Two years ago, HORSCH already presented its new Pronto 12 DC development as the optimal solution for large agricultural enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe. This model is now called the Pronto 12 SW and, together with its more compact versions, the Pronto 8 SW and Pronto 9 SW, forms HORSCH’s new Pronto SW seeding system range. This model is meant to become the flagship of HORSCH’s offering in the wide-working-width machinery segment for large specialised farms. The Pronto 8 SW and Pronto 9 SW, combined with the SW 12,000 SD seed and fertiliser hopper, are HORSCH’s technical solution for improving the productivity and cost-efficiency of using 8 and 9 metre working-width seeding machines. What’s more, the increased output of standard tractors requires, in many regions, a correspondingly more powerful “frame” in the form of stronger trailed implements.
The fundamental difference between the new product and the already widely known HORSCH Pronto 3 – 9 DC models is the placement of the seed and fertiliser hopper, which, instead of being mounted on the frame as on its smaller siblings, is designed as a trailed unit on its own chassis. By definition, the trailed hopper is combined with wide-working-width, high-output seeding systems. In this case, it consists of two separate compartments of equal size, with a total volume of 12,000 l. Optionally, the hopper can be fitted with a high-output auger for loading seed and fertiliser.
The layout of the Pronto SW seeding system’s working components fully follows the repeatedly tested and well-proven Pronto seeding technology, which includes pre-sowing soil preparation, applying a starter dose of fertiliser, firming the seedbed, sowing, and targeted press-wheel rolling, all in a single working pass. Behind the two-row disc harrow, fitted with hemispherical notched discs mounted in pairs on stands, follows a row of single disc coulters for applying fertiliser between the sown crop’s rows. The wheel-type press packer serves to form a firm seedbed, creating optimal conditions for seed germination. And uncompromising depth consistency and seed-placement quality, delivered by the TurboDisc twin-disc coulter with its ability to follow the soil’s micro-relief and adjust coulter pressure in the range of 0 – 120 kg, has long earned the recognition of farmers all across the globe. Optionally, the machine can also be fitted with a full front wheel-type press packer.
While the 8 and 9 metre Pronto SW models are combined with a 12,000 l hopper, the Pronto 12 SW is offered combined with the SW 17,000 SD, a two-section 17,000 l hopper. And a high-output loading auger is also available as an option for this hopper version too. The hopper is filled through easily accessible, hermetically sealing large hatches.
Thanks to its significant footprint and the low-pressure tyres used, the hopper’s considerable weight in no way damages the soil structure and has no negative impact on seed-placement quality and depth. What’s more, having the seed drill’s frame and the hopper positioned separately makes it easier to access the metering units for calibrating seeding and fertiliser application rates, as well as other necessary settings.
