A new mounted seed drill featuring Pöttinger's proven dual-disc coulter design will make its debut at Cereals 2011. The Vitasem ADD joins the existing Vitasem range of mechanical seed drills - with which it shares its seed hopper, metering system and Compass control system - and is available in 3m or 4m working widths.
    When it comes to the business end of the drill this new ADD model is fitted with the dual-disc coulter system found on the companies larger Terrasem trailed seed drill models. Whether it’s working as part of a minimal tillage regime or a more conventional plough-based system, the Vitasem ADD can turn its hand to any conditions permitting.
This is in part possible thanks to the unique design of Pöttinger dual-disc coulter. This reduces the required pressure per disc for penetration by up to 40 per cent when compared to other double-disc coulter systems. Effectively the leading disc does the cutting of the seed slot with the second trailing disc creating the opening of the furrow. This is thanks to the V-type configuration that ensures post-harvest trash is kept out of the seed slot and hair pinning of any stubble is avoided. Coulter pressure is adjustable up to a maximum of 50kg allowing effective seed placement even in difficult conditions.
    Also helping enable excellent seed placement is the positioning of the seed delivery tube into the front of the dual-disc coulter. These high-output seed drills are often worked at high forward speeds, therefore the seed needs adequate time to reach the bottom of the seed slot before emerging from the protection of the dual-disc system. This early presentation of the seed ensures there is sufficient time for the seed to reach the ground within the protection of the coulter arrangement, helping to minimise any risk of seed bounce and ensuring seed placement is uniform and precise.
    The mounting of the dual-disc coulters is also important to Pöttinger, with each coulter being mounted on an identical length coulter arm thanks to staggered coulter rail positioning. This ensures pressure is applied to front and rear coulters evenly, further ensuring an even seed placement.
    Each disc houses its own inboard hub ensuring a free and unhindered passage for soil to flow past the disc in work, allowing Pöttinger to maintain a 12.5cm row spacing on its Vitasem ADD models. The hubs contain maintenance-free sealed bearings that are designed for a long, trouble-free working life.

For more information visit: www.pottingeruk.co.uk.