JD 1240 planter ??

[tf]

Can someone please tell me about a JD 1240 finger pickup planter? Were they any good, I am not familiar with them. I found a 4 row unit with dry fertilizer boxes that looks well-taken care of. I want to start banding fertilizer when I plant my corn which is why I am interested in this unit. I guess another option is use it to band my dry P&K and plant with my old plate planter. This is only on 20-40 acres/year in a low-yield environment (80-100 bpa). Location: East Tx. Thanks in advance.

 

[larryanderson]

They were one of the first precision type planters that would plant anysize accurately at 5MPH.They do require maintanance to operate correctly.Kinze used the exact setup for years much to JDs dismay and court battles.They require graphite and to be sure JD or even some seed dealers have stands that run with a seed readout to make sure they work right.In certain areas the dry fertizer is worth as much as planter.I sold one a while back and asked if they needed a monitor and reply was only if the horses that were going to pull it had a plugin.If your crop is not planted right you are behind before you start.JDs depth wheels are some of the best and cover nicely.

 

[dandeere]

If its in good shape it will plant anything the finger can grab, from popcorn to punkin seeds. You don't have to monkey with plates. I have been using one for 20 years with no problems on small acreage. Regards, Dan

 

[DiggerDick]

I have used mine for probably 30 years, went thru the plateless units when I got it and have had no problems with it since. Plant 30 to 40 acres every year, great not to have to check seed size and can get better deals on cost of seed. Can also go to soybeans and just change speed with sprockets. I do make sure that the unit are completely cleaned out every year.

 

[larryanderson]

IIRC they used a seed cup for soybeans that wasnt very accurate and we got some from Kinze that were much improved.You can still order a new planter with finger units and I think the first came out in late 60s.We went to IH air planter and it was simple but not as accurate.The new planters are almost perfect on spacing if operated correctly.