Establishing stale seedbeds has always been a critical part of weed control, and the company has been using Fentech Agri’s new Phoenix 6m mounted machine working the top with its Max-Life carbide edge 16mm straw type tine to disturb as much as possible before the rubber roller consolidates and gives seed-to-soil contact. Establishment of the stale seedbed prior to seeding is essential.
The alternative to working the top is early-sown cover cropping to ensure the weeds are kept to a minimum; and Fentech Agri says this is always possible, even in the driest conditions, with the Simtech tine drill that’s capable of generating tilth where you would think it impossible.
Alongside the Phoenix, Fentech Agri is also introducing its first in-house sub-soiler which utilises the Metcalfe NG ultra low disturbance system.
Well-proven over a number of years, this will give the flexibility to work a range of depths and widths with the same principle technology to break up any problem pans and fracture the soil vertically to give roots the space to grow.
Fentech Agri explains that these machines, coupled with the expansion of the Simtech Seeder range to cover split products hoppers and integrating applicators have culminated in an expensive year, with R&D budgets blown out the water; however, the result is a far broader range and possibly the most bespoke offering of a seeder to suit the given conditions on the market, the company claims.
The technical team is always happy to discuss how Fentech Agri can help improve your efficiency and capitalise on the changing way you farm to make your business more profitable.
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Formed in 1983 to satisfy a demand for high quality industrial cleaning equipment, Hugh Crane (Cleaning Equipment) Ltd says it is now one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of cleaning equipment in the agricultural sector. A commitment to continued innovation and investment ensures that the range is always at the cutting edge of technology.
Commando machines are ideal where arduous duty cycles occur and reliability is important, Hugh Crane says. They can be easily transported to virtually any terrain where power washing is required. These British designed machines are built to comply with BS EN ISO 9001: 2015.
The Commando range offers a choice of petrol or diesel engine powered machines, PTO driven or hydraulically powered units, to suit individual applications.
The range includes barrow, skid, trailer, vehicle and bowser mounted units, so there is always the right package to suit the customer’s exact needs.
The Honda petrol engine powered range includes the 250P, 350P and 500P barrow mounted machines, with the option on the 500 series of electric start, or auto intelligent engines for maximum fuel efficiency.
The diesel range includes the Hatz single cylinder 500D and twin cylinder 1030U series machines and the Isuzu three cylinder 3000 series. A wide choice of four cylinder diesel engine units are available for larger applications, with pressures ranging from 200–500 bar.
Hugh Crane says that by listening to its customers, the company prides itself on allocating the right machine for the cleaning task to be undertaken.
Once the correct Commando high pressure model is selected, hand over instructions and installation is provided.
Comprehensive stores facilities at the company’s three UK sites, with 22,500 line items ensures immediate supply of parts and accessories and combined with factory trained mobile service engineers, this ensures peace of mind for the customer and reliable operation at all times.
Commando machines are available to buy, lease or hire directly from Hugh Crane.
For more information visit the Commando website.
For example, when purchasing a new Cousins Contour HZ Cambridge roller, a whopping 50% discount is on offer for the springboard levelling or rake tine kits to suit when ordered together.
Running a springboard levelling system ahead of a Cambridge roller intensifies the cultivation achieved with its shattering and levelling action, says Cousins. It also enhances the consolidation by presenting the roller with a more levelled surface, allowing the rings to do their work more effectively.
Alternatively, for those looking to redistribute crop residues or promote weed seed germination the straw rake kit is the preferred option.
The 50% offer also applies to all tine kits ordered with a new front press. There are three tine options available to enhance your front press – springboard levelling system, rigid leading tines or spring tine kit.
On display will be a 12.4m Contour HD HZ Cambridge Roller with 24in breaker rings and tine options along with a 6m Straw Rake and a 3m Patriot.
As part of the Out of Season Deals, some ex-demo machines are also available. Offers valid until 1st December 2024 and subject to availability.
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The company produces tyres for tractors, sprayers, combine harvesters, farm trailers, material handlers and industrial loaders.
