Switch to new drill proves successful for grower in Worcestershire

band of soil – typically 30-50mm –ahead of each disc coulter. This is important for Andrew as it reduces both the draft required and the volume of soil moved. It also lends itself to a one-pass, direct drilling approach when surface conditions are right.

“The u-drill gives me double the work rate while using the same, and sometimes less, fuel,” says Andrew. “It’s easy to pull, and the hydraulic fan drive avoids a xed pto. So tractor revs are between 1,500 and 1,700rpm.”

Andrew Symonds’ recent switch to Kverneland’s u-drill with MD disc has doubled output and reduced operating costs, as a diverse rotation and variable post-harvest conditions pushed him towards a more versatile drilling process.

“I looked for a drill that could work in a variety of scenarios including ploughed and pressed ground, onepass cultivated and direct drilling into stubbles,” explains Andrew of Lincomb Farms, Stourport-onSevern (pictured).

“While my 3m power harrow drill combination could handle most conditions, it lacked a direct drilling capability, and had a high fuel burn with a relatively slow output,” he says.

Andrew’s 6m u-drill uses a front set of press wheels followed by two gangs of the minimal disturbance

MD discs – behind which is a second row of press wheels and nally the disc coulters. Surface levelling and nishing is achieved with a conventional harrow at the rear.

Kverneland’s MD discs are placed vertically and each moves a narrow of seed – and feeding crops or oilseed rape at a

The grain-only seed tank holds 4,350 litres –enough for two tonnes of seed – and feeding 36 coulters creates a 16.7cm row width. When planting cover crops or oilseed rape at a wider spacing, distribution head outlets are blanked o to suit.

“I’m very pleased with the operational exibility provided by the u-drill,” he says. “And the MD disc is de nitely the right approach for my soils.” FG

Spaldings has announced a new exclusive partnership with Dutch Industries. Spaldings prides itself on being a leading British distributor of after-market soil-engaging components for cultivators, subsoilers and seed drills. The company says its new partnership emphasises its strength in this area and its commitment to providing quality parts to customers.

The Dutch ‘Universal’ range (pictured) o ers a choice of easily tted low-draft points for singleand double-row seeding, band sowing and liquid or solid fertiliser placement.

They can be installed on a number of tine drill makes and models used in the UK and Ireland, with replacement bodies or frogs making it easy to convert to the new points, while the single roll pin securing them in place makes the openers quick and easy to replace.

A key bene t of the new agreement is that the engineering development departments of the two businesses will work together with a view to enhancing existing products and developing new ones suited to European soils and establishment techniques. Spaldings’ own technical sta and advanced engineering technologies continue to develop product lines like its SPL Ultra range of high-performance subsoiler and cultivator points and wings.

With Spaldings’ in-house design and innovation, and its engineers now in regular contact with their counterparts at Dutch Industries, the company will develop new drill coulter products for the UK and markets elsewhere in Europe. FG