USED MACHINERY: First introduced back in 1972, the Becker Aeromat precision pneumatic drill metering system ‘blows’ rather than ‘sucks’ seed into its cell wheels. With no plans for a replacement, this Aeromat theory remains popular today – new and second-hand. James de Havilland reports
When an item of kit can trace its lineage back 25 years, ‘long in the tooth’ is possibly an expression that comes to mind. Machine evolution, however, is not something to be dismissed lightly, so although the Aeromat hardware may not be among the youngest of metering units available, the system is far from out of date. Indeed there are those that put its all-round simplicity and reliability above any issues relating to out and out performance.
Any defining Aeromat differences?
Well, the obvious one is that the drill ‘blows’ rather than ‘sucks’. Or, in other words, the seed is ‘blown’ into the metering cell wheel rather than drawn in by suction, the latter ‘suck’ approach being common to all other pneumatic-type precision drills. Depending on historical allegiance, there are those operators who argue that the Becker method goes well; they say it secures the maize seed in its place, and ensures it is not bounced out as the drill travels over the rougher surfaces of some seedbeds.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save
