Guide to Buying Used Air Drills and Seeders

Shopping for a used air Drills and Seeders? This guide highlights what to check, common wear factors, and how Koenig Equipment ensures you get lasting value.

What to Check for and Common Wear Factors in a Used Air Drills and Seeders

• Inspect service records and any replacements performed
• Check wear points specific to Air Drills and Seeders

  • Walk around for frame cracks, broken hydraulic hoses, and flat or poor-condition tires.

  • Inspect seed/fertilizer tanks for rust or leaks.

  • Look at paint condition, but don't judge by faded paint alone, mechanical health matters more.

  • Openers receive the bulk of the wear on air drills and seeders, check disc diameter (new: 18", replace: 17" or less).

  • Inspect seed boots for excessive wear or upward grooving.

  • Test all electronic monitors, wiring, SectionCommand™ control (if equipped), blockage sensors, and calibration features.

  • Check gauge wheels and arms for bends or slop; bearings in both openers and closing wheels should turn smoothly with no play

  • Inspect tires, wheel bearings, axle pivots, and rockshafts for cracks (especially on older modle drills).

  • Confirm hydraulic components operate smoothly

Important Model Year Milestones

For John Deere models built 2016 and newer (like N500C, later 1890s) often include major technology upgrades to help with the reduction of seed waste and improve stand consistency. These models can include or can potentially have the ability to add the following features:

• SectionCommand™ (automatic overlap/shutoff)

• RelativeFlow™ blockage sensing

• ActiveCal™ in-cab calibration

• SeedStar™ in-cab control

Common Costs & Value Factors for Air Drills and Seeders

Factors like age, hours, brand, and condition all influence resale value. Below is a general guide to price ranges for John Deere air drills and seeders, prices below or above these ranges do not mean the product is improperly priced, as this is just a general guide.

• Entry-Level Older Models (e.g., 1850/1860, early 1890s, Model Years 1990s-2000s):
  $30,000–$75,000 depending on width, cart size, wear, and features.

• Mid-Range Models (later 1890s, 1895, early N500C/N542C, Model Years 2010s):
  $80,000–$150,000 based on working width, electronic controls, and configuration.

• Late-Model/High-Capacity (N500C/N542C, Model Years post-2016, with advanced tech):
  $150,000–$265,000 for units with SectionCommand™, newer air carts, and large sizes (e.g., 60-foot drills with 550-bushel carts).

Why Buy Used Air Drills and Seeders from Koenig?

• Dealer-inspected and reconditioned equipment
• Transparent pricing and financing options

• Service support for calibration, electronics troubleshooting, or upgrading old models.

• Local support and service after the sale

Next Steps for Finding the Best Used Air Drills and Seeders

Browse our current used Air Drills and Seeders inventory or contact Koenig Equipment to find the right machine for your operation.