Trading near Chelmsford as FJ Bosworth and Sons, the successful diversification and herd expansion have put the business, first established in 1934, on a firm footing with a positive outlook for the future.

Jack said: “We currently farm 350ha of combinable crops with the main focus on growing both winter wheat and winter barley as feed for our 7,500-pig herd split across two sites in Essex and Norfolk.

“Running a competitive pig business is all about controlling feed and other key input costs. Milling and mixing our own grain for feed on farm has ensured the enterprise remains as competitive as possible and has certainly helped speed growth for us in this respect.”

The farmer added that about five years ago he also began looking into contract farming.

“There’s high demand in Essex for both umbilical application of slurry and digestate, along with an increased demand for specialist services such as Avadexing, overseeding and cover crop establishment, particularly from farms already under pressure through congested spring and autumn work windows, labour challenges and uptake in environmental stewardship schemes.”

Multicast’s versatility

Jack added that he has always been interested in buying a lightweight, multi-use applicator for the farm to reduce the reliance on contractors. This is why in September 2020 he invested in a new 12m Multicast 400 trailed unit from Techneat Engineering to run behind the farm’s John Deere UTV.

He said that the move gave his farming business more control during those busy work windows. The new applicator also opened up another revenue stream for the farm by offering key services to other farmers.

He continued: “The trailed unit comprises a 400l capacity tank along with a 12m manual folding boom, both mounted on a single axle trailer chassis that uses high-quality load-rated tyres and suspension units.

“Product is accurately applicated through the machine’s distribution head via a powerful Honda engine-driven fan unit to outlets spaced at 500mm intervals along the full width of the boom. Work rates are controlled and monitored via a cab-mounted GPS Garmin rate controller.

“The real beauty of the Multicast is its versatility. By simply changing the metering cartridge and recalibrating the application rate, you can broadcast grass seed, cover crops, granular fertiliser, Avadex granules or even slug pellets accurately and easily.”

Jack explained that the Multicast is very light, weighing less than 250kg, and can be used to perform different tasks simultaneously, reducing the number of passes and lowering fuel costs.

‘One of our best machinery investments’

In the last two autumns many farms in Essex have experienced very wet weather, making successful establishment of crops increasingly more challenging.

Farmers have also started to favour later autumn drilling in recent years, when ground conditions tend to be much heavier anyway, so using a very light machine, such as the Multicast 400, that is still able to travel in heavier soils without damaging the soil or a young, newly established crop is a major advantage, the farmer added.

“With shorter, dry weather windows, drilling decisions are also often made at the last minute, so with key tasks, such as Avadex application that requires a 48-hour window post-drilling to maximise its effectiveness. It’s critical for farmers to either have their own applicator or source a reliable, locally based contractor to ensure the task is carried out at the optimum time.

“Working at optimum speeds of 12-14 kph in good conditions, we can readily achieve up to 80ha of Avadex application or cover cropping per day, with the machines light footprint making it almost unnecessary to factor in whether customers are working on 24m, 28m, 30m, 32m or even 36m tramlines.

“Combining both the contracting work and our own use of the applicator, we’re now using the Multicast to apply product across 600ha of land per year, with additional capacity to increase that workload as the contracting business grows.

“In summary, the accuracy, quick calibration, easy setupand reliability of the Multicast have made it one of our best machinery investments in recent years. In terms of the economic benefits, we retain more money in the business each year by reducing our reliance on contractors and generate additional revenue from the contracting business.

“This brings a positive balance of circa £10,000 per year, comfortably justifying the setup we have. Overall, we’re delighted with the Multicast and would certainly look to go for the same machine again at renewal,” Jack concluded.

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The DTEK Rapido power harrow is a heavy-duty folding unit featuring Twin Force Tek – matched pairs of rotors fitted with calibrated Timken taper roller bearings to ensure consistent build tolerances across the trough, enhancing reliability and longevity.

Rapido quick-fit drop forged tines are fitted as standard with two tungsten carbide options available to further limit downtime.

Three rear rollers are offered – a notched steel Trapeze ring press, a rubber ridge roller and a conventional ‘hedgehog’-type packer.

Optional, on-the-move, hydraulic depth adjustment is a useful option particularly in areas with widely varying soil types.

