A new trailed disc drill has been introduced for farmers and contractors looking for a machine capable of establishing crops in both uncultivated and cultivated ground.
The 6m APEX 6000 RC and 8m APEX 8000 RC are the first models in the new range, both equipped with a 5,600-litre split seed hopper.
The machines use new ISOFLEX seeding units, available at 16.7cm or 20cm row spacings. A narrow-angle single disc opener works alongside a large gauge wheel, with the arrangement designed to provide consistent sowing depth while helping prevent crop residues entering the seed furrow.
The seeding units are mounted on parallelogram linkages providing 330mm of movement to follow changes in ground conditions. Hydraulic pressure on the units can be adjusted from 80kg to 250kg through the ISOBUS system.
A 460mm front clearance is intended to allow cover crops and heavier residues to pass beneath the drill without blocking.
Controlling seed placement
Seed is delivered into the furrow through a tapered seed boot positioned alongside the opening disc. The design aims to keep the furrow narrow and place seed accurately while avoiding seed being blown back out of the furrow.
A large-diameter notched closing wheel follows each seeding unit. Its angle can be adjusted to suit different soil conditions and maintain seed-to-soil contact.
The manufacturer says forward speeds of up to 12kph are possible while maintaining seed placement.
The pressurised hopper is divided into two 2,600-litre sections, with separate metering and distribution systems. The arrangement provides half-width shut-off as standard and allows different products to be placed according to row position.
This includes sowing two products on alternate rows, combining two products in the same seeding lines, or placing one product on alternate rows to create wider row spacings.
The system could therefore be used for applications including fertiliser placement, intercropping and cover crop establishment, while helping to reduce overlaps and seed wastage.
An optional 400-litre hopper can also be integrated, using the same metering technology.
UK users will get their first opportunity to see the APEX at Cereals 2027, with limited numbers expected to be available from initial production.
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