Allis Air Champ 78 help needed

good move - I did this and had exceptional results.  Just like the White planter run 1.5 - 2.5 WC " of pressure.  That is WATER COLUMN INCHES of pressure.  Invest in a good gauge like the White planters run.  I also chaged to the SHORT cut off pad and installed "tickler" brushes from a white planter and the resluting seed spacing was as close to perfect as possible.   To find the correct air pressure run at planting speed and stop as fast a possible - IF one has skips, the increase the air pressure, IF one has doubles decrease the air pressure - IF all pockets are full and no doubles -PLANT  - check the small drive chain - if it has rusted links it will pop the seed disc ratchet style.  The seed disc size is also        important.   The seed disc starting with 715xxxxx    is the one we used the most.    I had rather have a disc I thought was too small and increase the air pressure than use a disc too large.   IF AC had a common air system as in the White unit - they would have sold a lot more units.   While at it - the addition of "runners" or strips of metal running right beside the double disc operners attached at the front and floating to the rear prevents soil blow out.  Look at the strips Sunflower Drills use - a definate must for good seed placement.   Prevents the double disc operners from throwing soil out of seed trench.  Also the scraper between the openers is important. We welded a 1/4" key stock where the worn scaper edges were.   These additions will make this unit plant with any modern unit.

tbran, a super big thank you for your information! I constructed a 3" sched. 80 pvc pipe with 2 1/2" T's at every planter unit. Your idea about measuring the water column is just perfect for my application because I will just insert the gauge into my main 3" pvc pipe. That way I can monitor it while I am planting. Enjoy your evening.  

Everything applies to a 77 unit, but the scraper between the discs doesnt float as the 78 scraper does, so its not nearly as effective in damp soil.  Good luck Wes,

Hi there. I think that the hose is a great idea. 1/8" npt pvc male with a plastic hose glued inside BUT i am not sure what to use as a breather at the top and to keep the water from running out the bottom? Maybe a breather from a small pickup truck diff. would work on top? Not sure about the bottom.The hose would only need to be like 3" long or tall with " markings on it. Thanks for the idea. I will work on it today.

IS THis the planter made before the 385 ?.. i,m hot on the trail for one .. and know next to nothing about it ?

Michael, the Allis Planters with model 78 units were made prior to the 385, which was designed by allis to follow up the 78's, but then Deutz took over and the 385 was then manufactured by I think Vermeer for Deutz. I guess for the most part, the 385 is probably a better planter, but I am happy with my Allis with the 78 units, however I've made modifications to it and have more mods planned for it if I keep it. Darrel