Cultivation parts seller Agricast has unveiled its version of the famed DD press ring after Simba’s patent expired.

It used the defunct Lincs firm’s original design – first introduced in the late 1990s – as the basis of its DDR, which has apparently been in development for the past 18 months to improve the durability and performance in poor conditions.

The new DDR achieves better traction by having small cutaways that were not present on the original design, says Agricast, and the scallops also improve the wheel’s ability to shatter or fissure hard, dry soil effectively.

Like the original Simba DD ring that was designed for use on Double Press and CultiPress packers, Agricast’s DDR is available in two sizes – 610 and 710mm diameter – and can be fitted to existing parts and axles. Similarly, the new version remains a closed wheel to avoid picking up stones, which can happen with cast rings.

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However, the rings are 1mm thicker (now 6mm), which should mean they’re less prone to wearing on the shoulders.

“We’ve been conscious the patent was coming to an end which would allow us to offer a better-performing product at a cheaper price point,” says William Robinson, general manager at Agricast.

“Obviously, we were aware and respectful of the registered design which still applies to the Simba Great Plains DD ring preventing people directly copying it.”

The patent on the original Simba DD ring meant farmers were limited in their choice of replacement wheels, but its expiry now means there’s now the option of saving money by purchasing wheels produced by non-original equipment manufacturers.

Prices are £54 for each DDR-610 ring and £70 for the bigger DDR-710.