Mounted on the rear of the power harrow via a parallelogram linkage, the seeding bar provides a consistent, uniform drilling depth across all coulters. Spacings are standard at 12.5cm with 15cm rows an option.

Each individual 355mm boron disc coulter is mounted to the toolbar via a rubber shock absorber system which offers maintenance-free operation.

The discs also have maintenance-free double taper-roller bearings. Staggered at 43cm, each opener can generate up to 60kg of downforce, ensuring consistent surface penetration irrespective of soil conditions.

Positioned above the seeding bar, the distribution head incorporates a patented Turbo Rotal impeller system which ensures uniform distribution to each outlet even at very low application rates.

A front and rear combination drill offers a series of benefits. By providing even weight distribution across both axles, deep tractor wheelings are kept to a minimum especially in wetter conditions.

The option of press wheels on the ASPro front hopper can further spread the load and aid in pre-drilling soil consolidation.

With a 1,900-litre capacity, the ASPro front hopper features a stainless steel Dosal electronic metering unit capable of dealing with application rates as low as 2kg/ha and as high as 450kg/ha.

The system offers easy rate changes without needing to switch metering rollers. This is done via the RDS Super control box – a user-friendly interface which offers electronic calibration and monitoring of the metering roller, fan speed and seed level.

With its split hopper and twin metering unit, Alpego’s front hopper range also includes the ASMax which can offer wider working widths of up to 8m, pairing well with the brand’s flagship DMax power harrow.

Both front tanks are available as standalone units to work in conjunction with other machinery such as precision drills.

Cereals stand number: 1017

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Sprayers will include an iXtrack trailed sprayer and an iXter B mounted sprayer with front tank, both hosting the latest in Kverneland’s application technology and Sync telematics.

Mechanical weeding solutions from Kverneland

Mechanical weeding continues to develop in effectiveness, and alongside the Ecomat shallow plough range will be a range of mechanical weeding solutions in the form of Kverneland’s inter-row cultivators and rotary hoe models.

These include the Helios – a star-wheel equipped rotary hoe suited to cereal crops, and the Onyx tined hoe, designed for inter-row applications such as maize, sugar beet and veg crops.

At 6m wide, the hydraulically folding Helios rotary hoe uses a series of cast iron star wheels, mounted in pairs on a tandem axle.

Downward pressure for each pair is controlled by adjusting the amount of hydraulic pressure applied to the star wheels, to create a fine, delicate control to suit the surface of the field and a crop’s growth stage, to carry out shallow weeding through the top 10mm of soil.

“Helios provides an effective mechanical solution for black grass control, with the star wheels capable of pulling out small weeds and leaving them on the surface to wither and die,” explains Kverneland product specialist Adam Burt.

For inter-row applications, the Onyx can be combined with a Lynx guidance interface plus camera and control panel technology by Tillet & Hague, for enhanced precision.

The guidance interface sits between the weeder frame and tractor three-point linkage and can be equipped with up to two, forward-facing colour scanning cameras to provide active side-shift of up to 25cm, keeping the hoe positively steered to ensure accurate working between the rows, even at high forward speeds

Ecomat shallow plough

Kverneland’s Ecomat shallow plough range has been extended to include models for in-furrow use, in addition to on-land versions. In-furrow models are available in six-, seven- and eight-furrow builds, and join the existing eight- and 10-furrow on-land versions.

Developed as an option for minimum disturbance seedbed preparation, the Ecomat shallow plough offers mechanical control of pests and weeds through soil inversion, reducing the reliance on chemical methods.

“Ecomat is a half-way house between a plough and a cultivator,” says Adam.

“As a shallow plough, the Ecomat still turns soil over but without needing to work as deep as a traditional plough, so it is faster and more fuel efficient.

“We’re achieving 95% inversion at a depth of 9cm, with an implement that is easier to pull than a traditional plough, while doing a far better job of inversion than a cultivator.”

Cereals stand number: 822

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The Cereals Event provides the perfect platform for new product releases, with excellent visitor numbers and a large proportion of attendees being decision makers, Amazone says.

The venue at Roy Ward Farms, Leadenham, will yet again see Amazone showcase a plethora of new kit on stand 834.

The new additions to the stand will encompass seeding, plant protection, in the form of both chemical and mechanical weed control, as well as precision planting and sustainable cultivation techniques.

