Refurbishing a Flex 71...Any pointers??

[Sparkomatic]

Gettting ready to undertake rebuilding/restoring my 2 row Flex 71 planter. I purchased it with the intentions of using it for sunflowers, sweet corn and food plots. Overall its in pretty decent shape. One unit has a wobbly packer wheel which I am sure is in dire need of a bearing. Both units need some TLC around the seed knockers but I think some sandblasting and fresh paint will bring it all back to life. I'm looking for any pointers from those who have undertaken a similar project such as parts to replace, what to leave as is, etc. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance for the help.

Spark

 

[beenthere]

The packers have bushings. Take 'em apart and see what is causing the wobbling.

Your friend can be jdparts.com, if you haven't already gone there (free registration). It will help spot what is "inside" and how many parts with all the part no's too.

Not sure what you are calling 'knockers' but the terminology for parts will be helpful too, as the variety of attachments and their parts.

How about some pics?

edit: I just found the "knocker" in the parts for the 71. Wasn't in the list, but found it under "cutoff" for beans.

Knocker part no A36012 is available online for $1.31

 

[ctlguy]

If you are in an area where there is row crop production (corn, beats, etc) then the local JD dealer will be able to point out just by looking at your knockers, cutouts, etc. Those associated items are fairly cheap and depending on use generally it was a yearly exercise to replace some of those items. The 71 is still a relativly late model unit in terms of how long they where produced. Plastic seed plates are best bought from seed supply folks, metal plates through the dealer. Good luck.

 

[Sparkomatic]

I had forgotten about jdparts.com. I will look into the packer wheel bushings. My local Deere dealer is pretty good for parts but like just about everything "green" they are proud of most them.

 

[Luremaker]

Don't forget to do a search right here on TBN. There have been a number of JD 71s rebuilt/refurbished with lots of step by step photos and discussions on how it was done. Good luck and have fun.

Every spring, after pulling my 71's out, I tell myself I'm going to rebuild/repaint them. Maybe next year.

 

[ctlguy]

I had forgotten about jdparts.com. I will look into the packer wheel bushings. My local Deere dealer is pretty good for parts but like just about everything "green" they are proud of most them.

Maybe pricing is an issue for 10-12 rows, etc. But 2 row planter oem parts to recondition the hoppers will not be all that much money. Primarily pointed out the dealer because they will be able to help you to identify worn parts. Aftermarket outlet would be "shoup".

 

[Sparkomatic]

Agreed, with only 2 rows its not going to break the bank buying the necessary parts but I still don't like the huge mark-up on things.

Update on my progress - I removed the hopper on the unit needing the most TLC and have it stripped and ready to be sandblasted. There were 2 longer bolts/springs that held a galvanized plate above the seed plate that twisted off. Have to get the remaining bolt portion out of the body. Also need to get the bolt loose holding the plastic cover off the knocker/spring assy. Hope the PB Blaster works or its gonna be tough.

Thanks everyone for the info, keep it coming!


Spark

 

[Sparkomatic]

Ok I'm needing a little help...again. Took the wobbly drive wheel off the one unit and I have NO bushing/sleeve. There is a sleeve on the shaft but no bushing of any kind to fit the cast portion of the housing. The wheel had 4 large washers on the sprocket side of the shaft to keep the wheel hub up against the housing. Tried to pull the other wheel off to compare and it won't budge. I've been on-line to jdparts as well as my local dealer. Couldn't find anything on the bushing/sleeve for the drive wheel. Anyone have any suggestions or pics??

Btw-All the dealers aren't tied into jdparts just yet but you can save a TON of time getting part numbers and such off there before visiting the dealer. Thanks for reminding me about them.

 

[flusher]

Ok I'm needing a little help...again. Took the wobbly drive wheel off the one unit and I have NO bushing/sleeve. There is a sleeve on the shaft but no bushing of any kind to fit the cast portion of the housing. The wheel had 4 large washers on the sprocket side of the shaft to keep the wheel hub up against the housing. Tried to pull the other wheel off to compare and it won't budge. I've been on-line to jdparts as well as my local dealer. Couldn't find anything on the bushing/sleeve for the drive wheel. Anyone have any suggestions or pics??

Btw-All the dealers aren't tied into jdparts just yet but you can save a TON of time getting part numbers and such off there before visiting the dealer. Thanks for reminding me about them.

Stuck wheel: I'd get out my pneumatic impact chisel, install a blunt chisel (a chisel with the blade end cut off), hammer on the end of the axle shaft while pulling the wheel toward you (you may need someone to help you do this). This method works well for stuck crankshaft pulleys.

Good luck.

 

[Sparkomatic]

Looks like I'm going to have to make my own sleeve up for the one side. First thing is where it was ran with no bushing it has worn the housing on a slight angle so I will need to true that up first. Then my plan is to make a 2 piece sleeve out of teflon that I can fit into the housing and support the axle. Hopefully squaring up the shaft will also lesson the wear on the drive chain and such. Will post pics as soon.