Features Agronomy Corn
FARM EQUIPMENT REVIEW: December 2005

Over the last year, dozens of new models
and designs of farm machinery have been introduced by manufacturers. Many of
you will have seen these introductions at farm shows and in various industry
announcements – but, can you remember the details? This feature provides
a reference for you. -30-
Peter Darbishire, Editor

While Top Crop Manager editors
make every effort to be objective when reporting on new products, they cannot
be held responsible for claims made by companies. Readers are encouraged to
contact the companies for more details.

Folds for transport
Bourgault Industries' newest additions to its line of 5710 air hoe drills are
the 5710-70 AHD and the 5710-74 AHD. They are designed for large acreage farmers
who require a seeding implement with the ability to increase the number of acres
seeded in a day.

A major criterion that the new drill had to meet was to feature adequate transport
dimensions. To meet this challenge, Bourgault engineers developed X-Fold technology.
The drill folds into a 7-plex for transport and locks into a 5-plex unit in
field position. Locking of outer wing stub into field position is automatic.
The hydraulic cylinders over-centre a linkage to keep the outer wing stub locked
relative to the outer wing. This ensures that the linkage takes the load, not
the cylinders. This unique design allows the 5710-70 to fold in the conventional
style, yet meets the height and width dimensions required to safely transport
the drill in most locations. In transport, the 5710-74 is 18ft11in (5.75m) tall
and 23ft6in (7.16m) wide. The centre of gravity of the folded wings is over-centre,
which provides stable transport.

Another unique feature is the double cylinder wing-lift configuration. This
not only adds power for wing-lift, but also structural integrity during field
operation.

The main frame running gear features 16.5 x 16.1 10-ply FI tires mounted on
8000 pound wheels and hubs. The inner wings use 11L x 15 six-ply FI tires, and
the outer wings use 9.5L x 15 six-ply FI tires. Inner and outer wing running
gear are mounted on 6000 pound hubs and 3000 pound wheels. Walking axles are
standard throughout on 70 and 74 foot air hoe drills.

Other features and options: the drills are available in 9.8 inch (250mm) and
12.6 inch (320mm) spacing; 70 foot (21.3m) and 74 foot (22.5m) widths; single
point depth control; the frames are designed to handle the weight of series
25 mid-row banders, frame sections have a short contour depth of 154 inches
at two inch seed depth; the drills accept all packer wheels currently available
on other sized units; easy levelling with a single turnbuckle on castors and
packers; and easy maintenance with only 34 grease zerks.

The size of tractor required for the 5710-70 or 5710-74 with a comparable air-seeder
tank will be dependent on soil conditions and terrain. On lighter soil and in
flatter terrain, an operator should be able to use a 450 horsepower tractor.
In most conditions, a 500 plus horsepower tractor is recommended. -30-
Bourgault Industries

Tank options expanded
The new Seed Hawk air tank lineup consists of 267, 397 and 777 bushel tanks.
Both the two compartment 267 and the 397 have an option to add an 87 bushel
third tank This option allows the operator the ability to divert product from
each compartment through either the seed or the fertilizer air stream. All three
tank models have stainless steel meters that use a roller to meter the product.

The 777 is Seed Hawk's only tow behind cart. The front of the cart is attached
to the tool bar frame by an 8 inch fifth wheel ball. The rear tires on the cart
are dualed for increased flotation. -30-
Seed Hawk