Need advice on a small grain drill

fisherprice · Dec 29, 2008

I am looking to buy a drill/seeder to plant clover, millet and winter wheat. I want to plant cut corn and soybean fields. I am using a compact 45hp tractor. Any suggestions on what type and brand of drill would do the job?

flusher · Dec 29, 2008

fisherprice said:
I am looking to buy a drill/seeder to plant clover, millet and winter wheat. I want to plant cut corn and soybean fields. I am using a compact 45hp tractor. Any suggestions on what type and brand of drill would do the job?

I assume you are in the market for a pre-owned grain drill, not a new one.

I've restored an old Minneapolis-Moline P3-6 drill (20 drops, 6" spacing, single disc openers, grass seed boxes as well as a fertilizer box). No problem pulling this 10-ft wide drill with a 45 hp tractor.

Found two of these oldies in my neighborhood. Cost: $275. Restored one to operating condition (2 month project). Use the other as a lawn ornament and as a spare parts unit). You use the grass seed boxes for the clover, millet and wheat. To plant corn or soybeans you use the fertilizer box and tape over the drops so you get the row spacing you need for these crops (e.g. if you want 24" spacing, leave every 4th drop open and tape the others).

You can find John Deere/van Brunt drills on eBay in the $500 range that are 8-10 ft wide. JD model FB and FBB drills are also in that price range.

Just be sure that the drill has a grass seed box as well as the fertilizer box. And you probably want one on rubber tires rather than steel wheels.

Farmwithjunk · Dec 29, 2008

Start your search around the Deere FBB drill. They're the gold standard of small drills. I've owned one for 35 years and have yet to have any issues with it. (other than a couple flat tires...

)

Markpete · Dec 30, 2008

I agree with both of the other posters with only one question. Do you intend to no-till into these fields? If so then you will need to look at something newer and higher priced to accomplish this task. There are smaller drills available that you would be able to pull with your tractor.

Hoosier Hay Man · Dec 30, 2008

flusher said:
I've restored an old Minneapolis-Moline P3-6 drill (20 drops, 6" spacing, single disc openers, grass seed boxes as well as a fertilizer box). No problem pulling this 10-ft wide drill with a 45 hp tractor.

Nice Drill!