallest box. It will be able to meter out the smaller seeds with lower rates than the main box.

The Main Box (Legume box) should have a flat lower surface without anything sticking up from below it. This allows the addition of tape to make row spacing further.

The Native Warm Season Box will have fingers that extend above the lower portion of the box. This box should have some type of agitator that runs the length of the box from end to end. Use this only for the Fluffy seeds known as NWSG.

Do not restrict the flow from below as I assume you meant. You will chew up seeds and pack the seed cups full causing a mess to take care of and possibly having to replace seed cups or other components,