Ascenso says it understands that efficiency is key to your businesses’ success, and choice of tyre plays a particularly significant role in that.
“This is why we spend hundreds of hours testing and evaluating our tyres before they go into production, all so that when you need them to perform, they will not let you down,” the company comments.
“We are immensely proud of our premium products, and what sets us apart from other such brands is that we do not have the premium price tag that goes with them.
“Ascenso tyres are a cost-effective tyre solution that not only looks good but performs fantastically. In recent independent testing our XLR800 agricultural tyre outperformed a leading premium tyre brand for fuel efficiency, traction, and importantly reduced soil compaction.”
You will be able to chat directly with the Ascenso Tyres team at the Midlands Machinery Show this year, where they will be available to talk visitors through the Ascenso range of tyres and offer solid reasons as to why you would benefit from fitting Ascenso Tyres.
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Three different models are available. Firstly, the original NG System was designed to create the best possible soil structure for the crop, whilst being versatile in the way that different wing and shin options can be applied to the leg, allowing for many different configurations dependant on soil type.
The second option is the JJMCS150 range, which allows any 100mm box section frame to be adapted into a low disturbance min till machine by bolting on a top bracket or welding a bracket onto existing legs.
You can then bolt on various leg options, ranging from 100mm, 150mm and 200mm wing width, with a standard point or a stone point, if the soil is abrasive or stony.
The NG LT System is the third option. It’s an amalgamation of the NG and CS150 systems; the CS150 leg has been adapted to take the NG shins and a tungstened wing has been designed using the same wing angle as the CS150 range.
All these parts are replaceable as and when they wear, allowing more versatility and keeping costs down.
These systems are available to view at Croptec 2024, or contact the company directly for further information.
Stand number: 2.240
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According to Väderstad, the Rapid seed drill sets the standard for seedbed preparation, levelling, drilling, and reconsolidation, all in a single, streamlined pass. This delivers reliable seeding results at impressive working speeds, making it an indispensable asset for today’s farmers.
Väderstad points out that one of the standout features of the Rapid seed drill is its elegant simplicity in design, paired with superior machine quality. This combination not only ensures a long working life but also significantly reduces operating costs, the company says, adding that farmers can count on the Rapid to perform consistently season after season, without the frequent need for costly repairs or complex maintenance. This durability is crucial in an industry where downtime can lead to significant losses.
The Rapid seed drill is engineered to handle a variety of tillage systems, demonstrating significant versatility. Whether you are drilling directly into stubble, working with ploughed fields, or operating within a reduced tillage system, Väderstad reckons the Rapid is up to the task.
Thanks to its powerful front tools and cultivating seed discs, this machine can perform in virtually any condition. By combining multiple processes into one pass, the Rapid not only saves time but also conserves valuable soil moisture – an essential factor for successful crop establishment.
Correct penetration
Achieving the correct soil penetration is critical for seed placement and, ultimately, for crop yield. The Rapid’s high coulter pressure ensures effective penetration into the soil, enabling direct drilling with precision. This capability allows the Rapid to handle a wide range of crops, from small-seeded varieties such as grass leys to larger-seeded crops like beans. The result is uniform seed placement, which is key to achieving optimal plant growth and maximising yields.
As agriculture continues to evolve, so too must the tools that support it. For the 2024 model year, the pneumatic seed drills Rapid A 400-800S, Rapid A 600-800C, Spirit 400C/S, and Spirit 600-900C/S have been upgraded with a new distributor head Dynamic Tramlining. This optional feature introduces unprecedented control and flexibility, transforming how farmers approach seeding.
Dynamic tramlining
One of the most exciting advancements with the new distributor head is the introduction of dynamic tramlining. Tramlining is an essential practice for ensuring that sprayer and fertiliser applicators can pass through fields without damaging crops, but it traditionally requires careful planning and manual adjustments. With the new dynamic tramlining function, this process becomes simpler and more reliable than ever before.
