A new chapter in no-till and a good deal more

Avatar SD

HORSCH Maschinen GmbH Products Seeding | Avatar SD

Avatar

A NEW CHAPTER IN NO-TILL FARMING

HORSCH have never lost sight of the products that for 30 years have been forming its reputation: the first Seed-Exactors left a permanent impression. If you go back to the beginning of the company, Michael Horsch at that time built a machine that was suitable for no-till farming.
The arguments at that time: disturb the soil as little as possible, encourage biodiversity and, of course, in the context of decreasing prices, save costs. Due to the opening of the eastern markets in the Nineties there suddenly was a large market for no-till farming equipment. However the pto-shaft driven technology could not be used for the large fields in the East.
With the experiences from the no-till sector Michael Horsch developed tine-based no-till technology for the eastern markets that is successfully sold there today. In the recent past, HORSCH thought about developing no-till technology based on disc coulters. It is not just suitable for the Latin American markets to disturb the soil as little as possible.
But also in other regions, too, the SingleDisc coulter technology is of great interest – especially in Europe with increasing requirements in the sector of catch crops sowing to the sowing of main crops in catch crops or in regions that are faced with resistant weeds. In parts of Great Britain, Germany and France the farmers depend on new sowing technologies with reduced soil movement – a clear task for the Avatar .

The disc coulter technology plays an important role in large parts of Russia, Kazakhstan and China.

Good reasons for HORSCH to design our own Avatar line.

Avatar SD

A new chapter in no-till farming and a good deal more

Versatile

  • Can be used universally from direct drilling to cultivated soils
  • Metering of up to three individual components

Robust

  • High coulter pressure of up to 350 kg per individual row
  • Stable and maintenance-free bearings for maximum service life

Precise

  • Depth control at the individual coulter
  • Closing wheels can be adjusted in an optimum way for the most different site conditions

Avatar 3 / 4 / 6 / 8 SD

COMPACT AND VERSATILE

Machine concept

  • Compact machine with working widths from 3 to 8 m
  • 2-bar design with a row spacing of 16.7 cm and a clearance of 33.4 cm per row = reliability even with a lot of harvest residues resp. intensive catch crop population
  • Large transport wheels to help reduce soil compaction even if the hopper is full
  • Light basic machine for sowing after conventional tillage or mulch seed
  • Possibility to mount additional weights to guarantee a safe forming of the furrow and firming of the seed with the SingleDisc coulter even in most difficult conditions
  • Standard with mechanic half-width shut-off
  • Optional: electric half-width shut-off to be controlled via the ISOBUS Terminal or automatic with SectionControl activation

Versatile hopper system

  • Versatile with regard to the selection of the hopper system:
    • Single hopper and double hopper G & F (seed and fertiliser)
    • Avatar 3 / 4 / 4 rigid SD:Single, double and triple hopper. Triple hopper with a partition of 60 : 10 : 30 for maximum flexibility, micro-granular unit in combination with single hopper.
    • Avatar 6 / 8 SD: Single hopper: can be equipped additionally with a micro-granular unit Double hopper: can be equipped with an additional third hopper with standard metering device for seed or the metering of a micro-granular compound
  • Seed distribution:
    • Even distribution to the two seed rows
    • Optional for SD (depending on the equipment): distribution of different seeds from the double hopper to the two seed rows (e. g. product 1 to seed row 1; product 2 + micro-granular to both seed rows)
  • Optimum placement of seeds with different grain sizes by adaption of the placement depth to the requirements of the respective seed (large grains – deep, small grains shallow)

Sowing with the Avatar (functions depend on the equipment Avatar 3 / 4 / 4 rigid / 6 / 8 SD)

Johannes von Keiser

“We have been using the Avatar 6 SD on our 750 hectare since 5 years and our experiences are only positive. The heavy soils with a short rotation wheat / barley / rape encourage the development of weeds and black grass. To fight the black grass problem, we carry out a shallow cultivation after the harvest to make the weeds emerge. Before sowing the fields they are treated with glyphosate. Then we use the Avatar with the large SingleDisc seed coulter. It moves only little soil while sowing and minimises further emergence of weed. We noticed that with reduced tillage we can drive earlier into the fields after rain and that biodiversity increases. Moreover, we attach great importance to efficiency to be able to sow at the correct time. With all these advantages the 6-metre Avatar pays off quickly.”

