Horsch unveils 2026 line-up

“Climate change, volatile grain markets, and rising input costs are tightening the screws on farmers everywhere,” said Horsch’s Frederic Horsch as he addressed assembled journalists including Farmers Guide’s Daniel Hodge at Horsch’s Ronneburg site.

“Efficiency,” he continued, “isn’t optional anymore, it is essential.” Yet, despite global pressures, he insisted the company has posted another strong year, crediting not just its technology but the culture driving it: passion for farming, rapid innovation, and above all, staying close to customers.

That culture, he admitted, has been tested. The growing complexity of modern machinery risks leaving operators overwhelmed. Horsch’s response? More precision, more automation, but also a return to practical simplicity, with machines designed to earn their keep in the field rather than dazzle only in a brochure.

The line-up on show reflected that philosophy, from wide working-width cultivators designed to save passes, to seed drills blending speed with placement accuracy, and sprayers capable of centimetre-perfect application.

What follows is a closer look at the machines that Horsch believes will define the next chapter for British and European arable farming.

Cultivators and soil management

Efficient residue management and soil preparation remain cornerstones of British arable farming, particularly as growers juggle tight weather windows, rising fuel costs, and the need to protect soil costs.

At the Horsch event, a host of new and updated cultivators underlined Horsch’s commitment to flexibility and performance – from shallow stubble cultivation to deep primary tillage.

Cruiser 12 XL

The Cruiser range has long been Horsch’s specialist for shallow to medium-depth cultivation, and the launch of the 12m Cruiser 12 XL brings greater capacity to a familiar concept.

Building on the 7 and 9 XL models, the 12 XL retains the FlexGrip tine system with 180kg break force. A six-bar frame and 17cm tine spacing delivers consistent mixing and surface crumbling down to 15cm, while a wide choice of points, including a new 24cm wing, gives operators the flexibility to cover everything from stubble incorporation to seedbed prep.

Electro-hydraulic folding simplifies transport, requiring only two double-acting spools to control the entire machine. Multiple packer options guarantee consolidation quality regardless of soil type or moisture levels.

Finer XL

The Finer XL is a new trailed spring tine cultivator designed for farms seeking a lighter, more versatile tool for year-round use. Suitable for smaller tractors, its primary role covers shallow tillage at 2-10cm, stubble cultivation, seedbed preparation, and even mechanical weed control.

With a 6-bar layout, 15cm tine spacing, and a choice of narrow or wide points, the Finer XL handles high-residue conditions readily thanks to a wide bar spacing of 52cm.

A combination of front wheels with a rear packer or harrow helps to maintain precise depth control. Working widths of 7m and 8m are available at launch, with plans to expand the range in both directions.

Joker HD

Residue incorporation remains a challenge after crops such as maize, and the updated Joker HD brings new solutions. A more aggressive disc angle boosts mixing intensity, while an optional knife roller chops long residues before they reach the disc zone.

Farmers can now choose between 620mm discs for shallower work up to 15cm, or 680mm versions for deeper cultivation to 20cm. With working widths from 4.15 to 6.15m, and optional crossbar levelling for seedbed prep, the Joker HD offers both capacity and flexibility. 

Designed for high work rates in short weather windows, the Joker’s compact disc harrow format and robust frame allow it to handle demanding conditions with minimal wear and straightforward operation.

Fortis 8 AS and Fortis LT series

Sitting between the existing 6, 7 and 9 AS models, the Fortis 8 AS combines a mid-range 8.27m working width with the ability to work down to 30cm, making it a true all-rounder for modern large-scale farms.

A 4-bar frame with 28cm tine spacing ensures consistent residue flow, while Horsch’s integrated weight transfer system delivers up to 1.2t to the tractor’s rear axle to maintain traction and reduce wheel slip. 

Compatible with tractors from 500hp, the Fortis 8 AS accepts a full range of points, wings, and packers, with a revised levelling system ensuring a consistent finish even at speed.

The Horsch team explained that drivers can lock or release the chosen packer hydraulically, and that in dry soils you put more pressure on the steel rings, while in wet conditions you spread the weight to stop the packer sinking in.

The new LT series steps in as a solution for medium sized farms, compatible with tractors up to 500hp and available in working widths from 4.60m to 6.75m.

Tiger 3 SL

For growers who like the intensive soil mixing of the Tiger range but need a smaller, more agile machine, the Tiger 3 SL has come to answer the call.

