Production years
1985-1990
Case IH planter ยท 1985-1990
Case IH 900 Planter
The Case IH 900 is a Cyclo Air row-crop planter of the mid-to-late 1980s, offered in common four-, six-, eight-, and twelve-row arrangements. It is remembered for using one central air-metering drum rather than a separate conventional meter on every row.
Planter type
Drawn or mounted Cyclo Air row-crop planter
Row configurations
4, 6, 8, 12, and larger configurations; 30-, 36-, and 38-in. spacing were common
Metering system
Cyclo Air central drum and air seed distribution
Case IH 900 specifications
| Production years | 1985-1990 |
|---|---|
| Planter type | Drawn or mounted Cyclo Air row-crop planter |
| Row configurations | 4, 6, 8, 12, and larger configurations; 30-, 36-, and 38-in. spacing were common |
| Metering system | Cyclo Air central drum and air seed distribution |
| Seed types | Corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, sunflowers, and others with the correct drum |
| Frame | Rigid or folding toolbar, depending on row count and version |
| Drive system | Ground-driven seed-rate transmission with hydraulic or PTO-driven air system, by version |
| Weight | Approximately 4,000 to 12,000 lb, depending on rows, frame, fertilizer, and accessories |
What the 900 is used for
The 900 was built for corn, soybeans, milo, and similar row crops on farms moving toward larger planter widths and air metering. Common 30-, 36-, and 38-inch row arrangements suited the row-crop practices of its era.
It remains popular with budget-conscious growers and hobby farms because its central drum system can plant several crops after the proper drum and settings are installed. It is best suited to operators willing to set up, calibrate, and maintain the air system carefully.
Why the Case IH 900 stands out
The 900's Cyclo Air design gave growers a versatile multi-row planter with one central metering system, reducing the number of individual seed meters to service. It has a strong following because drums, monitors, and service parts remain familiar to many Case IH planter owners and aftermarket suppliers.
Buying a used Case IH 900
Inspect the seed drum, drum seals, manifold, seed tubes, fan housing, hydraulic motor or PTO drive, and monitor before purchase, because air leaks or poor airflow can create skips and uneven delivery. Also check opener discs and bearings, gauge wheels, closing wheels, row-unit pivots, chains, drive sprockets, fertilizer-system corrosion, and frame hinges. Verify that the machine includes the correct crop drums and that replacement drums and parts are available for your intended crops.
Case IH 900 frequently asked questions
What metering system does the Case IH 900 use?
It uses the Cyclo Air central drum and air-distribution system.
Can a 900 plant soybeans as well as corn?
Yes, with the appropriate drum, settings, and crop-specific setup.
What commonly causes poor performance on a 900?
Worn drum seals, air leaks, damaged seed tubes, incorrect drum setup, and neglected row-unit wear items are common causes.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used planters vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.