Tar River SAYA-507 No Till Drill

[Hoytvectrix]

I have two years (+20 acres) with the 507 and about five years with the Great Plains 706 from the local NRCS office. I think both cover the planting rows well enough with multiple residue conditions and soil types. With that said, I feel like even with added weight, the Saya 507 doesn't have quite as good of penetration in certain soil types at varying soil moisture levels. The Great Plains just cuts in better. The 3-pt feature is great for maneuverability, but could also be more wear and tear on a tractor depending on the make and model. We are still very happy with the Tar River. We would not have spent the money needed on a Great Plains drill to accomplish what we can with the Tar River. Compared the the $125-$250/year in rental fees at the local NRCS office (when it's open), the Tar River would take too long to pay for itself, but the convenience and enjoyment of planting with your own equipment doesn't really have an ROI.

 

[356]

It would be fun to see a same field comparison of the Tar River, Great Plains and PH Outdoors drills. I wonder if the differences would be significant or noticeable. The beans I planted with the Tar River looked the same of those planted by with the commercial ag drill.

 

[Foggy47]

It would be fun to see a same field comparison of the Tar River, Great Plains and PH Outdoors drills. I wonder if the differences would be significant or noticeable. The beans I planted with the Tar River looked the same of those planted by with the commercial ag drill.

I had a Tar River Saya 505 before buying a used Great Plains 3P500 minimum till drill (which I use as a no-till drill). I think the Saya planted on nearly an equal level with the Great Plains and I got along with it pretty well. The primary reason I "moved up" to the GP was for a longer lived more trouble free product. Some of the Tar River means of driving chains and bearings and fasteners are of questionable quality. I felt it could be a troublesome life over time with the Tar River......and I was not too wild about that roller cage and covering flaps....tho this arrangement seemed to work. I've got about $7000 more invested in my GP than in the Tar River.....and it's "worth it" for me.

That's my story......and I am sticking to it.