Opico has announced that it will offer the Simtech range of direct drills, including its specialist grassland seeders and arable machines.
The range starts with the VT180, a 1.8m machine designed for the viticultural market. The TSG240 and TSG300 are specifically for grass seeding, while the TS300 is designed for the arable market.
There is also a series of pneumatic drills, starting at 3m and running through to the 6m TS6004A, which uses a front tank and rear toolbar. The pneumatic machines can be specified for either grass or arable seeding, with options of grain only or grain and fertiliser hoppers, with additional metering units for multi-species leys.
Simtech was established by George Simon in 2005 and stood out for its design, which incorporated an opening disc in front of the patented T-slot coulter. This coulter design creates a 40mm opening, with a permeable base where the seed is placed.
When used in grassland, this coulter prunes the roots of the existing ley to limit competition and allow the new ley to establish. For new leys, or on arable ground, the shape of the coulter provides a free-draining, micro-climate that promotes germination.
The brand was acquired by Fentech Agri in 2023, which will continue to manufacture the components for the Simtech range, supplying them to Opico, who will build each model to order. Fentech will continue to manufacture its own range of cultivators, subsoilers and crop protection equipment.
Opico states that it will retain the hybrid distribution model, selling drills direct to the customer and through specialist dealers. It has already set up a webstore where customers can purchase wearing metal and spare parts.
“Opico has a proven track record with no-till crop establishment equipment and can see great potential with the Simtech range in helping farmers work towards cost-effective, financially sustainable arable and forage crop production,” says managing director James Woolway.
“We have nearly 60 years’ experience in supplying and supporting agricultural machinery throughout the UK. We hold over £1 million worth of spare parts at our warehouse and can pack and ship next day to the majority of the UK – we know how important back-up is to the farmer.”
Simtech machines are eligible for both FFIS and FETF grant funding, as well as regional schemes. Opico will showcase the range at AgriScot, as well as at the Lamma Show.