A: Interesting question. I am in the process right now of setting up a brand-new planter for the first time in my career. But even a new one does not come equipped exactly how we need it. Every other planter I have purchased used and it has needed a complete row unit overhaul as well as adding or changing the equipment on it. With my new one, I don’t have to do any row unit maintenance. But I still have to add crimp rollers and a second liquid fertilizer system. In answer to your question, I think probably a used planter takes a little more time, just because of the row unit maintenance needed.

– Larry Dyck, Campden, Ontario, Canada

A: Assuming that one might be able to speak with the previous owner, the preowned unit may be a less troublesome one if a discussion with the previous owner reveals the equipment’s pluses and minuses. Spending time modifying used equipment to your needs is okay as it seems inevitable that you’ll also have to work on one feature or the other or a new unit.

– John Flaherty, Ashland, Ore.

A: I adjust our no-till planter to suit the following every…