Arable events are a major shop window for farmers to see the latest equipment and innovations from manufacturers across the board, and the Cereals Event on 12-13 June has a number of exhibitors lined up to showcase their newest products. CPM reports.
It’s an excellent opportunity for farmers to see how direct drills are able to reduce the cost of establishment, for example, while comparing the qualities of each manufacturer’s machines.
By Melanie Jenkins
With exhibitors confirmed from the biggest well-known names, down to the smaller niche manufacturers, this year’s event in Boothby Graffoe, Lincs, promises to give each visitor something of interest to help improve their business.
With everyone being encouraged to take stock of their businesses, rein in costs and improve productivity to shore up their farms for the future, a day at Cereals could be well spent finding the latest tools to help with this. Whether farmers are on the hunt for the latest precision additions to their current equipment, or are looking for the most advanced drills and sprayers, Cereals is the place to find all of this.
So what are the manufacturers bringing to the event?
Amazone
Amazone will be debuting its further expansion to the Cirrus trailed seeder range with the Cirrus 03-2cc Double-Shoot seeding combination. The hydraulic folding 4m and 6m trailed drills now feature a second distribution head and coulter system that can be used for either sowing a second seed type or applying fertiliser directly into the seedbed without coming into direct seed contact. Utilising a 4000-litre pressurised seed hopper, split 60:40, it enables the operator to calibrate two different materials at different application rates.
A Crushboard in front of the cultivation discs, the S-Pack full-width tyre packer rollers across the front of the drill, seed pipe blockage monitoring systems and the new AmaTron 4 operating terminal are all options on the new Cirrus 03-2CC. Also, the GreenDrill 500D can be added to give a third metering system that can be used for under-sowing grass seed, applying slug pellets or micro-granular herbicides.
An additional feature on the Cirrus 03-2CC is the ability to alter the coulter pressure automatically on the move via a soil texture map. Amazone claims that, because of the live on-board hydraulic coulter pressure system, the planting depth can be maintained across fields with a varying soil type by reducing the coulter pressure on the lighter areas and increasing it on the heavier parts.
Amazone will also be featuring its Cantaya 3000 Super, which is a harrow-mounted, pneumatic drill combi. It was designed, by use of the new QuickLink system, to fit on top of the new 01 generation rotary cultivators where the weight of the seed drill sits on the reconsolidation roller, allowing the tines on the rotary cultivator to ride over stones without having to lift the drill, says the manufacturer. However, for those growers whose farming system does not need a PTO-driven soil tillage tool, the Centaya 3000 Super can also be mounted onto the CombiDisc 3000.
Cereals will see Amazone introduce its FlowCheck for monitoring the shutter output on the ZA-TS mounted spreaders. This system constantly monitors each aperture for blockages and recognises if the spreading unit is running empty. The flow pressure within the hydraulically-driven spreading disc motors is measured via sensors in the hydraulic system. If this changes, due to a blockage in the aperture which reduces the application rate, the system detects this and sends an alarm to the driver via the terminal. This is monitored for both the right and left hand sides individually, meaning any big variations in application rates are automatically detected.
Agrifac UK / Hardi UK
Agrifac UK, and its recently acquired Hardi UK, will be working alongside one another at the Cereals Event, displaying a number of new products.
The Condor Endurance II is the latest sprayer from Agrifac, claimed to offer increased comfort and better time efficiency due to its greater capacity. Cereals will be the first time this machine has been on display and featured at any UK show, .
The Condor Endurance was first introduced by Agrifac in 2015, who claim the latest model will increase comfort, ease of maintenance and simplify systems. It should help lower operating costs and has been designed with chemical savings in mind. The Condor Endurance II has the same basic characteristics as its predecessor, like the unique StabiloPlus system, an 8000-litre tank and booms from 24-55m. But it also includes features such as being able to drive at up to 23mph.
On a more practical note, the sprayer has been divided into different zones. The front part, around and below the cab, is the only area used for filling –whether it’s using the induction hopper or filling the main tank, clean water tank, diesel or AdBlue, it’s all done in the same area. The centre of the sprayer contains tanks and storage; the back of the sprayer the pump systems and electronics for easy maintenance. All are situated in such a way that work is always clean and safe, says Agrifac, both during spraying and maintenance, without the risks of contamination and errors.
The cab is equipped with the new EcoTronicPlus feature; a fully integrated armrest and joystick function which is designed solely for spraying. This integrates both spraying and GPS into a single screen.
