MAPLETON, N.D. — HORSCH, a global manufacturer of seeding, planting, tillage and application equipment, is entering the North American single disc air seeder market in spring of 2019 with the all-new Avatar SD40. Engineered with simplicity, low maintenance needs, agronomic integrity and ease of use in mind, the Avatar SD40 boasts 166-bushel product carrying capacity with a 40-foot working width and 10-inch seed row spacing.

The Avatar SD40 splits its 166-bushel product carrying capacity between two independent 83-bushel tanks with the proven HORSCH electric driven metering system on each tank. “The ability to precisely meter two products independently is an industry first for bulk central fill type single disc drills,” explains Jeremy Hughes, product manager for HORSCH. While the operator can use the full capacity for seed, the Avatar SD40 also gives the ability to use two products and place dry fertilizer in furrow with seed. “Placing in-furrow dry starter fertilizers in crops like winter wheat, rye and even rice have had proven yield benefits according to many experts across the continent,” says Hughes.

Having dual product capabilities rolls into many other benefits as well. Many farmers today use compact single disc drills for not only planting cereals and soybeans, but also cover crops. “One of the biggest issues in seeding cover crops today is that many farmers have their hands tied with seed blends. These blends are often a nightmare for today’s drills to meter accurately and consistently, which can produce frustrating outcomes,” relates Hughes. “The ability to have two compartments and meter two cover crop seeds independently gives the grower superior rate accuracy and confidence in quality seeding.”

The Avatar SD40 also features a revolutionary approach to the disc opener unit and linkage system. “One of the biggest frustrations we hear from farmers with single disc seeders is linkage wear and bearing life on the opener disc,” explains Hughes, “but with the Avatar we have eliminated these issues.” The opener arm mounts to the toolbar using a rubber torsion mount system, and all the openers are mounted on a rock shaft. Down pressure is simply adjusted in the cab, and the rubber torsion is the flex point. “There are no pins, bushings or springs. Nothing to rattle apart, and nothing to compromise seed placement,” says Hughes. The blade bearing assembly is also the largest seen on single disc openers today, dramatically increasing bearing lifespan.

With its compact design, overall simple concept, and many proven features, the Avatar SD40 offers high performance seeding without the need for big horsepower. “With the Avatar SD40 we use a chassis very similar to our Maestro SW planter, giving us superior maneuverability in the field and in transport. Transport width is only 12 feet, which coupled with a medium or large frame front-wheel-assist tractor makes a user-friendly seeding system,” explains Hughes.

The ISOBUS-compatible system allows the operator to utilize existing ISO virtual terminals in the tractor. Whether using an ISOVT or the HORSCH monitor system, operators can use prescription maps and collect data. Proven HORSCH electric drive metering systems offer the simplest calibration in the industry and superior rate accuracy. Large tires along with a toolbar weight transfer system virtually eliminate wheel tracks in the field, securing yield otherwise lost to compaction. The high-volume air system not only can move high product application rates per acre, but also has superior coefficient of variation from row to row, ensuring consistent and uniform seed flow per row. “With the row-to-row product volume accuracy, weight transfer to eliminate wheel tracks of the drill, and superior accuracy in metering, the Avatar SD40 ensures uniformity and consistency in crop emergence and growth,” says Hughes.

“The Avatar SD40 is a unique single disc seeding system with a broad market range and appeal for no-till, minimum-till and conventional tillage. Whether you are strictly into small grains; drilling soybeans, pulses or oilseeds; or needing a seeder with advantages in seeding cover crops, the Avatar SD40 provides unsurpassed flexibility, agility, and precision performance,” says Hughes.