[AT] old corn planters

[Dean VP]

John,

I don't know what your soil conditions are where you live but my Dad used a JD 490 4 row planter tow behind in NW Iowa many years(40's to 60's) with extremely good luck. One of the most desirable JD collector implements is a two row version of that (JD 290) either tow behind or three point hitch version.  They are very good planters.  He only used the split wedge type shoe on the planter head, which I think you are calling the sword type. New replacement shoes are still available.  The only time I remember him having any kind of trouble with these type shoes is if an old cornstalk got stuck in the shoe which wasn't very often. I vaguely remember a finger that was placed directly ahead of the shoe to brush aside any trash.  I suppose a really dirty field might require something that cut up the trash but they would have to be really sharp to work very well.  PS: This is why my Dad was so fussy about making sure we covered up all the trash when we plowed oh so deep  :-) . 

If you find something like this of interest I can email you a Parts Catalog for these types of JD Planters.  Obviously there are newer versions of these two row planters but they might be even more expensive. 

Dean VP
Apache Junction, AZ 85120

"A picture is worth a 1,000 words, but it uses up to 12,000 times the memory"


-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of jtchall at nc.rr.com
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2013 5:27 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: [AT] old corn planters

I am looking into planting some corn this year. I’ve got a fellow that can plant it for me, if my fields are ready when he is in the neighborhood with his rig. Ideally, I would rather have my own planter. I prefer a 2 row so it will free up duties on the 2 tractors that I would use with a 4-row. Besides, it would take up much less shed space.

I’ve seen a lot of 2 row Ford 3pt planters (model 309 I think) on Craigslist. The only thing I don’t like is they are a sword type planter instead of disc row openers. I’ve also seen a couple 2 row AC planters that appeared to be tow behind units. Anybody had any experience with these small planters or have one you would recommend? I wouldn’t mind having no-till but those aren’t very cheap.

Thoughts on the matter?

John Hall
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