Planter Markers For Spray Boom

Planter Markers For Spray Boom PLANTING EQUIPMENT Accessories 6-5-6 A set of planter markers mounted on the tractor hitch and in front of his 50-ft. boom crop sprayer helps Jack Brown and his son Jim, of Beason, Ill., spray more accurately, avoiding skips and overlaps. The Browns, who farm 750 acres, say the planter markers allow them to drive up to 6-7 mph. "They really save time, but you can drive much more accurately, too," Jack told FARM SHOW. Mounted independently, just ahead of the sprayer, Brown drives with both markers down. He marks 25 ft. out from center and simply drives with the marker on the sprayed side of the field, running in the previous mark while the other marker makes a mark for the next pass. He marks no deeper than necessary to see well on the next pass, so no furrow problems are created. "The system works better than the foam balls big floaters leave and it's cheaper," comments Brown. He bought a new set of planter markers, but feels a second-hand set would work. His new set, designed for a 16-row IH 400 air planter, cost $500-$600, he says. Brown's sprayer is a John Blue with a 1,000-gal. tank. Since the planter markers aren't attached to the booms, there's no need for end support on the booms or markers. In fact, the markers are completely modified and they fold up to within the same overall width and height as the spray booms. Some of his neighbors, one with a 40-ft. boom sprayer, have also begun to use planter markers for spraying.

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