Sola Ares-P seed drill

The Ares-P drill from Spanish manufacturer Solá has a pressurised seed hopper for the first time with the aim of delivering consistent and even seed flow to the metering unit, especially when working on slopes as the hopper level drops. In the UK it is labelled KRM after its distributor, Keith Rennie Machinery.

The Solá Ares-P tractor-mounted air seeder – in the colours of UK distributor KRM – has electric metering system drive enabling quick calibration and precision farming functions to be used. Photo: Maquinaria Agricola Solá

Seed distribution heads and pipework are mounted outside the 1,800 litres (63.5 cu ft) hopper, so component inspection, and cleaning when changing seed type or variety, are said to be easier than when located internally. Solá’s own metering mechanism is electrically-driven with Isobus control of all functions and monitoring of forward speed, fan speed and seed level in the hopper.

GPS controlled headland on-off control and variable seed rate functions are available, together with half-width shut-off, operated either manually or using GPS section control. Electric metering drive also allows simpler calibration; an amount of seed is collected and entered into the Isobus terminal to set the system to the required rate.

Remote electric drive control and a seed collector of known volume simplifies calibration and rate setting using an isobus terminal. Photo: Maquinaria Agricola Solá

Solá Elite tine coulters have replaceable points at 125 mm (5 in) row spacing and are standard for working in stubbles or a min-till seedbed and have an extension spring beneath the coulter designed for consistent pressure throughout the coulter arm’s range of movement. Alternatively, 350 mm (14 in) diameter staggered double-disc openers can be installed.

The sealed hopper is said to ensure an even flow to the metering system, especially when working on slopes with low seed level. Photo: Maquinaria Agricola Solá

In the UK, the 4 m (13 ft) Solá Ares-P drill is priced £30,515 and 4.5 m, 4.8 m, 5.0 m, 6.0 m and 6.66 m (15 ft to 22 ft) sizes are also available.