by Jason Hasert
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by Jason Hasert |
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| 1/64 Big planting was first introduced in 1986 when Ertl released the 12 row John Deere 7200 Max Emerge corn planter. This popular model was followed by the Case International 900 12 row Cyclo Planter in 1990. Then the 64th planter market dried up for 13 years with no new offerings. Spring 2003 brings three new and outstanding planters to the 1/64 scene. Both Ertl and Spec-Cast have heard collectors call for new large planters and offer a strong lineup of 16 row planters. | |
| The CaseIH 1200 ASM 16 row corn planter is by far the most sought after planter and implement on the 1/64 market. Collectors like the all die-cast planter and its functionality. The planter lifts way up to turn around for transport. One of the CaseIH built in advantages in the 16 row ASM 1200 is its high lift capability. In the top right picture you can see a 1/64 farmer can stand right under the insecticide boxes and row units to easily service the planter. Ertl did an excellent job on this die-cast toy. It has vacuum tubes and steps to the bulk fill tanks. Many dealers are already sold out of the 1st Production units but more are on the way along with a blue New Holland SP 580 version. |
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One concern many collectors have had with the ASM is the length of its hitch. The picture above is of a 12 row New Holland SP 580 12 row and a CaseIH ASM 16 row corn planter in transport mode. The planters have extendable hitches for easy road transport and slide back in for field mode. As you can see the planter frame extends close to the hitch just like the 1/64 toy. |
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| Kinze is quickly becoming the planter leader across North America. In September 2002 Spec-Cast released a 1/64 16/31 and 12/23 split row Kinze 3600 IN-LINE planters. Both are set up to plant 30 inch corn rows in the rear boxes and when the front boxes are engaged the planters can plan 15 inch soy bean rows. The 16/31 3600 is a popular model among collectors. It works just like a real Kinze with a swing around narrow transport. The row units are detailed to look like cast iron “V” closing wheels (1" x 12") for conventional, mulch-till or no-till planting. The left hand side of the tool bar has warning light decals and SMV sticker for transport mode. The hitch even has a stand to park the planter in the display farm yard or shed. Look for additional Kinze toys in fall 2003 just in time for harvest. |
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The TWIN-LINE transport system features a rugged 7" x 7" stainless steel-clad center post that rotates on two large tapered bearings at the base of the post. A spring-loaded latch/hook engages at the top of the post to secure the toolbar in the fully raised position. The spring-loaded latch is the only detail missing on the 1/64 toy that is found on the real 3600. |
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| The John Deere 1790 is the space age sensation in planting. In December 2002 ERTL introduced the 1790 16/32 planter in 1/64. The big planter can plant 16 rows of 30 inch corn and 32 rows of 15 inch soybeans. There are 32 rows across the tool bar. When the planter is set to plant corn the out side wing rows lift way up .The planter has a Central Commodity Seed System for bulk fill. |
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Collectors have wondered why the out side wing rows on the 1790 lift up high yet the center section rows do not. As you can see in this picture of a real 1790 planting corn the outside 15 inch rows rows are up in the transport mode will the center 15 inch rows are down but not running. The toy is built just like the real thing. |
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TTT
April 2003 Page 10
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