John Deere Pro-Series XP row unit
The John Deere Pro series XP row unit has new components which the company says will extend life, reduce maintenance time, and increase the value of ownership through reduced costs over the life of your planter. The design has a unique ductile iron casting shank which replaces the traditional 13-piece welded shank. As well, the Tru-Vee Opener blades have been increased to 3.5 mm for an estimated 20 per cent longer working life. The durable nylon composite gauge wheel assembly is used to establish planting depth and firm the top of the seed furrow.
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These John Deere planting units have applied downforce on them to improve penetration in trash and harder soil conditions. Downforce comes from non-adjustable springs, which apply 90 pounds of downforce per row, or adjustable heavy-duty springs which can apply up to 400 pounds down-pressure per row. For the farmer who doesn’t want to get out of the cab a pneumatic downforce system can also apply 400 pounds of downforce pressure.
Atom-Jet Industries twin band opener
Among several opener technologies from Atom-Jet Industries of Brandon, Man. is their new twin band opener. According to Robin Ponto, marketing manager for Atom-Jet, the design is unique in the industry and gives growers a superior “one pass” seeding operation. With the twin band opener, Ponto says farmers can place anhydrous just two inches away from their seed in clay soils, or 3.0 to 3.5 inches away in loams. The Atom-Jet unit is different too because it places fertilizer and seed at the same depth, which the company says causes less soil disturbance and results in better soil contact for the seed. Other openers typically place the fertilizer below the seed level.
The Atom-Jet Twin band opener also offers triple shoot capacity so growers can apply a micronutrient or an additional fertilizer product.
