Tag-Along Splitter Slick Way To Switch To Narrow Rows

Tag-Along Splitter Slick Way To Switch To Narrow Rows PLANTING EQUIPMENT Modifications 6-2-25 You don't have to spend $10,000 or more for a new planter to switch to narrow row soybeans, according to Jack Larson of J & J Guide Systems, manufacturer of a new tag-along "splitter" planter that lets you mount planter units between existing 30 or 36-in. rows. The new "add-on" toolbar rides independent of the forward planter on its own lift assist wheels. It's attached to the forward planter only through hydraulic hoses, and two tongues welded to the rear toolbar and bolted to the forward planter with four bolts. "You can hook up in 15 min. or less. If your forward rows are set for 30 in. spacing., you can space planter units on the tag-along bar so rows are 15 in. On 36-in. rows, they will be spaced 18 in.," explains Larson. J & J Guides recommends using self-driven, plate-type planter units on the rear toolbar. "International Harvester's recently discontinued 295 planter units work great. If you can't find them, IH's new 800 series units are now available, although at nearly double the price of the 295's. Any other self-driven units will also work." Larson says the new add-on planter bar is designed to adapt to 8-row John Deere Max-Emerge planters, and 8-row IH Cyclo and Early Riser planters. The company will also work with farmers to adapt the unit to other planters. Leaving two rows for skip rows, the converted planter will have a total of 13 rows. One problem with a trailing unit could be excessive sway between the two units. "On our tag-along unit, there is no more than 1/2 in. of sway from front to back. This isn't enough to make a significant difference," says Larson. The new planter toolbar sells for $1,650, including cylinders, hoses, and two lift assist wheels. Planter units are available for around $700 a row average, says Larson, so the total investment should be about $3,150. Larson notes that, in his own farming operation, he's experienced 3 to 7 bu. increase in yields with narrow row spacing. Figuring 5 bu. per acre at $6 a bu., 300 acres of beans will yield a $9,000 increase in revenue, he points out. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, J & J Guide Systems, Sanborn, Minn. 56083 (ph 507 648-3720).

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