If you're searching for a solid no-till setup that won't break the bank, the john deere 1520 drill is definitely worthy of an additional look. It's among those pieces associated with equipment that just seems to suspend around forever, plus for good cause. While newer, even more high-tech drills are flashy and arrive with screens with regard to everything, there's some thing to be said for a device that's built like a tank plus does exactly exactly what it's supposed to do: put seeds in the ground on the right depth.
I've talked to plenty of guys who still swear by these drills for their smaller fields or for getting cover crops in after pick. It isn't the biggest machine in the world, and it doesn't have got all the bells and whistles of a 2024 model, but it's reliable. If a person can find one that's been halfway looked after, it'll most likely outlast half typically the other stuff sitting down in your wooden shed.
What Makes the 1520 Different?
The large thing to consider regarding the john deere 1520 drill is that it's an integral drill. In case you aren't familiar with that term, it basically simply means it's a 3-point hitch installed machine rather when compared to the way a pull-type. This can be a bit of the "love it or even hate it" function depending on who you ask.
The upside to a 3-point mount is maneuverability. When you've got limited corners, small entrance, or irregular field shapes, you can whip this point around less difficult than a trailing drill. You don't have to worry about a tongue moving out or tires tracking weirdly on a turn. However, drawback is weight. Because it's mounted, your tractor is carrying the whole load. When that seed box is full, you're going to need some severe lift capacity and probably a decent amount of front-end weight to keep the nose of the tractor upon the ground.
The Versatility Element
One reason people still look for these soccer drills for kids is their versatility. Whether you're growing soybeans, wheat, rolled oats, or even a few of the more finicky cover up crop mixes, the particular 1520 handles it pretty well. This usually comes within 15-foot or 20-foot widths, that is the particular "sweet spot" for many mid-sized operations.
The line spacing is usually set at seven. 5 inches or even 10 inches. With regard to soybeans, that 7. 5-inch spacing will be fantastic for getting quick canopy closure, which helps a ton with weed suppression. If you're carrying out small grains, it offers you that great, even stand that you're looking intended for. It's just the solid, all-around workhorse that doesn't consider to be anything at all it isn't.
Seed Metering and Accuracy
Inside the box, you'll find the traditional John Deere fluted feed meters. Today, these aren't vacuum cleaner meters or high-speed precision systems, however they are remarkably consistent. They've been around for many years because they work. You adjust your own seeding rate by moving a handle that shifts the particular feed cups, in addition to once you might have this calibrated, it stays put.
It's always a good idea to do a "bucket test" or a regular calibration before you head out in order to area, though. Actually if the graph on the inside of of the cover says one factor, old seed mugs can wear straight down, or different seeds sizes can transform the flow. Taking twenty minutes to adjust will save you plenty of headache halfway with the day when you realize you're running out of seedling too fast.
Maintenance: Keeping the Girl Running
Let's be honest—if you're buying a john deere 1520 drill now, it's probably got some miles on it. The good news is that these machines are usually relatively simple to work on. You don't require a pc science degree in order to fix a growing and maintaining depth issue.
The first point you want to look at are the openers. The 1520 utilizes a single-disk opener system designed to cut through residue. More than time, those disks wear down. If they get as well small, they won't cut deep enough, and your "no-till" drill will begin acting like a "no-plant" drill. Examine the diameter from the disks; if they're getting thin or look like serrated knives, it's time to swap all of them out.
Grease points are an additional big one. Right now there are a great deal of them. If the previous owner had been diligent about greasing the parallel arms and the push wheel bearings, you're in luck. When everything is firm and squeaky, you're taking a look at some long afternoons with a grease gun plus maybe a flashlight to get items moving again.
The Down Pressure System
Considering that this is a no-till able drill, the down pressure system is crucial. It uses heavy duty springs to maintain individuals openers within the floor when the ground is hard. If you're planting in to heavy corn stalks or dry clay-based, you'll want to make sure all those springs haven't dropped their tension. A few guys will add extra weight to the frame in the event that they're coping with actually tough conditions, but the 1520 usually has enough beef to handle most situations on its own.
Why Some people Prefer the 1520 Over Newer Versions
You'd think everyone would desire the latest and greatest, but there's a real market for that john deere 1520 drill because of its simplicity. Modern drills have sensors for everything—seed flow, depth, pressure, you mention the product and. When a single of those detectors goes bad, the entire machine might stop or start offering you error codes that drive you crazy.
With the 1520, you have mechanical linkages. If something isn't working, you can generally see why just by looking at this. It's a "mechanical feel" kind of farming. You can hear the chains rattling (in a great way) and notice the seed pipes vibrating. For a number of maqui berry farmers, there's a serenity of mind that will comes with equipment you can repair yourself with the basic group of hammers and a sludge hammer.
Things to Look out for When Purchasing Used
In the event that you're scouring the auction sites or even local listings with regard to a john deere 1520 drill , generally there are a few red flags to keep an eye on.
- Frame Cracks: Because it's a 3-point mount, the frame will take a lots of stress each time you lift and lower this. Check the corners and the hitch attachment points regarding any signs of welded or hairline cracks.
- Seed Box Corrosion: In the event that the drill was left outside with fertilizer or even just some leftover seedling in it, the base of the containers can rot out there. Replacing a seeds box is the massive pain, therefore bring a flashlight and look in the corners.
- Tubes and Hoses: Silicone and plastic don't last forever. If the seed pipes are cracked or brittle, they'll leak seed all more than the ground instead of putting it in the furrow. It is really an easy fix, but it's the good bargaining stage.
- The Drive System: Spin the drive wheels and make sure the stores and gears shift smoothly. If the drive system will be locked up, you're going to be spending some money at the parts counter before you hit the field.
Conclusions on the 1520
In the end of the day, the john deere 1520 drill symbolizes a specific era associated with agricultural engineering where things were built to be over-engineered and under-complicated. It's not an ideal machine—it's heavy, it needs a stout tractor, and it doesn't have GPS-integrated seeding—but it gets the job done.
Whether you're a small-scale producer searching for an inexpensive way to get in to no-till or perhaps a larger operator who wants a nimble drill for odd jobs, the 1520 is really a solid choice. It's a reminder that will sometimes the best tool for the particular job isn't the one with the particular most microchips, but the one that's been proven within the dirt intended for thirty years. In case you find a single who is fit, grab this. They don't make them such as this anymore, and honestly, that's a bit of a shame.