[AT] old corn planters

[jtchall at nc.rr.com]

Dean, I think that is the model we had before it was replaced with a 1240 
(way before I was born). We sold the 1240 a few years back to a collector 
wanting to restore it. It had mechanical issues with some of the planter 
drive mechanisms. Basically it was beyond worn out. The last few years we 
had issues trying to get a uniform crop stand with some of the row units. 
It was going to be a huge money pit to put it back in proper operational 
order.

I prefer the disc opener since we don't plow anymore. I am going to be 
following grain sorghum this spring if all goes well so there will be some 
trash issues to contend with.

I do have a ton of plates left from the 1240, so if I came across a Deere 
that would use them it would be a plus.

John


-----Original Message----- 
From: Dean VP
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2013 11:33 PM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: Re: [AT] old corn planters

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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