Cereals 2015 will see the launch of Weaving Machinery’s new zero-till drill. With more than 20 years of experience of producing zero-tillage equipment, the introduction of the new GD (Gent Disc) Drill brings a refreshing look to the tried and tested Big Disc Drill.
Weaving Machinery has been working in conjunction with Lincolnshire farmer Tony Gent to develop the new patented GD coulter, and has arrived with a disc coulter design that satisfies all drilling systems. The new GD coulter provides remarkably low soil disturbance, has a very low draught requirement of 40hp/metre and has an excellent service life.
The principal behind the GD coulter design is based on a double-disc arrangement, mounted on a 25-degree angle off the vertical that’s able to pivot around a central kingpin mounted within the coulter body. The larger leading outer disc cuts an opening slice in the soil, while the smaller inner disc is in effect undermining the “upper” side forming an opening for the seed to be placed precisely.
The lifted wall of the soil is quickly firmed down onto the seed by the single press wheel. The press wheel also acts as a depth regulator for the disc coulters. Drilling depth is adjusted by moving a single pin through a bank of holes with a depth range of 0mm to 130mm in 15mm increments. Coulters are individually pressurised by a hydraulic system providing up to 200kg of downwards pressure helping to maintain consistent contact with the ground and follow contours and undulations.
This refined design aided by an inter-row clearance of 1,000mm has resulted in a coulter that’s able to work in extremely trashy conditions and cover crops without creating an opportunity for hair-pinning to arise. This adaptable system can be used on all cultivation systems and soil types.
The new GD coulter will be available in both mounted and trailed formats. Mounted zero-till machines will be a new addition to Weaving Machinery’s portfolio and will be available in widths from 3.0m to 4.8m, complete with a 1.2t seed tank, with prices starting at £24,642 (correct at May 2015). Trailed variants will be offered to meet the demands of large farmers and contractors. Available in working width of 4.0m to 8.0m, mounted on a Weaving’s existing 2.5t seed cart, prices start at £42,700.
All drills as standard will be fitted with RDS electronic metering, six coulters/metre at a minimum row spacing of 167mm (adjustable), roll over cover, tank sieve and work lights.
