Kuhn gets into direct drilling with trailed 6m and 8m Apex
Kuhn’s new 6m Apex trailed single-disc direct drill © Kuhn Direct drilling enthusiasts have another seeder option to consider with the introduction of Kuhn’s Apex single-disc design. The newcomer will initially be available in 6m and 8m trailed configurations featuring a divided 5,600-litre hopper with compartments of equal size and two Optiseed metering units on each side.
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Four distribution heads feed two seed lines, so this setup can be used to place two products on alternate rows, two products mixed into the same seeding lines, or one product sown from alternate units for a wider spacing than the standard 167mm and 200mm widths.
It also provides half-width shut-off as standard to minimise overseeding where bouts converge. A 400-litre supplementary hopper can be added for microgranules and the like, or another seed type.
There are no pre-cultivation or trash-cutting elements, so the new Isoflex seeding units go straight into an untouched surface or the makings of a tilth created separately.
The assembly comprises a single disc set at a slight angle to open a slot and a large gauge wheel positioned alongside for accurate depth control (adjusted at each unit by a T-handle) and to hold trash that might otherwise be pressed into the slot.
A shapely seed boot sits snugly alongside the disc; its tapered shape from top to bottom is designed to maintain a narrow slot. Positioning the seed outlet at the front is reckoned to place seed accurately with no risk of it being blown out of place.
Parallel linkage with 330mm of vertical movement exerts 80-250kg of pressure to the disc and seed boot combination and a large-diameter notched closing wheel with angle adjustment completes the sowing process.
Isobus electronics provide in-cab touchscreen setup procedures and control of the drill in work, which it can tackle at up to 12kph. Direct drillers will get to see the machine next year, though availability from the initial production run will be limited.