New kit reflects shifting trends

The Condor 12001-C and Primera 3000 are two examples of the direct seeder range from Amazone that have received government assistance in the past. On the stand also will be the Cayena tine seeder and all these drills have the choice of fertiliser placement along with the seed as well as the option of a third hopper to be used for cover cropping and/or fertiliser. The Cirrus 4003-2C on show will also be equipped with a GreenDrill 501 for companion planting and cover crop application as well as featuring the low-disturbance, Cirrus Minimum Till Disc which is ideal for establishing a cash crop after a cover crop.

This year’s event sees the introduction of the Pantera 7004 self-propelled sprayer. The all-new 7,000-litre actual capacity machine, available in boom widths up to 48m, offers a completely new chassis system that self-levels on slopes and offers the ability to alter the track width on the front axle different to the rear. The overall weight increase has been kept to a minimum, with the unladen weight still under 12 tonnes and the weight distribution maintaining its 50:50 split between the two axles. Although based on the wet system of the smaller 4504, the Pantera 7004 offers increased capacity all round with bigger pump capacities, more engine power, a stronger driveline and also features more comfort with a new driver’s cab.

For mechanical weeding, the Schmotzer Select hoe will be equipped with the FT-P 1502 front tank with liquid fertiliser applicator and band spraying equipment. The Isobus, 1,500-litre capacity, FT-P 1502 has hydraulic pump drive and up to seven part-width sections via GPS-Switch. Also with the hoe is the FTender fertiliser delivery hopper, which can be used to band spread fertilisers in row crops or undersow a companion plant between the rows along with a hoeing pass.

Also on show is the new Catros+ 03 compact disc harrow range. The folding 4m, 5m, 6m and 7m models, with or without rear bogey chassis, feature the SmartFrame system which enables the depth to be changed on the move without altering the levelness of the machine and so maintaining that even depth between the front and back rows of discs. The beauty of SmartFrame is that, as the working depth increases, it also gives more clearance between the discs and the frame as well as between the discs and the rear roller facilitating better soil passage and higher work rates. The Catros+ 03 has the option of the 480mm X-Cutter discs for shallow stubble chitting and then, depending on soil type and the mode of application, the 510mm smooth, fine-serrated or coarse-serrated concave discs.

Cereals stand number: 824

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