Method and apparatus for extending the service life of an agricultural planter

A pivoting support system for an agricultural planter, the system comprising:

• a pivoting support arm including a pivoting support arm pivot location orifice having an inside diameter, wherein the pivoting support arm is configured to be coupled to a support portion of an agricultural planter, the support portion including a support location orifice;
• a collar including a tubular section having an inside diameter and an outside diameter, wherein the collar is disposed in the pivoting support arm pivot orifice;
• a bushing extending at least partially through the collar;
• a connecting threaded member disposed through the bushing;
• and
• a terminal nut tightened over the connecting threaded member.

A method of refurbishing a pivoting support system for an agricultural planter, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an agricultural planter comprising:
• a support portion including a support location orifice;
• and
• a pivoting support arm including a pivoting support arm pivot location orifice, the pivoting support arm being configured to be pivotally coupled to the support portion;
• providing a collar, a bushing, a connecting threaded member, and a terminal nut;
• inserting the collar at least partially into the pivoting support arm pivot location orifice;
• inserting the bushing at least partially into the collar;
• inserting the connecting threaded member through the support location orifice and the bushing;
• and
• tightening the terminal nut over the connecting threaded member.