PRACTICAL TEST: Kuhn Maxima precision maize drill The Nodet name had many supporters in the precision drilling sector, so it will come as welcome news that the French firm’s influence remains in clear evidence within the current Kuhn maize planting line-up. We take the opportunity to assess a six-row Kuhn Maxima model, both in the test lab and out in the field.
French machinery giant Kuhn may have shut its Nodet factory near Paris, but this has done nothing to diminish the company’s precision drilling options. With the now Brittany-built Maxima, Planter and Planter Junior families – plus the added choice of single bar, double bar, folding and telescopic variants – the line-up can justifiably be labelled as comprehensive. For our test we took the six-row Maxima GT, complete with double-bar telescoping system and 1,400-litre capacity fertiliser hopper (£21,071).
Kicking off with the basics, the Maxima GT is a doddle to hitch on to, courtesy of its quick-coupling bar, and we also like the conveniently designed shaft holder. Tractor requirement is modest, the drill simply needing two sets of double-acting spools for the telescoping arms and bout markers, plus a 12V socket for the in-cab monitor. The double-acting rams ensure that the bout markers fold out positively – convenient on a slope – but perhaps surprisingly these same centre
