Jeffersonville, OH | CDRAGS - 4/1/2026 12:39
Thanks Chris--we have 2 8500's now--dedicated bean one is '99 and has covered a lot a acres. It has the thumb switch for turning on hydro drive, corn planter is newer center-fill but has trip switch when planter is lowered , we prefer the thumb control. Monitor on newer planter is II as it is touch screen. Also looking at 8831 but my dealer and long-time shop foreman says to stay away from that configuration--do you have the same opinion?
You can wire a toggle/thumb switch into the newer planters, just have to run a connector all the way to the rear and tie in where the lift switches do.
The down sides to the 8831 is it has less tires on the ground for roughly the same weight....so if you like to go plant in "adverse conditions" they can sink. Other than that, the wing joints do wear out quicker on the 8831, but they are more easily rebuildable than the 8531, they have bushings you can replace. The 8831 also can be hard on transport tires if you go far, the 9831 changed that so they pivot to match the road crown.
I like both, we've probably sold equal amounts of both, more of the 8500 frame when you consider the 23 rows. If the 8831 is in good shape and the things I mentioned don't need attention, I wouldn't be scared.
Chris
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2007 8531 White planter through gta monitor
