capehunter1
New Member
I have run a Great Plains 3P606Nt for the last eight years with my business. They are fantastic. It takes a while to figure out proper planting depths and seeding rates but they are sturdy and I have had almost no problems with mine. The downside is cost. A new one will set you back about 20K the way mine is set up (with native grass box). So, unless it is making you money, it can be hard to justify having it just for plots. If you get a 3 point model like mine, make sure you do plenty of research on your tractor's hydraulics to ensure it can handle the weight. You will also need to think about front weight on your tractor to balance the heavy drill on the back. I just keep a loader on the front of my Kubota M7040 and all is good that way. You can go with a wheeled model but I need the 3 pt option since I trailer all over the place doing plots for customers. Moreover, the 3 pt. is so beneficial in tight spots where you can just lift and turn. One of the key things on them is maintenance like cleaning/oiling chains, greasing zerks, keeping proper tire pressure in drive wheel, vacuuming out seed boxes after use, etc etc etc. Also consider getting the option that allows you to add tractor weights to the drill if you anticipate drilling in tough soil. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I bought a used versa drill from kasco that they got on trade in.It doesn't have a small see box but you only use it for brassicas and clover which I broadcast.I plant switch with mine but you can't plant bearded NWSG without the NWSG box that has the agitator.I spent 3 grand and I can plant everything from switch to corn
Capehunter1
Thank you for your input. I have a front wheel assist 90hp case ih with a loader. I probably wont do much no tilling with it, so I was thinking I wouldnt need to go with the no till. I wanted it for seeding switch but if I frost drilled it in March, the no till wouldnt matter. Any thoughts? My other plots will not be no tilled. At this point in time I will just be using it for personal use but I think I could do some custom planting with it. I just want to get something nice that will hold up and make planting a lot easier and efficient.
Thank you for your input. I have a front wheel assist 90hp case ih with a loader. I probably wont do much no tilling with it, so I was thinking I wouldnt need to go with the no till. I wanted it for seeding switch but if I frost drilled it in March, the no till wouldnt matter. Any thoughts? My other plots will not be no tilled. At this point in time I will just be using it for personal use but I think I could do some custom planting with it. I just want to get something nice that will hold up and make planting a lot easier and efficient.
