Horsch offers greater choice of precision planters

The Horsch AirVac and AirSpeed units have the same metering principle using perforated discs and a common non-adjustable singulating device for all seed types.

This means that when moving between very different seed sizes, operators no longer have to change or adjust the singulator and setting-up time is therefore reduced.

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The Horsch Maestro CX in 12-row form with AirSpeed seeding units can operate at up to 15kph for maximum planting outputs. – Photo: Horsch

AirVac generates a vacuum

In operation, the AirVac design generates a vacuum to hold seed against a perforated plate before allowing it to fall down the seed tube under gravity; an optional catching roller can be installed to prevent seed rolling in the furrow. The AirSpeed version uses air pressure to hold seed on the selector plate and to propel it down the seed tube.

A catching roller is standard with this set-up because it is designed for working speeds up to 15kph for work rates above the AirVac’s 12kph ceiling.

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AirVac vacuum seed selection unit on a Horsch Maestro CV unit. – Photo: Horsch

Suited to a wide range of seed sizes

Both designs are said to be suited to a wide range of seed sizes, with the AirVac system having the edge in this respect, and seed tube sensors count the number of seeds delivered while calculating seed spacing, misses and doubles, which are displayed on an in-cab monitor screen.

Individual electric motor drive is used for simplicity and to permit section control to avoid over-seeding where rows converge and also variable rate planting.

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Standard on Maestro RV tractor-mounted planters

The new AirVac units are standard on Maestro RV tractor-mounted planters in eight- to 12-row sizes that operate with a front-mounted hopper, and the Maestro DV trailed eight-row planter with 2800-litre hopper.

AirSpeed units are available on the CV/CX trailed up to 12-row planters; and the SV/SX up to 36-row trailed planters, which have seed-only or seed-plus-fertiliser hoppers up to 7000-litres capacity.

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Easy access to change the perforated seed discs inside the new metering device housing. – Photo: Horsch

Row-spacing adjustments easier

A new clamp profile is said to make row-spacing adjustments easier and AutoForce manually- or automatically-adjusted coulter pressure up to 220kg on mounted and 350kg on trailed planters is part of the package, the trailed models utilising weight transfer from the hopper for this facility.