More even seed placement of rapeseed and cereals: That, Sulky argues, is the reason for buying into SPI Regul-line drill technology, which aligns seeds as they leave the metering unit. This driving impression looks at how the Sulky seeding system works and outlines the potential benefits
Drill choice is as vast and bewildering as ever, as visitors to the recent Smithfield Show will have undoubtedly spotted. That’s not to say that all drills are the same, though. Far from it. The seeding sector remains one of the most diverse and interesting within the farm machinery industry.
Take the Sulky Regul-line drillwhich, for our test, we hitched up to a semi-mounted cultivator, comprising levelling bar, two rows of spring tines and a large cage roller. The drill is also suitable for solo operation, mounted direct to the tractor’s rear linkage, and is available in widths from 3.0m to 6.6m. The single most intriguing feature on the pneumatic SPI drill is, without question, its Regul-line seed metering system. According to the manufacturer, the system provides ‘improved seed placement’ to ensure the optimum number of seeds is placed per square metre, a welcome feature at a time when farmers are looking to reduce seed rates to ever lower levels. So much for the concept, but how does the system work?
