John Deere : Seeding Group

Grass seed calibration
Question : I have a 455 drill with grass seed attachment and would like to know how to accurately set the grass seed rate? The slide mechanism is fairly sloppy(the same design as JD has used for the past 60plus years. Also, how do I prevent the hydraulic tongue cylinder from settling up while I am seeding?
Answer : We do have grass seed attachment charts in the OM for determining the initial rate setting for the crop. Then, just like on the feed cups, we recommend you do a calibration to determine the accuracy of the grass seed attachment.
The tongue settling could be a couple different possibilities. The easiest item to check would be a leaky tractor SCV. Try another remote or even another tractor. If the problem persists, could be a leaky tongue cylinder.

Grass seed seeding
Question : Does John Deere make a grass drill?
Answer : Yes we make grass drills and grass seed boxes that will allow you to seed a variety of different grass seeds. Depending on the size of grass seed you are wanting to sow, you can either run it though the box (seed portion) on the drill, or the grass seed box attached to the drill. The field conditions you are going to seed into will determine what drill should be used. Please see your local JD dealer for literature (DSAA15781).

Variable Rate Control on 1560 or 1590
Question: I see you have a new option on the 1590 drills that will allow me to change populations from the tractor cab. How much does this feature cost and could I install this on my 1560 drill? What other advantages exist for the 1590?
Answer: Yes, the new 1590 series can be equipped with the Electronic Population Rate Control that does allow the population rate to be controlled from the cab. The drill also needs to be equipped with seed sensors and the CT250 population monitor. The price for the EPRC is $731.92 (part #AN281649). If the seed sensor kit is also needed, is it $561 (BA26394). Both of these can be used on the 1560.
Other advantages of the 1590 drill include a new 90 series opener. This opener performs better in terms of longer seed boot life, better soil penetration that allows for more uniform seed depth placement. See your local JD dealers for all these features.

1535 Drill
Question : Do you still offer the smaller split row planters that have a grain drill box on them? Model 1535?
Answer : Yes we offer the 1535. This comes in a 15 and 20’ width.

Hitch available on 9400 Grain Drill
Question : Is a 5 unit hitch available on the 9400 Grain Drill?
Answer : John Deere no longer produces the Multi-Unit Hitches for Press Wheel Drills. However, the fold and go capability of Air Seeders improves productivity and transportability of Air Seeding systems.

9400 Grain Drills
Question : Why did you quit making 9400 grain drills?
Answer : We discontinued the 9400 Drills due to low sales volume and the lack of demand for this product. Air seeding technology has improved productivity over box drills. An Air Hoe Drill would seed from 30 to 60 feet in width.