GP/LP 3P600 or 3P606NT user thread

[TreeDaddy]

So..........

Where do you place the T handles when planting plots?

bill

 

[omicron1792]

I keep mine in the middle.

 

[swat1018]

Depends, I try and dig up some seed and may move it a little. I'm usually closer to the front than rear. Most of the stuff I plant will do best if I can get it around 1"

 

[deepsleep]

So..........

Where do you place the T handles when planting plots?

bill

I put the T handles all the way up for smaller seeds going through the big box. I planted a long season brassica mix this way in June as an experiment. It was after I had worked grading the plots, so they were basically bare but compacted, so I had inadequate weed control. I drilled those plots which seemed to place the seeds around 1/4". They germinated very quickly and looked great. I plan to use these same settings for alfalfa and switchgrass next year. I ended up spraying them out a couple weeks ago to plant a mix of grains, brassicas, clover, and chicory. I initially used the deepest setting (T handle toward the press wheels, but noticed the ground was so dry/hard, I wasn't getting adequate closure/down pressure. I moved the T-handles to the mid position and found that worked better on closure and was giving me 1/2"-1" depth. I found the hydraulic toplink to be very useful and have found that making sure there is just enough pressure on the drive wheel to prevent it from skipping is about perfect. I've found if the wheel skips either the toplink needs to be shortened slightly or I need to slow down a little bit. I was still able to plant quite fast with it. I'm absentee, so I'm observing cellular cams to monitor growth.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I've been pretty vocally disappointed in my 3p600 planting compared to prior experience with pull type Esch no till drill. That said, i'm pretty happy with how fall planting went, might have went too deep actually in many spots. 4 slots from all the way forward on the closing wheels. Peas/oats in the big box, clover/brassica blend in the small box. I think i'm turning a corner.. It's certainly a nice improvement in planting time with a 6' 3pt vs 3' pull type.

The esch got sold this summer. If I were to get another I'd probably take a close look at a 5' 2 point esch that sell for around $20k. That might be a bit much for my tractor but not sure..