AMAZONE has extended its range of high-performance Cirrus Grand large area seed drills with an 8 m version, the new Cirrus 8004-2C Grand. The trailed cultivator drill is ideal for large farms and contractors working with tractors from 280 hp. The Cirrus Grand meets the requirements of a wide range of establishment systems thanks to the precision and flexibility provided by the simultaneous metering of different products via the new three-chamber hopper.

New: Three-chamber hopper makes for pioneering establishment methods

A key feature is the new three-chamber hopper with a total capacity of 5,900 litres. Combining three chambers in the one hopper offers a high level of flexibility and easy accessibility for the operator. Up to three different products can be individually metered at a ratio of 40:50:10. For example, rape, fertiliser and slug pellets can be applied in a single pass using the Single-Shoot process. In addition, wheat can be sown together with the simultaneous application of fertiliser and micro-granules. All products are delivered precisely to the same point in the seed furrow, which ensures efficient application.

Solutions for modern arable farming – the new 12.5 cm row spacing

The large distributor head and the choice of the Smart plus equipment level ensures optimum lateral distribution. The individual row shut-off ensures high sustainability by reducing any waste of seed and fertiliser on headlands and in wedge shaped fields. Tramline control is provided symmetrically, asymmetrically or flexibly and is selected in a user-friendly manner via the ISOBUS terminal. The distributor head adjusts automatically. This intelligent system means that the working width of the seed drill is independent of the respective tramline system. Deactivating individual rows offers a particular advantage. For example, rape can be sown with double row spacing. The Cirrus 8004-2C Grand also benefits from an additional row spacing option. On top of the conventional row spacing of 16.6 cm, a narrower spacing of 12.5 cm can also be specified. This is ideal for spring sowing and farms with high weed pressure. The narrow row spacing allows the crop to cover the soil over more quickly, which reduces weed emergence. This leads to a cleaner crop and, in the best-case scenario, decreases the use of herbicides.

AutoPoint: Switch time optimisation for good field hygiene

The AutoPoint automatic measuring system, an intelligent solution for determining conveying times, has now been incorporated in the Cirrus 04 Grand. A sensor in the seed coulter determines the conveying time of the seed flowing from the metering unit to the coulter and automatically adjusts the switch-on and switch-off points of the system on the headland. This technology constantly improves the Section Control times and increases sowing precision. This results in the minimisation of misses and overlaps, thereby promoting better field hygiene.

Crushboard and guide wheels extend the range of front tools

In addition to the T-Pack front tyre packer, new front tools are also available for the Cirrus 04 Grand. A Crushboard with outlying guide wheels has been specially designed for farms with heavy or cloddy soil conditions. The Crushboard levels the surface, breaking up clods and ensuring a level seedbed, especially for use after the plough or following rough primary cultivation work. The guide wheels on the outside of the machine ensure smooth guidance and prevent the wings from sinking into the ground. The Cirrus Grand is also available with guide wheels in front of the disc element for farms that carry out complete seedbed preparation before sowing. This means that there is no need to use a front tool.

Optional on-board hydraulic system and air pre-heater

Another plus point is the optionally available on-board hydraulic system with a push-on PTO pump. This enables the drill to be operated with tractors with a low hydraulic capacity. The optional air pre-heater ensures trouble-free operation when working in damp air conditions. It increases the temperature of the air flow by around 8 °C reducing the formation of condensation and thus preventing seed dressing or fertiliser dust from sticking in the conveyor system.

Updates also available for the 9 m version

These new updates are now also available as options for the Cirrus 9004-2C Grand with its 9 m working width. The new levels of equipment significantly increase both efficiency and output.

AMAZONE is offering the new Cataya Special EcoLine as an attractively priced entry into the world of AMAZONE seed drill combinations, thereby rounding off the lower end of the Cataya harrow-mounted seed drill product range. The new version follows in the footsteps of the time-tested AD harrow-mounted seed drill.

The last AD 3000 Super rolled off the production line at the end of last year. Its success story began more than 30 years ago in 1988, when the AD became part of the modular system for seed drill combinations. The new Cataya 3000 Special EcoLine comes in a predetermined specification at a special price but which still offers high performance and reliability in this segment. The harrow-mounted seed drill has a working width of 3 m and features a 650 l seed hopper with a large opening for quick and loss-free filling. The 24 maintenance-free, RoTeC single disc coulters, with a row spacing of 12.5 cm, ensure precise seed placement. The sowing disc and furrow former create the ideal seed furrow profile to ensure the optimum seed placement into the soil. The Control 10 depth guidance disc or the Control 25 depth guidance roller prevents the soil from sticking to the sowing disc, thereby ensuring that the pre-selected sowing depth is precisely maintained. The Exact harrow is supplied as standard. It provides even seed coverage and also ensures blockage-free operation when mulch sowing with large amounts of straw.

