By Jim Simpson

     For years 1/16 collectors have asked for bigger tillage and seeding implements.  For spring 2003 collectors have there answer with three big tillage tools from Ertl and a double fold grain drill from Great Plains. This month Tractor Companions reviews the CaseIH 530B DMI Ecolo-Tiger by Ertl and the Great Plains 2S-2600 grain drill by Great Plains.

Case IH’s Ecolo-Tiger
Model 530B

       Every ecolo-tiger model, from the 527B up to the mammoth 9300, was built to help you increase your profit potential. One way is by creating a healthier soil for higher yielding plants. The other way is by increasing operator efficiency. Each model is ruggedly built for long-lasting durability in tough field conditions, and each model offers flexible configurations to match your cropping practice: choose between coulters or discs on the 527B through the 730B and optional lead shanks on the 530B through the 9300. Safety features, such as safety-chain attachment point and combination clevis, swinging hose stand; safety lights and reflectors are all standard.

      The 530 B has 5 shanks with a working width of 12’6”.  Farmers are required to have a PTO horsepower requirement of 175 to 240 HP.  For residue management, the 530B has 20 discs that are .250” x 22”.  Recommended operating depth is 3” to 4”, or you could have 9 coulters that are 24” and operate at a depth of 3” to 5”.  The approximate operating weight of the 530B is 10,300 pounds.

      For your display, according to the specs for the Ecolo-Tiger, you would need a Case IH MX Series Magnum (MX 210, 230, 255, 285) or a STX Steiger 4wd (STX275, 325, 375, 425, 450, or Quadtrac series) to pull your Ecolo-Tiger.

      Ertl is listening to the collector.  The DMI tillage plow is a nice 1/16 toy. It is perfect for collectors looking to display their big iron tractors with an implement.  This model looks very well match with an MX 285 or STX 375. It has an over all realistic look. The shanks are nicely crafted and the rear leveling disks are a nice add on.  If you were a young farmer it might be fun to see how this DMI would till the sand box.

  Great Plains Folding Grain Drill
Model 2S-2600

      Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. began operations here in Salina on April 1, 1976. During the last 25 years, the company has seen steady growth with new product lines, better facilities and growing employment. These accomplishments have happened because of the hard work, ingenuity and commitment of our employees, sales staff and hundreds of committed dealers across the country.   To celebrate its 25th Anniversary Great Plains is offering a 1/16 model grain drill.

       Great Plains spared nothing in the design and making of their new limited edition 2-Section Folding toy drill, with features like: wings that fold and unfold, openers that work independently, lids that open, and rubber tires and press wheels.  This 1/16 scale model also features a serial number plate attached to the tongue and will be shipped in a matching serial number wood presentation box.  Each limited edition model includes a certificate of authenticity from Great Plains.  The 1/16 model is built in the same plant by as the real Great Plains drills by Great Plains Employees.  This is purely a display model for the shelf or exhibit.  The drill does not have a hitching hole or pin. The model above is serial # 144 and is part of Jason Hasert's collection. I have mine on order.  If you would like to order this impressive drill visit http://www.greatplainsmfg.com/gp/forms/toydrillpurchaseweb.pdf.

      Great Plains leads the competition with the two-section 2S-2600 with a full 26' working width. Combine this with a seed box capacity of 3.2 bushels per foot and covering several hundred acres becomes just another day's work. Add convenient features and superior engineering, and you’ll agree this is one of the most productive drills on the market.  Great Plains' drills are engineered for superior flexibility that results in consistent seeding depth and even emergence. The openers pivot about the axle of the gauge-wheel tire. The competition pivots near the box frame. Because Great Plains pivot the openers around a point closer to where depth is gauged, their openers maintain proper depth through a wider range of motion.  Each section features a cylinder on both ends that allows the gang to move independently of the drill box for even ground gauging in rolling terrain and terraces.

TTT April 2003 Page 4

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