Planters If you wanted a new 2 row planter...

LeadPoison · Feb 20, 2007

which one and why?

I like the Yetter #71 the best, but it isn't available in my area. Covington is.

TNhobbyfarmer · Feb 20, 2007

LeadPoison said:
which one and why?

I like the Yetter #71 the best, but it isn't available in my area. Covington is.

Leadpoison:

I bought a used JD two row planter with 71 planter units. Yetter supplied those units to JD for years and they are essentially the same units still being made by Yetter. It is a fantastic little planter for what I use it for, food plots.

I would suggest that you go on ebay and look for a 71 planter. There are some guys on ebay that find the old larger planters with the 71 planter units and put them on smaller toolbars to make one or two row planters. They do a real nice job of refurbishing and painting them. You'll probably have to pay around $800.00 for a two row, but much cheaper than new, and it should last you a lifetime.

I've never used a Covington, so I can't speak for them, but I don't think you can go wrong with a JD 71 planter. I plant a few acres of corn, sunflowers, and soybeans every year just for the wildlife and the 71 does a great job.

LeadPoison · Feb 20, 2007

I have looked on ebay... I just can bring myself to pay for the shipping costs. It's $350 to get a two row shipped. Is $1300 out of line to pay for a fully refurbished #71 flex palnter?

Does anyone know what a Covington or Yetter costs new?

rdln · Feb 20, 2007

I recall hearing 1700 for one row, no toolbar from when JD sold them

Farmwithjunk · Feb 21, 2007

Best NEW? That'd be those Yetter #71 units. Best used? Still the #71's just look for that green paint that sells for so much.

I used 4 #71 units to plant corn with for 20+ years. They are simple, easy to understand, and VERY reliable. Some parts are still available through Deere. Yetter parts interchange.

Just a few years ago, you could buy used #71 row units all day long for under $150 per row. Expect closer to $350 (and up) for good working units now.

I broke my 4 row planter down and made a 2-row planter for sweet corn. I let someone sucker me in to selling it last summer. I'm taking a week of vacation next week and building another 2-row planter with my remaining units.

For the record, my 2-row had a home-made liquid fertilizer system on it. I got $1975.

TNhobbyfarmer · Feb 21, 2007

LeadPoison said:
I have looked on ebay... I just can bring myself to pay for the shipping costs. It's $350 to get a two row shipped. Is $1300 out of line to pay for a fully refurbished #71 flex palnter?

Does anyone know what a Covington or Yetter costs new?

Leadpoison:

You've got a couple of things going against you, the time of the year and your location. Now is the time everyone is looking to buy a planter, and that runs the price up. Also, you are located a long distance from where most of the rebuilders are located so the freight is high and it's too far to drive to pick one up.

I bought mine from a guy in Michigan named John O'hair. He is a very nice guy and doesn't seem to be quite as high as most of the guys on ebay. In fact, he happened to be coming to Tennessee and delivered it to me no charge. I doubt you will get that lucky, but I think it would be a great place to try to get one. If I remember correctly, I only paid about $450.00 for a two row 71 planter, and it works great.

John's email is ohairfrm@greatlakes.net. Good luck. I hope you are able to find you a planter at a reasonable price.

Birdhunter1 · Feb 21, 2007

Farmwithjunk said:
For the record, my 2-row had a home-made liquid fertilizer system on it. I got $1975.

I've got an old two row IH planter (I think it's a #55) that my Grandpa had used a long time ago. Pulled it out of a fenceline, greased, oiled and wire brushed everything and planted sweet corn and food plots with it for the last several years.

Farmwithjunk, got any pictures of that liquid fertilizer setup?

Farmwithjunk · Feb 21, 2007

Birdhunter1 said:
I've got an old two row IH planter (I think it's a #55) that my Grandpa had used a long time ago. Pulled it out of a fenceline, greased, oiled and wire brushed everything and planted sweet corn and food plots with it for the last several years.

Farmwithjunk, got any pictures of that liquid fertilizer setup?

Sorry to say, no pictures....for now anyway. I'm picking up a couple row units on monday. I'm gonna assemble a complete new liquid fert. set-up. I'll most liely post pictures as I go. Last one used a 20 gal. plastic tank, a 12v "RV" pump, a sprayer pressure regulator and gauge, and a pair of liquid fert. applicator knives (from agri-supply) Simple, straight forward, and not all that accurate, but it did the job for around $200

LeadPoison · Feb 23, 2007

I am starting to think I may just broadcast any corn, soybeans, sorghum, or peanuts I intend to plant. I am not going to spray anything for weed control. Also we are starting to develop a hog problem and we have a 400 pound plus black bear that comes to my property during the spring and summer. He likes corn. A lot. I can not seem to justify "neat little rows" for $1000. I can afford it, but it's just not worth it to me.