The AmaLog⁺ in-cab terminal aids the driver in changing the tramline rhythm. Other functions include field and total area hectare meters, fill level control and speed monitoring of the mechanical drive. Rear lights ensure safe road transport, even at night.

SmartCenter for the calibration

Calibration is carried out via the centralised SmartCenter settings centre located on the left-hand side of the machine. All the adjustments are clearly displayed on a sticker here. The metering unit is preselected via a handle which adjusts the bottom flap to the various seed types and seed rates. The driver can set the machine to calibration or sowing via a second lever. This adjusts a flap in the metering unit which conveys the seed either to the coulters or to the calibration trays. The two calibration trays can be easily removed from underneath the SmartCenter. The calibration kit is completed by the inclusion of a sturdy folding bucket and weigh scales with an illuminated digital display. Both are stored under the hopper lid when not in use to save space. The land wheel can remain in the parking position during the calibration procedure.

Convenience with the Precis metering system

The new Precis metering system with a high level of operational comfort and reduced set-up times is at the heart of the Cataya Special EcoLine. The shutter slides, with 2 locking positions, facilitate a quick changeover from normal seed to fine seed and vice versa. The integrated outlet funnels in the seed hopper that result in minimum residual amounts are also new. They prevent bridging between the outlets and facilitate easy cleaning of the tank. The system also includes centrally adjustable calibration flaps that make it possible to switch the seed drill quickly and easily over from sowing to calibration mode. The seed shaft is driven mechanically via the land wheel drive.

Everything in one hand - flexibility with QuickLink

Thanks to the QuickLink quick release coupling system, the seed drill can be easily and quickly combined with the KE Rotamix rotary harrow or the KX Cultimix and KG Cultimix rotary cultivators without the need for tools.

Spot-accurate fertiliser application:
Now also synchronised between the seeds and for all Precea models

The FertiSpot system ensures spot-accurate application of the fertiliser under the seed. Owing to the legal requirements for a reduction in the permitted amount of fertiliser used, the challenge lies in using fertiliser more and more efficiently. This has compelled AMAZONE to further develop the FertiSpot system. AMAZONE will be showing FertiSpot at Agritechnica 2023 with the additional option of synchronised fertiliser placement between the seeds.

AMAZONE introduced the FertiSpot system in 2019 with placement of the fertiliser under the plant. The system uses the fertiliser as efficiently as possible, especially in maize sowing. As a result of the increase in the use of precision sowing for other crops, AMAZONE has further developed the FertiSpot system. The new development provides synchronised placement of the fertiliser portions between the seeds with the result that the system enables high concentrations of fertiliser while protecting sensitive crops from burning. In particular, this offers advantages in other crops such as sugar beet. Application between the seeds benefits all crops, especially in very dry soil conditions. If the fertiliser is placed too close to the seeds, it will deprive the plants of the necessary moisture, meaning that the seeds could dry out or have an insufficient supply of water.

Structure of FertiSpot with granular fertiliser

The Precea precision air seeder with FertiSpot for granular fertiliser placement has a fertiliser hopper with fertiliser metering just like the traditional precision air seeder. The metering regulates the desired application rate per hectare. This can be varied using application maps. In conjunction with individual row shut-off, the fertiliser can be switched off across each row in wedge-shaped fields and tapering headlands via Section Control.

 
The mineral fertiliser is transferred from the fertiliser metering system to the FertiSpot fertiliser portioning unit. The fertiliser flow, which continuously enters the portioning unit, is combined by a high-speed portioning rotor. It leaves the unit as a portion and is delivered to the fertiliser coulter. The control of the portioning unit and delivery of the seed are synchronised. Control is provided via the Precea ISOBUS control system. The further development of FertiSpot means that the fertiliser can now be delivered both as a portion directly under the plant and as a portion between the seeds. The tractor driver can enter the precise location of the spot via the ISOBUS control system. The fertiliser depot can be offset with the enhanced FertiSpot metering. The tractor driver can enter the precise location of the spot under the seed or as a possible offset between two seeds via the ISOBUS control system. Furthermore, band application is also possible with FertiSpot. The special design allows application rates of up to 250 kg of fertiliser per hectare depending on the machine specification and irrespective of the fertiliser type.

Better utilisation of the fertiliser by the plant

Targeted placement of the fertiliser in the area of the seed leads to clearly improved nutrient utilisation, since the availability to the plant increases. The higher availability provided by spot application allows for a reduction in the total amount of fertiliser applied per hectare. Investigations carried out by the Technical University of Cologne predict fertiliser savings of 25% with the same yield level.
In addition to the positive effects on environmental protection, there are further advantages for operational and work management. Direct cost savings from the reduced amounts of fertiliser required per hectare are accompanied by additional savings due to the higher work rates while sowing, since refill stops are reduced by 25 %. In regions with a large animal stock levels, mineral fertiliser can be saved and the farm manure can be put to more effective use.

