Ford 309 Planter 101

[@AnglesideFarm]

I’ve been looking for a 2 row sweet corn planter and have seen a couple of these for sale locally. Did a search and found your video helpful. 22 years.....that is a heck of a run. Good video, should be helpful to many.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Thank you. Good luck with yours if you buy one.

[@AnglesideFarm]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks thank you.

[@schickstead]

Just found a Ford 309 in a shed on my property and thinking about restoring it. Found your video while researching it. Very informative! Had considered using as lawn ornament but now I know its almost gold lol.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

They are very good planters

[@michaelsawyer8313]

I found and bought an old massey ferguson #39 2 row planter for 300 bucks with everything, I'm in the same boat you are, im learning, you have taught me more than any info I can come across on the internet, its mint condition, couldn't pass it up, thx for doing this video, you have taught me so much in this video, thx, God bless you and yours

[@donnieholmes1747]

Thank you for this most informative video on the Ford 309. I have two of them. One I have restored and repainted. The other is for parts. I use mine for food plot planting. Thanks again.

[@davidvollmer2359]

And dealt with the guy in North Carolina too...you are very right about the prices lol

[@davidvollmer2359]

I bought one that was in pretty rough shape. The rotary valves in the fertilizer hopper can still be found new at Messicks in Pa. Had to rebuild mine completely and made a lot of it out of stainless. It works great I use it to plant corn and sunflowers in my dove field ;)

[@joshwestbrook6219]

Great info about messicks. I just picked up a 309 myself. What plate number are you using for sunflowers?

[@jgdogg441]

I recently got a 3D printer and have started preparing to make a bunch of these plates. Currently in the final stages of finalizing design/materials. :)

[@oldan1954]

did you ever make any plates??? how about the strippers and the knockers... EVERYBODY would love to have a couple sets .. I know I sure could use a set for each side of my 309... let me know if you did and will you sell some of them... thanks, Danny

[@jgdogg441]

@@oldan1954 My test run was good and the plates appear to be decent quality (for plastic at least). I dont have a way to test their durability since I dont have a 309 but we could work something out if you'd like.

[@jgdogg441]

@@oldan1954 As far as the other 2 parts, I would need to get a hold of either a 3D model of them or hand measure the actual parts and make the 3D files myself before I can start printing them.

[@matthewjacobs2699]

This was awesome. I just got my planter today and before moving it watched this video. I had no idea I could not back up with it, this is my first one. I am going to do sunflowers with it. The depth should be 1/2 to 1 inch. How do I adjust the depth of the seed being planted? Also when lowering down to plant do I want everything to make contact with the ground at the same time so it is flat or should Lower it so the wheels hit first? Thank you

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

You can back up IF you have the ratchet system on the drive axle like mine has, otherwise definitely not. The depth of seed planting is determined by how deep the drill blades cut. If you have depth skid plates (which mine does not have) then you can set them to the depth you want and just let it ride on them. But if you are like me and do not have the depth skid plates then the only way to set depth is with your position control and draft on your tractor, which takes some trial and error at first. I don't think it matters what part of the planter sits down first though. I will say that I find mine plants best when I adjust my top link so that the flat bottoms of my seed blades are parallel with the ground. Thus a consequence of that is my wheels always set down first. Notice, however, that the wheels ride on a spring loaded axle bracket, so even though they set down first, the planted section will still set down correctly.

[@oldan1954]

I just got one of these 2 days ago.. pretty good shape... but... yep .. the knockers and the strippers are bad... I saw in your video that you put up on the screen you were going to have some made with a 3D printer... my question is did you have any made... and if so are you going to sell some of them... thanks, Danny

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I do plan to have some made, but I haven't been able to yet. When I do eventually have some made I may make them available for sale.

[@davidvollmer2359]

As a matter of fact Messicks had several things in stock new seed clicker and discs. I had a metal fab shop make me new seed hoppers and have a friend that has access to a computerized plasma cutting table that made me several thing that matched up perfect. He made a brand new agitator for the fertilizer hopper out of stainless and it looked identical to a brand new one from Ford if you could find one. Mine came with the double disc openers on it but had to make new runners for the bottom of them and I bought a old runner like what you have and had my friend make me two new ones cuz I have the skis that go on them going to give them a try this year.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I really appreciate you commenting on this because I had no idea about where to find the fertilizer swipers. That's really good info. I have been thinking about having a new agitator made from stainless myself before mine gets in bad shape. Just have to find a machine shop around me that can do it. You can bet though that the first time I see a set of disc openers at a reasonable price I'm going to buy them. Do you happen to know the Messick's part number for the rotary valves?

