The 10 Series model – the latest version of the Sky MaxiDrill – provides the possibility to seed three different products from separate hoppers. Where three or more products are sown (for example, seed, fertiliser and slug pellets), the third product can be introduced to either distribution circuit and sown at the same depth as the first or second product.
This means fertiliser application can be targeted, says Opico, reducing the total amount applied and minimising waste. This is particularly useful in cooler, northern areas, or where crops have a shorter growing window and need to get off to the best possible start. The three hoppers each have their own electronic metering units and are operated by a single control unit in the tractor cab.
Other 10 Series updates include a re-designed coulter, the smooth and rounded components enabling it to drill through large volumes of crop residues. The pressure on each coulter is adjustable from 0 to 120kg, and the depth is adjustable through the parallelogram frame. The redesigned cultivation discs feature new maintenance-free sealed hubs and each disc is equipped with a rubber shock absorber to provide stone and shock protection.
“Originally launched in 2002 and with over 1,500 trailed drills at work across Europe, Sky’s MaxiDrill already has a proven track record,” said Opico managing director James Woolway. “It is a high speed, versatile, machine with a large hopper capacity and can be used as a min-till drill into crop residues, as well as into ploughed and prepared seedbeds. The new features will improve its versatility across the UK market, offering precision seeding and application of fertiliser.”
Available in 3.0m (rigid), and 4.0m and 6.0m hydraulically-folding models with or without fertiliser, and with or without the third micro-hopper, the 10 Series MaxiDrill will be launched in the UK on Opico’s Cereals event stand. Prices start at £79,632.