A brief glimpse of what will be on show…

New trailed cultivator drill

Built for high output and precision, the Cirrus Grand trailed cultivator drill is designed for large work rates at wide working widths, without compromise on seed placement or crop establishment.

Available in both 8m and 9m working widths, the Cirrus Grand features a new triple chamber 5,750-litre hopper – split 40:50:10 – giving the option of simultaneously sowing up to three different products – either seed only, seed and fertiliser, cover crop mixes plus an additional microgranular or small seed application.

All three products are placed in the seeding furrow.

Going into more detail, the Cirrus Grand, thanks to its individual row shut-off system and the new recirculating distribution head, brings the amount of overlap on the ins and outs down to less than 1%.

Each coulter’s shut-off timing is highly accurate, thanks to the automatic adjustment that compensates for seed pipe length, Amazone reckons.

This ensures pinpoint accuracy and minimal waste – ideal for farms aiming to reduce input costs while maximising output.

With the new distributor head, tramlines can be drilled to suit any sprayer width or track width and the row spacing can be set from the cab.

The newly designed Matrix tyres continue Amazone’s philosophy of strip-wise consolidation, applying consolidation only onto the seed row whilst leaving the soil between rows loose to allow for good water infiltration.

Also new for 2025 is the option of front tools: full width T-Pack front packer, hydraulically adjustable Crushboard, or just with guide wheels.

New TopCut 12000-2T cutting roller combination

At a time when chemistry is struggling to provide the field hygiene that we require and the preservation of soil moisture becomes more crucial, cultivation techniques are changing as growers look to move less soil yet still control weeds, volunteers, pests and disease carryover in the following crop.

The new 12m cutting roller combination, the TopCut 12000-2T, is aimed at covering ground quickly with minimal disturbance yet the ideal germination conditions to maximise regrowth.

The TopCut 12000-2T cutting roller combination consists of up to three consecutive tool segments plus a rear element; each of which can be equipped with various tools to suit individual needs and requirements.

Upfront, there is the option of an initial knife roller.

This is followed by the main tool elements covering the second and third rows; this can be either a double knife roller, two rows of Minimum TillDisc wavy discs – or a mix of both.

By running a mix of discs and knife roller, the organic matter is cut both longitudinally and laterally.

Bringing up the rear is either a three-row straw harrow or, if there is no upfront knife roller, a full set of packers.

The double knife roller is ideal for shredding long stalks such as cover crops and oil seed rape haulm, promoting decomposition and encouraging seeds to germinate.

To further improve straw distribution after the combine, a heavy-duty three-row harrow can be used behind the main tools.

In addition to distributing the straw, it knocks the seeds out of the straw, seed pods or ears as well as producing additional fine soil; this again favours weed emergence.

The aggressiveness of the harrow can be altered hydraulically from the cab whilst on the move.

As an alternative, full-width packer rollers are available to reduce the drying out of the soil by optimising the reconsolidation.

Venterra mechanical weeding systems

The newly designed Amazone Venterra hoes now encompass three models – the Venterra 1K, in widths of 1.3–4.2m, the Venterra VR4 in widths from 7.2–12.8m and the model on the stand, the new Venterra 2K in widths from 4.5–6.75m.

Row widths start from just 12.5cm, meaning the Venterra can be used in almost any crop situation.

At the heart of the Venterra are the parallelogram tool holders which hold the easily adjustable hoeing blades, finger weeders, crop protection discs, etc.

Here, depending on the cropping, row spacing and whether SectionControl is being used, there is a choice of four different systems giving crop height clearance of up to 1m for late passes through maize, for example.

For the parallelograms, the RapidoClip blade changing system offers instantaneous blade swapping in the field without tools.

A wide choice of blades is available for the hoe depending on the application required.

The Venterra can be used in conjunction with the FTender front supply hopper for band fertiliser application and companion planting as well as with the FT-P autonomous front tank for band spraying and liquid fertiliser application – systems that offer considerable savings on input costs and increased environmental protection.

New trailed precision seeder

Working alongside Amazone mechanical weeding systems, Precea air seeders cover any width from 3m through to 6m mounted, and from 6m through to 12m trailed.

On the stand, the new Precea 6000-TCC gives increased output due to its larger hopper capacities meaning more drilling and less filling.

