Planters Deere 71 Planter Adjustment...

[MODiesel]

Here's a question for those of you who have experience with these units. I picked up a two row unit over the winter, and have spent the last week or so getting it ready for use. However, I came across something I haven't been able to answer via the Deere nor the Yetter manuals.

My question concerns the parallel arm linkages that connect to the downpressure spring "notch plate" at the front of the planting unit [that's my term for the component with handles & notches that allows you to adjust the press wheel spring pressure]. The units I've got were somewhat rusted and paint encrusted in the area of bolts that attach the parallel linkages there, and to the planter body.

Now, while it's not noted in either manual, one of Yetter's FAQ entries here, notes that the linkages need to be parallel to the ground when operating the planter. Likewise, the press release for the planter also notes that these arms allow the planting unit to float/undulate over the ground. That all make sense. However, what I can't seem to figure out is how tight those linkage bolts should be, or what keeps the linakges from dropping to vertical when the entire implement is raised on the 3-point hitch?

If I really loosen them up, and lift my 3-point to the top of it's range, the planting units drop all the way until the press wheel just drags behind. Obviously, that's not what I want, since the press wheel could turn and drop seed when I'm just trying to transport the unit. Likewise, when the units drop, the down pressure springs go completely slack. So, something's not right, somewhere. Either the parallel linkages need to be "tight enough" to prevent the planting unit from dropping freely when the implement or raised, or there's some sort of "stop" that I'm missing that should prevent this from happening.

What am I missing here? These units are so simple it's almost embarassing that I can't seem to figure it out, but sometimes the best thing to do is to just suck it up and admit "I dunno..." /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks,
Jay

 

[MODiesel]

Figured it out...

There actually are some stops molded into the mounting bracket. I just had to adjust my lower 3-point link arms so I could lift the planter higher, and then loosen up all the rusty/painted bolts to get the linkage to move freely and study the movement. It's about as simple as I figured it had to be! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

- Jay

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The down-force is to get the disc openers in the ground. The parallel arms are that way to provide adaquate "float" when in use. When you RAISE the planter (via 3-point hitch) they SHOULD "drop down". You set the planting depth with a combination of down force on those parallel arms and supporting them to prevent from going too deep with tension on the closing wheel springs.

I've been planting with one for the better part of 25 years now. GREAT planters.

 

[MODiesel]

Farmwithjunk:

Based on your experience, what position on the depth cam correlates to a 1in planting depth? Neither the Deere nor Yetter manual denotes how to really use the cam, other than to say that the marks are just there to control depth anywhere from surface planting to 3.5in deep.

Thanks,
Jay

 

[Farmwithjunk]

No "set" setting. Depends on soil consistency, weight in the seed boxes, condition of seed opener disc, and even to some extent, speed at which you're planting. It's a trial and error sort of situation.