Czech agricultural machinery manufacturer SMS Agro has developed a simple trailed air seeder with disc coulters for rejuvenating tired pastures with fresh growth.

The 4m Smart 400 is a trailed implement – so power and traction rather than lift capacity are the main constraints on tractor size – with a centre-split frame folding to a vertical position for transport.

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Each half of the frame carries two rows of flat 410mm diameter serrated discs that run straight to create a slot, with wear-resistant seeding coulters positioned alongside.

This slit-seeding approach minimises disturbance at the soil surface and avoids exposing stones.

Each disc is held on a rigid carrier secured to the frame by a clamp with rubber inserts that allow some movement against severe shocks, while otherwise keeping the discs at the required depth. Having 32 discs in all results in 125mm row spacing.

Cast prism rings form the roller that closes the slots and, thanks to hydraulic cylinders, regulates sowing depth in conjunction with the tractor’s lower lift arms from which the implement is towed.

Hopper options

Up front on the Smart 400’s backbone chassis is an APV hopper and pneumatic seed distribution system, available in capacities from 300 to 800 litres, while at the rear, transport wheels act as ballast and support the implement for road travel.

Options include dethatching tines ahead of the discs, a Cambridge-type roller should the machine be used for arable rather than grassland work, and various control systems.

SMS Agro gives its dealers in Britain as Barcho (BC) Machinery near Crymych, Pembrokeshire; Robert H Crawford & Son, Frithville near Boston, Lincs; K&K Whistance, Much Dewchurch near Hereford; and The Small Bale Company, Bucks Green, West Sussex.