The StabiloPlus, as on other Condor machines, gives the machine the ability to drive on steep slopes while maintaining ground clearance of 138cm and ensuring the stability of the boom.
GreenFlowPlus is an improved pump and spray system with a pneumatically controlled pressure regulator that has been designed to be compact, resulting in less rest liquid. In comparison to its predecessor, the GreenFlowPlus is equipped with CAN-controlled valves and flow meter to optimise the flow levels and directions, and a multi-stage centrifugal pump claimed to maintain a high output at even higher pressures.
Visitors will also be able to see Hardi’s new Intelligent Navigator sprayer. Launched at SIMA, it comes with tank sizes of 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 litres and with boom sizes from 18-36m. Navigator sprayers are all equipped with the Hardi SmartCom electronic platform which offers the full ISOBUS experience, and should allow for easy connection to tractors and control systems. The system takes precision farming in hand, allowing the operator to control dosage accurately.
The sprayer also comes with AutoNozzleControl which controls individual nozzle application, reducing chemical costs by up to 10%, says Hardi. The AutoSelect system means the operator can change between two nozzles on the go or use them both simultaneously.
The new Hardi Mega will also be on show at Cereals for visitors to take a look at. This lift-mounted sprayer incorporates a sleek design and AirRide lift suspension, which reduces shock loads on the machine, stabilising the boom and is claimed to increase driver comfort.
The Mega is available with 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2200-litre tank sizes, with boom widths from 15-28m and different hydraulic features. Like the Navigator, it also includes the SmartCom system, which Hardi says allows for more accurate and responsive liquid regulation systems. The operation in the cabin is done via an ISOBUS terminal, with a joystick for primary spraying functions and a SetBox for secondary functions standard on every Mega sprayer. Features like DilutionKit, Auto Section Control and AutoSlant can easily be adapted, says Hardi.
With a high capacity DF4 fluid system, it’s designed for manual and remote operation. The 25-litre TurboFiller is claimed to allow for fast and safe filling of chemicals and the EasyClean suction filter and Cyclone pressure filter allow for fast spraying and mixing.
What’s more, the boom has an anti-yaw device to minimise movement, which should ensure precision spray applications, even in challenging conditions.
Väderstad
Väderstad will be bringing its new precision Tempo L 8 drill and the latest configurations of its L 12 and L 18 models to Cereals.
The new Tempo L models combine high-speed planting precision with high capacity output of both seed and fertiliser. Tempo L 8 has eight row units, a 3000-litre fertiliser hopper and row spacing options from 700-800mm.
Changing row units from eight to 12 makes the drill very versatile, says the manufacturer. The 12-row configuration enables narrow row spacing alternatives from 450-508mm.
The new 3000-litre fertiliser hopper is available for all 8, 12 and 18-row Tempo L models. It’s fitted with the same high capacity Fenix III metering system as the 5000-litre hopper, and is able to deliver up to 350kg/ha fertiliser at 9mph planting speed.
The Tempo L 8 fertiliser hopper and new row spacing alternatives for Tempo L 12 and Tempo L 18 will go into production in Nov 2019.
John Deere
After purchasing Italian firm Mazotti, in 2017, John Deere will be bringing its Mazotti self-propelled sprayers to the UK where they will make their debut at Cereals.
Visitors to the John Deere stand, will see a 175hp MAF 3580 3750-litre capacity model with 24m boom on static display alongside a 300hp MAF 6240 6600-litre capacity machine with 36m boom, which will also be demonstrated in the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena.
For farmers who haven’t come across Mazotti yet, it was founded in 1948 and was a family-owned business that’s known for its innovation and expertise – particularly with self-propelled sprayers, which were primarily sold in southern Europe for specialist crop production.
The sprayers that will be on display at Cereals are suitable for large-scale arable crop production and feature John Deere Powertech engines with hydrostatic transmission and two hydraulic pumps. As well as 4WD, they feature four-wheel steer with crab steering and high clearance up to a maximum of 1700mm, depending on the model.
John Deere states that the high-specification cab features Category 4 operator protection as well as a joystick control, computerised display and diagnostic monitoring system, which also displays images coming from rear and optional front-mounted video cameras. Hydropneumatic suspension allows comfortable working and road speeds of up to 12mph and 31mph respectively.