The system is easily configured using the iPad-based Väderstad E-Control system. By entering the track width and tyre spacing of the sprayer, the E-Control calculates when specific rows need to be shut off to create unseeded tramlines. During operation, the system automatically manages these tramlines, shutting off rows independently of their position on the seed drill. This innovation not only improves accuracy but also allows farmers to use the full working width of the drill, even if it doesn’t perfectly match the sprayer’s width.
For contractors who frequently switch between fields with varying sprayer and fertiliser application widths, this feature is a game-changer, Väderstad reckons.
Another significant enhancement offered by the new distributor head is the ability to quickly and easily adjust row spacing from 125mm to 250mm. This flexibility is crucial during busy planting seasons when time is of the essence. With just a touch of a button on the E-Control system, farmers can make this adjustment from the comfort of their cab, without the need for manual intervention. The system works seamlessly with SeedEye sensors, ensuring that all functions are fully coordinated and operational.
For those operating the 4m Rapid A 400S and Spirit 400C/S models, the new distributor head offers an additional advantage – half-machine shut-off. This feature is particularly beneficial when working in irregularly shaped fields or when precise control over input costs is required.
By reducing double-seeding and minimising waste, farmers can achieve greater efficiency and cost savings, further enhancing the profitability of their operations.
The introduction of the new distributor head for Rapid and Spirit seed drills marks a significant leap forward in seeding technology. With features like dynamic tramlining, easy row spacing adjustment, and half-machine shut-off, these tools offer farmers unprecedented control, flexibility, and efficiency.
As the demands on agriculture continue to grow, innovations like these ensure that farmers are equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. The Rapid seed drill, with its robust construction, versatile functionality, and cutting-edge technology, stands as a testament to the future of precision farming.
Visit the Väderstad website for more information
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The new 8m SM-P from KRM is a wider version of the well proven SM-P drills, offering growers more output and greater efficiency. Interest in the company’s range of direct drills has been fuelled by the recent round of FETF grants which they qualify for.
The new 8m model utilises the company’s well tried and tested SM coulter which with its robust design, high pressure, and narrow tungsten carbide tip, and it is suitable for minimum tillage and direct drilling. The 8m machine has 32 coulters giving a 25cm row spacing – ideal to pair with a mechanical weeding solution which is also available through KRM, the company says.
The SM-P 800/32 uses the same metering system as the Ares-P and SM-P seed drills which have enjoyed strong sales over recent years. The pressurised hopper ensures even seed flow to the stainless steel, Isobus controlled metering unit which can handle rates from 4–400kg/ha.
Half width shut off comes as standard and the drills are capable of variable rate, auto on/off and section control. Calibration is fast and easy to carry out with dispensed seed delivered to a convenient container on the side of the drill for weighing.
KRM has also recently launched the ‘Mini Seed’ – an additional hopper which mounts onto the drill and allows another product to be applied simultaneously whilst drilling. The Mini Seed uses the same stainless steel metering unit as the rest of KRM’s SM-P and Ares-P models, making it suitable for all products including corrosive materials such as fertiliser.
Interchangeable feed rollers allow all sizes of product to be applied at various application rates. A distribution head is mounted below the drill’s access platform and feeds down to spreader plates mounted on the following harrow. The spreader plates can be positioned to point forward for sowing companion crops, so the seeds are broadcast where the coulters are working and incorporated by the following harrows.
Alternatively, the spreader plates can be positioned to broadcast material behind the following harrow so it remains on the soil surface, ideal for Avadex etc.
The Mini Seed connects into the drill’s Isobus ECU and appears as an extra hopper on the tractor’s terminal. All functions such as calibration etc are carried out as per the drill. This standardised approach makes using the hopper intuitive for the operator.
If multiple products are required, two Mini Seeds can be fitted, one either side of the hopper. There is also the possibility of mounting a Mini Seed onto other equipment such as grass harrows, cultivators or another seed drill. It can be supplied with its own ECU if Isobus is required or alternatively with a simple control box.
