Presented as an entry-level drill combination, the Cataya Special EcoLine from German manufacturer Amazone has been launched as a replacement for the AD 3000 Super mechanical combination drill. The 3.0m wide EcoLine is offered in a predetermined specification which includes a 650-litre seed hopper and 24 disc coulters at 125mm centres. Seed metering is fully mechanical from a large diameter ground drive system with in-cab control provided through the manufacturers AmaLog+ controller.
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Calibration of the Precis metering system is achieved through a centralised gear and drive set up positioned on the left hand of the unit. Amazone says that the metering shutter slides are provided with two locking positions which facilitates a claimed quick changeover from different seed sizes.
The drilling assembly is supplied with Amazone's quick release mounting system, which it says allow it to be moved between its power harrow, disc cultivator and rotary cultivators without the need for tools.
Also launched as an more durable alternative to air-driven drills, Austrian manufacturer Pottinger has made changes to its Vitasem mechanical drill range. Provided in working widths of 2.5-4.0 metres, the range includes hoppers which are claimed to be 25 per cent larger than the previous models. The mechanical metering system can be land-wheel or electrically driven with claimed changes made to improve the calibration process and uniformity of seed delivery across the working width. Additional work lighting options have been added to improve operator visibility across the machine and within the seed hoppers.
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Similar to the Amazone unit, the Vitasem can be supplied with a universal mounting system to allow the seeding assembly to be mounted on different cultivation implements, depending on the soil conditions and crop type.
For users looking to establish companion cropping or a more diverse cover cropping mix, the Vitasem can be supplied with an additional hopper and metering system, which is mounted behind the main tank. A range of press wheels and levelling tines can be fitted depends on the field requirements
