The He-Va 3m G-Drill is specifically designed as a low cost means of establishing grass, grain and cover crops.
The disc drill is developed as a straightforward tool capable of rapidly generating a drilling zone, placing seed at a consistent depth, and consolidating the seedbed with a weather-proof finish.
Central to this are two rows of 400mm diameter Vector scalloped discs, flanked by replaceable coulter boots. Running at a 4° angle, this coulter arrangement generates a narrow seed slot to minimise surface disturbance.
The G-Drill can be specified with either 32 openers to give a row spacing of 9.4cm – ideal for drilling grass seed – or a 24-coulter option, providing a wider 12.5cm spacing for either grass or grain establishment.
The rubber-damped torsion-arm arrangement provides accurate contour following and also means the discs kick out of harm’s way when obstacles such as stones are encountered.
Found across He-Va’s grassland machinery range, the 450/500mm diameter Star ring roller breaks up clods in cultivated ground as well as consolidating and closing the seed slot. A 600mm diameter flat roller can also be fitted.
The standard hydraulic weight transfer/down-force kit is said to be useful when drilling direct into grassland or stubble as it provides greater coulter penetration. Options include Shattaboard levelling paddles and a following harrow.
A Stocks Ag Turbo Jet is responsible for seed metering and supply to each of the coulters. It comes as standard with a 400-litre plastic hopper (1,000-litre metal version optional).
The airflow is provided by twin digital brushless 12v electric fans. The optional hydraulic fan is said to be a useful upgrade for those looking to use the G-Drill to sow cereals and pulses.
Stocks’ 4.3” colour touchscreen i-CON controller provides automatic forward speed-related rate control. Variable rates can be applied according to mapping data. An ISObus controlled option is also available.
“HE-VA’s grassland offering has seen significant growth over recent years, providing livestock farmers with a comprehensive range of machines to help improve productivity and increase grass yields,” says Opico’s He-Va product specialist Glenn Bootman.
He adds that the new drill uses a configuration of proven parts which have been tried and tested across the HE-VA portfolio for many years. “Whether choosing the arable or grassland specification, we are confident in the G-Drill’s performance and reliability.”
A 3m G-Drill with 24 coulters and fitted with a Turbo Jet 8 and i-CON controller retails at £33,649. The new drill will be on the Opico stand at LAMMA.
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