[Dryland]

Anyone have first-hand experience with putting a valmar on an older air-cart?

1665 Air Seeder Mount Inoculant Applicator | Valmar Granular Application Equipment Specialists

Seems like for around $10K -- can get more accurate application rates for granular inoculant, canola or grass seed than the older air-drill can apply.

Was thinking that with the cost of these inputs -- being more accurate (being able to use less overall product) could pay for itself.

Also thought that making better use of the tank when applying inoculant or canola would result in less fills?

But I'm sure there is some "Gotchas" with this idea.

 

[kirschenman]

Lots of guys have done it. Most on Deere carts I think. Know of 2 quite well.


Considering it for my flexicoil.

 

[skgrain]

That would work good. A poor mans way to do the same thing is with a bourgualt granular kit. I dont really buy the accuracy thing. I have never applied anything with valmar that ran out at the same time as the field.

 

[460]

I'm using one on a 1910. Mounted last spring. Mechanically driven off the cart front gearbox. Seems to be really consistent metering. The 1665 uses an individual rubber meter for each run. Quite a bit different than the chemical applicators
http://www.thecombineforum.com/foru...1-post-picture-your-seeding-rigs-img_1463.jpg

 

[Blue Oval Man]

I have been looking at this also for my 1910 mostly for better use of the tanks. Don't worry so much about the accuracy as long as it is as accurate as the cart, you can't get any better than that. I would be putting inoculant, canola and grass seed occasionally.
460, did you put some kind of platform on your 1910 around the valmar as it does not look like a very safe place as far as foot placement? How about steps, ladder?

 

[460]

I added about a 30" platform to the left hand side. My biggest complaint would be accessibility. But it works well. We usually back the truck up with bags while filling the rest of the cart. I have the engine drive which I don't mind except for size of the gas tank.

 

[albertabuck]

Depending on what older cart you are using, another option a lot cheaper and just as effective, is reduce the drive speed of your feed rolls. I first did this on my 665 Deere as it was impossible to accurately meter canola or grass seed under ten pounds with any consistency. Simply reduced the speed by two thirds by changing the driven sprocket to one with three times the number teeth. Accuracy now able to adjust to fractions of a pound to acre. Did mine in a way I can change it back and forth in about twenty minutes either way, extra sprocket bolts over top old one and need to swap out drive chain. Took some time to calibrate it initially, but now that I know what the numbers are, I don't even bother to catch and weigh a sample anymore.
When wanted, remove slow speed sprocket and everything is exactly as original.

Helped a couple others do basically the same to different machines with different style feeds. Maybe not the answer for everyone, but certainly worked for us.

 

[460]

My issue was not metering. I wanted to free up an 80 bushel tank for fert.

 

[Blue Oval Man]

My issue was not metering. I wanted to free up an 80 bushel tank for fert.

Exactly what I want it for. Also so I don't have to crawl way down into that small center tank to level when nearing the end of the fill. I have cameras mounted to monitor but always have to level a little bit right at the end it seems.
I think I would go with the hydraulic fan as I have the hydraulic capacity, just have to run a crap load of hose to reach the TBH cart.

 

[460]

Just wanted to say if your looking at adding a Valmar for next spring, might want to get on it early if you want to get one. For pricing, you may find a better deal through an independent chem dealer.