Spring seems to come faster every year, which is all right on the farm because speed is also the focus of today’s newest planter designs. Getting the job done faster, and with greater precision and improved seed singulation are the hallmarks of this year’s newest models, which are embracing enhanced electronics and some incredibly innovative high-speed designs. But one thing hasn’t changed. It’s still tough to make the best choice for your farm, so be prepared to spend some serious time studying the numbers and evaluating their fit for your operation.
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Case IH Early Riser 1255
By themselves, the Early Riser series planters from Case IH may not seem that new, but the company’s new partnership with Precision Planting creates a new level of customized planting precision. Gone are the days when every grower had to accept the same package from the assembly line. Now, there’s the option of customizing an Early Riser 1255 with Precision Planting’s components, including hydraulic down pressure, all ordered direct at the factory. The company cites its industry-leading row unit and reduced sidewall compaction capability together with Precision Planting’s two-stage closing system, saying it believes the combination will provide unbeatable performance in the field.
Kinze 4900 Series (w/ Raven Industries)
Each year, Kinze offers something new on its 4900 Series row-crop planter, and this year is no different. Late in 2014, Kinze announced a new partnership with Raven Industries and the introduction of a stand-alone monitor to eliminate the reliance on ISOBUS and other software. Simplicity makes the Kinze 4900 that much better, with easier setup and increased monitor reliability. The large colour touchscreen monitor is designed to access all planter functions, and it has a customizable screen layout, so the operator can not only keep an eye on everything that’s going on but also focus in on specific aspects of the planter’s performance. One special note: at press time, the availability of monitor on this unit is yet to be confirmed. It’s suggested that you check with your local dealer for more details.
John Deere ExactEmerge
The concept of high-speed planting is certainly nothing new. Other manufacturers have successfully introduced planters that have significantly increased speeds in the field. What’s new about John Deere’s ExactEmerge technology is that it features more precision, thanks to its new rigid bowl-shaped meter and a brush-type doubles eliminator. The seed tubes have been replaced by a revolutionary brush belt, for a smooth yet crisp seed hand-off. Not only is it capable of handling speeds up to 16 km/h (10 m.p.h.), the ExactEmerge is billed as having the ability to deal with all seed shapes and sizes, with 99 per cent singulation, even on land with up to 15 degrees of slope. The brush belt also allows the meter to turn at the right speed, no matter what the plant populations. Matching ground speed to the row unit is designed to result in exact placement with little or no bounce.
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