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I paid $200 for a 6 row narrow about 15 years ago. After using it several years pulled with my MF-135 (that almost was master of the planter) I switched to a JD7000. I can't quite classify the 400 as a planter. Seed counter yes, seed burrier, yes, but planter no, because it tends to alternate clumps and gaps in the row making many seed ineffective. And with seed costing upwards of $200 a sack, those irregular seed placements aren't profitable. I suspect, but haven't checked, that the seed tubes need to be replaced because their insides are roughened by the sharp points of seed corn which makes the seed placement more irregular. They can be a pain to keep up the air pressure, between slipping belts, or slow PTO, and seed tank air leaks, mostly at the seam. I found that the seed pipes and the air pressure equalizing pipe between the drum and the tank must be swabbed out daily because insects love to build nests and cocoons in them. Those really block seed flow. My 400s are better value as scrap metal than as planters. One is converted to a liquid 32% side dresser and I took some parts from the more complete one. Another big problem is looseness in the chains and bearings and gears of the drum drive that let the drum step rather than turn smoothly. That may be fixable, I didn't try. I get a lot more corn grown with my JD7000 and the MF-135 is loafing pulling it (4 row narrow). $2K is way over priced. Gerald J.
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