News
FARM EQUIPMENT REVIEW: March 2006 W

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. Also see more tillage and seeding equipment introductions in the December 2005 edition of Top Crop Manager.
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. 

Easier to fill
The Central Commodity System (CCS) seed metering technology and the multi-crop seeding capabilities of the 1990 CCS John Deere air-drill is capable of seeding oats, barley, wheat, milo and soybeans into no-till conditions. The new drills are available in four working widths of 30, 36, 40 and 42.5 feet. They offer three different row spacings: the 15 inch row spacing model is available in a single rank design, and the 7.5 inch and 10 inch row spacing versions are dual rank machines.

The central-fill seed metering system is offered in two configurations: models up to 36 feet wide use a single 70 bushel hopper, while 40 and 42 foot models use a 100 bushel hopper. Both hoppers feature a large, single lid and are easier to fill than earlier versions.

The 1990 air-drills feature a new, high performance air and oscillating agitation system. This design provides greater agitation for small grain crops that are prone to bridging and plenty of air volume to bring consistent seed population to the meters. The air and metering systems also have more capacity. Larger venturi cups and larger primary hoses allow for higher seeding rates with new crops. The feed wheels used on the metering system are incredibly accurate so that the amount of seed going to any meter at any time has no more than a two percent variance from meter to meter, says the company.

The larger dual rank models also feature a SM500 blockage system that has optical blockage sensors on every seed opener and a monitor with an easy-to-read numeric display. The meter drive system on these models also can be ordered with an optional dual range sprocket for additional crops and higher metering rates.
John Deere

Biggest tank?
The Leading 6450 air-seeder holds the distinction of being the largest production leading air-seed tank in the world, says Bourgault. The L6450 has four internal tanks for a total of 450 bushels. Tank 2 can be diverted into Tank 1 or Tank 3, and Tank 3 can be diverted into Tank 4 or Tank 2 through the use of patented inter-connect ports. The rear tires are 30.5L32 in R1, 900/60 in R1W on 130 inch spacing and dual 20.8R38 R2 on row crop spacing.

The hitch weight is approximately 8500 pounds when fully loaded. The rear spindles are bolted in. There are two options for the load/unload auger. The first is a 10 inch auger with a standard hopper. It has a hydraulic cylinder to assist in swinging the main arm and will also hold the arm in position while the auger is in use. The second is a 10 inch auger with folding low profile transfer hopper for getting under grain trailers. It has hydraulic controls for the transfer hopper fold, auger swing and auger raise/tilt.

Single shoot, double shoot, single shoot with broadcast and multi-shoot are available with this air-seeder. The 'Straight-Thru' distribution system allows the metering augers to supply each of the distribution pipes with a short flexible hose. This allows the operator to easily change product delivery from a specific metering auger to the distribution pipe of choice.

Metering transmissions are ground-driven through a series of inter-connecting drive shafts to angle gearbox drives which power the variable rate transmissions. The UHMW metering augers are protected from high torque damage by a torque-limiting device located on the auger shafts. Each of the metering augers are outfitted with triple sprockets, allowing a change between high, intermediate and low range without the need for tools.

Monitor options include: model 491 deluxe monitor available for three or four tank configurations with manual rate control, cab rate control, or zone rate control. Fan control, one or two fan, is available with zone rate control only; and a Zynx monitor/controller system by Kee Technologies features a full colour touch screen and variable rate control program customized for the Bourgault 'superior' seeding system. This option is available in three or four tank configurations and comes standard with auxiliary clutches. With optional components, NH3 or liquid fertilizer applications can also be controlled in combination with seeder functions to a maximum of four different products.
Bourgault Industries

Central filling
The Gandy seed transfer system is a pressurized transfer system designed to deliver seed from bulk tank to individual row hoppers for up to 36 rows. The system can significantly reduce filling time during corn, soybean, or small grain planting and provides seed to each row hopper on an 'as needed' basis. The new Gandy seed transfer system is offered in both tow-behind and implement-mounted models.

Farm operators benefit by saving downtime taken to fill individual row hoppers since the bulk bin tow cart will constantly feed each row hopper as it empties. The seed system permits carrying reduced weight in the row box to provide greater control of planting depth and, in some cases, has eliminated the need for individual row boxes. Delivery will shut off as the seed covers the delivery tube. The seed transfer system hoppers, having available capacities of 24, 40, 64, 80, 96 or 120 bushels, can be filled by bulk bag and will individually feed eight to 36 rows.
Gandy Company