The 3,000-litre fertiliser hopper is mounted upfront to ease access and improve traction.

On the rear, there is a choice of either individual 70-litre seed hoppers – meaning different varieties can be sown in different rows – or the new CSS Central Seed Supply.

For the 6m model, the central seed hopper, with a massive capacity of 850 litres, is easily accessible meaning comfortable fill-ups and less downtime.

Seed is fed on demand to the PreTeC sowing coulters where it is placed and consolidated in the seed furrow.

The SmartControl automatic stripper finger adjustment ensures there are no doubles or singles, irrespective of seed size and consistency.

Of course, Amazone will be presenting its full range of seed drills, fertiliser spreaders, sprayers, cultivators and ploughs, including the all-new Teres 200 series reversible ploughs.

Come and discover what’s new, learn about available FETF funding, and see how Amazone’s equipment can boost your farm’s profitability – visit stand 834, and don’t miss Amazone in the Sprays & Sprayers ring.

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In modern agriculture, farmers face numerous challenges, including maintaining soil quality and maximising yields while adopting sustainable practices.

Conventional farming methods, which often rely on the use of chemical weedkillers, can lead to gradual soil degradation in the long term.  

Boehlerit is proud to be at the forefront of developing tools that not only increase efficiency in agriculture but also create the basis for long-term healthy soils.  

Its carbide tools are specifically designed to achieve and maintain outstanding soil quality after tillage. 

They offer a variety of key benefits that help farmers achieve their production goals, including: 

– No soil compaction: Boehlerit’s innovative tools prevent soil compaction so that it remains loose and aerated. This is crucial for healthy root growth and optimum water infiltration.

– Open soil structure: the well-thought-out design of Boehlerit’s tools promotes an open soil structure that supports efficient drainage and the transport of minerals into deeper soil layers. This is relevant for healthy plant growth and improves microbiological life in the soil.

– Consistent width: the tools are designed to maintain consistent working width throughout their lifetime. This ensures consistent cutting of the ground and reduces the need for frequent adjustments, saving time and resources.

– Fewer tool changes: compared to conventional steel tools, Boehlerit’s carbide tools require significantly fewer changes. This increases operational efficiency and reduces downtime, which means huge cost savings for farmers.

Innovation and sustainability  

Boehlerit is committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

Working closely with selected test farms, the company continuously evaluates and optimises its products to ensure they meet the changing needs of agriculture.  

The team said that its mission is to equip the agricultural sector with advanced tools that enable optimal harvest results while promoting sustainability.  

A spokesperson for Boehlerit said: “We cordially invite you to visit our stand and discover our latest carbide tools.

Let our experts advise you, learn more about our innovations and discover how we can optimally support your agricultural needs.”  

Get to know Boehlerit  

As a carbide pioneer, the Boehlerit Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wear protection solutions and cutting tools for machining metal and composite materials.  

With cutting materials, semi-finished products, precision tools and tool systems for milling, turning, grooving and forming, the family-owned company has been ensuring process reliability and efficiency worldwide since 1932.  

Around 800 employees offer customers comprehensive expertise in all aspects of metallurgy in order to realise process-optimised production technologies, the highest quality and a head start in tool productivity.  

With three production sites in Europe and Asia, international subsidiaries and a network of sales partners, the carbide and tool specialist has a global presence.  

Together with its two legally independent sister companies Leitz and Bilz, the Boehlerit Group forms the globally active Brucklacher Group, in which over 4,000 employees generate an annual turnover of around 450 million euros.  

A spokesperson for the company added: “At Boehlerit, sustainability is not just a promise but a lived reality and deeply rooted in our corporate culture.  

“We set standards in environmental protection and occupational safety and are committed to a future that conserves resources.  

“We focus on the development and construction of durable and recyclable quality products, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and minimising the environmental impact of our products.” 

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Can you tell us about the company history?

William Hackett was founded in Cradley Heath, West Midlands – the heart of the UK chain making industry – by the Hackett family in 1892 and has since had a long and varied history.

There are now two areas of the company – the Alnwick site in Northumberland, where we build our lifting equipment, lifting chain and hoists – and the Cradley site where we manufacture our chain harrows, fishing chain, low grade chain, and assemblies for mooring.

We’ve been making the harrows for over 125 years; the Hackett Harrow is long-established in the marketplace, and we still manufacture all of our harrows in the UK.

