Western Canada Farm Progress Show!

[bucket]

this year with it being so dry - no problem. It was a new drill new disks and cut great. I have had pinning problems but usually got lucky with a rain and it proved itself. Once you are on the same row spacing year in and year out its ok. The advantages of very low soil disturbance, field finish, and the spraying has convinced me.

[Hopperbin]

I rented a Flexicoil 6000 once for 1500 acres. Was the best emergence ever and I hear you on the clean fields. What scared me was the maintenance, a few hours work daily. Much of the problems caused by other farmers using it. Cannot turn with the machine in the ground. Actually planted a wheat crop on one new field with the weediest history there ever was and the crop came up clean.

[bucket]

There is a reason why flexi coil not in that business anymore. Don't even look at those 6000's.

In 7 years of using jd 1860 or 1895 never lost a main brg. Sure I change a gauge wheel but thats wear and tear.

[disker]

Hi Bucket,
Tried a 1895 a couple of years ago and was not quite ready to go there yet but have been looking at them since and seeded 200 acres this spring with one to bail out the new drill I bought in some heavy straw. We seeded one morning after a rain and still wet straw to make it hairpin to see what the worst case scenario would be. It hairpinned but then we had 10 days of rain so I think it is all coming up anyway. Did you change anything from Deere like firming wheels, closing wheels or add trash movers out front? I am seriously looking at one because when they make good soil contact there is nothing as even for germination. Going to the farm show Wednesday and going to talk to JD, any thing I should look at or question on the 1895.
Curt

[bucket]

Disker

Haven't added anything. I use the wide gauge wheels. The press wheel they have on the 08 is flimsier than the 04 design(cheaper). Closing wheels have been okay. Those trash movers sound like a good idea. I think if your spacings right and the straw is standing good you shouldn't have a problem. I wish I had that heavy staw problem.

I can't go to fps but if you are thinking of a jd cart ask them about getting something under a semi. The tank orientation could be made more convenient if the middle tank fill hole was on the opposite side.

Maybe you are a little more diplomatic than I am but see if they could make it a little more easy to under these things. Disk change is a bitch. They should last 10000 acres in my area. I will be changing mine before next season. And the disks could be more affordable. Although there is a company called Kooima that sells jobber disks for half the deere price.
Judging by the location to jd plant, they might even be the guys that make them for deere.

Take the time (if they have one there) to crawl around and do a depth setting. I don't know how old you are but you have to be careful crawling around to change the depth.

The air distribution heads are not as nice as the new flexicoils. Jd is still using the bolt and nut whereas flexi coils are a snap on lid.

If you buying new get the flotaion tires not implement tires. If you are buying used - look at the notched covers where you set the t handle for wear. Also grab a gauge wheel and lift. If it moves more than 1/4 inch there maybe a piece that has to be replaced ($55 x 52 = expense).

Overall I give these drills a 9 out of ten rating - they could do some tweeking with materials they use but I am very happy with it.

[bucket]

disker

Check the price of a weight package for it. My 30 foot was loaded and it cut anything, My last 2 haven't had the weights and that might help in some conditions.

[disker]

Hi Bucket,
Thanks for the reply. I agree on the cart setup and the center hole when trying to pour in canola bags etc. We are keeping our conserva pak cart so won't be using JD heads or anything. How pricey are the coulters and does Khart build some stuff for the JD drills now. I heard they have firming wheels etc for JD drills. I think I would get a weight package, at least then I have the option to push down vs lifting the drill. I will let you know if I find anything earth shattering at the show.
Curt

[bucket]

disker

Disks from a jd dealer are 35 to 40 bucks (insane).

Koima has a slightly thicker disk (only .010" thicker) for 21.50us.

I am thinking of trying the Kooima disks once and see how they wear.

BTW I blew a down pressure hose today. I tell you I hate cheap shit on a 200000 piece of equipment.Drives me nuts. The last thing a salesman or dealer wants is a call bitching about a pinhole in a hydraulic hose. Got nothing done today.

Don't know too much about khart replacements but maybe I will do some searching.

If you are getting a new drill I would ask about the flexi coil air distribution on the drill itself. Its alot nicer to snap them off than carry a 15mm wrench.