HE-VA is to introduce a new disc drill specifically designed as a low cost means of establishing grass, grain and cover crops.

Responding to market demand, the company has developed the 3m G-Drill as a straightforward tool capable of rapidly generating a drilling zone, placing seed at a consistent depth and consolidating the seedbed with a weather-proof finish.

Central to this are two rows of 400mm diameter Vector scalloped discs. These are flanked by replaceable coulter boots which run in the shadow of the discs. Running at a 4° angle, this coulter arrangement generates a particularly narrow seed slot to minimise surface disturbance. The discs’ narrow pitch also means wear to is kept to a minimum.

The 3m G-Drill can be specified with either 32 openers to give a row spacing of 9.4cm - ideal for drilling grass seed - or a 24 coulter option, providing a wider 12.5cm spacing for either grass or grain establishment.

The rubber-damped torsion-arm arrangement employed on the unit provides ultra-accurate contour following and therefore consistent seed placement. It also means the discs are able to kick out of harm’s way when obstacles such as stones are encountered as is often the case in old grass leys. While protecting the drill and ensuring precision depth control, the vibrating action of this set-up also ensures the creation of a tilth-rich, smear-free slot for the seed.

Crucial to providing consistent depth control as well as generating surface consolidation and suitable seed-to-soil contact, the G-Drill is equipped with a 450/500mm diameter Star Ring roller of the type found across HE-VA’s grassland machinery range. Proven in breaking up clods in cultivated ground as well as consolidating and closing the seed slot, it leaves a porous surface for weather to penetrate and seedlings to emerge evenly. A 600mm diameter flat roller can also be fitted.

The G-Drill is standard with a hydraulic, weight transfer / down-force kit, useful when drilling direct into grassland or stubble as it provides greater coulter penetration.

To suit different farming systems and soil types, the G-Drill can be optioned with:

• Shattaboard levelling paddles – useful when working into pre-prepared seedbeds to backfill dips and ruts, knock over molehills, level muck and rip out thatch in grassland.
• A following harrow – for covering seeds in a direct drilled or cultivated situation.

Metering & Distribution
A Stocks Ag Turbo Jet is responsible for seed metering and supply to each of the coulters. Known for its accuracy and versatility with a wide range of crop types, it comes as standard with a 400-litre plastic hopper, although there is the option of a 1000-litre metal version for those looking for additional capacity. Twin digital brushless 12volt electric fans provide steady, easily-adjusted airflow. However, the applicator can be specified with an optional hydraulic fan for even greater volumes of air, a useful upgrade for those looking to predominantly use the G-Drill to sow cereals and pulses.

Stocks’ 4.3inch colour touchscreen i-CON controller provides automatic forward speed-related rate control for ultimate accuracy. Variable rates can be applied according to mapping data. An ISObus controlled option is also available if preferred.

“HE-VA’s grassland offering has seen significant growth over recent years, providing livestock farmers with a comprehensive range of machines to help improve productivity and increase grass yields,” says OPICO’s HE-VA product specialist Glenn Bootman.
“Whether choosing the arable or grassland specification, we are confident in the G-Drill’s performance and reliability. Utilising a configuration of proven parts which have been tried and tested across the

HE-VA portfolio for many years, operators can be confident in its versatility and reliability.”

There will be a 3m G-Drill at LAMMA in January, on the OPICO stand in Hall 6, stand 440. A 3m G-Drill with 24 coulters and fitted with a Turbo Jet 8, 400-litre hopper and i-CON controller retails at £33,649 RRP.