McConnel will unveil its new 2015 Seedaerator – showcasing a package of upgrades to enhance accuracy, durability and performance – at Cereals 2015.
The key new features include:hydraulic auto-reset legs; a new seed distribution system; more robust coulter linkage; a new twin-shot coulter; and an additional rear harrow option.
The new hydraulic auto-reset system uses a nine-leg configuration with spacing set at 333mm across the 3.0m working width.
Customers can choose between LD (low disturbance) legs and WL (winged leg) designs. The LD leg is fitted as standard and designed to work to a depth of 150mm. The WL leg is designed for cultivating soil from 150mm to 300mm and features a replaceable winged point. Both leg options feature an improved tungsten carbide face for longevity and are fully interchangeable.
Designed and developed in-house specifically for nine coulters, the new seed distribution system delivers improved seed flow from the hopper to the coulter even with large seed types at high rates.
Featuring a new venturi, a new domed distribution head and larger-diameter seed hoses, the new system delivers greater consistency and uniformity of seed placement. An innovative tramline shut-off system is incorporated into the distribution head as standard.
The rear linkage that carries the coulters and press wheels has been upgraded to a parallelogram formation. The machine also been strengthened and now features heavy-duty DX bushes as standard. The system now enables +/-100mm of independent travel, while keeping the coulter level with the ground for accurate seed placement.
The space between the rear press wheel and mounting arms has also been increased for greater clearance and a better performance in wet conditions. The simple press wheel pressure adjustment, which has proved popular with customers, remains unchanged.
Designed and developed by McConnel, and tested extensively on farm across the UK, the 170mm wide coulter is 40mm wider than the standard issue and is made from 10mm Boron steel with hard-wearing Armatech coating for increased durability. The coulter delivers two 25mm bands 100mm apart, placing the seed at the outer edge of the cultivated band – giving plants additional space to tiller to their full potential. The twin bands create a more uniform finish over the ground – creating an appearance similar to that of a conventionally established crop.
A simple but effective spring-board harrow is fitted as standard, replacing the conventional tine harrow. The new attachment delivers greater pressure in a more targeted and controlled manner – creating a level finish across the 3.0m width whether working pre-cultivated soil, or direct drilling into dense crop residue. Additional spring tine harrow and batter board options still remain available.
Prices for the new hydraulic auto-reset 2015-spec Seedaerator start from £28,000 (correct at May 2015) and includes: low disturbance legs; one-piece 1,250kg hopper; heavy-duty marker arms; tramline shut-off; spring-board rear harrow; RDS metering unit; and calibration kit. Options that are available include: heavy-duty winged legs; pre-emergence markers; micro-fertiliser unit; leading disc module; and double rear harrow.
For more information visit: www.mcconnel.com.
