Steak maker, The 8-900 are hydraulic driven motors for air pressure, bur that hydraulic energy is created by a pump driven off your pto....usually 1000 rpm seem to be the most common. They are an extremely simple planter, and while I dont favor them for corn, they are a great soybean planter. Remember though, air pressure is shooting the seed down the tubes and you will bounce seed out of the trench. I never thought much of the rebounders on my deere units, but they are the perfect match for the ih air planters. Seed metering is great. The row units utilize a leading edge design and I have found little need for coulters to lead in no till. A covering disc follows the opener and there is a significant difference between the 800 and 900 here in that the disc set on the 900 is staggered... easier for trash to flow thru. When you hear of an 800 planter with 900 updates, that is usually the improvement added.. The closing wheel is simply a flat cushioned wheel the closes the slot completely following the closing discs. The depth is controlled by wheels on either side of the opener disc, much as any other brand. as for wear, same pivot points as most others, rubber tires, bushings at pivots etc. Upside is there are plenty of these things salvaged around for parts. I just bought a 955 set up as a splitter....16 x 15 inch that Im going to put on my great planes caddy and try to eliminate a vertical tillage tool pass before planting. Hoping it all works out well. Best of luck in your search. With all the mares tail around here, half way thinking about planting beans on 30 inch rows and cultivating again. Regards! Joe
