John Deere 71

[Owen555]

I recently acquired a two row JD71 planter. When the planter is removed from the tractor, the right planter will slowly collapse, the left planter is rigid. Which planter is set up correctly? I cant get the toolbar adjusted to 18" of planting depth and it looks like the left side being rigid is keeping the toolbar from being able to drop. Which is correct?

 

[Brendon-KS]

Sounds like the parallel linkage system on your left-hand unit is bound up and isn't free to move. Even with the down-pressure springs adjusted to the max the weight of the toolbar should still be able to collapse the linkage.

 

[Owen555]

I was just out working on that unit. I found the linkage was extremely tight and backed off the bolts and that helped. The other thing I found is the rubber bushing that provides a pivot point for the chain assembly is very tight, so I will try and get some lube on it, may remove the bolt and make sure its not rusted or painted. Thanks for the help.

 

[paul]

Yea, the parallel linkage should be free to travel up and down.

I?m not so familiar with how the 71 is designed, if I can attach a photo tonight it would show some bushings should be in place for the arms to ride on, the bolts should tighten on the bushing, not on the arm. I?d guess your bushings wore out?

Paul

 

[Brendon-KS]

I agree with Paul in that bushings should provide the freedom of movement, not loose hardware. If the linkage is free to move only with loose hardware it means something isn't right. All the bolts need to be tightened completely or the system will be sloppy and will be wearing in places that it shouldn't be.

 

[Owen555]

I checked the bushings and they are installed and good. I found the bolts unbelievably tight, loosened, then tightened to where I thought they should be and now the left unit acts like the right unit. I can also get my toobar down to the planting height of 18". Thanks for the help.