Grass Drill Rental
Equipment and information to help establish grasses and conservation plantings.
Renting the Grass Drill
The Ottawa County Conservation District offers a Great Plains 1006NT no-till grass drill for rent to help landowners and producers establish grasses and other conservation plantings. The drill is available for both in-county and out-of-county use, subject to availability and OCCD rental requirements.
Rental Rate
$15 per acre with a $100 minimum rental charge. An additional $25 fee applies for out-of-county rentals.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 ton tow vehicle
- Hitch pin for transport
- Tractor with at least 30 HP
- Ability to transport the drill to and from the planting site
Before You Rent
Before downloading the Rental Agreement & Checklist, renters are required to watch the Grass Drill operation video below. The agreement outlines transportation, operation, cleaning, and return requirements. The rental period and expected return date will be established before the drill leaves OCCD.
Payment
OCCD will send an invoice for the rental, with payment due upon receipt.
Please review the rental agreement and operating requirements before reserving or transporting the drill.
Safe Transport & Operation
Proper transportation and operation help protect both the renter and the equipment. Review the complete No-Till Drill Checklist before using the drill.
Transporting the Drill
- Do not exceed 20 mph
- Use a safety chain during transport
- Secure hydraulic hoses so they do not drag
- Keep hydraulics in the raised position
- Disengage the drill sprocket hub before transport
- Use caution when crossing bridges — the drill is 13 feet wide
In the Field
- Engage the drill sprocket lockout hub before operation
- Operate at a ground speed of 4–5 mph
- Raise the hydraulics at the end of each row
- Do not make sharp turns or back up with the disks lowered
- Calibrate the seed rate for the seed mix being planted
- Check seed tubes regularly for blockages
Returning the Drill
To keep the grass drill ready for the next renter, all seed and excessive field debris must be removed before the equipment is returned.
Before Returning the Drill
- Completely remove all remaining seed using a shop vacuum or compressed air.
- Clean excessive mud, soil, and field debris from the exterior and frame.
- Make sure the seed boxes are empty and clean.
- Provide photo verification of the equipment's clean condition at return.
$100 Cleaning Fee
A $100 cleaning fee will apply if the drill does not meet the required cleaning standards when returned.
Please report any equipment issues encountered during the rental period to OCCD. DO NOT attempt to do the repairs yourself.
Calibration & Use
Proper calibration helps ensure the correct amount of seed is planted for your specific seed mix. Review the preparation guidelines below, then watch the required Grass Drill Operation Video for additional operating guidance before downloading the Rental Agreement & Requirements.
Before you begin:
- Calibrate the seed rate for your specific seed mix.
- Wait until the drill is at the field and ready to plant before adding seed.
- Do not pack grass seed into the seed box.
- Keep the seed box lid closed during operation.
- Check seed tubes regularly for blockages.
Grass Drill Operation Video
This overview from Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District in Indiana demonstrates the operation and use of a no-till grass drill.
Third-party educational resource provided for informational purposes.
Additional Grass Drill Resources
Additional manufacturer information and seeding guidance from Great Plains.
Rental Agreement & Requirements
After watching the Grass Drill operation video, confirm your acknowledgment below to access the Rental Agreement & Requirements.
Once completed, email your rental form to OCCD or return it to the OCCD office. You may also visit the office to complete the form in person.
Have questions before completing the agreement? Contact the Ottawa County Conservation District at 785-392-6797.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent the no-till grass drill?
The rental rate is $15 per acre, with a minimum rental charge of $100. For example, whether you plant 2 acres or 6 acres, the rental cost is $100. Once you exceed approximately 6.67 acres, the rental cost is calculated at $15 per acre. An additional $25 fee applies to out-of-county rentals.
Can I rent the grass drill if I live outside Ottawa County?
Yes. The rental agreement includes an additional $25 fee for out-of-county rentals.
What equipment do I need to use the grass drill?
Renters need an appropriate tow vehicle, a hitch pin for transport, and a tractor with at least 30 HP to operate the drill. Additional transportation and equipment requirements are included in the rental checklist.
How long can I rent the grass drill?
The standard rental period is up to three days, although shorter rentals are welcome. Longer rental periods may be arranged for larger planting projects and must be approved by OCCD in advance.
Do I need to clean the drill before returning it?
Yes. All remaining seed must be removed and excessive mud, soil, and field debris cleaned from the drill before return. A $100 cleaning fee applies if the equipment does not meet the required cleaning standards.
What should I do if the drill breaks or I have a problem while using it?
Contact OCCD to report the issue. Renters should not attempt to repair the drill themselves.
Why can’t I download the Rental Agreement & Requirements?
Before downloading the form, you must watch the Grass Drill Operation video and check the acknowledgment box confirming that you have watched it. Once the box is checked, the download button will become available.
How do I reserve the grass drill?
To request a reservation, first watch the Grass Drill Operation video and complete the rental agreement. Once completed and signed, email the agreement to OCCD or bring it to the OCCD office. OCCD will contact you to confirm drill availability and next steps.
If you have questions, call the OCCD office. Rental agreements are also available to complete in person, and the Grass Drill Operation video can be viewed at the office.