Avatar 12.25 / 18.25 SD

COMPACT AND EFFICIENT

Machine concept

  • Compact, manoeuvrable machine
  • HORSCH seed waggon concept for maximum efficiency
  • Seed waggon Avatar 12 SD with a capacity of 5 800 litre; Avatar 18 SD: 8 500 litre, 50 : 50 partition seed / seed or seed / fertiliser
  • Well-proven folding concept with compact transport dimensions; telescopic axle guarantees stability in the field, even in extremely hilly terrain and a maximum transport width of 3.00 m on the road
  • Large tyres (Avatar 12 SD: 520 / 85 R 38, Avatar 18 SD: 520 / 85 R 42) at the seed waggon for maximum soil conservation and load-bearing capacity even in wet conditions
  • Single-row design with SingleDisc coulter with row spacing of 25 cm
  • Thus, it is also ideal for mechanical population control
  • Light-weight machine with integrated weight transfer and distribution to the coulter wings for homogeneous coulter pressure at all seed row to the very outside
  • Low horsepower requirement due to little movement of soil
  • Standard: mechanical half-width shut-off
  • Optional: electric half-width shut-off to be controlled via the ISOBUS Terminal or automatic with SectionControl activation (incl. micro-granular unit)

Versatile hopper system

  • Double hopper with optional micro-granular unit (only for Avatar 12 SD)
  • Independent metering of up to 3 components (no de-mixing of seeds, exact metering seeds with different grain sizes)

Jean Paul Kihm about the history of the project:

“During a meeting with Michael Horsch we talked about the problems on our farm. For quite some years already we are been having problems with the efficiency of plant protection agents with regard to black grass and ryegrass. Because of our problematic conditions we are forced to work with very short rotations wheat / barley / rape and a lot of winter crops, thus encouraging the development of weeds.

At the same time we were facing a second problem: A drinking water sample taken near some of our fields showed traces of plant protection agent residues. As a consequence the authorities told us to change our

cultivation method. Based on these two problems – the increase of resistances and the demand to reduce our treatment frequency, we had to find a method to limit the emergence of weeds – and all that without any additional plant protection measures. According to Michael Horsch a lot of farmers in Great Britain were facing the same problems. This is why we started to think about a seed drill that moves little soil and that leaves enough space to maybe carry out a mechanical measure later. It was to penetrate the soil in an optimum way and adapt perfectly to the terrain. The basic idea of the Avatar was born. “The Avatar 12 SD was designed according to the ideas for French farmers, but it meets other requirements, too”, Jean Paul Kihm explains. “We wanted to continue to work efficiently and at the same time to reduce speed to guarantee a regular depth when placing the grains. The Avatar with twelve metre working width met these requirements to our entire satisfaction.”


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

HORSCH Avatar 3.16 SD 4.16 SD rigid 4.16 SD 6.16 SD 8.16 SD
Working width (m) 3.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 8.00
Transport width (m) 2.99 4.32 2.99 2.98 2.98
Transport height (m) 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.31 3.98
Length lower linkage (m) 6.96 6.96 6.96 7.82 7.82
Length adjustable drawbar linkage (m) 7.80 7.80 7.80 8.66 8.66
Axle load (kg) 2 500 – 4 000* 3 200 – 4 300* 3 400 – 4 500* 4 300 – 6 200** 5 200 – 6 700**
Vertical load (kg) 1 500 – 2 300* 2 000 – 2 600* 2 100 – 2 800* 2 600 – 3 300** 3 200 – 4 000**
Seed hopper capacity single hopper (l) 2 800 2 800 2 800 3 500 3 500
Feed opening single hopper (m) 1.00 x 2.40 1.00 x 2.40 1.00 x 2.40 1.00 x 2.40 1.00 x 2.40
Filling height single hopper (m) 2.85 2.85 2.85 2.92 2.92
Seed hopper capacity double hopper (l) 3 800 3 800 3 800 5 000 5 000
Feed opening double hopper (m) per 0.66 x 0.90 per 0.66 x 0.90 per 0.66 x 0.90 per 0.66 x 0.90 per 0.66 x 0.90
Filling height double hopper (m) 3.24 3.24 3.24 3.26 3.26
Feed opening triple hopper (m) 0.66 x 0.43 / 0.66 x 0.25 / 0.66 x 1.45 --- ---
Seed hopper capacity triple hopper (l) 3 800 (30 : 10 : 60) 3 800 (30 : 10 : 60) 3 800 (30 : 10 : 60) --- ---
Filling height triple hopper (m) 2.95 2.95 2.95 --- ---
Hopper capacity micro-granular unit (l) 200 200 200 --- ---
Hopper capacity micro-granular compound single hopper (l) --- --- --- 200 200
Hopper capacity micro-granular compound double hopper (l) --- --- --- 270 270
Number of seed coulters 18 24 24 36 48
Coulter pressure seed coulters (kg)*** 350 350 350 350 350
Seed coulter Ø (cm) 48 48 48 48 48
Closing wheels Ø (cm) 33 33 33 33 33
Depth control wheels Ø (cm) 40 40 40 40 40
Row spacing (cm) 16.70 16.70 16.70 16.70 16.70
Tyre size seed unit / waggon 550 / 55 – 22.5 550 / 55 – 22.5 550 / 55 – 22.5 600 / 55 – 26.5 600 / 55 – 26.5
Working speed (km/h) 6 – 15 6 – 15 6 – 15 6 – 15 6 – 15
Power demand (kW/hp) from 90 / 125 105 / 140 105 / 140 155 / 210 200 / 270
DA control devices 1 (+ 1 incl. hydr. fan direct drive) 3 3
Depressurized return flow (max. 5 bar) 1 1 1 1 1
Oil quantity hydr. fan (l/min) 35 – 45 35 – 45 35 – 45 35 – 45 35 – 45
Lower link linkage Cat. III and III / IV Cat. III and III / IV Cat. III and III / IV Cat. III and III / IV Cat. III and III / IV
Adj. drawbar linkage Hitch Ø 46 – 58 mm Hitch Ø 46 – 58 mm Hitch Ø 46 – 58 mm Hitch Ø 46 – 58 mm Hitch Ø 46 – 58 mm
Ball-type linkage K 80 K 80 K 80 K 80 K 80