The high saving in fertiliser not only provides considerable added value for the farmer, but contractors also save time and money, since they can increase output as a result of the reduced amount of downtime for fertiliser filling. The environment also benefits from the reduced and more efficient use of fertiliser.
The further development of the FertiSpot system enables it to be used in various crops. The variable application between the seeds means that the fertiliser can also be placed as a deposit for sensitive crops. Crops which are sensitive to fertiliser, such as rape or sugar beet, can therefore be optimally supplied with a reduced amount of fertiliser. 

• FertiSpot allows the amount of fertiliser to be significantly reduced and the environment is protected
• Benefits of the reduced amount of fertiliser:
  • Farmer: lower fertiliser costs
  • Contractor: higher output due to shorter turn-round times

Cultivator drill for large-scale farms and contractors 

AMAZONE has extended its large area seed drill range with the new Cirrus 9004-2C Grand trailed cultivator drill. The machine is offered in a working width of 9 m and a row spacing of 16.6 cm. 

At first glance, the seed drill stands out due to its striking design. This is largely determined by the large seed hopper and the distinctive distributor head.

Designed for solving current and future challenges in agriculture, the machine is characterised by its precise, flexible and efficient operation. Due to its easy adaptability to various field management concepts, it opens the door to future arable farming. 

Solutions for an efficient method of cultivation

As standard, the Cirrus 9004-2C Grand is equipped with a twin-chamber hopper, which is split in a ratio of 60 : 40. The total hopper capacity, which is optimised for big bags and has sufficient overcapacity, is 5,750 l. The overcapacity means that it can be filled when convenient. The hopper can always accommodate the entire contents of a big bag, even with large residual amounts. This simplifies seed logistics, since the time of filling can be selected more flexibly. 

The twin-chamber hopper enables the separate metering of different types of seeds or fertiliser. The two hopper chambers can be filled with just one material, if required, for maximum output. Exact distribution is guaranteed by the pressurised hopper system with its high-performance conveying system. Up to 400 kg/ha can be efficiently applied at a working speed of 15 km/h. Furthermore, the low power requirement of the blower fan underlines the enormous efficiency of the machine. A TwinTerminal can be used for the simple and precise calibration of the metering unit.

The loading reach can be considerably reduced by half-side folding during loading, in order to enable the machine to be loaded via smaller telescopic loaders. 

Flexibility for versatile farming

In general, the materials metered from both hopper chambers are embedded at one placement depth in the seed furrow by the same conveying system using the single-shoot process. 

In this respect, the new distributor head provides excellent lateral distribution. The single row shut-off ensures high sustainability via a reduction in the use of seed and fertiliser. Extremely vigorous crops develop as a result of the spot-accurate shut-off, especially in the overlap zones, since no areas are double sown. Overlaps are restricted to less than 1 % of the area with this system. 

The distributor head can be easily tailored to any symmetrical and asymmetrical tramline systems as well as track widths and tyre widths via the ISOBUS terminal, in order to create a tramline. Mechanical intervention is not required. 

If single rows are closed, the rotational speed of the metering units is reduced. The excess seed circulates in the seed return, while the air continues to escape towards the sowing coulter. The air pressure in the seed delivery lines therefore remains constant. This prevents seeds from being blown out of the furrow. At the same time, there is always a sufficient quantity of seed in the distributor head. This is charged immediately after the machine has been lowered. Uninterrupted application of the products without pre-metering is guaranteed right down to the last corner of the field.

Precision over the entire width 

Precise depth placement is required for even field emergence. The TwinTeC plus double disc coulter impresses due to the large disc diameter and a coulter pressure of up to 100 kg. The coulters are characterised by their smooth running, even at high forward speeds. The combination of coulter profile and coulter pressure is the key to a consistent quality of work and high productivity.

The electro-hydraulic remote control of the coulter pressure and the sowing depth allows easy adjustment to varying soil conditions. The user-friendly adjustment is provided from the cab via an ISOBUS terminal. Turning crank handles or inserting clips is a thing of the past. The improved adjustment means that changeable soil conditions can be quickly responded to with the positive effect of uniform crops across the full working width. 

Perfect growth conditions for the plants

AMAZONE‘s successful concept of reconsolidation in strips has also been incorporated in the Cirrus 04. The principle is also known as the "sowing insurance" and has been gaining ground since 2004. The Matrix profile tyres only reconsolidate in strips where the seed will subsequently be placed in the soil. The intermediate zones are reconsolidated less heavily. This promotes the optimum gaseous exchange and allows rainwater to quickly permeate into the soil.

