Tar River SAYA-507 No Till Drill

[Buckhunter10]

 

[Hoytvectrix]

Is that back bar effective at covering the seeds and channels?

We have also had issues with residue wrapping up in the ends of the roller. Nippers seem to work well but it is a bit annoying to have to keep an eye on.

 

[Buckhunter10]

Is that back bar effective at covering the seeds and channels?

We have also had issues with residue wrapping up in the ends of the roller. Nippers seem to work well but it is a bit annoying to have to keep an eye on.

I have seen some folks flip it so it’s on top and there is more down pressure on the flaps. I personally never liked them but I always plant green. I’m sure it would be helpful to get some of the trenches closed but at end of day - when we get rain in Ohio - I’ve been able to grow some very nice plots. I do get a bit of binding up - but it’s been ok to deal with and better since we did the updates in above video.

 

[356]

The Tar River continues to meet my expectations. The soybeans were planted on May 9th and the fall plot on August 5th…you can’t blame the lack of growth on the drill, we’re in a stage II drought. The field that was broadcast is a total bust.

Drilled beans—looking great.


Drill fall plot—showing signs of life.

Broadcast fall plot—pretty much a failure due to the drought.

 

[Howboutthemdawgs]

Looks like these things are running between 7-8k new now. Worth it? Shocking to no one…the price of Great Plains and the like are not going down. Currently I have 55hp tractors. Would they lift these ok? I’m going to sell the 5055 and get a minimum of 75hp but when is the magical question.

 

[Hoytvectrix]

Looks like these things are running between 7-8k new now. Worth it? Shocking to no one…the price of Great Plains and the like are not going down. Currently I have 55hp tractors. Would they lift these ok? I’m going to sell the 5055 and get a minimum of 75hp but when is the magical question.

Ours is 69 HP and it tolerates the drill. I would be worried about a 55 HP with the 6.5 footer, especially if you have to add weight for better penetration (which we have to for relatively great soil).

I definitely think it is worth it. You save some money on using less seed, and you definitely get better establishment. But it wasn't exactly plug and play ready to go. We needed to tighten and adjust nearly every bolt. Others have made some slight modifications.

 

[356]

Looks like these things are running between 7-8k new now. Worth it? Shocking to no one…the price of Great Plains and the like are not going down. Currently I have 55hp tractors. Would they lift these ok? I’m going to sell the 5055 and get a minimum of 75hp but when is the magical question.

I think they are worth the price. I anticipate 10 years or more out of mine (I just finished season 3 and it looks great). I do store mine indoors AND vacuum it out each use so the mice don’t target the hoses and other parts that are plastic. The current models are much better assembled than my “covid era” drill. You can read about the improvements from the factory on the Tar River Facebook forum.

I am using a tractor similar to yours, and any 5 series is “right sized” for these. I know users who are using 100+ HP tractors without issue and I used my 505 with a 3 series (which was marginal).

 

[Buckhunter10]

Looks like these things are running between 7-8k new now. Worth it? Shocking to no one…the price of Great Plains and the like are not going down. Currently I have 55hp tractors. Would they lift these ok? I’m going to sell the 5055 and get a minimum of 75hp but when is the magical question.

I would check the lifting capacity on your tractor. I have a 75hp Case, and the rear lift capacity beats the brakes off the JD and Kubota - one of the reasons I went with that particular tractor. It throws this drill around with ease. I suspect on a 55hp, you'll be ok, but terrain will be something to consider. My buddy uses my drill on a Ford 6000 (I believe), which is a 60hp, 2wd.

As for their worth. I think they are great for the money, and if you are willing to take the time with them. If you want a set-and-forget, a drill in general is probably not the tool for ya. I like that we can tinker with these drills and make them our own.

I have done a ton of upgrades, but in 4 years (I think that's what it has been), we have been happy with this unit.

If money was no object, I would get a PH 8ft or GP 8ft (2pt with the wheel assist).

 

[Howboutthemdawgs]

I would check the lifting capacity on your tractor. I have a 75hp Case, and the rear lift capacity beats the brakes off the JD and Kubota - one of the reasons I went with that particular tractor. It throws this drill around with ease. I suspect on a 55hp, you'll be ok, but terrain will be something to consider. My buddy uses my drill on a Ford 6000 (I believe), which is a 60hp, 2wd.

As for their worth. I think they are great for the money, and if you are willing to take the time with them. If you want a set-and-forget, a drill in general is probably not the tool for ya. I like that we can tinker with these drills and make them our own.

I have done a ton of upgrades, but in 4 years (I think that's what it has been), we have been happy with this unit.

If money was no object, I would get a PH 8ft or GP 8ft (2pt with the wheel assist).

Thank you and 356 and Hoyt. I like to tinker but unfortunately my time is limited as I don’t live on my property. So if I’m spending 2 hours messing with the drill instead of planting that is a waste of my time. I would mostly be drilling grains into clover so I wonder if simple applications like that would be less time consuming on set up?

 

[Buckhunter10]

Thank you and 356 and Hoyt. I like to tinker but unfortunately my time is limited as I don’t live on my property. So if I’m spending 2 hours messing with the drill instead of planting that is a waste of my time. I would mostly be drilling grains into clover so I wonder if simple applications like that would be less time consuming on set up?

I think you would be fine. Especially if you can tow it home, or whatnot. Small amounts of time make a big difference.

 

[RGrizzzz]

If you want a set-and-forget, a drill in general is probably not the tool for ya.....

If money was no object, I would get a PH 8ft or GP 8ft (2pt with the wheel assist).

I have an original RTP Genesis, and it's mostly set and forget. Very little tinkering required. It is in a different price class though.