Down-Pressure Springs

Can anyone direct me to a source for down-pressure springs for a White 5100 planter that are better than the original equipment springs? Even with them doubled up, I have problems gaining sufficient down pressure in tough seeding conditions.

—Ted/PA,

kuckucked@phibred.com

You have too much spring pressure. The White 5100 planter frame isn’t heavy and those springs only transfer frame weight to the units. Once you’re carrying the weight of the frame on the units, adding more down-spring pressure doesn’t help.

Make sure your current setup is functioning properly before making any adjustments. The biggest mistake with no-till planters is not having the frame level, as the tractor hitch is usually too low.

Check to see if your ground-engaging parts are in good shape. The disc openers must be sharp and have the correct contact between blades. If the pivot bushings on the unit links are worn, it’s hard to keep the planter units running properly.

—notillr,

webbfarm@heart.net

When I plant on time, I don’t need down-pressure springs. I have a White 5100 planter with a John Deere single-disc fertilizer opener placed 2 inches off to the side to cut residue and inject 28 percent liquid nitrogen when no-tilling corn. My setup includes a Martin row cleaner, double-disc opener, Keeton firming attachment, Case IH gauge wheels and Martin spading wheels.

This works better than the standard no-till setup on the White 5100 planter. Otherwise, White springs that are heavier can be adapted to the 5100 no-till planter.

—Ed…