The past 12 months have seen the Fentech Agri drill range increase significantly in line with ever-changing grower requirements.
A shift in farming practices and policies has also driven many of the developments, with a particular focus on input reduction. There is a growing need for multiple products to be applied in a single pass, along with increased seeding accuracy through advancements in control systems.
Electric Drive retrofit for mechanical drills
Fentech Agri has taken technology used in its pneumatic seeders and applied it to more basic box hopper mechanical models. This creates a hybrid system that combines the simplicity of basic models with the higher accuracy of electronic control.
By replacing the wheel drive with a motor linked to forward speed, the system provides a consistent RPM for the seeding shaft, unaffected by ground conditions, slippage, and skips. The calibration process also becomes easier, as the motor adjusts for variations in seed types at a given setting, ensuring metering rates accurate to 2%.
The ability to integrate field mapping and variable rate drilling, even on basic models, is a significant advantage. This not only maximizes the benefits of the SFI but also conserves valuable seed. The system is cost-effective, considering the savings it generates, and can be retrofitted to all Simtech mechanical seeders in less than a day.
TSG-300SP
This is a 3M pneumatic version of the popular mechanical drill, now available with fertiliser options. The TSG-300SP combines the accuracy of pneumatic seeding with the proven T-slot tine, ideal for establishing grasses, herbal lays, and light arable crops.
The tine’s ability to penetrate hard ground allows for the early summer establishment of cover crops, while it can still operate in wet conditions where most disc drills would fail.
Dual Product Hopper
This year, Fentech Agri introduced the option of a 75:25 split on the existing 1700L hopper within the 4.5m, 4.8m, and 6m range. This allows growers to drill multiple products in one pass. The twin metering units deposit into a shared airflow, ensuring that seed, fertilizer, etc., all end up in the same T-slot—ideal for companion cropping, a practice that is increasingly popular with growers.
Front Hopper with Hopperless Rear Frame
Late last year, Fentech Agri introduced the 6m hopperless rear frame in combination with a front-mounted tank. This setup helps growers balance their drill tractors by shifting the seed tank to the front, eliminating the need for a weight block.
As with the folding drills, the option of a split hopper in either 80:20 or 60:40 ratios has been added to the range. The available space on the hopperless frame allows for the fitment of an applicator, making it possible to add a third product.
480LP
Lamma saw the launch of the new Fentech Agri 480LP drill, a 4.8m machine that combines a pneumatic metering system with the 25mm pasture tine and the renowned T boot. Set at 150mm row spacing with a 1700L hopper capacity, it is aimed at growers requiring more output than the TSG 240 and 300 grass drills.
Following the trend of the rest of the folding drills in the range, the LP is now available with a split hopper option to enable companion cropping, fertilizer placement, etc.
With the current pressures in farming—reducing input costs, adopting no-till and direct drilling, and leveraging associated SFI payments—machinery choice is more important than ever. Fentech Agri are always happy to discuss various options to help you improve your farming system.
For more information go to www.fentechagri.com