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Guide to Buying Used Box Drills

Helpful insights for purchasing, maintaining, and maximizing value from pre-owned Box Drills.

Shopping for used box drills? 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 Box Drills

  • Openers & Discs: Measure disc blade diameter; original may be 13–15", replacement is needed if under 12". Inspect for even wear and tightness on their axles.

  • Seed Boots & Firming Wheels: Look for wear at mounting holes, bends, cracks, or excessive play. Check firming wheels for proper tension and absence of flat spots or excessive wear.

  • Drive Chains & Shafts: Inspect for rust, stretching, or loose tension. Check the drive clutches, sprockets, and bearings for wobble or excessive noise.

  • Seed Meters & Feeders: Examine for cracks, missing agitators, or worn metering wheels. Ensure settings adjust smoothly.

  • Frame, Rockshaft & Markers: Watch for weld repairs, rust, or cracks, especially at high-stress hinge and lift points.

  • Seed/Litter Boxes: Look for clean, rust-free interior, working lids, and operable agitators for small seed boxes.

  • Calibration & Electronics: If equipped, verify acre counters, scales, and electric drive actuators function as designed.

Important Model Year Milestones for Box Drills

  • 2000s: Aftermarket upgrades for seed boots, firming wheels, and wear components become common.

  • 2010s: Introduction of John Deere 1590 and 750A drills, featuring improved opener geometry, sealed bushings for less maintenance, and easier depth adjustment.

  • 2020s: Enhanced ProSeries openers offer longer life, better seed placement, and easier routine service. Electronic acre counters and digital depth settings are more common in premium models.

Common Costs and Value Factors for Box Drills

Factors like age, hours, brand, and condition all influence resale value. Pricing is also dependant on certain box drill features, such as residue handling features (no-till openers, press wheels), add-ons like small seed boxes or monitors, and technology upgrades.  Below is a general guide to price ranges for box drills, prices below or above these ranges do not mean the product is improperly priced, as this is just a general guide.

  • Entry-Level Models (e.g. JD 450/455 (30-40')): Older entry level box drill models will typically be between $8,000 to $25,000, New entry level box drill models with like new conditions range from $28,000 to $38,000. Entry level modes uses double disk openers for straightforward planting operations.
  • Advanced Models (e.g. JD 1560/1590 (10-20')): Older advanced box drill models have a price range between $12,000 to $32,000. Newer advanced box drill models with like new conditions range from $35,000 to $45,000+. Advanced models provide no till solutions for planting with singe disk openers.
  • Potential Maintenance Costs: Replacement of wear parts, such as blade kits, boots, closing wheels, and drive chains can range in cost from roughly $500 - $3,500.

Why Buy Used Box Drills from Koenig Equipment

  • Expert Inspections: Every box drill is thoroughly checked for opener wear, seed meter accuracy, frame condition, and calibration.

  • Ongoing Parts & Service: Fast access to box drill repair parts, and support from knowledgeable technicians familiar with Midwest field demands.

  • Complete Solutions: Guidance on pairing drills with tractors, using precision ag upgrades, and optimizing for varying field sizes and soil conditions.

Next Steps to Finding the Right Used Box Drill For Your Farm

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