[@davidvollmer2359]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks Hey just saw you had replied. The part number for the rotary valve is 129401 they are $40.82 each....they still have 11 in stock. Now that guy in North Carolina probably had the double disc openers but they are not cheap lol. I had to buy 1 complete unit from him but don't remember what I paid for it. If you can't find a machine shop get back to me here and I could probably get my guy to make you one and ship it to you. I'll try not to wait so long to check back lol. He has a computerized plasma cutting table for cutting out stuff. Just let if I can be any help. I'd say I would sell you my double disc openers but I better hold on to them. I finally got a 3 point hitch tiller and with the way it leaves the soil the runner with the skis on it worked pretty good. I planted corn in my dove field a few weeks back and was pleased with the set up

[@davidvollmer2359]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks I used a plain stainless steel shaft to put those valves on and instead of buying the u shaped pin that Messicks sold I drilled 2 holes per valve and put stainless roll pins in to catch the valve so it would turn. I did buy the washers that go on either side of the valve the part number for them is 128889. They are $9.42 each and they have 22 in stock.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

@@davidvollmer2359 Thank you very much for all that info. I'll be grabbing some of those valves soon. I completely agree with you about the tiller, I have one and the slide openers work great behind it. I've also found they work good in a no till application.

[@cmrncrick]

Thank you for this! I really needed it!

[@joshwestbrook6219]

Awesome video. Great information for someone like me who just picked one of these up. Did you ever end up 3D printing new knockers? Any thoughts on 3D printing plates?

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I haven't gotten the knockers printed yet, but still planning to do it. You could definitely print plates if you have someone good with Autocad to draw them.

[@matthewjacobs2699]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks If you ever do the 3d printed knockers, I will be happy to buy a couple.

[@danielzielinski6410]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks I have NOS knockers available if you'd like some

[@danielzielinski6410]

@@matthewjacobs2699 I have nos knockers available

[@rayteston4912]

Enjoyed your video very informative

[@thefreedomfarm1251]

Not sure where you are in the states but i have a parts planter i picked up at a local auction for 100 bucks. Id like to get a set of plates 3d printed for the okra Milo and millet plate

[@bcfarms1660]

Hey I just bought one of these along with a parts planter. It’s in great shape everything works. How hard is it to find seed that work with the plates?

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Well really the way it works is you match the plates to the kind of seed you want to plant. If you can tell me what plate numbers you have I can look up what seed they're for.

[@bcfarms1660]

Hyckory Styck Works the ones that are out of the planter I can’t read the numbers. The ones in the planter I haven’t got out because it’s full Of corn lol

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I'll try to post some of the numbers tomorrow when I go outside and get my book.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I'll have to post the photo of the plate numers on my main page.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Well apparently I can't do that because I don't have 10,000 subscribers. That's kind of dumb. Here's a link to the pdf of the manual. www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.ntractorclub.com/manuals/implements/planters/Ford%2520Series%2520309%2520Rear%2520Mounted%2520Drill%2520Pllanter%2520-%2520Operator%27s%2520Manual.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjIw7Wa8ubrAhXuYd8KHf1MC_MQFjAMegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw2pF1qorL6HQTJEEAH5yyun

[@richardwhite3066]

I got a sorghum plate i want to use. The manual says to use a solid plate with it which i also have. Can anyone help me how to install the seed plate and the solid plate. I’m stumped. Thks

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

@@richardwhite3066 The solid plate installs underneath the sorghum plate in the hopper. The two should mesh together.

[@danielzielinski6410]

What is your opinion on the shoes for running a certain depth

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I think they would be great in loose soil, or for a tractor that doesn't have draft control.

[@jonathonshort3843]

Do you know what plate numbers are used for sunflowers?

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I use 109786-A2. They drop 2 seeds at once if it's black oil seeds, but they work pretty good.

[@jonathonshort3843]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks is the number listed on the plates? How can you tell which number plates they are. Thanks for the info

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Yes, the number should be on the bottom side of the plates, in the center. It's not printed, it's cast in as raised lettering, so there's a chance it can be worn off if the plates are heavily worn.

[@jonathonshort3843]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks oh ok yeah I found that. I noticed some begin with 7300 but are not in the manual.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Yeah not all of the plates are listed in the manual. I suspect the manual was written at the inception of the planter and never updated when new plates were developed.

[@williamwhitener]

You wouldn’t happen to have the contact info for the man you got the plates from would you?

