Customer feedback played an important role in developing the second generation of the Irish manufacturer’s Auctus one-pass rejuvenation machine. Designed to sow seed into ploughed land, burnt-off swards or into existing pasture, the new styling and black paintwork are not the only updates.
Capable of handling all seed sizes (application rates from 1-80kg/ha), the headstock has been redesigned and the new gyroscopic drawbar system is said to increase manoeuvrability.
The modified ripper paddles scarify and scratch the surface, removing dead material while exposing the soil for seed contact. Other updates include a new freewheeling ‘revolving scraper’, and the 12mm diameter (previously 11mm) of the two rows of hydraulically controlled tines are said to offer more ‘bite’ to stimulate and further condition the sward.
The seeding unit now features a smart motor. A built-in encoder relays real time information to the control box. Regardless of the application rate, the motor always runs at 100% torque for metering precision. Seed rates are altered on the move via the in-cab control unit, which also displays a live groundspeed reading, a hopper low level warning and area covered.
The axle is now rated at 50km/hr and comes with a pressurised accumulator to absorb shocks on the road, for a smoother ride. A rear galvanised spoiler is also included. With eight mounting points, it carries the hoses from the seeder down to the splash plates.
“You can go from a tilling and sowing a ploughed field in one pass to carrying out a zero-till reseed on burnt off ground to a rejuvenation job without having to change any settings, aside from adjusting the aggressiveness of the paddles and tines from the tractor,” explains Alstrong director, Alan Winters, who adds that in the right conditions, outputs of up to 6.5ha/hr are possible.
Available in mounted or trailed versions, other standard spec include flotation tyres, mudguards and new automotive style LED transport and work lighting. Air brake kits are available. The company is keen to appoint a number of dealers throughout the UK. The first opportunity to see the updated Auctus will be at LAMMA in January.
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