With a 2-bar frame, four tine rows at 23cm spacing, and TerraGrip tines offering a release force of up to 650kg, the 3-point mounted Tiger SL packs plenty of performance into a compact format. Designed for tractors from 240hp upwards, it uses the same MulchMix points and packer options as larger Tiger models, with quick levelling adjustments for changing conditions.

Horsch explained that it built the 3 SL for smaller fields and high-horsepower tractors needing a compact, aggressive cultivator. They claim that it offers the same soil mixing intensity as bigger Tiger models, but with three-point linkage agility.

From the high-capacity Cruiser to the versatile Finer, deep-working Fortis and compact Tiger SL, Horsch’s latest cultivators reflect a clear trend towards efficiency and adaptability.

Wider working widths, better residue handling, and improved depth control all point toward machinery designed for fewer passes, lower costs, and healthier soils – all of which will be priorities for British arable farmers in 2025 and beyond.

Seeding and precision drilling

Seeding technology has moved rapidly in recent years, with farmers demanding drills that not only cover acres quickly but also deliver precision placement, integrated fertiliser options, and adaptability across soil types and crops. At the press event, Horsch showcased several new and updated drills that reflected these priorities, though, as with any expanding product range, some models risk overlapping in capability unless the farm’s requirements are clearly defined.

Versa 7 SW

The new Versa 7 SW extends the power harrow drill concept to 7.2m, aligning with the commonly used 36m spraying width. The bigger story, however, lies in its redesigned seed wagon and rotary harrow combination. Each now has independent transport wheels, eliminating the need for hydraulically shifting the tyre packer under the rotary harrow.

Horsch says that the new design means all transport equipment stays on the machine, with big flotation tyres that take weight off the power harrow in wet conditions. This keeps the machine legal on the road without leaving anything behind on the field. This may seem a minor tweak, but it simplifies road transport while reducing negative vertical load. 

A 6,300-litre double hopper supports the grain-and-fertiliser system, while four distinct working zones (tyre packer, rotary harrow, packer, and TurboDisc coulters) aim to balance soil conditioning with precise seed placement. The integrated fan sits higher to avoid dust intake, and an optional oil cooler prevents fertiliser clumping in damp weather.

While these features improve usability, the machine’s overall complexity may deter smaller farms that simply want straightforward drilling capacity without multiple moving parts to maintain.

Pronto 9 DC

For larger farms, the Pronto 9 DC offers 9m of working width and a 6,000-litre hopper, promising high work rates without compromising on seed placement. Farmers can choose between TurboDisc coulters for conventional conditions or the new ParaDisc parallelogram coulter, which maintain depth even in stony soils thanks to higher coulter pressure and independent movement.

The grain and fertiliser system allows simultaneous application of seed and fertiliser, with the optional PPF disc system placing fertiliser beneath the seed furrow, potentially saving some input costs at a time when that is a top consideration.

Horsch noted that operators liked the flexibility of placing fertiliser up to 7cm below the seed whilst maintaining seed depth at 3cm, noting it saves a pass, and puts the nutrition right where it’s needed.

Avatar LC and NarrowDisc

The Avatar 12 LC brings a 12m, triple-tank design (9,400 litres split 50:15:35) to the established direct drilling Avatar range, allowing up to three products – or four with the optional MiniDrill – to be applied in one pass.

Its SingleDisc coulters handle mulch and direct seeding, with optional trash wheels clearing residues ahead of each row to maintain seed-to-soil contact.

Of particular interest for British growers is the new NarrowDisc coulter, reducing row spacing to 20cm for quicker canopy closure and better competition against weeds. This could prove valuable for integrated pest management strategies where reducing chemical reliance starts with better ground cover.

Horsch were keen to point out how blackgrass is a huge issue for its British customers, and that many want minimal soil disturbance before drilling. At 20cm spacing, this coulter closes the gap between 15cm and 25cm options, giving a compromise between trash handling and canopy closure.

Maestro

Row crop growers gain a new option in the Maestro 12 TX – a 12-row, trailed drill with a telescopic frame adjusting to row widths from 45–75cm at 5cm intervals.

Horsch says that this lets operators switch between row spacings in minutes. This flexibility will appeal to mixed farms alternating between crops like maize and sugar beet.

