This piece of news covers our new seeding section, which universally equips every Maestro model with both new metering units.
Coulter-depth adjustments on the Maestro seeding section
The most important factors for successful precision seeding are maintaining seed-placement depth and quality. This is the foundation for getting even, vigorous emergence and homogeneous stands. A smooth, calm running seeding section is delivered by many components. A parallelogram-style seeding-section linkage is now the standard in the precision-seeding machine segment. Thanks to its long parallelogram travel (40 cm), the HORSCH Maestro seeding section can effectively track the field’s micro-relief irregularities. The linkage is built very solidly, reflecting the design’s high reliability. At 35 cm wide, the HORSCH Maestro seeding section’s parallelogram is one of the most stable in the industry. Large-diameter bushings at the pivot joints prevent rapid wear on the structure, and the pivot joints themselves are positioned at the periphery of the parallelogram, making it more stable.
Besides a stable frame mount, precise depth-tracking of the seeding coulters is also important for high-quality seed placement. This is ensured by two support rollers on either side of the coulter, connected by a balance arm. Coulter running depth is maintained via a stop plate. Seeding depth is adjusted by repositioning the stop pin. The seeding coulter’s design is built solidly and is barely prone to wear, thanks to powerful support bearings for the seed discs and support rollers, designed for reliable operation under the highest loads.
The hydraulic cylinder for increasing coulter pressure from 150 kg to 350 kg
The third decisive factor for seed-placement quality is coulter pressure. Maestro seeding sections come standard with hydraulic cylinders for additional coulter pressure. Without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can adjust it within a range of 150-350 kg/coulter. However, in most cases, the HORSCH Maestro is fitted with the additional AutoForce option. AutoForce is an automatic system for regulating coulter pressure depending on soil density. Under changing soil conditions, the system optimally selects the pressure needed so the coulters can always penetrate the soil. Accordingly, placement depth will always be maintained. The system also helps avoid over-compacting the furrow walls, which could otherwise become a serious obstacle to young plants’ roots penetrating, negatively affecting their growth and development.
For individually adapting the seeding sections, you can also choose the optimal option for the closing rollers. Rubber rollers are offered with a smooth or ribbed tread, 25 or 50 mm wide. Cast-iron finger or spur rollers are also available, mounted in pairs with a rubber roller that handles depth-tracking. The special rollers break up compaction created as the seeding coulter’s discs pass through, which roots would otherwise be unable to penetrate. This also improves furrow-closing quality.
This is especially relevant on soils with a high clay content, where a rapid rise in high temperatures in spring makes furrow cracking likely, which then damages the still-tender roots of young plants. The spur roller is always mounted on the side where the fertilizer coulter is located. This ensures accelerated root growth toward the nutrient-reserve location. The finger roller is more aggressive than the spur roller and is used in medium and heavy conditions. Accordingly, the spur roller is used on lighter soils.
Special compaction rollers for different conditions:
The finger roller
The spur roller
Furrow closers on the carrier frame
Since 2020, HORSCH seeding sections have featured a universal carrier frame for various additional tools. Furrow closers with a floating suspension and integrated depth-tracking rollers are one such tool. Stones, large soil clods and coarse organic residue are effectively cleared from the seeding furrow, whose base is a fine-crumb soil structure. This delivers an optimal seedbed for emergence, while foreign material and coarse clods are pushed into the inter-row space. A twin-disc fertilizer coulter can also be mounted on the carrier frame for placing fertilizer at a targeted depth below the seeding horizon. Other tools can include cutting discs or tine shanks. It’s also not out of the question that in the future, various additional third-party tools could be mounted here.
Corn stands
The new Maestro seeding coulters are built for years of work under the highest loads. The ability to choose between the AirVac and AirSpeed metering systems, plus numerous equipment options, let you optimally adapt the HORSCH Maestro for seeding across different agricultural backgrounds, an operation’s organizational structure, and a farm’s individual needs. Precise, high-quality seeding, delivering even, vigorous emergence and homogeneous stands, is one of HORSCH’s most important competencies.
