Thursday, 19 November 2020 12:30

Front hopper seed drill eases sowing pressure

Written by  Mark Daniel
Pöttinger has expanded its range of Aerosem pneumatic seed drills, with the addition of 4 metre and 5 metre folding version units with a front hopper. Pöttinger has expanded its range of Aerosem pneumatic seed drills, with the addition of 4 metre and 5 metre folding version units with a front hopper.

Austrian tillage and seed drill manufacturer Pöttinger has expanded its range of Aerosem pneumatic seed drills, with the addition of 4 metre and 5 metre folding versions units with a front hopper.

A key benefit of the layout is said to be convenient operation, making settings such as working depth, coulter pressure and seed rate calibration easy to perform, as there are no access issues, which can be a problem with conventionally mounted seed hoppers.

The front hopper, available in 1700 or 2300 litre capacities, is fitted with an airtight cover. It features a service platform to provide better visibility into the hopper during filling.

The hopper can be configured with a standard single metering unit, or the newly developed dual metering unit. This new, Single Shoot metering system, lets you apply not only seed but also fertiliser into the seed slot in one pass, so offers maximum flexibility during the planting season. 

The coulter rail on the Aerosem FDD is mounted on the power harrow using a quick-fit locking system. It can be configured with an optional hydraulic lifting system for the coulter rail to increase ground clearance. The unit uses a short headstock to place the centre of gravity closer to the tractor, while the distributor head – mounted on the coulter rail – features a patented system to ensure it is always kept in a vertical position.
Seed distribution is controlled using the distributor head, which can be provided with individually controllable outlets (IDS) as an option. While using the fully-equipped version, the driver can easily adjust the tramline widths and tyre widths directly at the control terminal to set up a perfect tramline system.

At the same time, Pöttinger has also introduced its new LION 403 C and LION 503 C folding power harrows, with working widths of 4 or 5 metres and suitable for tractors up to 320hp.

The folding frame concept, with the headstock and entire folding frame mounted on the machine, results in a short and compact power harrow that is up to 30cm shorter than many others. This brings the centre of gravity is closer to the rear axle and better weight transfer to the front axle.

Both models fold to a transport width of 2.55 metres. An integrated levelling board, adjust automatically with depth control, retaining its set distance above the soil and distance from the rotor tines. A choice of rollers includes toothed, prism packer and rubber options, with a choice of diameters on the toothed and prism packer.

More like this

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME, Deutz Fahr and Lamborghini tractor brands.

Products born and bred in NZ make the difference

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at McKee Plastics, catching up with business development manager, Logan McKee.

Massey Ferguson launches double small square baler

AGCO has released details of the new SB.1436DB small square, or conventional baler, that rather unconventionally, produces two rows of bales per field pass, so doubling the output over a traditional single baler producing 14-by-18-inch bales.

What's the correct bolt to use?

You cannot go far in farming without encountering fasteners such as nuts and bolts, given that expensive plant, machinery and buildings are held together by them and your gates would not fill gateways if they were missing.

Featured

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

National

Chilled cow cuts enter China

Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports into China following approval of its Levin and Mataura plants…

New CEO for Safer Farms

Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture, has appointed Brett Barnham as its new chief…

Machinery & Products

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sacrificed?

OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter