increase font size
The Monosem Precision planter in action.
Monosem has offered electrically-powered (FEP) planters since late 2017.
However, a sneak peep of what’s in the pipeline is pointing towards increased accuracy, faster set up times and improved ease of use.
The new ValoTerra precision planter is equipped with its own 56-volt, on-board power system, with electricity to the planter’s motors supplied via a PTO-driven, 5.6kW generator – thus removing the need for any battery packs.
The result of several years of R&D, the main development goal was not only to make the planter easier to adjust, but also ensure precise seed spacing, planting depth and singulation to always get a more uniform emergence, says the French manufacturer.
A newly developed and patented metering system on the ValoTerra is described as an improved version of the Monoshox system. This results in consistent accuracy while operating at speeds of up to 2km/h faster.
An example of improvements to ease of use is switching between crops when only the seed disc needs changing. The company suggests that this task takes less than a minute per row to complete the changeover.
Equipped with variable rate and section control, further new developments include the FertiSmart fertiliser dosage system. This is configured to use a single motor for each individual dosing unit. The system is claimed to distribute a wide range of fertilisers, including bio pellets, even when working on slopes.
The MicroSmart micro-granule applicator works using one metering unit and two fall/drop pipes per row, while the new Monosem Plus app allows users to control individual metering units via a mobile device or tablet.
Available in models from 6-12 rows, offering working widths from 4.2m to 6.0m, individual row hoppers hold 70 litres-equivalent to 160,000 maize seeds, while the pressure of the 450mm diameter double-disc openers can be increased in three steps of 30kg. Look out for the commercial release at the SIMA Event to be held in Paris during November.
With effluent management never far from the thoughts of legislators and farmers becoming increasingly aware of the nutrient values of dairy effluent, innovate ideas for the convenient storage and subsequent discharge are always of interest.
While the average size of a tractor in India is much smaller than in Europe or North America, the market is booming, with a record 915,474 tractors sold last year – five times greater than the Western European and three times larger than North American markets.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.
Made in New Zealand looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, creating productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at TRS Tyre and Wheel Limited with managing director Nigel Sherborne…
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
