The Chrono 500, a new mounted version of the Maschio Gaspardo high-speed precision drill, can be set up to run with variable row spacings.
Equipped with either eight or 12 planting units, and suitable for sowing a range of crops with 45cm, 50cm, 70cm or 75cm row spacings, this versatility makes it possible to switch from drilling sugar beet in the morning to maize in the afternoon.
“The Chrono was specifically developed for fast-paced precision drilling with unrivalled seed placement no matter what shape, size or seed type,” explains Dominic Burt, Maschio UK field sales manager. “Adding a version to the range that can swap between 50cm and 75cm row spacings in under two hours puts the Chrono further ahead of the competition and provides the customer with a much more versatile machine capable of drilling multiple crop types.”
Whether customers opt for the fixed row variant or the variable spacing option, the 500-series shares all the common features with the other high-speed precision planters in the range. These include electronically-controlled metering for both seed and fertiliser, and an air-bag suspension system generates the downforce on each coulter unit rather than traditional springs or hydraulic rams. Integrated into the Chrono’s parallelogram linkages, the system provides 300kg of coulter pressure.
The Chrono is ISObus-compatible enabling all its functions and adjustments to be handled either through an existing tractor terminal or an additional ISObus controller. In combination with the electronically-driven seeding units and microgranular applicator, the GPS-compatible drill controller also provides automatic row shut-off/section control and the potential for variable rate seeding and fertiliser applications.
Standard specification includes air-bag suspension, GPS-compatible ISObus connectivity, 60-litre low-level seed hoppers and front disc-openers to ensure consistent coulter penetration in UK conditions. An 1,100-litre fertiliser front-tank and electronically controlled microgranular applicators with 16-litre hoppers are an option as are trash-cleaning wheels for min-till and direct-drilling situations.
Prices start from £76,535 for a standard fixed width eight-row Chrono 508, while variable row spacing and four additional planter units adds around £8,950 to the base price.
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