Harrowing is a very traditional method of regenerating grassland or levelling areas and our two main markets are the UK and the US.

We pride ourselves on being UK manufactured, the quality of the products and the service we provide – things don’t go wrong very often, but when they do, we get it sorted and make sure the customer is happy.

What does your product range include?

We do your traditional Trailed Harrow from 4–18ft. It’s fairly simple and has maintained its core functionality over time.

We then developed the product further, creating a Mounted Harrow to suit tractors as they got bigger, with more capability – this makes it easier to transport the harrow around fields.

On the underside of the harrow, there’s a good sag in the chain which allows it to get right into the ground, right into any furrows.

The harrow is slightly offset, so you get a full coverage, and the spikes go through the ground and pull any moss, thatch, or old weeds and aerate the grass.

They will also spread muck around, helping to break it down.

We introduced the Levelling Harrow this year, which has a much shorter mat. It’s got two bars at the front and a bar at the rear which will go flat to the ground and level any molehills or ruts on the ground – and it will also do a mild harrow.

While it doesn’t have the depth of the traditional mat, ours gives greater coverage than the competing ‘ring and spike mats’, which can also be quite brittle, leading to more breakage.

If farmers are looking to level and get a bit of harrowing, this is a good piece of kit.

The final machine we have launched is our Multi Harrow, which is very similar to our traditional frame with the addition of a levelling bar on the front.

So you’ve got that full depth mat, which will give you a good harrowing job, combined with a levelling job as well. That’s the premium option.

Both are now on sale and the feedback has been very positive. With the Multi Harrow, people really like the idea of it; the fact that it does a levelling job and a proper traditional style harrowing job is very positive.

What are the benefits of harrowing?

If you don’t thin the grass out it probably won’t grow as well and could eventually become infested with weeds, or you might end up at the stage where you have to spend more money on fertiliser applications or ploughing and resowing.

Also, spreading the muck out can stop worms and disease if you’ve had livestock on the field.

From a sustainability perspective, the harrowing technique for pasture management, opening up the soil to aerate and break down manure as a natural biological process, reduces the need to use chemical fertilisers, so it’s a good way to improve the land without necessarily investing a lot of money into it.

Andrew, when did you start your new role?

“I’ve worked for the company for 12 years now, on the lifting side.

“I’ve always had an interest in agriculture – my uncle’s a farmer – then the opportunity came up for the harrow specialist role, as Stuart Mullins, our in-house expert is retiring.

“He knows the industry inside out and has spent time getting me involved in this new sector, which I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with and building new relationships”.

For more information, visit the William Hackett website.

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On display will be a selection of Cousins product range including Contour Cambridge Rolls, Less Lift low disturbance loosener, V-form soil loosener, Springtine cultivator, Crop Check Cover Crop Roller, Patriot, Front Press and Straw Rake.

As well as complete items of cultivation kit, Cousins also offers a wide range of attachments to complement and enhance customers’ existing machinery.

Most popular are its Razor Rings, often supplied as replacements to fit existing presses or cultivators. These rings are manufactured using a unique process; formed from two dished rings fitted face to face to form a press ring type shape with a leading edge.

The shape is efficient and effective on varying soil types making it a versatile cultivation tool, giving a continuous ridged profile and consistent consolidation affect across the full working width.

Toothed Packers, Spiroller Coils, Crumbler Rollers or Tyre Rollers are also available as attachments.

Cousins takes great pride in flexibly meeting its customers’ needs, so if there is something in particular you wish to incorporate into your new Cousins machinery, the team will always try to accommodate this.

The LAMMA show is a great opportunity to discuss your particular requirements directly with the experienced team.

Visit the Cousins website for more information

Stand number: Hall 12, Stand 252

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A selection of its minimum disturbance machines will be on display, including the first look at a 6m Assist Compact that offers the chance to create a one-pass system, helping to reduce costs alongside improved soil health.

Other products being exhibited include a Drag, Prevent, Multi-till and Min-disc alongside Agriweld’s renowned range of weights and market leading mudguards.

As well as being shown on its own stand, Agriweld products will also be displayed by its commercial partner AGCO Parts on the Fendt and Valtra displays.

Agriweld will also be unveiling its latest product at the event.

