More seed carrying capacity is the stand-out improvement to Lemken’s latest 3m Saphir box drill.

The new XMRs pick up where the old 10s left off, but with the standard tank size upped a smidge from 860 to 900 litres and far more capacious 1,200- and 1,500-litre versions available as an option.

These can accommodate a second hopper fill sensor, allowing operators to monitor the remaining load from two sides to minimise the risk of unknowingly running empty.

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Seed metering has also received attention, with individual units clipped directly to the hopper and the dosing wheels changed tool-free, making it easier to switch between different seed types.

Half-width shut off is standard, as is the firm’s tramline control system and iQblue isobus-based control.

Capacity can be bolstered further with a supplementary 200-litre MultiHub for microgranules or catch crops, which are distributed via spreader plates or the double-disc, double-shot coulters.

There are 24 of the latter when specced on 12.5cm row spacings and 20 on 15cm, and they come with plastic or optional carbide inner scrapers to keep them clean.

Their working depth is adjusted as a single gang via a crank on the left side, which alters the position of the pressure roller.

Downforce can be tweaked separately, by moving the each assembly’s spring through a notched bracket, to a maximum of 45kg.

At the back, buyers can have a single or twin following harrow.

Saphirs are designed to be mounted on a Zirkon EMR or XMR which, for the first time, can be paired with Lemken’s 600-series press.

This apparently has a low rolling resistance and delivers better consolidation on light soils.

As before, the rig is semi-mounted on the host power harrow, with hydraulic cylinders simultaneously lifting and swinging the drill up and over to improve weight balance on the road.