EN 
RU How to Replace Depth Adjustor Pivot on John Deere 60 & 90 Series Disc Drills
Red E
March 21, 2025
Maintaining your John Deere 60 or 90-series disc drill is crucial for optimal performance in the field. Over time, wear and tear can lead to slop and play in critical components like the depth adjustor pivot. This guide will walk you through how to replace worn parts, specifically the depth shaft and associated components.
Tools & Materials Needed
- Grinder with a 5-inch cut-off wheel
- Pry bar Socket set (including 1 11/16 inch socket)
- Torque wrench
- Seal install tool
- Wrenches
- Impact wrench
- Chisel
- Seal glue
- Grease
- New spindle
- New depth shaft
- New depth arm
- New shifter plate
- New depth handle
- New spring
- New bolts and hardware
Full Video Tutorial
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Identifying and Addressing Wear
Begin by inspecting the closing wheel arm, firming wheel pivot, and gauge wheel for excessive slop. Pay attention to the depth shaft and shifter plate for any up-and-down movement. A stuck shaft is a common issue, often leading to mushrooming and further complications.
- Removing the Old Depth Shaft
If the shaft is stuck, use a grinder with a cut-off wheel to remove it. (Other tools like Sawzall or band saws can be used, but a cut-off wheel is often the fastest.) Pry off the cap and remove the seal to expose the spindle nut. Important: Remember that the spindle nut on the left-hand side of the drill has a left-handed thread. Turn clockwise to loosen. Remove the spindle nut and then push the old spindle and shaft out.
- Installing the New Spindle
Slide the new spindle into place. Clean the spindle nut and reinstall it. Use a torque wrench with a 1 11/16 inch socket to tighten the spindle nut to 190 foot-pounds. Apply seal glue to the depth shaft seal and stake the nut with a chisel for added security. Use the seal install tool to drive the seal onto the nut.
- Installing the New Depth Shaft
Grease the new depth shaft and the seals in the spindle and spindle nut. (Grease the seal, not the cavity on the shaft.) Remove the grease circuit from the new shaft before installation. Carefully slide the shaft through the triple lip seal to avoid damage. Install the new depth arm with a washer and a new bolt. Important: Install the bolt from the bottom with the nut on top. Tighten the bolt with a wrench and impact wrench. Reinstall the greaser on the depth shaft.
- Installing the New Shifter Plate and Depth Handle
Reuse the guard and slide the new shifter plate into place using carriage bolts. Install the new spring and depth handle, ensuring the shaft threads are exposed. Tighten the nut to secure the handle. Install the rear carriage bolt and tighten it. (Use a low torque setting on the impact wrench to avoid breaking the bolts.)
- Checking and Adjusting the Operation
Test the operation of the depth arm. Adjust the arm’s placement on the shifter plate if necessary, by gently tapping it, to ensure proper engagement and smooth shifting.
Conclusion
You should be able to replace the depth adjustor pivot on your John Deere 60 or 90-series disc drill. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn parts will contribute to the longevity and efficiency of your equipment.
Disclaimer: Always consult your John Deere operator’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. If you are not comfortable performing these repairs, seek assistance from a qualified technician or reach out to us here at Red E!
Category: Air Drill Parts
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