HORSCH is entering the North American single disc air seeder market in spring of 2019 with the all-new Avatar SD40. Engineered with simplicity, low maintenance needs, agronomic integrity, and ease of use in mind, the Avatar SD40 boasts 166-bushel product carrying capacity with a 40-foot working width and 10-inch seed row spacing.
The Avatar SD40 splits its 166-bushel product carrying capacity between two independent 83-bushel tanks with the proven HORSCH electric driven metering system on each tank. “The ability to precisely meter two products independently is an industry first for bulk central fill type single disc drills,” explains Jeremy Hughes, product manager for HORSCH. While the operator can use the full capacity for seed, the Avatar SD40 also gives the ability to use two products and place dry fertilizer in furrow with seed. “Placing in-furrow dry starter fertilizers in crops like winter wheat, rye, and even rice have had proven yield benefits according to many experts across the continent,” says Hughes.
Having dual product capabilities rolls into many other benefits as well. Many farmers today use compact single disc drills for not only planting cereals and soybeans, but also cover crops. “One of the biggest issues in seeding cover crops today is that many farmers have their hands tied with seed blends. These blends are often a nightmare for today’s drills to meter accurately and consistently, which can produce frustrating outcomes,” relates Hughes. “The ability to have two compartments and meter two cover crop seeds independently gives the grower superior rate accuracy and confidence in quality seeding.”
The Avatar SD40 also features a revolutionary approach to the disc opener unit and linkage system. The opener arm mounts to the toolbar using a rubber torsion mount system, and all the openers are mounted on a rock shaft. Down pressure is simply adjusted in the cab, and the rubber torsion is the flex point.
The ISOBUS-compatible system allows the operator to utilize existing ISO virtual terminals in the tractor. Whether using an ISOVT or the HORSCH monitor system, operators can use prescription maps and collect data.
