For the smaller farmer, the advantages of a mechanical drill combination are obvious: versatility, simplicity and effective seed placement are just three. However, there are a host of different options – and the question is how many and which of them should one select to ultimately help ensure a good crop?
To seek answers to our questions we set out with three Kuhn machines, both in the field and on the test bench. For the comparison, Kuhn specified three typical combination drills from three different price categories with appropriate tillage tools. Our test crops were oilseed rape in sandy loam soil (minimum tillage) and wheat in a loamy sandy soil (ploughed).
And these were the Kuhn machines we tested:
- Premia: HRB302 power harrow with 535mm Maxipacker roller (£14,340) in combination with the mounted Premia 300 drill and single disc coulters (£17,275);
- Integra: HRB303 power harrow (£14,685) with 500mm steelliner roller and Integra 3003 Pack Top drill plus double disc coulters (£21,415);
- Sitera: HR3030 power harrow with 550mm Steelliner roller (£20,480) and Sitera 3030E Pack Top drill (electric drive) and parallelogram-guided double disc coulters (£28,855).
There are, of course, many other possible configurations available, but for the sake of straightforward comparison, these are the machines we chose.
One of the initial strengths of simple systems is in tractor attachment. The Premia combination is unbeatably fast, thanks to requiring only one single-acting and one double-acting spool valve – so you can
overlook details like the missing drive shaft holder. Coupling takes much longer on the Sitera. Here, the operator has to couple up to four double-acting valves, although these are well marked. In addition, they must fit and adjust a top link sensor and connect the ISObus line
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