Irish manufacturer Alstrong has unveiled its second-generation Auctus one-pass grassland rejuvenation machine.
This unique machine is designed to sow seed into ploughed ground, burn-off swards or into existing pasture in a one-pass solution, and this revised version has several new features that have hugely increased the versatility of the machine, as well as completely new styling.
The new features include a redesigned headstock, modified ripper paddles and a new freewheeling ‘revolving scraper’. The unit has the capability to handle all sizes of seed, from sowing fine seed from as low as 1kg/ha to grass seed at up to 80kg/ha.
The latest-generation machine is now attached to the tractor via a new two-point linkage gyroscopic system. This has replaced the outgoing straight drawbar that was attached via the pick-up hitch. Now a standard feature, this new gyroscopic drawbar system is a huge step up, making the machine far more manoeuvrable.
Offering up to 90 degrees movement in each direction, it also improves the machines ground-following ability. The new design means users can freely swap the machine from tractor to tractor, regardless of tyre size, and simply adjust the height of the lift arms.
To increase versatility, the tips of the sprung levelling boards have been completely redesigned and now offer a more ripping, aggressive affect when necessary. The angled tips are made from 8.0mm Hardox and are designed to scarify and scratch the surface, breaking and removing dead material, opening the sward for soil-seed contact.
Spread across two rows, the 11 sprung paddles are hydraulically adjustable on the move and are braced, helping to distribute the load. This new design vastly increases the flexibility of the machine, allowing it to perform successfully in even tougher conditions.
A spiked drum roller designed to repair poached soil and surface damage follows the ripper paddles. The drum is fitted with 60 80mm blades that cut the ground 14 times/square metre, equating to 56,664 cuts/acre. This aerates the root zone, allowing air and water to penetrate faster, encouraging growth. If more weight and downward force is required, the drum can be filled with water, increasing the unit’s dry weight from 4.5t to 5.3t.
The aeration roller runs on the surface. To avoid soil sticking to it in sticky conditions, Alstrong has introduced the new revolving scraper. This free-wheeling scraper roller is engineered to run close to the drum and inbetween the spikes, removing any debris before it gets an opportunity to build accumulate.
The two rows of hydraulically controlled tines have been increased in diameter from 11mm to 12mm. These are designed to stimulate and further condition the sward, and the heavier tine will offer even more bite. These can also be adjusted on the move, from the cab. This is followed by a 560mm self-cleaning prismatic roller that covers the seed and consolidates the seedbed.
The axle is now rated to be pulled at 50km/hr and comes with a soft ride feature. It uses a pressurised accumulator to absorb shocks on the road, for smooth transportation. With the new generation, Alstrong has also added a rear galvanised spoiler. With eight mounting points, it carries the hoses from the seeder down to the splash plates.
The seeding unit now features a smart motor that has a built-in encoder. This relays real-time information from the motor to the control box. Regardless of the application rate, the motor always runs at 100 per cent torque for absolute metering precision.
Seed rate can be altered on the move via the in-cab control unit that also displays a live groundspeed reading, a hopper low level warning and records acreage.
All second-generation machines now come from the factory finished in black styling and fitted with 35 per cent galvanised componentry. Other standard specifications include flotation tyres, mudguards and new automotive style LED transport and work lights. Air brake kits are available. The unit is available in a mounted (M) or trailed (T) version.
“When designing the Auctus, we set out to build a unique, heavy-duty one of a kind seeding machine. With our second-generation design, we have listened to our customers and gone one step further, adding even more versatility and refinement”, explained company Director, Alan Winters.
“You can go from a tilling and sowing a ploughed field in one pass to carrying out a zero-till reseed on burnt off ground to a rejuvenation job without having to change any settings, aside from adjusting the aggressiveness of the paddles and tines from the tractor cab. In the correct conditions, these machines can achieve output rates of up to sixteen acres per hour. We are really excited to launch our second-generation machine at LAMMA”, he concluded.
County Galway-based Alstrong is actively looking for dealers throughout the UK.
