JD planter problem

[caseaddict]

I have a custom no-til planter built from a JD 16 row front fold 7000 frame. When in the plant position, the outer wings go down to maximun depth leaving the middle of the planter much higher. When in full raised position nothing settles off and everything is fine. My local Deere dealer rebuilt both of the main cylinders that control this. This has not helped. We have bled the system a dozen or more times with no change. does anyone have any suggestions. I do not have a hydrolic flow diagram for the planter. That might help.

 

[Bob]

Has it ever leveled properly over the entire lift range since you've had it? Is there a possibility there's a miss-match (displacement-wise) between the two staging/rephasing cylinders in the center section and the cylinders on the wings?

It's a COMPLICATED system, and there's sure lots of things that could be miss-matched or worn/leaking/broken!

 

[caseaddict]

It had always been fine then it started this problem. At the end of the season I had Deere rebuild first one (that didn't help) then the other cylinder. I thought it worked for a few rounds then started it all over again. Seems like sometimes it will hold level for a while then start drooping. Somewhat intermittent. They thought maybe something is wrong inside again but they seem baffled also. Its had to test because sitting in the driveway you can't hardly tell. When you hit the field it shows up.

 

[Bob]

Yeah, been there, done that. There's a LOT of stuff to leak in those two cylinders (which are several cylinders "stacked" on a common rod) and a LOT of stuff to put "O" rings in and re-assemble correctly at OH time.

Wish I could be more help, bur if it has worked in the past and there's no oil leaking EXTERNALLY at the individual single acting lift cylinders, it HAS to be some issues in the big cylinders.

 

[gtx1967jewison]

There are valve blocks on the planter that control the direction & stroke etc of those cylinders, I would look there long before a cylinder. Could be as simple as a broken electrical wire or bad connection. If it's stored outdoors that is almost certainly the issue

 

[Bob]

You may be right, gt, but, IIRC, the valve block(s) control wing fold and marker operation, and the large "rephasing" cylinder(s) whose rods are not connected to anything control "level" operation from side to side as the planter is raised and lowered, or, on the larger planters, one controls side-to-side level on each half.

I hope the OP posts back when this is solved, it certainly will be interesting!

 

[David Grubb]

We are having the same problem also. We have to hold the plant/lower lever down until the center section of the planter lowers to the level of the wings and then start driving. We have no obvious leaks or damage. Would really like to find a fix for this.