Planters John Deere FB Grain Drill Issues

VA Orange · May 23, 2012

Good Morning Everyone,

I bought a John Deere FB grain drill three years ago and It works great for planting food plots, until lately. As Im planting the discs continually creep up, then it will "trip" and the discs will fall down to appropriate depth again. This happens continually as I try to plant.

The drill has worked great and is in great shape to be as old as it is, except for this issue. I was just wondering if there's anyone out there who owns an FB that has run into this problem.

Thanks!

Briar Hill Brittanys · May 23, 2012

I'm guessing it has the Powr Lift, that raises and lowers by pulling a rope and driving forward? I'd remove it, take it apart, clean and lube it, and make sure the parts inside are free to move. There's a fairly heavy spring inside that breaks upon occasion, too. I've rebuilt several, some that wouldn't lift, others wouldn't drop. After cleaning the years of hardened grease and dirt out of them, replacing the spring if needed, and lubing them, they work flawlessly. HTH Mark

VA Orange · May 24, 2012

Thanks for the advice Mark. I believe you're spot on because whatever is happening is inside the power lift.

Briar Hill Brittanys · May 24, 2012

JD dealer locally was able to get the spring, P/N S 918 M.....Throwout Spring. One other thing to look for inside is the drive roller, and to make sure it spins on the shaft. the drive roller is what engages inside the power lift, to lift or lock in transport. I've got the parts breakdown for the FB, if you need it, PM me your email. If you don't want to mess with it, I've got a rebuilt Power Lift in the barn. If the price is right.

Mark