Seeding accuracy comes from the AirSpeed overpressure system, maintaining precision at speeds up to 15kph, while AutoForce automatic coulter pressure keeps seed depth consistent from 150–350kg.

Also on show was a Maestro 16 SX, fitted with the newly available liquid fertilisation tank. This allows application of liquid fertiliser directly into the furrow at low volumes, making nutrients immediately available for seedlings. Horsch said it’s about early vigour rather than high application rates.

The new OptiClose furrow system was also highlighted, with Horsch saying that standard wheels sometimes fail to break sidewall compaction in heavy or wet soils, and that the OptiClose system starts from the bottom of the furrow upwards, eliminating air pockets and closing the slot more firmly.

Partner FT hopper

The Partner FT front tank system now comes in single, double, and triple-tank versions from 1,700 to 2,500 litres.

Combined with drills, cultivators, or inter-row equipment, it enables simultaneous application of seed, fertiliser, or even multiple seed types.

New features include a certified dual-lens camera system for better road safety, quick couplers for pneumatic hoses, and a touchscreen I-Manager for controlling tank functions.

These are practical updates, though some operators may feel multiple smaller tanks and hoses add operational capacity compared to a single large-capacity rear-mounted drill.

Sprayer innovations

With input prices rising and environmental scrutiny increasing, sprayer and fertiliser technology is moving rapidly toward precision efficiency, and automation. Horsch showcased the mid-sized Leeb 6.300 VT sprayer and the high-capacity Leeb Xeric 14 FS fertiliser spreader, alongside several other developments aimed at boosting accuracy and reducing operator workload.

Leeb 6.300 VT

The Leeb 6.300 VT (VT standing for variable track) aims squarely at medium to large arable farms looking for a balance between capacity and manoeuvrability. With its 6,000-litre tank, the sprayer benefits from Horsch’s well-proven BoomControl system, maintaining a 30cm target height even at speed and over uneven terrain – vital for consistent application and drift reduction.

Horsch was keen to highlight how the VT chassis offers track widths from 1.8–3m.

Section control and nozzle technology options bring automation to the fore, while the compact chassis and responsive steering suit smaller British fields where large, trailed sprayers might struggle.

Leeb Xeric 14 FS

The Leeb Xeric 14 FS, heading into full production for 2026, represents a significant step for pneumatic boom fertiliser spreading. With working widths of 36m, 39m, and 48m, a 14m3 capacity, and operating speeds up to 20kph, it targets short operating windows where every hectare counts. 

Central to the machine is the Precision Calibration System, using pressurised hoppers, auger metering, and 12-section control for precise, variable-rate application.

Curve compensation and section-specific metering promise accurate distribution even on awkward headlands, while BoomControl keeps the boom stable regardless of wind or terrain.

Optional tyre pressure regulation reduces ground compaction and extends operating windows on softer soils, though the increasing complexity, from augers to electronics, may raise concerns about maintenance costs and long-term reliability, especially for farms lacking in-house engineering expertise.

New forestry focus

Away from the arable headlines, Horsch used the event to reveal its first foray into the forestry sector with the Pirk MP forwarder trailers. Available in 16t and 20t versions, the machines are designed for demanding work where manoeuvrability, stability, and robustness are essential.

A standout feature is the hydraulically adjustable, articulated drawbar, allowing the machine to move sideways by up to 104cm and raise or lower by 40cm. Horsch says that this makes tackling steep banks, ditches, or awkward loading sites far easier, while giving operators a clear view of the loading area when handling timber stacks up to 3m.

Horsch sees potential applications not only in commercial forestry, but also for municipal and landscape management tasks.

Across cultivators, drills, and sprayers, a clear theme ran through Horsch’s 2025 line-up: do more, do it faster, and waste less whilst you’re at it. Precision met with increased capacity at every turn, whether in 14m3 fertiliser spreaders or 12-row precision drills running at 15kph.

Yet, as machines grow smarter, with sensors, software, and hydraulics multiplying, some farmers
may be wondering whether the simplicity Frederic Horsch calls for risks being lost in the process. Innovation solves problems, but only if it fits farm-scale realities and delivers payback in reduced
inputs, time, or labour.

For now, though, Horsch appears intent on proving that technology and practicality can coexist – whether it’s wider drills for fewer passes, sprayers cutting drift to near zero, or cultivators tuned for
fuel efficiency, precision farming is here to stay.

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