Visit the KRM website for more information
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An automated filling system works from the cab or filling station. Spec includes self-levelling air suspension and steering axle with gyroscopic tracking, plus automatic hillside correction.
MAXImizer PRO minimises boom pipework for faster response and minimal retained fluid, with a reduction of 21% cutting retained volume by 7.5 litres on a 36m/5,200-litre Trailblazer TB5200.
Recent developments include KINS air-actuated nozzle switching technology. Single, triple or quin nozzle bodies can be specified. Each group of four bodies incorporates a Smart Module configurable to provide section or individual nozzle switching.
Vario Select nozzle automation uses combinations of four different capacity nozzles simultaneously on each body to provide up to 16 application rates up to 800 litres/min.
Also suited to spot spraying in conjunction with prescription maps, it allows selection of the required application rate and droplet size, minimum/maximum pressures and working speed range, and then selects the most suitable nozzles.
Vario Select also governs flexible rate control, and provides Curve-Control turn compensation through gyroscope measurement and instant switching between nozzle types to compensate for inner and outer nozzles’ different speeds when turning.
Knight’s 4D Active Boom Control provides fast ground contour following and consistent nozzle height.
All this technology is also available in the Knight 2400 series of 3,500–6,000-litre/24–40m self-propelled sprayers.
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Mzuri Ltd has established itself as a leading provider of advanced agricultural machinery, particularly through its range of direct drills.
Among the most notable products in its portfolio are the Pro-Til and iPass drills, which have been designed to enhance crop establishment while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
The Pro-Til series represents Mzuri’s flagship model, offering versatility and high performance across various soil conditions, the company says. The Pro-Til is engineered for single-pass operations, integrating seedbed preparation, seeding, and fertilisation into one process. This integration not only reduces the number of field passes required but also preserves soil structure and moisture.
The Pro-Til is available in working widths ranging from 3–6m, making it suitable for a wide range of operations.
Key features of the Pro-Til include independent pivoting coulter arms, which allow for precise seed placement at the optimal depth, and an individual press wheel system that improves seed-to-soil contact, thereby enhancing germination rates.
In addition to the Pro-Til, Mzuri offers the iPass drill, designed for high-output efficient low disturbance seeding. The iPass is equipped with self-steering coulter arms to follow ground contours with excellent seed to soil contact achieved by hydraulic pressure exerted to each individual seed depth wheel.
Additionally, the iPass features an advanced metering system capable of handling a wide range of seed types and sizes and a high capacity 5,000-litre tank, making it a versatile tool for diverse cropping systems.
Both the Pro-Til and iPass drills exemplify Mzuri’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the company reckons. By reducing the number of necessary field passes, the Mzuri system lowers fuel consumption and decrease carbon emissions, thereby contributing to more environmentally friendly farming operations.
In summary, Mzuri says its Pro-Til and iPass drills are integral tools in modern agriculture, delivering precision, efficiency, and sustainability to farming practices worldwide.
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The use of a soil-loosening cultivation tool can relieve any damage caused during previous wet periods and help soils cope better with any future heavy downpours moving forward.
Where minimal surface disturbance and low horse-power requirement are the priority, the Less-Lift is the go-to tool, the manufacturer says.
It features hydraulically adjustable cutting discs running directly ahead of specially designed Step Change tines with a vertical plane in contact with the soil for minimum inversion followed by a Shark Fin Packer, which has optimally placed blades to assist in slot closure while creating minimal surface disturbance.
Where deeper soil penetration is required the original V-form Soil-Loosener is able to work between 250–500mm depths. There are a range of tine, point and wing options available to suit individual requirements, including low disturbance options.
Less-Lift models are linkage mounted 3m rigid, 4m, 5m and 6m folding working widths.
V-form models are 3m and 3.5m rigid linkage mounted; 4.5m, 5m and 5.5m folding linkage mounted; and 4.5m, 5.5m, 6.5m and 7.5m trailed.
Wisbech-based Cousins has been designing and manufacturing soil-looseners for 30 years.
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