The company has 30 years of experience in manufacturing agricultural machinery. Company development and success allow Agriweld to design and manufacture its full product range in-house, using the latest 3D drawing technology and state of the art CNC machinery.

It can cater for particular demands outside those of the standard specification, to ultimately provide an efficient and tailored solution specific to each individual’s requirements. It’s innovative products have won several awards over the years.

Visit the Agriweld website for more information

Stand number: Hall 20, Stand 340.

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The new K110 model is the latest addition to the company’s range of lime and fertiliser spreaders. This tandem axle model bridges the gap between the largest single axle machine, the K105, and the smallest tandem axle machine, the K135.

This new model features the same design of floor belt and spreading system as the rest of the K series range, making it capable of applying a wide variety of materials including lime, fibrophos, chalk, sand, and all grades of fertiliser.

The K110 has a capacity of 9m3, which equates to approx 9t of fertiliser or 14t of lime. The machine comes as standard with Isobus Auto Rate Control and the company’s lime spreading setup. All the usual extras are available, so operators can tailor the machine to their specific requirements, these include: Weigh cells, fertiliser kit, hopper cover, hopper extension, various tyre options, stainless-steel hopper, and many more.

KRM is expanding its range of powered strip till cultivators with the introduction of a new 6m machine. Designated the 6000/750/8, the new model is built to till eight rows at 75cm spacings in one pass.

With up to 70% of the soil surface remaining untouched, cover crops or a grass sward can be left in place and the surface can be maintained for subsequent operations such as maize harvest. Further benefits include power, fuel and wearing metal not being consumed unnecessarily.

The Strip Till creates strips of worked soil ready for planting. A leading tine breaks the soil surface; this is followed by driven rotavator blades which create a fine tilth to a depth of between 15 and 25cm depending on crop requirements; finally, a segmented roller consolidates the strip ready for planting. Solid or liquid fertiliser can be applied at the same time.

The new model joins the two existing models in the range, the 3000/750/4, as its designation suggests, has 4 rows at 750mm centres – the common spacing for fodder maize. And the 3000/500/6, which has six rows at 500mm centres, which is more commonly used for energy crop production and sugar beet.

KRM will be exhibiting the new K110 and the new Strip Till at LAMMA in January 2025.

Stand number: Hall 18, Stand 470.

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As a global manufacturer of agricultural technology, German company Horsch offers multiple solutions for cultivation, seeding and plant protection. Cambridgeshire-based Horsch UK teamed up with local dealer, Manns of Saxham, to showcase a selection of products from its extensive line-up at the demo day.

Among these were several models from Horsch’s well-known ranges, including Joker, Cultro, Avatar, Terrano and Fortis – but there were also three machines that were brand-new to the market.

A new versatile self-propelled sprayer

The Leeb VT on demo is only the second one to reach the UK. It is a self-propelled sprayer, with the VT in its name standing for variable track. It is available in two models, the 5.230VT comes with a 5,000-litre polyethylene tank and a 230hp, 6.7 litre, turbo charged six-cylinder FTP engine, and the 6.300VT, with a 6,000 polyethylene litre tank and a 300hp version of the same engine.

The variable track is adjustable from 1.8–2.4m as standard, or 2.05m up to maximum legal road width with certain tyre options. There are options for 40 or 50in wheel rims, which will affect the machine height, but there is also around 30cm of height adjustment as well to ensure a continuous 1.3m clearance in field mode.

On the machine’s left side, a panel opens up to give access to the controls, fill point, valves for cleaning and rinsing, induction and blow-out points for IBC work and a mixing area with a stainless-steel induction hopper. This comes with a tray table to put chemical bags on and a holder for a measuring jug. There is also a conveniently located display screen/control panel to monitor and control operation from this area. Intake and discharge are both dealt with using the same 1,000-litres/min pump.

On the opposite side of the Leeb, a matching panel opens to reveal a chemical locker and fill points for diesel and Ad Blue. At the business end there are boom options from 24m to 48m, all from Horsch itself. The model on display was fitted with a 36m boom and there are two versions of this: an 18/36 and a 12/24/36.

Up front, the cab is a new generation model from Claas, as found on the Claas combines and forage harvesters, and offers good space and comfortable working conditions with features such as air conditioning, an under-seat fridge/cool box and an ergonomic design. There are options to install almost all current terminal types to deliver a familiar user interface, and Horsch Connect delivers mobile control and remote monitoring.

