Amazone extends hoe range
With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals, Amazone has added a new model to its Venterra mechanical hoe range.
The new series comprises the rigid-framed 3000 model with 75 cm row spacing, the telescopic 4500-2 model with spacing from 45 cm to 80 cm and the Precea 3000-A unit that mounts to the company’s KX or KG rotary cultivators for one-pass seedbed prep and sowing.
Available in New Zealand from next spring, and said to be ideal for sowing maize, the Precea uses a new pressurised seed metering unit. Seed flowing from the hopper is pressed against holes in the singling disc, with excess seed stripped off by three adjustable fingers to eliminate doubles. An optical seed monitor indicates misses or doubles to allow adjustments, or an optional SmartControl system adjusts the singling process automatically.
The standard mechanical Speed Shaft drive system allows operating speeds up to 12 km/h without any compromise in accuracy. Meanwhile, the optional ElectricDrive system, controlled via any suitable ISOBUS terminals, can offer operating speeds of up to 20 km/h.
This option also allows seeding rate adjustment via the terminal to deal with, say, marginal rows or areas that are under application map control. Additionally, individual rows can be shut off to create tramlines or in areas of short or tapering ground.
For soil engagement, all models use the PreTeC mulch seeding coulter unit, with soil opening achieved by a double disc unit that incorporates a furrow former. Once the seed has been placed with the aid of the catcher roller, V-pressure rollers close the furrow slot.
Coulter pressures can be adjusted to a maximum rating of 220 kg using the standard mechanical system or to a 400 kg rating using the optional hydraulic system.
A range of soil-engaging options includes clod and star clearers to remove clods, stones, straw or crop residue from the seeding area.
The 55L airtight seed hoppers can be quickly emptied without the need for tools and can be fitted with fill level sensors for low-seed warnings. Depending on model, the Precea can also be fitted with a 950 or 1250L fertiliser bin and optional filling auger.
Fertiliser is individually metered for each row and is actively conveyed by an air stream to the individually adjustable, double disc fertiliser coulters to ensure continuous fertiliser feed.
All models can be equipped with a new micro-granular applicator with a 17L hopper for micro-nutrients, insecticides or slug pellets.
