Horsch has launched the AirSpeed (X) overpressure metering system for the next generation of Maestro precision drills. The new version complements the AirVac (V) vacuum metering system unveiled at Agritechnica.
Available as the CX and SX models, AirSpeed uses overpressure for precise singulation. The result, says Horsch, is perfect plant spacings at fast operating speeds. For those of you who did not see the AirVac at the German show, this uses a vacuum for ‘reliable singulation and high precision’ for sowing speeds up to 12km/hr, enabling the window to be increased if wet.
A grain sensor provides information about the singulation accuracy and as both systems are driven electrically, technologies like SectionControl and VariableRate for every individual row can still be used.
Both AirSpeed and AirVac can be used in a wide variety of crops including maize, sugar beet, sunflower, soya and oilseed rape. Beans and peas will be possible in the future.
The new metering systems increase the Maestro range to five models; the CV, SV, RV (AirVac) and CX and SX (AirSpeed). Other Maestro updates common across the range, which spans six to 36 rows, include a new seed unit clamping profile to the main frame for easy row adjustment.
Available in working widths up to 6.0m, the Maestro CV and CX are be specified with the central Main Tank Supply (MTS), or a large fertiliser hopper and individual seed tanks as with the previous Maestro. The MTS holds 800 litres of seed and 3,000 litres of fertiliser.
If the fertiliser-only central tank is used, the capacity is 3,000 litres with 70 litres of seed per row hopper. In addition to the 8- and 12-row versions, a new 9-row version is available.
The Maestro SW will be replaced by the Maestro SV (AirVac) and SX (AirSpeed). The single grain seed drills will be available from 9.0m to 18.0m working width with 12 to 36 rows.
The 9.0m to 12.0m models feature a new 8,000-litre seed and fertiliser wagon while the larger variants have a 9,000-litre wagon with a seed capacity of 2,000 litres. Both wagons use the MTS hopper which, says Horsch, increases efficiency.
The Maestro RV model is an 8-row mounted unit with one seed tank per row. Fertiliser supply is carried out via a front-mounted pressurised hopper, such as the company’s Partner 2000 FT.