Lightweight no-till drill with front tank

Ben Harrison, regional sales manager for Horsch UK, talked us through new Sprinter 6.25SL.

“Best described as a lightweight, no-till seeder that can be used in different cultivation systems, this toolbar machine is part of the Sprinter family of tine seeders from Horsch.

“The SL version is new and the 6.25 model offers a 6m working width with 25cm tine row spacings. It has tines with a press wheel behind, and a coulter from the Sprinter drill. Ideal for a lighter weight tractor, it has three-point linkage and is currently set up on a single outlet and available with different types of feet for different seeds.”

It can be used as a conventional drill, or you can set it up as a half-width system or with selective hosing, where you can drill one product every other row – although you can’t combine half width and selective hosing at the same time.

It is designed to be a direct drill with hydraulic coulter pressure, and with its tall frame, it will operate in stubble or cover crops, and run through trash.

Ben explained that there will be an additional following harrow available by the end of the year, which will help with levelling off when cultivating. It comes with all-independent controls on the depth wheels, which are very simple to adjust to allow the leg to go deeper or shallower, up to around four inches.

This 6m model is the only one in the Sprinter SL range at the moment, but plans are in place to extend the design to other working width options. There is also a disc version available – the Avatar SL – which, as the name suggests, features discs from the Avatar drill range. “The back end, i.e. the Sprinter SL, can be considered the slave, with the drill being what’s mounted on the front,” commented Ben.

The front is where you will find the seed tank, fan, Isobus system and the job computer. On the demo model, the Sprinter SL was teamed up with a Horsch Partner 1600FT seed tank. The Partner can be a single tank, such as the one on display, at 1,600 litres, or a double tank, at 2,200 litres, which can be split 60/40 or 75/25 for different seed types or a seed/fertiliser combination. Coming soon is a 2,500 litre tank that will offer triple tank working.

The double and triple tanks can both be operated as a single tank too, if required.

Designed to be compact to allow for best visibility forward, the tanks are also available with an optional camera system to aid in blind spot situations, such as pulling out of a farm exit. The hopper is pressurised, for a more efficent airflow and to achieve higher application rates, and the feed opening is large for quick filling with a front loader or telehandler.

“What we are looking at here are two completely separate new machines,” pointed out Ben. “The Partner can be coupled to a range of drills or seeders, and the Sprinter SL can be mated to a choice of front tanks.”

An update on a long-standing favourite

The Pronto range is one of the most established offerings in the Horsch portfolio, but it has received many updates over the years – the latest being the Pronto 7DC.

Ben explained: “It has a 7.2m working width, which fits into 36m tramlining, and the idea behind it is that, on average, the tractor power available on farms has increased to the point where the farmer who is currently pulling a 6m drill, should be able to pull a 7.2m – so when it comes to machinery replacement, this could be the ideal drill for them.

“It has a split tank, which is pressurised, and Horsch has relocated the fan away from the bottom, where it used to be mounted, to the top, away from the dust.

“It comes with new software called I-Manager, which has taken over from E-Manager and offers more flexibility for software developers to enhance features and add to it. This new software will be rolled out across the whole Horsch range as models are revamped.

“It can be run with grain and fertiliser or grain and grain, it has twin motors with a split roller and on the metering unit there is now an option to add a divider that will allow you to change the roller for different seeds without having to empty the tank. Option-wise you can specify a front packer, levelling boards and cultivation discs; plus you can opt for a system called PPF – precision placement fertiliser.

“It has a taller tyre packer, at 18in rather than 16in, which helps prevent bow-waving on lighter land and reduces rolling resistance requiring less power. The centre bearing in the packer for road transport has changed to a gimbal-type bearing to reduce stress on the packer when dealing with uneven roads. The tyres are now 10-ply, providing almost an inch of rubber, thereby much reducing the likelihood of punctures.

“At the back end, it has a slightly different coulter pressure setup, with a Paradisc coulter providing more positive pressure, up to 130kg, over the top of the seeding zone, providing more versatility in medium to heavy ground conditions.”

In summary, the latest Pronto 7DC is available with a large number of options, compounding its versatility, and is available with the new seed flow sensor system that uses sound to determine blockages before it back-fills.

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