Sowing and fertilising high-value, small-seed crops will be more precise and efficient with the soon to be released Flexi-Coil PD5700 precision hoe drill, according to Flexi-Coil's Australian Manager, Steve Mulder.

The PD5700 is particularly ideal for farmers with a lot of ground to cover because it offers wide working widths, while its patented, rearward-folding frame gives it a narrow transport width of 5.44 metres (17 feet, 8 inches). Unmatched by any other air drill in the industry, it provides unsurpassed safety and manoeuvrability in transport and allow growers to cover more ground in less time while sowing. 

 

"Growers often mention the need to reduce costs, choosing larger machinery to get the job done faster with fewer passes, which saves labour, fuel and time," said Steve. "The PD5700 has an innovative fold-back design, so it provides wide working widths for greater efficiency but folds back to an industry-leading narrow transport width, making it safe and easy to transport. Essentially, it provides the best of both worlds - a super-wide working width with an incredibly narrow transport width.

 

"Available in a choice of three working widths, the PD5700 can unfold to 15.2 metres (50 feet), 18.3 metres (60 feet) or 21.3 metres (70 feet). All three widths are available in 25.4- or 30.5-centimetre (10- or 12-inch) row widths and are capable of operating with tow-between and tow-behind air systems. 

 

The PD5700 features a patented parallel link row unit that maintains opener depth from the top to the bottom of its entire range of motion, while also preserving the precise angle at which the (also patented) double-shoot knife opener engages the ground. The relationship between the knife and the press wheel remains constant throughout the entire range of motion, resulting in better seed placement compared with a trailing arm row unit.

 

"Precise, accurate and repeatable seed placement is essential to a crop's success. By placing seed and fertiliser at accurate depths with precise separation between seed and fertiliser bands, growers can ensure that every seed reaches its potential," explained Steve. "Even in uneven field conditions and against tough no-till residues, the PD5700 can't be beaten for accuracy because it was designed specifically to provide the ultimate in ground following abilities..

 

"The machine's single-shank design delivers both seed and fertiliser in one shank, so it has half the number of shanks versus models that use separate shanks for seed and fertiliser. This has significant advantages, including improved residue flow, decreased risk of plugging and dragging, better performance in heavier, tougher residue and a better field finish. The single shank has adjustable breakout from 120 kg to 250 kg (265 to 550 lbs) to suit variable field conditions. The press wheel packing pressure can also be varied providing the ultimate in seed to soil contact. 

 

"This new PD5700 precision hoe drill is a boon for farmers who want to really make the most of the sowing season by placing seed and fertiliser in exactly the right spot every time - and by getting it done fast," said Steve. "It's perfectly matched with Flexi-Coil's 40 series and 50 series air carts, which are recognised industry-wide for their superior seed metering accuracy. Together, they give farmers the perfect precision seeding system, allowing them to make sure every seed counts." 

 

For more information, growers should contact Flexi-Coil Australia on 1800 790 811.