John Deere 1780

[jling01]

Just bought a 1780 John Deere 8/15 row planter, first vac planter I have had.  Anyone have experience with these that can tell me anything to watch for or any advice on them? Talked to the previous owner who really talked it up and it seems to be a really well cared for machine, so looking forward to getting in the field with it next spring.

[colorofmoney]

I would recomend the prescion plates by 20/20 or Deere. But no matter which plates you have  I would get your meters calibrated every spring and not to leave plates in it over the winter unless it is in a heated shop.  Always put the plates in the same meter and the same dirrection. Hope you enjoy it.

[nwobcw]

 I have Deere 7240 which I believe is much the same.  After planting I remove the seed boxes and look things over and store them on a shelf as it keeps the mice out of them.  I also remove the seed dispensing units from the seed boxes, blow them off with compressed air and store them seperately in mice proof containers.  At a dealer spnsored planter clinic the speaker suggested at least opening the units to relieve pressure on the seals from the seed discs as this will keep them more springy and last longer.  Since I have no heated shop I do all this after planting when it's warm and then I am ready to go the next spring.  I just have to assemble the units on the seed boxes and install on planter which only takes an hour or so.

[jc217]

I had a 1780 12/23 planter.  Installing precision planting meters made it a real planter.  Make sure the gauge wheel pivots are kept clean and greased.  Drive line bearings needed to be replaced every third or fourth year.  Probably replaced 3 to 4 press wheel bearings each year.