Additional features include hydraulic front and rear wheel motors, hydraulic track adjustment with optional automatic adjustment from the cab, easy to access spray controls and stainless steel, variable geometry, self-levelling booms.
Both machines can also be equipped with John Deere’s AMS precision farming systems, including the StarFire 6000 satellite receiver, AutoTrac automatic steering options, GreenStar displays and JDLink wireless communication.
Claydon
Claydon’s new 6m OptiTill Hybrid T6c compact trailed drill will be shown for the first time at Cereals. This latest addition to Claydon’s drill armoury has been designed to optimise crop establishment, development, performance and profitability, claims the Suffolk-based manufacturer.
The T6c is 20% lighter than the T6 model, at approximately 7900kg and combines the high output of a 6m seeding platform with the more nimble handling characteristics and manoeuvrability of the 4m T4. Capable of drilling typically 45ha per day behind a 300hp tractor, this model is designed to appeal to farmers in the UK and other countries who value the combination of lower cost and greater manoeuvrability over ultimate hopper capacity and output.
Carried on the lower link arms, the T6c features a fully-floating seeding chassis which follows field contours exactly, says Claydon, ensuring accurate seeding depth under all conditions. It does this regardless of the weight in the hopper, which is carried on a separate frame supported on centrally-mounted depth wheels that run on clean, dry, uncultivated ground to avoid capping and compaction.
With a 3500-litre capacity, the hopper can be divided 60:40 between seed and fertiliser for combination drilling. It has 19 individually-adjustable tungsten carbide leading tines designed to reduce compaction and aerate the soil. The T6c folds to 2.97m for transport and is equipped with a wide range of standard features, including single-point depth control and an ISOBUS compatible RDS Artemis control system which provides tramlining and variable seed rate capability. The specification also includes a hydraulically-driven fan, Claydon-designed distribution heads for improved flow and seeding accuracy, together with a tramline kit and hopper cover.
Trials Equipment UK
Trials Equipment UK, provider of trials machinery and plot combines, is launching the Wintersteiger Classic Plus Combine. The combine marries greater comfort with a modern drivers’ platform, high manoeuvrability, maximum threshing performance, and creates low levels of dust exposure, says the manufacturer. The new product is claimed as perfect for low cutting heights and is suitable for multiple crops, allowing for a wide range of uses.
Sands Agricultural Machinery
Sands Agricultural Machinery (SAM Sprayers), which manufacturers self-propelled hydrostatic sprayers is launching two new features at Cereals 2019. Currently, SAM Sprayers’ VG steel boom only possesses positive incline, however, this is being rectified by its new ‘negative incline VG boom’ claimed to dramatically increase the percentage of time that the boom is at the desired target height, resulting in higher productivity and output.
Also being launched is E-Taps, an electronic control system designed for ease of use with a manual override if required. The system allows for functions like auto-filling, spraying, and washing out, all at the touch of a button. E-Taps allows the machine to keep on working, increasing productivity and output.
Event features
As well as exhibitors showing off their latest machinery at the event, visitors will have the opportunity to get involved with the latest interactive experience put on by Cereals. The ‘Get into the driver’s seat’ experience will allow visitors to firstly meet equipment exhibiting and then take the machinery out for a spin in the Ride and Drive area. Test driving alongside a qualified representative will provide an insight into how new technologies and equipment can improve the workings on farm. Ride and Drive will allow visitors to compare the power, productivity and performance of a wide variety of equipment types and manufacturers in a working farm environment.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for farmers to see how direct drills are able to reduce the cost of establishment, for example, while comparing the qualities of each manufacturer’s machines,” says James Dale of Dale Drills.
Visitors will also be able to return to the established Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arenathat showcases the latest innovations and application technology.
The latest sprayers will be put through their paces and visitors will be able to see self-propelled, mounted, trailed, air assisted, and twin fluid sprayers. As well as watching the latest technology in action, they’ll also get the opportunity to meet sprayer suppliers and compare new products and services.
In terms of working demonstrations, Cereals will have over 5ha of working equipment demonstrations to explore. Visitors can meet exhibitors and watch as they put their tractors, cultivators, drill and subsoilers to the test, which organisers claim provide a unique insight into a range of technology and equipment in a real working environment.
An 8ha feature area sown with cover crops will be the stage for multiple direct drilling demonstrations across the two days where exhibitors will put their latest drills through their paces as a product expert explains the unique features and benefits of each drill.