The combination of a high tyre diameter and cross ribs on the profile enables a good self-driving effect and makes the machine easy to pull.

The tyre packer is mounted offset, and together with the leading ridge levellers, creates a level seedbed. In addition, the risk of a stone blockage is reduced to a minimum, which has a positive effect on operational reliability.

Changing soil conditions can be quickly responded to via the remotely-adjustable seedbed preparation tools. Large clearances promote a smooth soil flow, in order to create an optimum seedbed on all soils irrespective of the location.

Comfortable on the move

The manoeuvrability of the machine plays a key role in the quick sowing of headlands, wedge-shaped fields as well as small and irregularly shaped fields. The independent suspension allows the Cirrus 9004-2C Grand to be pulled around curves and manoeuvred in field corners with minimal effort. In this respect, each wheel turns independently of the others and can flexibly adjust the running speed and direction with a turning angle of up to 90°. This low-stress turning process protects the machine from excessive load and wear. Furthermore, the soil is prevented from bulldozing when negotiating bends. Consistent seedbed quality and maximum soil structure protection are ensured.

The large volume of the tyre packer wheel provides comfort when driving on the road. Any rocking at 40 km/h is prevented, since the machine runs on only 4 wheels. The high carrying capacity of the wheels allows the middle pair of wheels to be lifted up between the 4 transport wheels. 

A flexible connected implement in combination

If required, the tractor track can be loosened with the wheel mark eradicators which are mounted on an intermediate frame between the drill and tractor. The wheel mark eradicators loosen but do not mix. The soil-engaging parts are hydraulically swivelled up when driving on headlands. The wheel mark eradicator can be used in combination with the leading tyre packer.

Combination with a wide variety of implements for seedbed preparation is also possible, e.g. with a Catros compact disc harrow. 

• Distributor head with individual row shut-off
• Large hopper capacity optimised for big bags
• User-friendly, electro-hydraulic adjustment of the sowing depth and the coulter pressure via ISOBUS terminal
• Strip-wise reconsolidation for higher field emergence and more uniform crops

FT-P 1502 self-contained front tank and Primera DMC universal seed drill

The FT-P 1502 self-contained front tank is the ideal partner for any applications with liquid products. These include a seed drill with liquid fertiliser equipment, a hoe with a band sprayer and many others.

New areas of application for the Primera DMC in combination with the FT-P

The combination of the FT-P with the Primera DMC offers the farmer an even wider range of options for optimum nutrient supply and quick seedling development. Liquid fertilisers can now also be metered directly into the seed furrow by combining the FT-P with the Primera DMC. This improves nutrient availability, especially under dry conditions. Unlike granular fertiliser, it is already in dissolved form and does not have to be made available to the plants by the soil moisture. This aids nutrient efficiency and promotes a vigorous and fast growing crop. Bio-stimulants, micro-nutrients or other liquid products can also be applied directly into the seed furrow as an alternative. 

ISOBUS control for the FT-P and the Primera DMC

The ISOBUS control of both machines makes handling extremely comfortable. The ISOBUS control system means that automatic part-width section control via Section Control and variable rate control via application maps are are extended in full to both machines.

Compact, effective and efficient

The complete implement combination is very compact in spite of the extra hopper because the FT-P is mounted on the front hydraulics of the tractor. The manoeuvrability of the complete implement combination is also not restricted. 

Only low rates have to be directly applied into the seed furrow owing to the high nutrient efficiency of the fertiliser application being directly alongside the seed. The 1,500 l tank capacities of the FT-P are therefore perfectly tailored to the large hopper capacity of the Primera DMC, thereby guaranteeing high performance in spite of the additional application. 

Standard interface for the part-width valve chest

A part-width valve chest with 2 to 6 part-width sections can be fixed to any connected implement. Various AMAZONE and SCHMOTZER machines can also be equipped with a permanently mounted part-width valve chest with separable connection points on the valve chest. The valve always remains with the implement when the implement is changed. This means that any attached implements can be changed quickly and easily. The working spectrum of the FT-P 1502 front tank covers an application rate of 5 to 100 l/min at a working pressure of 2.0 to 8.0 bar.

The liquid fertiliser mounting kit in combination with the FT-P 1502 is available for the Primera DMC in all working widths from 3 m to 9 m.

• Everything from a single source – FT-P 1502 and matching fertiliser equipment for the Primera DMC
• Additional options for combining the FT-P with all AMAZONE and SCHMOTZER machines 
• Use of the FT-P for various machines throughout the year
• Efficient, environmentally-friendly nutrient injection directly alongside the seed