* Weights of the machines with minimum equipment
** Length of the machine with lower link linkage without filling auger
*** Maximum coulter pressure depends on the equipment

 

HORSCH Avatar 12.25 SD 18.25 SD
Working width (m) 12.00 18.00
Transport width (m) 2.98 3.00
Transport height (m) 3.80 4.00
Length (m) 8.31* 9.68
Axle load (kg)* 9 000 – 9 500 11 240
Vertical load (kg)* 1 500 – 1 900 3 780
Seed hopper capacity double hopper (l) 5 800 (50 : 50, per 2 900 l) 8 500 (50 : 50, per 4 250 l)
Feed opening double hopper (m) per 0.66 x 0.94 per 0.66 x 1.70
Filling height double hopper (m) 2.80 3.10
Hopper capacity third component (l) --- 2 400
Hopper capacity micro-granular compound (l) 390 ---
Number of seed coulters 48 72
Coulter pressure seed coulters (kg)** 350 350
Seed coulter Ø (cm) 48 48
Closing wheels Ø (cm) 33 33
Depth control wheels Ø (cm) 40 40
Row spacing (cm) 25.00 25.00
Tyre size seed wagon 520 / 85 R 38 520 / 85 R 42
Tyre size support wheels 15.0 / 55 – 17 550 / 60 – 22.5
Working speed (km/h) 6 – 15 6 – 15
Power demand (kW/hp) from 220 / 300 250 / 340
DA control devices 3 3
Depressurized return flow (max. 5 bar) 1 1
Oil quantity hydr. fan (l/min) 35 – 45 35 – 45
Adj. drawbar linkage Ring hitch Ø 58 – 79 mm Ring hitch Ø 58 – 79 mm
Ball-type linkage K 80 K 80


* Length of the machine with lower link linkage without filling auger
** Maximum coulter pressure depends on the equipment


Features

SD (SINGLEDISC) COULTER

versatile, Robust, precise

Versatile

  • Suitable for all sowing conditions
    • Direct seed
    • Mulch seed
    • Conventional tillage
    • In standing catch crops
    • Stony soils
    • Very heavy, clayey soils
  • Closing wheels for safe closing of the seed furrow for all sowing conditions
    • Rubber or steel version for the adaption to the soil conditions
    • Standard angle adjustment of the closing wheel
      • Aggressive for no-till farming or on very heavy soils
      • Passive on cultivated or very light soils
  • Press wheel in the row guarantees optimum firming of the seed at the bottom of the furrow
  • Two different tools for an optimum embedding of the seed at the bottom of the furrow:
    • 1. Uniformer (standard):
      • Safe fixing of the seed in the furrow
      • Flexible use
      • Ideal when sowing into green catch crops
    • 2. Press whell in the row (option):
      • Safe emergence even in dry conditions
      • High reliability even in very wet conditions due to integrated parking position for the press wheel; the press wheel then is moved away from the working range

Robust

  • Coulter pressure (up to 350 kg per coulter) is created via the well-proven rubber torsion system
    • No wear
    • No pivot points
    • Acts as a shock absorber (shocks from the coulter are not transferred to the machine)
  • Coulter pressure adjustment can be carried out manually at the machine or, as an option, from the terminal
  • Long-life, maintenance-free bearings on all turning components for highest longevity and reliability
  • Seed boot with carbide wear edges for increased service life and for safe scraping of earth from the seed disc even in most difficult conditions (cohesive soils, wet soils)

Precise

  • Stable depth control wheel for exact depth control of the coulter in changing or difficult soil conditions
  • Wide depth control wheels in combination with a coulter pressure of max. 350 kg guarantee an exact placement of the seed in all sowing conditions
  • The interaction of SingleDisc coulter and seed shoe guarantees a safe opening of the furrow while at the same time harvest residues are removed from the furrow = optimum contact of seed and soil for quick and safe emergence

Additional Features


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