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

His name was Charles and he had an ebay store. But he was up in his 80's and it was several years ago, so im not sure if hes still kicking around.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Looks like his ebay store is still there. It's cjoker123

[@noname-xu7fi]

Could you 3d print plates for it

[@danielzielinski6410]

You can still buy a few plates brand new but they are like $120 a set

[@noname-xu7fi]

@@danielzielinski6410 I'm going to try printing one I only have one broken one

[@danielzielinski6410]

Now.that you've used it a few years how do you like it

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

I still love the thing. It is an excellent planter, I just have to take extra care of it since parts are so scarce.

[@danielzielinski6410]

@HyckoryStyckWorks they still make quite a few parts but the hardest parts are those fertilizer shoes. Pretty much anything plastic or rubber you can still buy new including a few sets of plates. I got lucky and found a NOS set of those fertilizer shoes amd discs for $150 a side which i thought was a great deal. Im about 70% done sandblasting and painting my 309 and going to do some videos of the assembly and rebuild those fertilizer dics bearings which hopefully wont take as long as taking apart lol.

[@danielzielinski6410]

​@Hyckory Styck Works have you ever rebuilt the fertilizer shaft with rubber rotary valves? I just did mine and posted a short video on KZbin. You can still buy the rotary valves

[@chadrick_hastings]

I'm so confused about the gear ratio. I changed the one you showed in the video to 13, but does that chain run to another 13 gear or does it go to the 9 point gear. Sorry for being dumb about this. Without this video I would have never gotten as far as I am on my 309.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

That depends on what spacing you want between your seeds. Each different gear combo will yield a different spacing. KZbin is fighting with me on the link, but I've got a link in the video description to the planter manual that has the gear ratio info. You'll just have to copy the link and paste it into a browser.

[@chadrick_hastings]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks I used the link above and got the manual. Not counting the fertilizer gears I'm see 4 sprockets. The manual says drive axle 13, seed axle 9. That's only 2 sprockets. This is where I'm confused. So I set mine, 13 to 13, 9 to 9.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

Ok, so the drive axle is the axle with the wheels. The seed axle is the axle with the seed hoppers. The fertilizer sprockets don't count. Notice that on both the drive axle and the seed axle there are sprockets that have 3 different sprockets made together, those are the multi sprockets and are the ones the manual is referring to. When the manual says, for example, 13 on the drive axle and 9 on the seed axle, it is talking about the teeth on the multi sprocket on the wheel axle, and the multi sprocket on the hopper axle, respectively. You'll only be adjusting the chain that runs from the drive axle to the seed hopper axle. Notice that the other chain runs from the drive axle to the axle that is beneath the fertilizer hopper. So when the manual says 13 on drive axle and 9 on seed axle, you will put the chain that runs from the drive axle to the seed axle as follows: On the multi sprocket that is on the drive axle, put the chain on the 13 tooth sprocket. On the multi sprocket that is on the seed axle, put the chain on the 9 tooth sprocket. You will possibly have to slide one or both sprockets on their respective axles in order to get the chain lined up straight once you change the settings. It's important that the chain be straight or it will walk off the sprockets. Hope that clears it up. If not, I can make another quick video demonstrating it.

[@chadrick_hastings]

@@HyckoryStyckWorks that makes sense but on my planter I've got 2 multi sprockets on the seed axle. One has the 13, 8, 7. The other has 12, 9, 6 teeth. Then on the back wheel axle I have another 13, 8, 7 sprocket. Then toward the front I have another 12, 9, 6 sprocket. Wish I could show a picture of it.

[@HyckoryStyckWorks]

@@chadrick_hastings Oh, apparently your planter has, or at one time had, some extra attachments on it. I think there were some extra hopper systems that could be added for certain things, but I've never ran across them. Those teeth counts are all odd and don't match anything in the book either. I wonder if you planter was originally for some specialized seed, maybe cotton or something.

[@michaelsawyer8313]

Got to add one more thing, mines all cast iron, I did get my manuals off of enay

[@tronalddump8776]

I have one complete but the hoppers are destroyed.. $200 takes it now but someday I may get to restoring it and using it so someone come grab it. Plates are there I think maybe 8 of them but they are plastic.

[@danielzielinski6410]

Where are you located

[@tronalddump8776]

@@danielzielinski6410 you will be disappointed. I saved the parts that make it a corn planter but the hitch and frame have been repurposed. Already

[@tronalddump8776]

@@danielzielinski6410 I'm in upstate NY.

[@tronalddump8776]

@@danielzielinski6410 I'm outside of Utica, 20 min north.

[@tronalddump8776]

@@danielzielinski6410 $50 and you can have all the shafts, gears, chains planters and hopper parts oh and the wheels. Everything did move and spin but I never used it