3.0m drill combination systems - Part 2: Seed distribution, fuel consumption and more

In the first part of our drill system comparison (profi 8/2022), we considered hooking up the units, the ease of filling the hoppers and their respective capacities (seed only). Here we consider calibrating the drill, emptying the hopper, seed distribution across rows and, of increased relevance, fuel consumption.

Our basic findings are summarised in the table ‘Measurements compared’ and in the graphs ‘Seed distribution across the rows’. Our measurement methodology is outlined in the box ‘How the measurements were made’.

Differences in detail

All four models were equipped with electronic metering with a controller that made setting the seed rates and calibration a lot easier. All we had to do was activate calibration mode, allow the system to run through the process and weigh the collected seed. This weight was then entered into the drill terminal and that was it. Simple.

In broad outline, all four drills use the same calibration tech but differed in terms of accessibility to the metering units, switching between seed of different size and handling the calibration trays or bucket.

On this model, access to the metering unit was from the filling platform. To switch between small and larger seed, a slider on each metering wheel is adjusted. This is a bit of a fiddle because you first need to rotate the seed shaft into its correct position, using a spanner supplied with the drill, to enable a